The Babolat Counter Origin 2025 is ideal for beginner counter players who prioritize maximum control, ease of handling, and arm comfort. Conversely, the Black Crown Piton 2026 caters to advanced tactical builders and counter players who need a balanced mix of control and power with a firmer core. Choosing between them depends on whether you are starting out and require a soft, low-balance setup or are an experienced player wanting a more versatile, medium-density racket.
| Feature | Babolat Counter Origin 2025 | Black Crown Piton 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Season | 2025 | 2026 |
| Frame (manufacturer) | Not stated | Tubular carbono |
| Core (manufacturer) | EVA | Medium White Eva |
| Balance (manufacturer) | Low | Not stated |
| Weight (manufacturer) | 355 g | 355–370 g |
| Thickness (manufacturer) | 38 mm | Not stated |
| Player Level (manufacturer) | Not stated | Advanced |
| Shape (manufacturer) | Not stated | Round |
| Shape (our assessment) | Round | Round |
| