{"title":"Intermediate rackets","description":null,"products":[{"product_id":"babolat-technical-viper-soft-3-0-2026-padel-racket","title":"Babolat Technical Viper Soft 3.0 2026 Padel Racket","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Babolat Technical Viper Soft 3.0 2026 is the Technical Viper with the hardness taken out of it — the same diamond shape and the same power geometry, on a soft black EVA core.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA soft core compresses more on contact. You get a longer dwell time, more feel on slower balls, and noticeably less shock through the arm. The trade is a little top-end power against the hard-core version, which most players will never miss.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe face is a softer 3K carbon with the 3D Spin+ raised finish, so grip on the ball is unchanged. Vibrabsorb System² runs SMAC elastomers through the carbon, the core and the handle.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStated weight is 355–375g with a high balance. Manufacturer weights vary by roughly ten grams either way across every brand.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eKey technologies:\u003c\/strong\u003e Vibrabsorb System² · Soft Carbon · Dynamic Stability System · 3D Spin+\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eThis is the one to look at if you play a diamond but your elbow has started complaining, or if you play three or more times a week.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003csmall\u003eSpecifications from the manufacturer, verified 2026-08-19. \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.babolat.com\/us\/technical-viper-soft-3.0\/150179.html\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eSource\u003c\/a\u003e. Manufacturer weights vary by around ±10g.\u003c\/small\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Babolat","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":63977624863091,"sku":"PO-1008","price":402.95,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1015\/6287\/6275\/files\/150179-TECHNICAL_VIPER_SOFT_3.0-100-1-Face.png?v=1787057930"},{"product_id":"babolat-counter-viper-2-6-2026-padel-racket","title":"Babolat Counter Viper 2.6 2026 Padel Racket","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Babolat Counter Viper 2.6 2026 is the control frame of the Viper family: a round head that centres the sweet spot and widens the margin, on a carbon build that still has plenty of bite.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRound is the most forgiving shape in padel. The sweet spot sits over the middle of the face and the mass is closer to your hand, so the racket is quicker to move and far kinder on a mishit. That is what makes it the shape most advanced defensive players stay with.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe X-EVA core is a three-layer sandwich: firmer at the edges, softer through the middle, which is how it keeps feel on soft hands without going dead on a hard ball. The face is 3K carbon with the 3D Spin+ finish, and the Holes Pattern System redistributes the drilling to keep the face stable.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStated weight is 355–375g. Manufacturer weights vary by around ten grams either way on every brand.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eKey technologies:\u003c\/strong\u003e Vibrabsorb System² · X-EVA · Holes Pattern System · 3D Spin+\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eIf you play the middle of the court, defend a lot, or want a racket that keeps working when you are tired, this is the Viper for you.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003csmall\u003eSpecifications from the manufacturer, verified 2026-08-19. \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.babolat.com\/gb\/counter-viper-2.6\/150177.html\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eSource\u003c\/a\u003e. Manufacturer weights vary by around ±10g.\u003c\/small\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Babolat","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":63977624895859,"sku":"PO-1009","price":463.95,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1015\/6287\/6275\/files\/150177-COUNTER_VIPER_2.6-100-1-Face.png?v=1787057930"},{"product_id":"babolat-technical-veron-3-0-2026-padel-racket","title":"Babolat Technical Veron 3.0 2026 Padel Racket","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Babolat Technical Veron 3.0 2026 is the Veron line's attacking frame — pro-shape power geometry pitched at an intermediate rather than a tour player.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Carbon Flex face is a woven carbon and fibreglass blend. It is more forgiving than a pure carbon face: a little less explosive, a lot easier to get clean depth from when your contact is not perfect. That single choice is what separates this from the Technical Viper.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe black EVA core sits in the middle of Babolat's hardness range, and the Dynamic Stability System bar through the heart keeps the head from twisting on off-centre hits.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStated weight is 350–370g with a high balance. Weights vary by roughly ten grams either way across every manufacturer.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eKey technologies:\u003c\/strong\u003e Vibrabsorb System² · Carbon Flex · Dynamic Stability System · 3D Spin+\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eA sensible step up if you want the attacking shape without the narrow margin of a full pro diamond.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003csmall\u003eSpecifications from the manufacturer, verified 2026-08-19. \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.babolat.com\/us\/technical-veron-3.0\/150183.html\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eSource\u003c\/a\u003e. Manufacturer weights vary by around ±10g.