Stéphane Penso  decides this time to compare two ranges of palas from the same brand:  Babolat Veron  salary.  Babolat Viper . Be careful, it stings.

The French brand  Babolat  made two big bets. The first is to have dared to deregulate and offer two new (confusing) forms concerning the Air and Counter models. The second is to have undertaken the release, quarterly, of a new range (Veron) with the same model names as the first (Viper).

The molds used as the basis for the Technical, Air and Counter are the same, but  technologies change  with Carbon Flex in particular on the Veron, and therefore a slightly softer price.

The new series that are Veron and Viper offer you a wide choice of palas with  six references  ! So there is a padel racket for every type of player, even the most picky.

To the naked eye they look a lot alike, but in this guide below we give you all the differences and correct the question marks so that you can make the best choice. Babolat.

Finding number 1

 The Viper range is stiffer than the Veron range .

This is due to the massive use of carbon in all its forms (carbon surface + carbon fibers, 3k, 12k or 16k) and the new triple density X-Eva core.

Finding number 2

Obviously, the Verons are therefore more flexible, softer and more comfortable than their big sisters, because the use of fiberglass allows to anesthetize the impact and  bring out the ball with more energy  (the core is a classic Black Eva).

At the expense of a (slightly) reduced power, but with a more unbridled ball exit, the Veron model will be chosen by those who like  tolerance without compromising on power .

In detail

We were able to try out the entire Viper line individually and there is no need to do the same with the new arrivals.

On the  Veron , the factory was able to rely on its flagship products (by keeping the Viper structure), by  changing three variables  : carbon, foam, and rough coating (3D Spin on Veron and 3D Spin + on Viper).

The use of Carbon Flex on the faces is a genius idea: the combination of carbon fibers for explosiveness and glass fibers to facilitate the generation of speed (and have a less solid touch) is obvious from the first balls exchanged. Thanks to this material alloy,  typing is a little softer  for players looking for comfort and coziness.

Defensive play is a little less difficult with the Veron because of the slightly larger sweet spot. As for smashes, volleys, and other bandejas, you can feel the ball going into the pala much better, which results in a slight loss of precision, but on the other hand, what a joy to feel this return of energy which is exciting and motivating in many ways!

The Veron series is a total success, twin sisters with the Vipers, but completely different in the game. In short, a series without much flaw, with a lot of qualities!

In Summary

Technical

Full power oriented. A Veron Technical will be more comfortable than a Viper Technical and will erase some typing errors.

Water

The Veron Air is the most manoeuvrable and the Viper Air is the stiffest (16k carbon).

Counter

The Counter series is the softest. These palas will be the most comfortable among the six models tested. But the  counter Viper  with a phenomenal punto dulce and a surprising power / elasticity (rise in 3k) will be the most complete.

Penso's word

I was able to speak at length with Fred Bertucat (padel manager at Babolat), and our exchanges were in line with his expectations (which could reassure both parties)! Nevertheless, he enlightened me on a specific point that I would like to share with you.

Regarding the test conditions, it should be noted that they were not to the advantage of the Viper (full Carbon) because  it was quite cold .

I quote Fred:

“… It was a bit cold for the CARBON racquets which are becoming more rigid: less comfort and less performance.

You will see that with the Veron range, which is a mixture of carbon / fiberglass on the surface, with low temperatures, it is ideal for those players who play in carbon but who lose performance because of the cold. 

With the Veron range, they will find this flexibility of the fiber which will give them this desired power.

 We have players like Fernando Poggi, who will play a Veron product in the winter and switch to a Viper product as soon as the temperatures get warmer. .

In fact we introduced this range (Veron) because we found that there was too much difference in power / flexibility between a racket with fiberglass head and carbon head. ”

This is exactly the remark I made to myself: when the temperatures are milder, the Vipers will be less rigid and more pleasant!

Conclusion

The scales are exactly the same and the weight a little lower for the Verons. The architecture is the same. The aesthetic difference is, with a few micro details, indistinguishable.

 Juan Lebron will play with the Technical Viper and Bastien Blanqué with the Technical Veron. 

This tends to prove that even a professional player makes the choice to have more comfort and indulgence concerning his service weapon.

 Vipers are more demanding , for experienced players who have mastered the full range of shots and who target the sweet-spot as often as possible.

These are snowshoes that will be preferred if the outside temperatures are mild all year round, or if you play on covered (and heated) grounds.

 Verons are more forgiving, flexible and recreational . Slightly less powerful but much more usable, it is the happy medium for those who want to acquire a racket without being able to try it.

Personally, a left-wing player who loves to hit but often passes to the right when necessary, I opted for the best compromise between comfort / handling / power, by choosing the Counter Viper.

La saga Babolat is over for this 2020/2021 season. Once again thank you to Fred Bertucat, at the factory, as well as to Fred and Manon from the 187.com agency for their trust and professionalism.

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!

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