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Babolat Counter Viper vs Astra Control
The Counter Viper is the better racket, 86 to 70: more power and control. The Astra costs €96 less.
Our scores, updated 9 November 2026 · How we score
Score by score
How we score →The green bar wins the round. The Counter takes 4 of the six, and handling and value are level.
Feel is read from the core and the face until hardness is measured.
The €96 question
€96
more for the Counter. This is what it buys you.
- +15Power77 against 62
- +15Control87 against 72
- +4Comfort78 against 74
- 10 gLighter365 g against 375 g: quicker to the ball at the net
Worth it if these numbers are the ones you play for. If not, keep the €96: the Astra is 70 in Our score.
What is different
Weight, balance and price change between them; the rest is the same. Pick one to look closer.
The same face on both: carbon 3k.
No edge either way
* The feel starts from the core's rated hardness (estimated from the core material where there is no rating), then the face: carbon 12K and up is firmer, fibreglass softer.
The Counter is about 10 g lighter: quicker to the ball at the net. The Astra puts a little more weight behind a smash.
Edge: the Counter, for quick hands
The balance point is not listed for both.
No edge either way
* Drawn to scale: a 455 mm racket in its shape's outline (traced from a real racket of that shape), with the balance point the shops list marked on it. Real rackets vary by a few millimetres.
€96 apart at PadelProShop today. Under the launch price: Counter 48%, Astra 53%.
Edge: the Astra, for your wallet
Specs from the makers and the shops that sell them. Weights are the maker's figures, not measured by us.
Which one sounds like you?
Tap every line that sounds like you.
Counter Viper
Our score 86 · €166Skip it if value matters most to you: it is its lowest score, 74.
Astra Control
Our score 70 · €70Skip it if you want more control: the Counter has 87 for control against its 72.
Our recommendation for most players
The Counter Viper
The higher score, 86 to 70.
Not sure of your level? Padel DNA matches rackets to how you play.
What other reviewers scored them
Out of 100, each linked to its page.
2 of the 2 other sites that scored both put the same one ahead. We do not change ours to match.
Your shape
What players said
9 players who own or have owned one of them told us how it plays. It is their word: it is not a review and does not count towards Our score.
Counter Viper
6 of 9 liked it
Liked it 6No strong view 1Did not 2
What they said, by how many said it
Astra Control
No player has told us about the Astra yet.
Our recommendation
Babolat Counter Viper
The better racket, 86 to 70: more power and control.
- 4 of 6 scores
- About 10 g lighter
- Carbon 3K face
When you buy through PadelProShop we earn a commission. It never changes a score.
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Before you buy
Questions
Straight answers.
Which is better, the Counter Viper or the Astra Control?
The Counter Viper is the better racket, 86 to 70: more power and control. The Astra costs €96 less.
What is the difference between the Counter Viper and the Astra Control?
The same face on both: carbon 3k. The Counter is about 10 g lighter: quicker to the ball at the net. The Astra puts a little more weight behind a smash. The balance point is not listed for both.
Which is better for power?
The Counter Viper: power 77 against 62.
What is the price difference?
€96 apart at PadelProShop today. Under the launch price: Counter 48%, Astra 53%.
