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

Babolat

Viper Junior

The Babolat Viper Junior 2023 is a junior racket with a distinctive diamond shape, designed for players up to 12 years old. It combines light materials with a compact construction.

Round310–310gMedium balance
7.5
Good
All-round racket for players with some experience
Performance potential6.7
Playability8.1
CharacterAll-round

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

Babolat Viper Junior padel racket
Score Breakdown
Power6.1
Control7.8
Maneuverability7.8
Sweet spot8.2
Defense7.8
Comfort8.4
CharacterPlaying character

Comfortable • Forgiving • Forgiving

Specifications
Weight310–310g
BalanceMedium balance
ShapeRound
CoreEVA
FrameFiberglass
Profile34mm

The Babolat Viper Junior 2023 is the children's version of Juan Lebrón's Viper and stands out for its choices: whereas most junior rackets use a round shape, Babolat chooses diamond here. At 310 grams, with a fiberglass face, soft EVA core and carbon frame 34 mm thick, it appears aimed at children who understand the basics and want to develop. Based on first impressions and limited available information, we explore what to expect.

The Babolat Viper Junior 2023 weighs 310 grams with medium balance. Its diamond shape is unusual for a junior racket: most children's models choose round. The profile is 34 mm thick, considerably more compact than the 38 mm often seen on adult rackets. The face is fiberglass, the core soft EVA and the frame carbon fiber. The official price is around 70 euros.

What will you notice on court?

What you will notice as a player

At the net you react very quickly: blocks and fast volleys feel almost effortless.

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

The sweet spot offers forgiveness: slightly imperfect contact loses little accuracy.

Comfortable in long matches: the racket cushions contact well, with little feedback in your arm.

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.
VolleyCrisp and agile: aiming feels effortless and late adjustments remain possible.
BandejaVery easy to control: the ball stays low and predictable, ideal for controlling the court.
ViboraIt works, but speed and bite must mostly come from your own technique.
SmashEnough power, but you still need to put considerable effort into the swing.
BlockA strong point: the racket is ready very quickly and returns the ball with control.
Off-center ballForgiving: just outside the sweet spot you lose little and the ball stays on course.
What type of player does this racket suit?

Well suited to

Comfort seekersPlayers who play for enjoymentPlayers who want plenty of help from their racketDefensive players

Less suited to

Players with a fast swingTechnical playersAttacking players
Does this racket meet your needs?

This racket is likely to suit you if you…

have a sensitive arm and need cushioning

are often a little late on fast balls

want more comfort and cushioning

want an agile, fast racket

This racket may disappoint if you…

want maximum smash power

like to play an attacking, explosive game

want a very direct, crisp feel

You will probably appreciate this racket if you…

  • •play often at the net and like quick hands;
  • •want a racket that helps in defense;
  • •want a forgiving racket with a generous sweet spot;

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 Junior 2023: first impressions | PADEL CHAPTER