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The French brand Babolat, well known in racket sports, stays true to its values by introducing new products every year that delight its loyal customers. 2023 is no exception: the manufacturer has spared no effort when it comes to innovations and redesigns of your favourite rackets. Let’s take a tour d’horizon of this year’s new Babolat rackets.
The Viper range: something new for the pros!
There is something new in Babolat’s premium range! The different Viper models have all been redesigned, inside and out, to suit every player.
The Air Viper: lightweight design meets stiffness
With its teardrop shape, the Air Viper is one of the lightest premium rackets on the market! Despite its many built-in technologies, this racket weighs just 355 grams (with a tolerance of plus or minus 10 grams). Make no mistake, though: the Air Viper does use carbon. Very stiff (16K), it provides excellent responsiveness alongside plenty of explosive power. Bear in mind the vibrations that such density can cause, despite the X Eva foam’s multiple layers of differing densities.
The Counter Viper: the ultimate in control
Staying with the Viper range, we now turn to the Counter Viper, the control racket. With a 3k carbon frame, the carbon’s hardness and low density combine to make the racket both precise and comfortable. The Eva Soft foam between the faces improves ball control. Manoeuvrability is enhanced by its round shape and the weight towards the handle.
The Technical Viper: pure power
After control comes power. This time, we move to the red Technical. With its 12K carbon frame, this racket is firmly focused on power, while its diamond shape and head-heavy balance give it exceptional explosive power. Better suited to experienced players because it is quite demanding, it can be devastating in the right hands.
Technical Viper Juan Lebron Edition: El Lobo’s racket!
Babolat wanted to go big with its new collection, and the result is the limited-edition Technical Viper Juan Lebron. A partner of the brand since 2016, the Andalusian player has overcome many challenges alongside his trusted equipment supplier to reach the world No. 1 spot, which he has held for several years. It was time to take this partnership further with a brand-new racket. And it is fair to say the gamble has paid off.
Beyond the technical specifications, which are very close to those of the Technical Viper racket used by the Spanish player on tour, considerable thought has gone into its shape and style. Goodbye bubble wrap, hello red presentation box: it surrounds the racket and makes it a true collector’s item. Alongside the racket, the box contains two removable wrist straps so you can personalise it. The racket’s design features a wolf, Lebron’s spirit animal, in shades of blue and red. Some details, including the racket’s name, have a glossy finish that creates an aggressive yet premium look. Dazzle your opponents on court and unleash the animal within you!
It is also worth noting that every racket in this new range has a detachable, washable wrist strap. That means better hygiene and more ways to personalise your racket. The handle has also been lengthened to make two-handed backhands possible. Beyond the style, innovations like these make Babolat one of the most influential brands on the market.
The Veron range: improve with confidence
Babolat has also released its different models in the Veron range so that every player can find a racket suited to their level and style of play.
Air Veron: versatility above all
In the Veron range, the Air model is perhaps the most well-rounded. With its teardrop shape and balance centred in the middle of the face, power and control are well balanced. Its low-density carbon (3k) adds responsiveness to the ball, ideal for volleys. Finally, there is the Air model’s signature feature: its weight. As with the Viper, this racket weighs just 355 grams, making it one of the lightest in its category.
Counter Veron: ready to counter everything?
To complete the Veron range, there is, of course, the Counter. With its round shape and soft foam, this is a racket focused on control, ideal for players who want precision and excellent playing comfort. The main difference from its big sister, the Counter Viper, is that its faces combine fibreglass and carbon rather than using carbon alone. This frame gives the racket more flexibility and makes shots even more comfortable.
Technical Veron: Be explosive in every situation!
Finally, the Technical Veron is the range’s explosive racket. But make no mistake: unlike the Viper, its features make it a more well-rounded racket with added control. It still has a diamond shape, but its foam is softer and its carbon density is lower. Designed for powerful intermediate or advanced players, the Tech Veron delivers balanced power!
The Vertuo range: accessibility above all
For its final and most accessible range, Babolat has also released its three models in different versions. Recommended for beginners and intermediate players, these rackets are ideal for players developing their skills while finding their own style of play!
Counter Vertuo: master every ball
Next up is the Counter Vertuo, a racket focused, as you might expect, on control and manoeuvrability. Its round shape makes it easy to handle, even if it is your first racket. With fibreglass faces and fairly soft foam, it is designed to help you return as many balls as possible and avoid those frustrating beginner mistakes.
Air Vertuo: power and lightness
The Air Vertuo stands out for its light weight (like the other Air models) and its Black Eva foam, which delivers both power and playing comfort. The fibreglass faces help maintain ball control while adding forgiveness on impact. At 345 grams, the Air Vertuo is a versatile racket that will appeal to a wide range of players.
Technical Vertuo: explosive power with a soft touch
The Technical range also has a Vertuo model. Its power is evident in its diamond shape and weight towards the racket head, which helps add explosive power to high balls and smashes in particular. But don’t worry: this racket is designed for beginners. Its fibreglass construction adds flexibility on impact, while control is also very much present to balance out the power, making it a racket suitable for beginners.
The Gaming range: an easy way to get started
For players who find the Vertuo rackets insufficiently forgiving or simply beyond their budget, Babolat has created another range to cater to as many players as possible. Here are a few of its models.
Babolat Storm: find the playing style that suits you best
The Babolat Storm is one of the best rackets for starting out in padel. Why? Its fibreglass makes it very forgiving, helping you minimise unforced errors and avoid early frustration. It is also highly versatile: its teardrop shape gives it a centrally positioned sweet spot. Ideal for beginners who have yet to settle on a style of play. The other rackets in this range are also available, so you can find the one that suits you best. Discover the Babolat Contact, Reveal and Reflex, all available at Esprit Padel Shop!
Babolat Viper Junior: for the future of padel!
What better way for a future padel champion to improve than with top-quality equipment? The French brand has also thought of budding champions, developing the Viper Junior to help young players progress! It has an optimised weight (between 290 and 310 grams) and a reduced thickness (34mm instead of 38mm). We recommend these rackets for children and pre-teens under 13.
For the new year, the Lyon-based brand has pulled out all the stops to create new rackets that meet customers’ expectations. With new technologies and designs, Babolat has treated us to an exciting new collection. Discover all these rackets on our website!
