The Babolat Counter Origin 2025 is a classically oriented beginner racket built around a forgiving round shape and head-light balance that rewards consistent, controlled hitting rather than aggressive power play.
Its sweet spot score ranks in the top 3% of 1,000 rackets we've tested.
Power
Good64
Control
Very High80
Maneuverability
High78
Sweet Spot
Very High80
Comfort
High78
Value
Very High82
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Power
Control
Maneuverability
Comfort
Sweet Spot
Value
PRR Score
76PRR Score
The verdict
The Babolat Counter Origin 2025 is a classically oriented beginner racket built around a forgiving round shape and head-light balance that rewards consistent, controlled hitting rather than aggressive power play. The fibreglass surface and EVA core combine to produce a soft, dampened feel that is genuinely arm-friendly over extended sessions, making it well-suited to newer players still developing their stroke mechanics. However, at its price point the competition from Wilson, Head, and Bullpadel offers meaningfully superior materials and performance, leaving the Counter Origin feeling safe but unremarkable in a crowded entry-level field.
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Full specification
ControlLightweight
Shape
Round
Face weave
Fibreglass
Core
Soft EVA
Balance
270mm · Head-light
Weight
350–355g
Level
Intermediate
Playing style
Control
Year
2025
The series story
Babolat Counter
Babolat's control-first construction tier
Counter is Babolat's control-first construction tier, and the premise is one of the smarter ideas in the range. Babolat takes the same Viper, Veron, and Vertuo character shapes that define its flagship Technical line, builds them to a softer flex, and prices them lower. You get the geometry and playing intent of a tour frame without the stiffness that tends to punish your arm during long defensive exchanges through the glass or sustained back-court work.
We have followed this tier across three generations now. The 2022 Counter Viper and Veron 2.6 both scored 82 with us, which confirmed the formula was right from the start. The 2025 generation raised the ceiling meaningfully: the Viper 2.5 moved to 85 on our score, and that jump showed up in how the racket loads up genuine finishing pace on overhead exchanges and stays composed under pressure during extended construction of points. The Origin and Vertuo trims joined that generation to broaden the range downward, giving control-first players and newer doubles partners a softer entry into the family.
The 2026 Counter Viper reaches 86 on our score, the best score this tier has produced and our value pick across the entire Babolat range. That puts it within touching distance of the Technical line at a noticeably lower price. The diamond geometry suits attacking players who want to finish points overhead, and the Counter construction keeps the feel approachable enough that players who prefer to build patiently from the back-court can still place the ball where they need it.
Which one should you buy?
The 2026 Counter Viper at 86 on our score is the one to buy at full price. It is the sharpest, most complete racket this tier has produced, and it undercuts the Technical Viper by a meaningful margin without giving up much in real-court terms. If you find the 2025 Viper 2.5 (85 on our score) on discount, take it without hesitation. The one-point gap is slim, and that racket still delivers the overhead finishing ability and composure under pressure that make the Viper the standout model in this family.
The Veron (83 on our score-84) is the all-court option if you want a touch more versatility across the doubles court rather than a pure diamond focus. The Vertuo (79 on our score-80) suits players building consistency from the back-court and prioritising comfort over attacking intent. Neither is a poor racket for the money, but if you are ready to play more aggressively and close out points at the net with your vibora and bandeja, the Viper is the right call. Only step up to the Technical tier if you are genuinely playing at a pace where maximum stiffness makes a felt difference.
2022
Counter 2.6 generation
Counter Viper and Veron 2.6 establish the tier: tour geometry, gentler build. Both score 82 with us.
2025
Counter 2.5 generation
The Viper 2.5 steps up to 85 on our score; Origin and Vertuo trims broaden the range downward.
Tolerance here is genuinely exceptional, making off-centre hits forgiving and confidence-building, and comfort is outstanding for reducing fatigue during extended practice: maneuverability and control both support precise shot placement well for learners. The fibreglass and EVA combination delivers a genuinely soft, arm-friendly feel. Power runs notably low compared to mid-level rackets, so aggressive potential is limited, and the head-light balance may feel less stable during defensive shots for some intermediate players.
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What level of player is the Counter Origin designed for?
The Babolat Counter Origin is built for Intermediate players, scoring 76/100 overall in PRR's testing.
How much does the Counter Origin cost and where can I buy it?
The Babolat Counter Origin is priced from €76 at PadelProShop. See the price comparison above for the latest deals across every retailer we track.
What shape is the Counter Origin and what does that mean on court?
The Babolat Counter Origin has a round-shaped head, which spreads the sweet spot wider for consistent, forgiving contact — built for control and touch over raw power.
How much does the Counter Origin weigh and what's its balance?
The Babolat Counter Origin weighs 350–355g with a Head-light balance.
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