Air Origin 2026 Padel Racket

The Babolat Air Origin 2026 is the lighter, faster half of Babolat's entry tier. Where its sibling the Counter Origin is built for staying in the point, the Air Origin is built for the player who wants to move forward: at roughly 345g with a low 265mm balance, it is one of the easiest rackets in the 2026 range to swing quickly, and that is exactly what it is for.

A light, handle-biased racket asks very little of your wrist and shoulder. Volleys come around faster, reactions at the net feel easier, and off-centre hits twist the frame less than a head-heavy layout would. Babolat pitches it at aerial players taking their first steps, which is accurate — this is a first or second racket for someone who already likes being at the net.

The face is fibreglass over an EVA foam core. Fibreglass flexes more than carbon, which softens the feel, widens the effective hitting area and is kinder on the arm — for most club players at this level it is the more suitable material, not a compromise. The honest trade-offs: the smooth face offers less spin bite than the raised finishes higher in the range, and the light, even build means power has to come from your swing rather than the frame. If you mostly defend at the back of the court, the round-headed Counter Origin is the more forgiving pick of the pair.

Specifications (manufacturer): weight ~345g, balance 265mm, profile 38mm, fibreglass face, EVA core. Source: Babolat 2026 padel range, supplier catalogue (verified 3 Sep 2026).