Babolat Viper Counter 2022 → Read our Test, Reviews & Opinions

Like the Viper Technical and Viper Air, the Viper Counter has an extra-long grip, making it a great option for players who use a double-fisted backhand. 

Another similarity to the rest of the series is that they are all made for technically proficient offensive players, not for the beginner. 

It’s a stable racquet, the control and speed it provides is really good, but it requires clean hitting as it’s not marketed as a particularly forgiving racket.

The most common filling in padel rackets is EVA foam, as it comes in different densities and can therefore be used in many different types of rackets. The other option is called FOAM, and these rackets, in most cases, provide a softer feel and absorb vibrations more effectively, which can be good to consider if you are injury-prone.

The Viper Counter has a core built from newly developed X-EVA Technology and consists of three different layers that together should provide the ultimate effect. They have chosen to make the two outer layers stiffer with the intention of giving a really good response to hard hits, while the inner layer is softer. The softer inner layer is designed to increase comfort and tolerance to soft hits. 

A new and advanced vibration dampening system, the Vibrasorb System, is integrated into the racket’s neck just above the handle. Thanks to this, you get better comfort in strokes, and by reducing vibrations in an impressive way, it also helps prevent the risk of wrist and elbow injuries.

The Viper Counter has a hitting surface made of 3k carbon fiber, making it the least hard racket in the new Viper series. The hitting surface has a grooved texture and a finish reminiscent of sandpaper, a combination Babolat calls 3D Spin+, all to maximize both grip and spin to put proper pressure on the opponent.

The entire new Viper series, like previous models, is designed with HPS Technology. HPS stands for Hole Pattern System, which aims to provide better grip and more power in the strokes. The drilled holes in the racket are adapted to the shape and sweetspot of the racket, providing the ultimate ball feel in every shot.

Founded back in 1875 in the French city of Lyon by Pierre Babolat, Babolat is a company that has dedicated its heart and soul to the world’s racket sports since its inception. Initially, their production consisted only of strings for tennis and badminton rackets, which was their only area of specialization for almost 120 years. 1994 was a major landmark for Babolat when their first complete tennis racket finally hit the market. 

Thanks to the company’s renowned expertise in the field, the rackets also quickly became a favorite among the top names in the world, paving the way for Babolat to become the world-leading brand it is today with a complete collection of rackets, shoes, clothing, and accessories. Just over 20 years ago, the sport of padel became very popular in 

Spanish-speaking countries around the world, and indeed Babolat immediately began to lead the way in this new and exciting market, which was constantly evolving. The Babolat brand is a family business and has long been associated throughout the sporting world with security and quality at both amateur and professional level. Babolat is the official sponsor of the World Padel Tour (WPT) and is used by, among many others, the recent Spanish World Champion Juan “El Lobo” Lebrón.