\u003c\/small\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Babolat","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":63977624994163,"sku":"PO-1012","price":317.95,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1015\/6287\/6275\/files\/150183-TECHNICAL_VERON_3.0-100-1-Face.png?v=1787057931"},{"product_id":"dunlop-fx-team-2026-padel-racket","title":"Dunlop FX Team 2026 Padel Racket","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe FX Pro’s diamond head and attacking intent, at two-thirds of the price — with the medium balance that makes it a great deal easier to live with.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eDunlop describe it as having many of the features of the FX Pro, and that’s a fair claim: same Diamond shape, same Pro-EVA core, same 38mm profile, 5g lighter at 365g. The difference that matters is the balance. Medium rather than high means the head arrives faster and the racket stays manageable deep into a match, which is exactly what most intermediate players need from a power frame.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat the technology actually does.\u003c\/strong\u003e Dunlop names eight systems on the FX line, and on this racket you get four of the eight. In plain terms:\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eForce Bridge\u003c\/strong\u003e — geometric reinforcement across the bridge, for torsional stability. This is the one that stops the head twisting on off-centre contact.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eV-Energy Channel\u003c\/strong\u003e — structural reinforcement running along the frame edge, adding stiffness for attacking shots.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSpin Boost\u003c\/strong\u003e — a raised texture across the hitting area, so the bite on the ball comes from the surface itself rather than a sprayed coating that wears smooth.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePower Holes\u003c\/strong\u003e — the drilled-hole pattern is distributed to add power on attacking shots rather than spaced evenly.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat you give up against the FX Pro.\u003c\/strong\u003e Three things, and we’d rather list them than let you find out: no Sonic Core with Infinergy, no Vibroshield damping layer, and a standard premium carbon face rather than the 12K special weave. So it is a firmer, less damped, slightly less powerful racket. Whether that’s worth the difference in price depends entirely on how hard and how often you hit.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe core is Pro-EVA, the same firm core Dunlop use on the flagship. Profile is 38mm.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOn comfort.\u003c\/strong\u003e Not flagged as arm-friendly. It’s a diamond head on a firm core with no dedicated damping system, which is the honest reading of the specification.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003csmall\u003eSpecifications from Dunlop’s own 2026 FX Series product presentation, verified 2026-08-20. Manufacturer weights are a target and vary by around ±10g on every brand.\u003c\/small\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Dunlop","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":63977625387379,"sku":"PO-1028","price":191.99,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1015\/6287\/6275\/files\/dunlop-fx-team-2026-padel-racket-1.png?v=1787363428"},{"product_id":"siux-pegasus-elite-4","title":"Siux Pegasus Elite 4","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Siux Pegasus Elite 4 is Siux's performance-tier frame with a teardrop head, which lifts the sweet spot above centre for more mass behind the ball without a diamond's narrow margin.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt is built for power: finishing at the net, and rewarding a player who already generates their own racket-head speed. The balance is medium. It suits a player who can find the middle of the racket most of the time and is starting to shape the point.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe core is EVA. The face is 3K carbon. The finish is matte + sand — the sanded texture adds bite on the ball for spin.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStated weight is 355–375g. Manufacturer weights vary by around ten grams either way, on every brand. Catalogue hardness rating is 8.5\/10.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eColourways: 2026.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003csmall\u003eSpecifications from the manufacturer, verified 2026-08-17. Manufacturer weights vary by around ±10g.\u003c\/small\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Siux","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":63977625977203,"sku":"APS-SI-0004","price":450.95,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1015\/6287\/6275\/files\/01-front_f92b04c7-74e6-4771-90d0-a496e02a480b.jpg?v=1787097396"},{"product_id":"siux-diablo-elite-6","title":"Siux Diablo Elite 6","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Siux Diablo Elite 6 is Siux's performance-tier frame with a teardrop head, which lifts the sweet spot above centre for more mass behind the ball without a diamond's narrow margin.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt is built for control: placement, lobs and defence first, with enough response to finish when the chance comes. The balance is medium. It suits a player who can find the middle of the racket most of the time and is starting to shape the point.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe core is EVA. The face is 3K carbon. The finish is matte + sand — the sanded texture adds bite on the ball for spin.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStated weight is 355–375g. Manufacturer weights vary by around ten grams either way, on every brand. Catalogue hardness rating is 6.5\/10.