Padel brand guide
Babolat
Founded in Lyon in 1875, still run by the same family, and home of Juan Lebrón.
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Rackets
Which Babolat racket is right for you?
Babolat names its rackets with a simple code. The first word is the shape and playing style, the second is the level. A Counter Vertuo is a round, entry-level control racket. A Technical Viper is a diamond-shaped power racket for advanced players.
Babolat Viper Juan Lebrón 3.1
Juan Lebrón’s racket
Babolat Viper Juan Lebrón 3.0
Juan Lebrón’s racket
Babolat Technical Viper 3.0
Racket
Babolat Counter Viper 2.6
Racket
Babolat Counter Vertuo 2.6
RacketShoes, balls and bags
What else does Babolat make?
Shoes
Babolat's padel shoes all use Michelin outsoles made for padel. Babolat calls the Premura 3 its lightest, most breathable padel shoe yet. There is also a Juan Lebrón edition, plus the Movea 2, Jet Viva and the women's Sensa.
Our padel shoe guide
Balls and bags
Babolat makes two balls: the Court X3 and the Ace X3.
The RH Pro Padel bags are the tournament range, with Technical and Juan Lebrón versions. The Court bags and backpacks are smaller and cheaper.
Our padel ball guide
Babolat was 126 years old when it made its first padel racket.
Players
Which pros play with Babolat?
Sponsorships as of October 2026. Players change brands often, usually at the end of the season, so we check this list each year.
2026 Brussels P2 champion. Plays the Viper JL.
Buy the Viper Juan Lebrón 3.1: £332.27 at Padel NuestroPhoto: Babolat
Signed by Babolat at age 10. Plays with Babolat.
First padel player at the Rafa Nadal Academy. Plays with Babolat.
Photo: Babolat
Babolat ambassador since 2019. Plays with Babolat.
Photo: BabolatFAQ
Babolat questions, answered
What is the difference between Viper, Veron and Vertuo?
They are Babolat's three levels. Viper is the top-end carbon racket, Veron is a mid-level Carbonflex racket, and Vertuo is the fibreglass entry model. Each comes in the Technical, Air and Counter shapes.
Which racket does Juan Lebrón use?
Lebrón plays with his own Babolat Viper JL. The newer Viper JL 3.1 was £332.27 at Padel Nuestro when we checked on 2 October 2026, and the 3.0 it replaces was £221.50.
Is Babolat good for beginners?
Yes. The Counter Vertuo 2.6 is a round, comfortable fibreglass racket and a sensible first Babolat. It was £138.99 at Padel Market when we checked.
Is Babolat still family-owned?
Yes. Babolat is run by the fifth generation of the founding family, with Éric Babolat as chief executive since 1998.
Where can I buy Babolat padel gear in the UK?
Padel Nuestro and Padel Market both stock Babolat and deliver to the UK. Prices on this page were checked on 2 October 2026.
Try before you buy
Test a Babolat racket at a club near you
Many clubs hire out rackets, so you can feel the difference between brands before you spend £150 or more on one.
