The Babolat Air Origin 2025 is ideal for intermediate all-round players who prioritize arm comfort and quick maneuverability thanks to its lightweight 345 g build and soft core feel. In contrast, the Dunlop Nanomax Pro 2025 suits intermediate all-rounders looking for a standard 365 g frame with medium core hardness that offers additional impact stability during intense rallies.
| Feature | Babolat Air Origin 2025 | Dunlop Nanomax Pro 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| Manufacturer Season | 2025 | 2025 |
| Weight | 345 g | 365 g |
| Thickness | 38 mm | Not stated |
| Manufacturer Core | EVA | Pro EVA |
| Manufacturer Level | Not stated | Intermediate |
| Racket Shape (our assessment) | Teardrop | Hybrid |
| Player Level (our assessment) | Intermediate | Intermediate |
| Core Hardness (our assessment) | Soft | Medium |
| Power vs Control (our assessment) | 3 / 5 | 3 / 5 |
| Sweet Spot (our assessment) | Medium | Medium |
| Player Type (our assessment) | Allrounder | Allrounder |
How do their physical specifications compare?
The physical profiles of these two 2025 models show key structural distinctions that affect how they handle on the court. Babolat lists the Air Origin 2025 with an ultra-light weight of 345 g and a standard 38 mm thickness, utilizing a standard EVA core. Dunlop provides a weight of 365 g and uses a Pro EVA core for the Nanomax Pro 2025, though its frame thickness is not stated by the manufacturer.
In our assessment, the 20 g weight difference between the two models plays a major role in overall feel. The Babolat's teardrop shape and lightweight design make it exceptionally swift in hand, whereas Dunlop's hybrid shape combined with a 365 g static weight gives it a more traditional, substantial weight profile.
Which one offers more power and control?
When evaluating power versus control, we rate both rackets at a balanced 3 out of 5 on our scale, where 1 represents pure control and 5 represents pure power. Neither model leans aggressively toward hyper-offensive smashing or ultra-defensive precision, placing both firmly in the all-rounder category.
However, the way power and control feel during play differs due to core density and shape. In our assessment, the Babolat Air Origin 2025 features a soft core hardness, which produces a springy touch that helps generate easy ball output without needing a heavy swing. The Dunlop Nanomax Pro 2025, in our assessment, features a medium core hardness paired with Dunlop's Pro EVA. This medium density provides a firmer feedback, allowing players to feel greater control when striking hard strokes or driving the ball across the court.
How do they perform in real padel situations?
The structural differences translate directly into distinct performance characteristics during match play.
When defending off the glass in the back court, the Babolat Air Origin 2025 offers high maneuverability. Its light 345 g weight allows players to quickly drop the racket head to retrieve difficult wall bounces, while its soft core rebound aids in pushing lob shots deep over opponents. The Dunlop Nanomax Pro 2025, with its heavier 365 g build, provides greater stability when absorbing fast incoming shots near the glass, ensuring the racket head does not twist in hand upon impact.
At the net, quick reaction times are essential. The Babolat moves rapidly for block volleys and fast exchanges. However, when executing attacking overheads like a bandeja, vibora, or flat smash, the Dunlop Nanomax Pro 2025 benefits from its higher mass, delivering slightly more solid momentum through the ball. The Babolat requires slightly more muscular acceleration to generate the same drive on aggressive overheads, but its 345 g weight and soft core offer superior arm comfort during long matches.
Whether playing on the left or right side of the court, both rackets serve generalist all-round styles well, but players seeking elbow relief will benefit more from the lower weight and soft dampening of the Babolat Air Origin 2025.
Which is easier to play?
In our assessment, both rackets are suited for intermediate players and feature a medium sweet spot size. Neither frame imposes strict demands on off-center hits, making both forgiving choices for players developing their technical consistency.
The Babolat Air Origin 2025 is slightly easier to handle physically due to its lower mass, which reduces fatigue over long sets. Conversely, the Dunlop Nanomax Pro 2025 feels more stable when striking hard incoming balls, meaning intermediate players with established stroke mechanics will find its medium core hardness yields predictable direction and control.
Who should buy which?
Babolat Air Origin 2025
- Intermediate all-round players seeking a lightweight 345 g frame for maximum maneuverability.
- Players looking for superior arm comfort and a soft core feel to minimize impact stress.
- Defense-minded or fast-reacting players who want quick racket acceleration at the net and easy output off the back glass.
Dunlop Nanomax Pro 2025
- Intermediate all-rounders who prefer a standard 365 g racket weight for extra frame mass behind shots.
- Players who prefer a medium core hardness for direct feedback and precise control on volleys and overheads.
- Versatile players who want a hybrid frame that stays stable during heavy exchange rallies.
Frequently asked questions
What is the weight difference between these two rackets?
The Babolat Air Origin 2025 weighs 345 g, whereas the Dunlop Nanomax Pro 2025 weighs 365 g, making the Babolat 20 g lighter according to manufacturer specifications.
What core materials do these models use?
The Babolat Air Origin 2025 features an EVA core, which we rate as soft in core hardness. The Dunlop Nanomax Pro 2025 features a Pro EVA core, which we rate as medium in core hardness.
What is the frame thickness of the Dunlop Nanomax Pro 2025?
The manufacturer has not stated the frame thickness for the Dunlop Nanomax Pro 2025. In contrast, the Babolat Air Origin 2025 is listed with an official frame thickness of 38 mm.