Stéphane Penso tests the Babolat Counter Viper

Stéphane Penso delights us just before magic of a new pala test. This time he grabs a French weapon called counter Viper from home Babolat .

The French brand, through its range Viper , has declined 3 models for 2021, all focused on attack, with 2 new heterogeneous formats for very precise yields.

Today let's talk about the Counter, which targets the counter-attacker who wants to control the game with patience, then finish the point with power.

Test conditions

Excellent playing conditions, 16 p.m., new Wilson Comp Ball, very cloudy, wind 10km / h, humidity 51% and highly motivated partners.

Visual

The design is bold, I love the color combination and the matte finish. It is a flashy and original racquet due to its improbable form, a unique new architecture that could shock more than one, but which, once in hand, will be a pleasant surprise.

Description

The racquet is classified in round formats, a high balance and a sweet spot located slightly above the center, without being really pronounced in the lead.

The core is made of X-Eva foam (specific to the brand). The two outer layers have a higher density to provide power in sharp, daring hits, while the softer inner layer provides more forgiveness and comfort on fairly slow actions improving the margin for error in off-center shots.

Characteristics

There are many technologies

3D Spin + on its surface which generates a rough feel (allows to hang a maximum of effects)
Vibrasorb System technology that reduces the risk of injury (proprietary SMAC patent, an elastomeric material that is integrated into the construction of the racket)
HPS system that inflates the sweet spot (more control on off-center balls and a good hit on the upper edge)
Oversized mold that offers more balance and widens the strike zone
High resistance thanks to the 100% carbon construction with 3k fabric
New multi-density X-Eva rubber that improves feel when hitting

Its 3K carbon fiber surface makes the Viper Counter the softest racket of the three new Vipers. I was pleasantly surprised with the Vibrasorb system, which drastically reduces vibrations while increasing comfort, and thus reduces the risk of injury.

Our pala

The weight of our pala is 370gr, so quite heavy for a round format, and the scale measured at 270mm clearly announces that we are dealing with a racket with the weight in mind. We can note that Babolat applies a different drilling (and diameter) plan to each of its models, unlike Nox ou Bullpadel which use a classic antediluvian scheme.

Placebo effect or real asset, it at least has the merit of confirming that engineers are exploring all avenues in order to improve the feeling of handling, that they innovate in terms of aerodynamics, study the different Cx (penetration in the air ) and are also working on the brand's next revolutions.

Holes are drilled, placed and adjusted to suit the shape of the racquet to provide better grip, improving power transmission and hitting accuracy when releasing.

A big hallmark of the brand is the longer shaft, perfect for players using a two handed backhand. Unfortunately, for a racket of this range, the strap is still not padded.

The tussle

Like the Technical Viper, and to a lesser extent the Air, the Counter is a racket for the player who has some experience in padel. It is not as easy to maneuver as many other round rackets due to its high balance. Babolat had announced the color, the weight in the head will thus favor the power, slightly to the detriment of the handling.

On the track

Whether in defense, volley, counterattack or smash, the ball output is simply phenomenal. What a pleasure to play with this pala with absolute comfort and bluffing punch. The new X-Eva core in combination with the 3K surface offers formidable elasticity that will allow you to perform the full range of padel shots with unprecedented responsiveness and dynamism!

This pala provides decent power on volleys and bandejas, with a nice, distinct feel. Smash hits come out at high speed, even when centering at the sieve isn't there.

Conclusion

This Babolat Counter targets the patient and orderly counterattacking player who directs the game with precision, and who will finish the point with obvious power. She might not provide top notch properties for the premium attacker, but will perform very well in all other parts of the game.

This racquet has been developed to provide the necessary tolerance to withstand adverse bludgeoning while having explosive power to finish the point with strength. Pala with a high sweet spot offering a substantial reserve of power, it will not be able to compete with the rackets in diamond format purely focused on the attack.

Indulgent, comfortable, volcanic, it is a treat to play with this model which is well above average in all technical aspects, and therefore offers a positive result in every compartment of the game. It will be acquired by players who prefer round racquets but don't want to lose too much power.

A true Swiss army knife, it is a pala that I would recommend for the versatile player with some experience in padel, without any notable flaws, and with an indescribable ball release, so beneficial whether in defense or attack, that you will have to try it to believe it.

What makes <span style="font-family: 'arial black', 'avant garde';">inlingua</span> different

Colossal bullet exit
Impeccable touch
Expanded Sweet Spot

The -

No padded wrist strap
A bit heavy for a “round” racket

Thanks to my playing partners Martinez & Co (Patrice and Thierry), Paul Pietri alias Polo la science, and to Stéphane Massot, the great Manitou of the All In club Padel, for the always irreproachable reception.

All In Padel Sports
Decathlon Village (South car park) Rn 8 La Petite Bastide, avenue des Chabauds, 13320 Bouc-Bel-Air
Tel: + 33 6 22 16 79 35

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!