Counter Viper 2.6

Round racket for counter-striking players who want precision plus extra power. Uses 3D Spin+ and a vibration-absorbing system.

Platform-created modelIntermediateAdvancedControlDefensiveSpecs verified

Shape: Round
Weight: 355–375 g
Balance: High
Feel: Medium-hard

Best price

€204.95

Platform score 8.1/10

Round racket for counter-striking players who want precision plus extra power. Uses 3D Spin+ and a vibration-absorbing system. Babolat lists a round head, a listed weight of 365 g +/– 10 g, balance Head heavy, a X-EVA core and a 3K Carbon face.

Who is this racket for?

Best for: Intermediate and advanced players who defend first and counter-attack.
Playing style: Control / Defensive
Level: Intermediate / Advanced
Recommended for: Players who build points from the back and want a forgiving, controllable face.
Not ideal for: Players who want maximum power on smashes.

The round head is clearest in the front view: the widest point sits in the middle.

The balance point is shown in the edge view with the balance overlay.

Platform evaluation: our interpretation of the specs, not a manufacturer claim.

What reviewers say

2 sources summarisedChecked 7 Oct 2026

Tennis Nuts' staff review finds it exceptionally stable at impact. It handles incoming pace well, with excellent control from the back, and power is there when needed but never at the cost of accuracy.

What testers like

Very stable
Absorbs pace well
Control from the back of the court

Watch out for

Retailers disagree on balance (listed head-heavy and even)

Suits: Advanced players who win through consistency and placement.
Core: Multi-layer X-EVA

Paladex’s read

A counter-puncher's Viper: calm, accurate and dependable.

Our opinion, drawn from the sources below. We haven’t play-tested this racket.

Sources

Platform scores

Overall platform score

8.1/10

Sample evaluation

Power7.2

Control8.6

Maneuverability7.4

Forgiveness7.6

Sweet spot7.9

Defence7.9

Attack7.4

These are Paladex's own evaluation scores (methodology v0.2 (sample)), not manufacturer-certified measurements. Scores are on the same 1–10 scale across the site.

Specifications

VerifiedBrand-listed specs from the official product page, collected 6 Oct 2026. Balance point added from retailer and review listings (Tennis Nuts, Tennis Warehouse), 7 Oct 2026; not checked against the brand. Hardness, Thickness, Surface finish, Frame material from Babolat and Padel Nuestro (12 Oct 2026). Official product page

Brand: Babolat
Model: Counter Viper 2.6
Collection: Viper
Year: 2026
Shape: RoundThe head is almost circular and widest in the middle, so the sweet spot sits low and central, close to your hand. The most forgiving and controllable shape. Off-centre hits still go where you aim, but smashes get less free power.
Weight: 355–375 gA mid-range weight that most adult players handle comfortably, balancing stability and speed.
Balance: High (head-heavy) · 270 mmWhere the weight is concentrated. Hits harder on smashes and volleys, but feels slower to swing and is more demanding on the shoulder and elbow. Higher balance generally favours power, lower balance usually improves maneuverability.
Thickness: 38 mmA full 38 mm profile (the regulation maximum) gives more stability and power.
Frame material: Carbon
Face material: 3K Carbon
Core: X-EVAPrecise and powerful at higher swing speeds, while still giving some help on slower balls.
Surface: 3D textureThe most bite on the ball, for players who rely on spin and effects.
Hardness: Medium-hardLeans firm.
Sweet spot: Low and centralDerived from the shape class. The 3D zone is an illustration, not a measurement.
Grip & handle: Standard handle with overgrip