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eColourways: 2026.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003csmall\u003eSpecifications from the manufacturer, verified 2026-08-17. Manufacturer weights vary by around ±10g.\u003c\/small\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Siux","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":63977626009971,"sku":"APS-SI-0005","price":450.95,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1015\/6287\/6275\/files\/01-front_f262fe9d-c479-48ea-8328-ceaf9c496d0e.jpg?v=1787097508"},{"product_id":"tecnifibre-curva-speed-2026","title":"Tecnifibre Curva Speed 2026 Padel Racket","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Tecnifibre Curva Speed 2026 is Tecnifibre's performance-tier frame with a teardrop head, which lifts the sweet spot above centre for more mass behind the ball without a diamond's narrow margin.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt is built to do both jobs — attack when the ball sits up, defend when it doesn't. The balance is even, which keeps it neutral through the swing and easy to adapt to. It suits a player who can find the middle of the racket most of the time and is starting to shape the point.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe core is Reactiv Foam. The face is Carbon 16K + X-Top aramid, PTFE coat. Higher weave numbers mean more filaments per bundle and a broader, generally softer weave — often the more comfortable option rather than the stiffer one. A rough, sandblasted surface adds bite on the ball for spin.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStated weight is 350–360g. That sits at the lighter end of the range — quicker through the air and easier across a long session. Manufacturer weights vary by around ten grams either way, on every brand. Profile thickness is 38mm.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003csmall\u003eSpecifications from the manufacturer, verified 2026-08-02. \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/pdhsports.com\/en-us\/products\/tecnifibre-curva-speed-padel-racket\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eSource\u003c\/a\u003e. Manufacturer weights vary by around ±10g.\u003c\/small\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Tecnifibre","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":63978208493939,"sku":"APS-TE-0005","price":369.99,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1015\/6287\/6275\/files\/16CURSPE26-01.jpg?v=1787094171"},{"product_id":"tecnifibre-bomba-soft-2026","title":"Tecnifibre Bomba Soft 2026 Padel Racket","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Tecnifibre Bomba Soft 2026 is Tecnifibre's performance-tier frame with a diamond head, with the sweet spot high and the mass forward — the most power available and the least room for error.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt is built to do both jobs — attack when the ball sits up, defend when it doesn't. The balance is even, which keeps it neutral through the swing and easy to adapt to. It suits a player who can find the middle of the racket most of the time and is starting to shape the point.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Single-piece Soft Foam core is on the softer side, so it compresses more on impact — a gentler feel through the arm and more forgiveness off-centre. The Fibreglass face flexes more than carbon, which softens the feel and widens the effective hitting area. It is the more suitable material for most club players, not a compromise. A rough, sandblasted surface adds bite on the ball for spin.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStated weight is 350–360g. That sits at the lighter end of the range — quicker through the air and easier across a long session. Manufacturer weights vary by around ten grams either way, on every brand. Profile thickness is 38mm.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe've flagged this one as arm-friendly. The combination of core firmness, weight and shape makes it a reasonable option if you're managing elbow or shoulder load — though no racket is a treatment.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003csmall\u003eSpecifications from the manufacturer, verified 2026-08-02. \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.tecnifibre.com\/en\/products\/bomba-soft\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eSource\u003c\/a\u003e. Manufacturer weights vary by around ±10g.\u003c\/small\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Tecnifibre","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":63978208526707,"sku":"APS-TE-0002","price":329.99,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1015\/6287\/6275\/files\/16BOMBASO6_01.jpg?v=1787094172"},{"product_id":"tecnifibre-curva-power-2026","title":"Tecnifibre Curva Power 2026 Padel Racket","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Tecnifibre Curva Power 2026 is Tecnifibre's performance-tier frame with a teardrop head, which lifts the sweet spot above centre for more mass behind the ball without a diamond's narrow margin.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt is built for power with control of the ball's trajectory: X-SPEED ventilation tunnels cut drag through the air, and the frame rewards a player who is starting to finish points at the net. The balance is neutral, which keeps it manoeuvrable.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe core is a soft one-piece foam. The face carries Tecnifibre's Spin Skin 3D textured finish, which adds bite on the ball for spin. Profile thickness is 38mm.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStated weight is 360g. Manufacturer weights vary by around ten grams either way, on every brand.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eOur price is held at Tecnifibre's supplier floor (max 10% off RRP outside designated sale windows).