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PADEL CHAPTER Score combines product specifications and editorial assessment. Scores are updated when new information becomes available.

Babolat

Viper Air

The Babolat Viper Air 2023 combines a hybrid shape with 12K carbon and a multilayer X-EVA core. Early playing experiences suggest a manoeuvrable racket with a direct response.

Teardrop355–355gMedium balance
7.5
Good
All-round racket for experienced players
Performance potential7.8
Playability7.3
CharacterAll-round

The PADEL CHAPTER score is our overall editorial assessment. The pillars provide additional context. Read how we assess products →

Babolat Viper Air padel racket
Score Breakdown
Power8.0
Control7.5
Maneuverability7.1
Sweet spot7.3
Defense7.4
Comfort7.3
CharacterPlaying character

Explosive • Control focused • Forgiving

Specifications
Weight355–355g
BalanceMedium balance
ShapeTeardrop
CoreX-EVA, multilayered densities
Frame12K carbon fiber
Profile38mm

The Babolat Viper Air 2023 updates an iconic model, bringing a hybrid teardrop shape, 12K carbon face and multilayer X-EVA core. At 355 grams with medium-high balance, Babolat positions it as a manoeuvrable option for players who want to combine quick movements with a direct strike. Based on specifications and limited playing experiences, the Viper Air 2023 appears to demand the player's own technique and precision, with a somewhat narrower sweetspot and a hard, direct feel.

The Babolat Viper Air 2023 combines a hybrid teardrop shape with a weight of 355 grams and medium-high balance. The face consists of 12K carbon fiber with a textured, hard surface, while the core is multilayer X-EVA of different densities. The frame is carbon and the profile measures 38 millimetres. This combination suggests manoeuvrable movement alongside a degree of directness and hardness. The hybrid shape tries to balance the control area of a round shape with the power area of a diamond, although the actual balance depends on how the core and face material work together in practice. The recommended retail price is 290 euros.

What will you notice on court?

What you will notice as a player

The racket helps in defense: a calm swing sends balls off the glass deep again.

A balanced racket that responds predictably in most situations.

No pronounced weakness, but no single shot where the racket particularly stands out either.

Which shots are affected most?

SituationWhat will you notice?
DefensePlenty of help: the low balance and generous sweet spot return balls off the glass calmly and deep.
VolleyComfortable and stable; aiming is easy and you keep the ball low.
BandejaEasy to control: the ball stays reasonably low and predictable.
ViboraEnough bite for a quick brushing shot with some acceleration of your own.
SmashEnough power, but you still need to put considerable effort into the swing.
BlockStable: the racket is ready in time and returns the ball with control.
Off-center ballReasonably forgiving: outside the sweet spot you lose some speed, while accuracy is largely maintained.
What type of player does this racket suit?

This racket suits a broad range of players.

Well suited to

All-round players
Does this racket meet your needs?

This racket suits a broad range of players and needs.

This racket is likely to suit you if you…

want more power and strength in your smash

You will probably appreciate this racket if you…

  • •want a racket that helps in defense;
  • •want a balanced racket that handles every shot;

You may run into limitations if you…

  • •want a pronounced specialist rather than an all-round racket;

Personal advice

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Babolat Viper Air 2023: First impressions | PADEL CHAPTER