BABOLAT · 2026
Babolat Counter Viper 2026
specs and who it suits
The Babolat Counter Viper 2026 is a round padel racket with a hard-feel X-EVA core, weighing 355 to 375 g with medium to high balance. It plays as a control racket and lists at €320 RRP. Our match engine rates it best for intermediate right-side players, at 84 out of 98.
- Round
- 355 to 375 g
- Medium to high balance
- €320 RRP
- 2026 season
WHO IT SUITS
Who the Babolat Counter Viper 2026
is right for
Our match engine scores every racket for six player types, the same engine as the AI racket finder. 98 is the ceiling. The rank is its position among all rackets for that player.
| Player | Score /98 | Verdict | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beginner | 68 | Poor fit | #502 of 862 |
| Intermediate all-rounder | 83 | Poor fit | #741 of 1214 |
| Intermediate, left side | 79 | Poor fit | #673 of 1214 |
| Intermediate, right side | 84 | Workable | #317 of 1214 |
| Advanced attacker | 77 | Poor fit | #611 of 1214 |
| Elbow or arm trouble | - | Not recommended: hard core | - |
SPECIFICATIONS
Babolat Counter Viper 2026
specs
Manufacturer specifications. Price is the euro RRP; UK street prices are usually lower.
| Spec | Babolat Counter Viper 2026 |
|---|---|
| Shape | Round |
| Weight | 355 to 375 g |
| Balance | Medium to high |
| Core | X-EVA (hard) |
| Feel | Hard |
| Face | 3K Carbon |
| Frame | 100% Carbon |
| Playing style | Control |
| Season | 2026 |
| RRP | €320 (pro band) |
OUR READING
What the specs
mean on court
On the numbers, the Babolat Counter Viper 2026 is a niche pick: it is not in the top fifth of rackets for any of our six player types. It is a weaker choice for beginners, intermediate all-rounders, intermediate left-side players, advanced attackers and players with elbow or arm trouble.
A round head keeps the sweet spot big and central. Mishits stay in play, and placement is easy; you supply the power on the smash yourself. The harder core rewards a fast, clean swing with pace and precision, and punishes late contact.
Against the Babolat Counter Viper 2025, the published specs changed in 2 places:
- Weight: 360 to 375 g in 2025, 355 to 375 g in 2026.
- Face: 3K Carbon Fiber in 2025, 3K Carbon in 2026.
If the older Babolat Counter Viper 2025 is on sale, it is usually the better value: most season changes are cosmetic or small.
These scores assume the answers of a typical player of each type. The free racket finder scores it for your own answers, and the Padel AI app goes further: film one match and it scores your real technique, then re-ranks all 1,418 rackets for the way you actually play. Compare the rest of the range on our Babolat rackets page.
ALTERNATIVES
Rackets similar
to the Babolat Counter Viper 2026
The closest current rackets in our catalogue by shape, feel, weight, price and how they play.
| Racket | Shape | Weight | Feel | RRP |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lok Maxx Flow Gen 2 2026 | Round | 360 to 375 g | Medium-Hard | €300 |
| Siux Trilogy Pro Ash Green 2026 | Round | 355 to 375 g | Medium | €350 |
| Star Vie Kenta Pro 2025 | Round | 350 to 385 g | Hard | €299 |
| Siux Trilogy Pro Noir Fog 2026 | Round | 355 to 375 g | Medium | €350 |
| Alkemia Terra 2026 | Round | 350 to 370 g | Medium-Hard | €250 |
| Star Vie Metheora Dual 2025 | Round | 350 to 385 g | Medium-Hard | €259 |
IS IT RIGHT FOR YOU?
Check it against
1,417 other rackets
Seven questions. If this racket fits you, it will show up in your top five.
7 questions · 1,418 rackets · free
Find your padel racket
Answer seven questions about your level, your side of the court, what you want more of and your budget. The finder scores every racket in the catalogue and shows your five best matches.
FAQ
Questions about the
Babolat Counter Viper 2026
Is the Babolat Counter Viper 2026 good for beginners?
It scores 68 out of 98 for a beginner in our match engine, which is poor fit, ranking #502 of 862 eligible rackets. A rounder, softer racket will forgive more while your timing develops.
Is the Babolat Counter Viper 2026 a power or a control racket?
It plays as a control racket. The round shape and medium to high balance keep the sweet spot low and central, which favours control and forgiveness.
How heavy is the Babolat Counter Viper 2026?
The manufacturer lists it at 355 to 375 g. Most padel rackets sit between 350 and 375 g; this one is in the middle of that range.
Is the Babolat Counter Viper 2026 good for tennis elbow?
We do not recommend it with elbow trouble: the hard core transmits more shock. See our guide to the best padel rackets for tennis elbow, and see a physio if it hurts.
How much does the Babolat Counter Viper 2026 cost?
The recommended retail price is €320. UK shops usually sell below RRP, and the price drops further once the next season's model arrives.
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