\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003csmall\u003eSpecifications from the manufacturer, verified 2026-08-18. \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.tecnifibre.com\/en\/products\/curva-power\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eSource\u003c\/a\u003e. Manufacturer weights vary by around ±10g.\u003c\/small\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Tecnifibre","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":63978208559475,"sku":"APS-TE-0009","price":377.99,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1015\/6287\/6275\/files\/16CURPOW26-cur-01-face.jpg?v=1788733272"},{"product_id":"babolat-viper-juan-lebron-3-0-2026-padel-racket","title":"Babolat Viper Juan Lebrón 3.0 2026 Padel Racket","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Babolat Viper Juan Lebrón 3.0 2026 is Babolat's flagship power frame with a diamond head — sweet spot high, mass forward, and an added carbon power layer for the most explosive response in the range.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt is built for one job: finishing points. The balance sits high, so the head lags and then arrives with real mass behind a smash. It rewards a player who already generates their own racket-head speed and finds the middle consistently — this is the professional end of the range, and it gives back exactly what you put in.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Black EVA core is on the firmer side, so it compresses less on impact — a direct, highly reactive feel and maximum energy return on a clean strike, with less forgiveness off-centre. The face is 3K Carbon with Babolat's added Carbon Power Layer for extra stiffness and stability under heavy hitting. A rough, sandblasted surface adds bite on the ball for spin.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStated weight is 370g, at the heavier end of the range — more stability and more power, at the cost of some manoeuvrability. Manufacturer weights vary by around ten grams either way, on every brand. Profile thickness is 38mm.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePlayed by Juan Lebrón.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eJuan Lebrón's signature flagship — for advanced and professional-level power players. If you want the same shape with an easier, arm-friendlier feel, look at the Viper Soft Juan Lebrón 3.0.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003csmall\u003eSpecifications from the manufacturer, verified 2026-09-02. \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.babolat.com\/us\/juan-lebron-collection-2026.html\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eSource\u003c\/a\u003e. Manufacturer weights vary by around ±10g.\u003c\/small\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Babolat","offers":[{"title":"Original","offer_id":64055200579955,"sku":"APS-BA-0004","price":568.95,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true},{"title":"FW Limited Edition","offer_id":64597432107379,"sku":"APS-BA-0004-FW","price":568.95,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1015\/6287\/6275\/files\/150174_-VIPER_JUAN_LEBRON_3.0-100-1-Face.jpg?v=1788437535"},{"product_id":"nox-nextgen-pro-hybrid-12k-nfa-2026-padel-racket","title":"NOX NextGen Pro Hybrid 12K NFA Series 2026 Padel Racket","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe all-round half of NOX’s NextGen Pro pair — the same 12K carbon build as the Attack, in a shape that defends as well as it attacks.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNFA stands for NOX Future Academy, where the brand’s young prospects train. Where the Attack commits to a diamond head and finishing power, the Hybrid keeps the sweet spot central and the frame usable at both ends of the court. NOX calls it \u003cem\u003epolivalente\u003c\/em\u003e — versatile — and positions it for players who don’t want to pick a side yet.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe core is MLD Black EVA, a multilayered rubber running different densities through the frame, rated intermediate-to-hard for feel. The face is 12K carbon. The surface is NOX’s Dual Spin finish — a 3D texture combined with a sandblasted bath, so the bite on the ball comes from the surface itself rather than a coating that wears smooth.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStated weight is 360–375g.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOn the head shape.\u003c\/strong\u003e NOX doesn’t publish one for this racket, which is unusual. Three independent European spec databases all record it as a teardrop with medium balance, and that matches both the model name and the all-round role NOX gives it, so that’s what we’ve listed. One Australian retailer has it down as a diamond — their own product description on the same page says hybrid, so we think that field was copied across from the Attack. NOX also doesn’t publish a profile thickness for this model; 38mm is the legal maximum and its sibling is 38mm, but we’re not going to state it as fact.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOn comfort.\u003c\/strong\u003e The frame carries NOX’s Anti Vibration System — rubber inserts set into the frame. We have not flagged this racket as arm-friendly: the core is on the firm side and there is no independent evidence about how it treats an arm over a long match.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOn independent reviews.\u003c\/strong\u003e None exist for this model. The most substantial third-party write-up is a buying guide written from the specification, with no tester named and no court time behind it. We’d rather tell you that than quote it as a review.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003csmall\u003eSpecifications from the manufacturer, verified 2026-08-20. \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/noxsport.com\/en\/products\/pala-nextgen-pro-hybrid-12k-nfa-series\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eSource\u003c\/a\u003e. Manufacturer weights vary by around ±10g.