True to its annual launch schedule, Babolat continues its early-year sales program. After revealing in advance the Technical Viper 2.5, signature model of Juan lebron, french manufacturer is now enriching its 2025 catalog with the official launch of its range AIR, available in two versions: Viper and Veron.
This strategy of close outings may give the impression that the new products arrive very quickly, but it fits into the marketing calendar usual of Babolat. This allows the brand to maintain consumer attention and cover different market segments with products adapted to different playing styles.

The faithful of the trademark application will undoubtedly have noticed, over the seasons, a certain consistency in the color codes used to distinguish ranges Technical, AIR et Counter. Each of these designations has very specific characteristics, and this is what we are going to explore right now through one of the best-sellers of Babolat, a racket adopted by many players worldwide.
AIR Viper 2.5: Brilliant and perfected
Always dressed in her electric blue associated with a deep black, this reference to rather dark tones is enhanced by a iridescent steel gray, giving it a holographic appearance and a particularly attractive play of reflections. This worked aesthetics is extended to the bridge, where the central gray, bordered by a touch of blue, adds a touch of captivating modernity.
The big cosmetic novelty This season is in the addition of a lacquered effect. This glossy finish brings a touch of sophistication and high-end elegance, radically transforming the aesthetics of the racket.

The handle retains its generous dimensions, a major asset for comfort, grip, kicked smashes and two-handed backhands. The fleece strap is also present, with its sliding system still as practical to adjust. It ensures a excellent absorption sweat wicking at the wrist and provides premium comfort.
Notable improvements
Always designed in a teardrop shape with an neutral balance, one of the major improvements of theAir Viper 2.5 is located at the level of its striking surface, which has been enlarged, going from 489 cm² à 502 cm².
This subtle but crucial increase provides additional tolerance and greater stability upon impact, without compromising the racket weight. Coupled with the new drilling plan and the HP extension (Hole Pattern System – optimized hole sizes), the ideal zone (sweet spot) is enlarged, more forgiving off-center hits and maximizing the power even on less precise strikes.
Le spin moves, a crucial element in padel, is also at the heart of the improvements of the Air Viper 2.5. The new extra rough finish “3D Spin +“, grips the ball exceptionally well, allowing for the generation of devastating effects and control the trajectory of the ball with surgical precisione.
This gain in effect is an undeniable asset for players looking to move and to hinder opponents at most.

Beyond tolerance and spin, Babolat has also paid particular attention to gaming comfort. As usual, the integration of the system Vibrasorb System effectively absorbs vibrations upon impact, reducing the arm fatigue and the risk of injury, even during training sessions intense games.
The Air Viper 2.5 still features the same core that has proven itself over many seasons.
The heart X-EVAcomposed of three layers of different densities, offers a perfect balance between power and control. The rigid EVA layer maximizes the explosiveness of energetic strikes while the soft layer ensures optimal control and a exceptional ball touch.
Finally, the coating in 16K carbon fibers used in the faces of the racket guarantee exceptional responsiveness and a extra durability. Personalization is not left out with the famous Smart Buttcap, an interchangeable system allowing players to modulate the dragon colore, while facilitating its cleaning and replacement.
In play: confirmation of promises
True to its reputation, this pala has kept all its promises and, year after year, continues to build on its strong points to establish itself as an essential reference. The volleys are executed with confidence and a remarkable precision, while the smashs remain as explosive and decisive as ever. Thanks to a controlled weight, it retains a exceptional handling, without sacrificing power.
Offensive play is her area of expertise, and she expresses herself there with boundless energy. X-EVA sandwich foam retains its formidable efficiency in concluding points with panache, while the new lacquered finish adds an additional sensory dimension, notably thanks to a its more crystalline, particularly noticeable when the 16K carbon fibers are put to the test.
The new drilling plan is a real success: most off-center hits are absorbed by a slightly more generous sweet spot than on previous versions. On the defense side, it is just as efficient. Its outstanding handling allows players to get out of tricky situations, while the second part of the X-EVA core provides an amplified ball exit for tactical shots and mastered.
A relevant alternative: La Veron
The ranges of Viper and Veron de Babolat, although sharing some technologies, are intended for different player profiles. The Viper, with its specific foam and carbon fiber, favors power and offensive strikes. It is aimed at attacking players who like to dominate the game at the net and conclude points with devastating smashes.
The Veron, on the other hand, adopts a rubber Black EVA of medium density and CarbonFlex in its faces, promoting comfort and control. The combination of carbon and fiberglass combines the explosive power of the former with the ease of play of the latter. This fusion creates a more flexible surface, generating optimum dynamic power.
Equipped with 3D Spin Classic on the surface, which does not make it completely smooth, and with a much less flashy matte effect than the Viper, it still benefits from the long handle and the modular wrist strap. It is ideal for versatile players, providing better comfort and greater tolerance to off-center hits.
Conclusion
Babolat does not revolutionize the market with its AIR 2.5 versions, remaining faithful to the DNA of this range focused on handling and power. However, the Viper stands out as a flagship model, thanks to its multi-density rubber and its 16K carbon fiber coating. It is establishing itself as a benchmark on the French circuit, offering a exceptional handling, an optimized sweet spot compared to the previous year, and impressive power.
Conclusion natural lacquered and flashy, combined with the innovation of ultra-rough sandblasting applied to the entire frame, makes it a pala at the same time aesthetic and efficientAlthough the sustainability of this technology remains to be tested in the long term, the initial results are very convincing.
The Veron reference, for its part, targets improving players looking for a more permissive racket while favoring a offensive game. Its medium density Black EVA core, combined with CarbonFlex technology, provides a remarkable elasticity and an excellent ball release, particularly useful in defensive phases.
The Lyon brand has once again bet on its strengths, while adjusting certain parameters in order to refine its new models. After almost five seasons without major innovation, it is a safe bet that this AIR 2.5 range will soon be eclipsed by a new Serie, perhaps under the name “AIR 3”, symbolizing a new beginning.
A big thank you to Bastien Richard de Babolat France for allowing us to test these snowshoes in advance, thus offering the opportunity to analyze them in detail before their official launch.

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!