The Babolat Air Origin 2025 suits intermediate all-round players seeking a balanced teardrop option with a light feel, whereas the Babolat Counter Origin 2025 is designed for beginner counter-attackers who need maximum control and forgiveness. Choose the Air Origin if you want a lighter build with equal parts power and precision, or select the Counter Origin if you prioritize a low balance, a round shape, and a large sweet spot for defending off the glass.
| Feature | Babolat Air Origin 2025 | Babolat Counter Origin 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| Season | 2025 | 2025 |
| Official Weight | 345 g | 355 g |
| Thickness | 38 mm | 38 mm |
| Core Material | EVA | EVA |
| Official Balance | Not stated | Low |
| Shape (our assessment) | Teardrop | Round |
| Player Level (our assessment) | Intermediate | Beginner |
| Core Hardness (our assessment) | Soft | Soft |
| Power vs Control (our assessment) | 3 / 5 | 1 / 5 |
| Sweet Spot Size (our assessment) | Medium | Large |
| Recommended Style (our assessment) | Allrounder | Counter |
Which one has more power?
When evaluating offensive output, the Babolat Air Origin 2025 holds a clear advantage over the Counter Origin. In our assessment, we rate the Air Origin at 3 out of 5 on our power versus control scale, placing it as a balanced option across all court zones. Its teardrop shape shifts the balance point higher than a round racket, providing better leverage when hitting overheads such as smashes, aggressive viboras, or deep bandejas.
Conversely, the Babolat Counter Origin 2025 focuses heavily on precision rather than raw force. In our assessment, we rate its power versus control profile at 1 out of 5, indicating a strong bias toward pure control. The round shape combined with its low balance keeps mass closer to the hand, making it less inclined to generate heavy power on finishing shots. If your tactic relies on attacking at the net, the Air Origin aligns far better with those needs, whereas the Counter Origin focuses on keeping rallies alive.
Which is easier to play and defend with?
For ease of play and defensive forgiveness, the Babolat Counter Origin 2025 takes the lead. In our assessment, this racket is designed for beginner players. Its round shape produces a large sweet spot, which makes ball striking far more forgiving when defending off the back glass or retrieving fast shots under pressure. Additionally, the manufacturer specifies a low balance for the Counter Origin 2025, which enhances maneuverability during fast defensive resets and low chiquitas, despite its 355 g weight.
The Babolat Air Origin 2025 is rated for intermediate players in our assessment. At 345 g, it is 10 g lighter than the Counter Origin, making it very swift to handle. However, its medium sweet spot and teardrop geometry require more accurate striking to achieve consistent depth. While its soft core offers good arm comfort on both models, the Counter Origin is the easier model for less experienced players looking to minimize off-center errors. The manufacturer does not state the official balance for the Air Origin 2025.
How do they handle at the net and from the back of the court?
From the back of the court, the Counter Origin 2025 excels at absorbing pace and building points through patient lobs. Its large sweet spot (in our assessment) gives developing players confidence when digging out balls from the corners. The Air Origin 2025 allows intermediate all-rounders to transition smoothly between defensive lobs and attacking counter-lobs, utilizing its lighter 345 g build to react quickly.
At the net, the performance trade-offs remain distinct. The Air Origin 2025 facilitates active volleys and fast overhead setup thanks to its teardrop format and balanced profile. All-round players can shift from a punchy volley to a controlled drop shot effortlessly. Meanwhile, the Counter Origin 2025 acts as a control tool. Its low balance allows counter-style players to block hard incoming drives securely back into open court space with high placement precision.
Who should buy which?
Babolat Air Origin 2025 is best for:
- Intermediate padel players seeking an all-round teardrop racket.
- Players who prefer a lighter frame weighing 345 g for rapid handling.
- Allrounders who want a balanced 3/5 power-to-control ratio.
- Players who want soft core comfort during repeated bandejas and aerial play.
Babolat Counter Origin 2025 is best for:
- Beginner padel players building consistency and stroke technique.
- Counter-attackers who prioritize high control (rated 1/5 in our assessment).
- Players looking for a round shape with a large sweet spot and low balance.
- Defensive players who frequently defend deep off the glass.
Frequently asked questions
What are the main weight and balance differences between these rackets?
The Babolat Air Origin 2025 weighs 345 g, while the Babolat Counter Origin 2025 weighs 355 g. The manufacturer states that the Counter Origin features a low balance, whereas the official balance for the Air Origin is not stated.
Are these rackets comfortable on the arm?
Both rackets feature an EVA core according to the manufacturer, and in our assessment, both models possess a soft core hardness. This soft feel assists in absorbing vibrations, offering comfortable impact feedback for players concerned about arm comfort.
Which player level is each racket aimed at?
In our assessment, the Babolat Counter Origin 2025 is intended for beginner players who need extra forgiveness, whereas the Babolat Air Origin 2025 is aimed at intermediate players who can handle a medium sweet spot.