\u003c\/small\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"NOX","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":64076285149555,"sku":"APS-NO-0031","price":312.95,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1015\/6287\/6275\/files\/nextgen-pro-hybrid-12k-nfa-series-palas-pnfanghy1226nox-5304296.png?v=1787226348"},{"product_id":"babolat-veron-juan-lebron-3-0-2026-padel-racket","title":"Babolat Veron Juan Lebrón 3.0 2026 Padel Racket","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe accessible half of Juan Lebrón's signature pair — the same name on the throat as the Viper, built to be a great deal easier to play with.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTwo sources disagree about this racket, and you should know that before you buy.\u003c\/strong\u003e Babolat's own copy pitches it at \"intermediate and competitive players with an offensive playing style\" and leads with POWER. The one independent review we could find says close to the opposite: that it's lighter and more comfortable than the 2025 model, that smashes and aggressive volleys lose some of their impact, and that competitive players chasing maximum force may end up frustrated. The reviewer's conclusion was that it suits intermediates who value consistency over aggression.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe think the reviewer has it right, and we'd rather sell you the racket that actually turns up. If you want Babolat's power in Lebrón's colours, the Viper Soft Juan Lebrón is the frame you're after and it costs $90 more for a reason.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat it's good at.\u003c\/strong\u003e Smoother control through a rally, and a frame that doesn't demand early preparation the way the Viper does. It's the one to pick if you're stepping up to a signature racket and don't yet have the technique to survive a diamond every point.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe construction.\u003c\/strong\u003e The face is CarbonFlex — a woven carbon and fibreglass blend rather than pure carbon. It's more forgiving and less explosive, which is exactly the trade this racket is built around. 360g at a 270mm balance, 38mm profile.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOn head shape.\u003c\/strong\u003e Babolat does not publish one for this model, and we're not going to invent it. Its stablemate the Technical Veron 3.0 is described by Babolat as a diamond; whether this frame shares that mould isn't stated anywhere we could verify. If shape is your deciding factor, ask us and we'll measure the one in stock.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eWeight\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e360g\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBalance\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e270mm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eProfile\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e38mm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFace\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCarbonFlex — carbon and fibreglass weave\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eLevel\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eIntermediate to competitive\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eShape\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNot published by Babolat\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eJuan Lebrón's signature line. Babolat's sponsored professionals may compete with frames that differ from the retail model.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003csmall\u003eSpecifications from the manufacturer, verified 2026-09-02. Play characteristics summarised from an independent published review. Manufacturer weights vary by around ±10g on every brand.\u003c\/small\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Babolat","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":64591858565491,"sku":"APS-BA-0013","price":345.95,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1015\/6287\/6275\/files\/150182-VERON_JUAN_LEBRON_3.0-100-1-Face.jpg?v=1788436651"},{"product_id":"babolat-air-vertuo-2-6-2026-padel-racket","title":"Babolat Air Vertuo 2.6 2026 Padel Racket","description":"\u003cp\u003eA 345g teardrop that actually feels like 345g — built for players who'd rather get to the ball than blast it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow it actually plays.\u003c\/strong\u003e Independent testing scores it 8.4\/10 and the shape of that score tells you everything: manoeuvrability 9.0, comfort 8.6, control 7.8, sweet spot 7.8, stability 7.0, and power 6.8. Power is the lowest number on the card and that is a deliberate design decision, not a failing. The reviewer's phrase was that ball exit is dynamic rather than explosive. If you finish points with your smash, this is the wrong racket and we'd rather tell you now.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhere it wins.\u003c\/strong\u003e The 265mm neutral balance spreads the weight instead of hanging it out at the tip, which is why it transitions so quickly and why it stays usable in the third set. Tested profile scores put it at 8.30 as a defender, 8.09 as a hybrid, 7.44 as an attacker — a genuine all-court frame that leans defensive.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOn comfort.\u003c\/strong\u003e We've flagged this one arm-friendly, and there's construction behind the label rather than marketing. The soft Black EVA core, the fibreglass face and Babolat's Vibrabsorb elastomer dampeners together score 8.6 for comfort in independent testing — near the top of what gets measured. If you're managing elbow load and want a Babolat, this is the one in the range we'd point you at. No racket is a treatment.