The Babolat Air Origin 2025 suits intermediate allround players looking for a teardrop shape with slightly higher power potential for net play and attacking overheads. The Babolat Counter Vertuo 2.6 2026 is better suited for intermediate allrounders who prioritize defensive consistency, a large sweet spot, and extra control when playing off the glass. Both rackets offer soft core comfort for intermediate players.
| Feature / Specification | Babolat Air Origin 2025 | Babolat Counter Vertuo 2.6 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Season | 2025 | 2026 |
| Weight | 345 g | 350 g |
| Thickness | 38 mm | 38 mm |
| Face Material | Not stated | Fiberglas |
| Frame Material | Not stated | Carbon |
| Core Material | EVA | Black EVA |
| Shape (our assessment) | Teardrop | Round |
| Player Level (our assessment) | Intermediate | Intermediate |
| Core Hardness (our assessment) | Soft | Soft |
| Power vs Control (our assessment) | 3 / 5 | 2 / 5 |
| Sweet Spot (our assessment) | Medium | Large |
| Player Type (our assessment) | Allrounder | Allrounder |
Which one has more power?
In our assessment, the Babolat Air Origin 2025 provides slightly more offensive punch than the Babolat Counter Vertuo 2.6 2026. On our rating scale from 1 (pure control) to 5 (pure power), we rate the Air Origin 2025 at a balanced 3, compared to a control-focused 2 for the Counter Vertuo 2.6 2026.
The teardrop shape of the Air Origin 2025—based on our assessment—gives it a slightly more versatile profile for aggressive attacking shots like smashes, aggressive bandejas, and sharp volleys at the net. Conversely, the Counter Vertuo 2.6 2026 prioritizes placement over raw speed, giving up some overhead pop in exchange for manageable hit responses.
Which is easier to play and control?
For defensive stability and ease of handling, the Babolat Counter Vertuo 2.6 2026 holds the advantage. In our assessment, it features a round shape paired with a large sweet spot. This combination makes it particularly forgiving when defending off the glass or attempting precision lobs under pressure.
Manufacturer specifications note that the Counter Vertuo 2.6 2026 uses a Fiberglas face, a Carbon frame, and a Black EVA core. By contrast, the Babolat Air Origin 2025 features an EVA core, but its face and frame materials are not stated in the official data. In our assessment, the Air Origin has a teardrop shape and a medium sweet spot, meaning off-center strikes require slightly more precision compared to the forgiving round design of the Counter Vertuo.
What are the physical trade-offs?
Weight and materials represent key structural differences between these two models. According to manufacturer figures, the Babolat Air Origin 2025 comes in at 345 grams, making it 5 grams lighter than the 350-gram Babolat Counter Vertuo 2.6 2026. Both models feature a standard 38 mm thickness.
If you value rapid reaction speed at the net for quick volley battles, the lighter 345 g build of the Air Origin 2025 provides a slight maneuverability benefit. If you prefer a sturdier setup with confirmed Carbon frame construction and a forgiving Fiberglas hitting face, the Counter Vertuo 2.6 2026 delivers those specific material properties.
Who should buy which?
Babolat Air Origin 2025:
- Intermediate allrounders who want a balanced 3/5 power-to-control ratio.
- Players looking for a teardrop shape to assist on attacking bandejas and overheads.
- Anyone preferring a slightly lighter 345 g setup for faster arm movement.
Babolat Counter Vertuo 2.6 2026:
- Intermediate allrounders prioritizing control and defensive consistency.
- Players who benefit from a round shape and a large sweet spot off the glass.
- Those who want explicit Carbon frame and Fiberglas face construction.
Frequently asked questions
What is the power vs control rating for each racket?
In our assessment on a scale from 1 (pure control) to 5 (pure power), we rate the Babolat Air Origin 2025 at 3 and the Babolat Counter Vertuo 2.6 2026 at 2.
What are the core materials used in these models?
According to manufacturer specs, the Babolat Air Origin 2025 uses an EVA core, while the Babolat Counter Vertuo 2.6 2026 features a Black EVA core. In our assessment, both cores deliver a soft feel.
Are the frame and face materials known for both rackets?
The manufacturer states that the Babolat Counter Vertuo 2.6 2026 features a Fiberglas face and a Carbon frame. For the Babolat Air Origin 2025, the face and frame materials are not stated.