Babolat Viper 2.5: A successful return to the roots?

While its legacy of power and precision is undeniable, marking the history of the brand, the Viper series is a thoroughbred that must be tamed. Adored by those who master it, it leaves stinging marks on those who have tried to challenge it without possessing the required technical skills.

The story of Lebron and the VIPER

The end of 2019 marked a turning point in the history of world padel with the rise of Juan Lebron to the rank of world number 1. The Andalusian player, nicknamed "El Lobo", revolutionized the discipline thanks to a unique style of play, combining impeccable technique and devastating power. His ability to unleash super-powerful smashes from any position at the back of the court became his signature, leaving spectators and opponents in awe of such efficiency.

At this time, Lebron has in his hands the brand new 2020 Viper, a model that will quickly become an absolute reference for players with an offensive profileThe racket is so appealing for its performance that many players are looking to adopt a playing style similar to the Spaniard's, hoping to replicate his dominance on the circuit.

Four seasons have passed since that golden era. In the meantime, the Viper line has evolved with the addition of the term “Technical” for the diamond shape, perpetuating an offensive legacy that, paradoxically, perhaps did not need annual changes as the original model already excelled in its category.

Good Babolat Viper 2.5: A successful return to basics?

A return to basics

Today, we are witnessing an unprecedented phenomenon in the padel industry: a brand that makes the bold choice of a return to its roots. Indeed, with the Viper 2.5, The manufacturer seems to want to rediscover the unique character that made the 2020 version successful..

This recentering, as surprising as it is delightful, promises a revisited performance, confirming that this racket was, it seems, ahead of its time. We hoped for it without really believing it, but the Babolat Viper Juan Lebrón 2.5 is here, reborn like a phoenix, with a flashier design and revisited features very close to the old version.

While this return to basics may seem obvious on the surface (thanks to the distinctive bridge), what is it really like on a technological level? The 2.5 name can be interpreted in several ways: a transitional model, a special edition, or more simply a reference to the 2025 season during which this pala will be used. This is what we will discover without further delay through this in-depth test of the Viper 2.5, a reference which promises to reconnect with the very essence of this legendary range.

This new signature racket marks a symbolic break with the abandonment of the term "Technical" in its name. This change is not insignificant: it represents a clear desire to wipe the slate clean and affirm an authentic return to the origins. But beyond this semantic evolution, It is above all the return of the characteristic bridge that attracts attention.. After four seasons of experimentation with a more open geometry, this reappearance marks a decisive turning point. This bridge, an emblematic element of the original model, finds its place to restore the stability and rigidity that the 2020 Viper Carbon was renowned for.

This decision was not a coincidence. The most attentive observers had also noticed that Juan Lebron himself occasionally reverted to his old model, the one that had been tailor-made for his particular playing style. More recent versions did not seem to meet his technical requirements and his characteristic playing style as perfectly.

Babolat has been able to listen to and analyze this message. In this month of December 2025, the brand pays a true tribute to Juan Lebron's loyalty by marketing a signature racket that faithfully reproduces the DNA of the 2020 version. This initiative not only allows us to thank the champion, but also offers him the opportunity to officially play with the model that suits him best, without having to hide the use of old versions – a practice that did not escape the keen eye of enthusiasts on social networks.

The racket comes in an elegant box, accompanied by two straps. Wrist Strap spare. When opened, a motivational inscription signed Juan Lebrón catches the eye: " Be the best version of yourself » (Be the best version of yourself), a nod, it seems, once again to the old, much-loved model.

This reference sports a diamond shape iconic style worn by strikers around the world, maximizing power through a concentrated weight in the head and a high sweet spot. The aggressive, angular design blends bright white with vibrant red, highlighting the graphic details of the “El Lobo” wolf in the background. An iridescent effect, changing color depending on the viewing angle, adorns the “El Lobo” logo. Babolat » central, and the lacquered striking surface equipped with technology 3D Spin characterized by a slight hexagonal pattern, promises a slightly rougher grip than a smooth surface. A strategic perforation system, the " Hole Pattern System ", improves aerodynamics and performance.

Focus on DSS

Located at the bridge, at the junction of the neck and the frame, the Dynamic Stability System (DSS) of Babolat is a central bar that optimizes mass distribution and energy transmission to create a rigid and torsion-resistant structure. This design reduces vibrations and improves stability, thus offering more precision, less muscle fatigue and optimized playing sensations.

Says Black Eva, make way for X-Eva !

This 2.5 reference has retained some of its previous assets while modernizing itself with a key element. The core X-Eva of the racket (which has been integrated for 4 seasons) offers a multi-layer “sandwich” concept with variable densities. Its reactivity adapts dynamically to the velocity of the ball: the rigid outer layers amplify the power on fast strikes, while the softer inner foam ensures comfort and tolerance on slow balls.
This stiffness-varying structure offers a subtle balance between performance and control, with hard peripheral zones and a dampened core, ensuring optimal response regardless of the intensity of the shot.

A layer of 3K carbon fiber also makes its appearance in order to have more reactivity and ball output.

A notable change concerns the length of the handle. While the latest models of the brand were distinguished by a particularly long grip, a feature widely acclaimed by the majority of players, Babolat made the surprising choice to return to more standard dimensions with the Viper 2.5. This decision, which is part of the overall approach of returning to the sources, could disconcert some people used to previous versions.

Time to play!

As expected, this racket excels in all offensive scenarios. The shots are powerful and imposing, and the high-pitched sound at impact, characteristic of offensive rackets with rigid rubbers, encourages you to hit harder and harder. This pala seems to have no limits in terms of performance., the only constraint being the power of your arm or the technique you will deploy.

On the fly, it's a real festival. Tightly glued to the net, The strikes are surgically precise.. The diamond shape and head balance allow points to be placed and finished with impressive vigor.

Despite reduced maneuverability in defense, the surprisingly efficient ball release allowed me to get out of difficult situations. However, advanced players will not be too penalized and will be able to compensate with a more fluid technique.

alternatives

This 2.5 signature series also offers two versions without DSS: a Technical Veron with faces in CarbonFlex for more versatility (a dual carbon-fiberglass weave offering the best of both materials: the explosiveness of carbon and the flexibility of fiberglass), and a Technical Virtue, lighter, more comfortable and tolerant thanks to a exclusively fiberglass surface.

Conclusion

If I had to summarize the update of Babolat In an English phrase, it would be “Back to the Roots”. This approach is a successful bet for the French company, which has managed to reconnect with certain fundamental principles to meet the expectations of its community. The result? A racket that combines the best features of previous and current generations.

The synergy between X-Eva rubber and DSS technology results in a truly exceptional typing experience. The racket, ultra-powerful and demanding, stands out for its imposing mass and head weight, inviting the player to constantly push their limits and hit with ever more power. However, beware of the downside: as previously highlighted, its limited handling and assertive character make it equipment that is not suitable for novice players. This fairly heavy racket requires technicality and power, refusing to compromise! It will naturally find its place in the hands of the most seasoned competitors, passionate about offensive play and spectacular shots. A model that will appeal only to the most demanding, capable of taming this racing beast that is the Viper 2.5.

A big thank you to Bastien Richard de Babolat France for making this racket available in preview, allowing me to study it from all angles before its official release.

Stéphane Penso

Padel fan, Stéphane has become the official tester of the padel planet in Europe. Everything goes through his expert hands. Thanks to his extensive experience in the world of rackets, he is able to scan your equipment from head to toe!