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOne correction.\u003c\/strong\u003e Babolat's trade listing calls this a \"hybrid fibreglass shape\". Independent measurement records it as a drop shape — a teardrop. We've listed teardrop, because that's what was measured rather than what was marketed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eShape\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTeardrop\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eWeight\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e345g\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBalance\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e265mm — neutral\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eProfile\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e38mm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFace\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFibreglass with 3D Spin+ texture\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCore\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBlack EVA, soft\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFrame\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCarbon\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTechnologies\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eVibrabsorb System · 3D Spin+\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eLevel\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eIntermediate all-court\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003csmall\u003eSpecifications from the manufacturer, verified 2026-09-02. Play characteristics and ratings summarised from an independent published test, not from manufacturer marketing copy. Manufacturer weights vary by around ±10g on every brand.\u003c\/small\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Babolat","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":64591862366579,"sku":"APS-BA-0014","price":250.95,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1015\/6287\/6275\/files\/150184-AIR_VERTUO_2.6-100-1-Face.jpg?v=1788436655"},{"product_id":"babolat-technical-origin-2026-padel-racket","title":"Babolat Technical Origin+ 2026 Padel Racket","description":"\u003cp\u003eA diamond head in soft materials — attacking geometry without the punishment that usually comes with it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAn unusual combination, and the reason to consider it.\u003c\/strong\u003e A diamond shape pushes the sweet spot high and the mass forward, which is where power comes from and why diamonds are normally unforgiving. Babolat have then built this one from flexible materials: a fibreglass surface, a hybrid frame and an EVA core rather than the stiff carbon lay-up you'd find on the Technical Viper. The result they claim is effortless power with an enlarged sweet spot — attacking shape, forgiving execution.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBabolat's three stated benefits, in plain terms.\u003c\/strong\u003e Power comes from surface elasticity rather than stiffness, so the face flexes and springs rather than punching. Comfort comes from the flexible materials and lighter build, which Babolat say reduces arm fatigue. Tolerance comes from the enlarged sweet spot, meaning off-centre contact costs you less than a carbon diamond would.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat we can't tell you.\u003c\/strong\u003e There is no independent test of this model that we could find — the results are retailer listings, not court time. So the paragraph above is Babolat's account of their own racket, clearly labelled as such, and we haven't dressed it up as a verdict. We also haven't flagged it arm-friendly: the construction points that way and Babolat claim reduced fatigue, but a diamond head at 355g with a forward balance is not obviously kind to an arm, and we're not putting that label on a racket nobody has measured.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWho we'd sell it to.\u003c\/strong\u003e An improving player who wants to start finishing points and would otherwise be handed a carbon diamond they can't yet hit consistently. At this price it's a sensible bridge rather than a compromise.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eShape\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDiamond\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eWeight\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e355g\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBalance\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e270mm — even\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eProfile\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e38mm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSurface\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFibreglass\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFrame\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eHybrid\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCore\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eEVA\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eLevel\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eImproving to intermediate\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003csmall\u003eSpecifications and stated benefits from the manufacturer, verified 2026-09-02. No independent published test exists for this model at the time of writing. Manufacturer weights vary by around ±10g on every brand.\u003c\/small\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Babolat","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":64591872459123,"sku":"APS-BA-0017","price":250.95,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1015\/6287\/6275\/files\/150188-TECHNICAL_ORIGIN-100-1-Face.jpg?v=1788436671"}],"url":"https:\/\/australianpadelshop.com\/collections\/intermediate-rackets.oembed","provider":"Australian Padel Shop","version":"1.0","type":"link"}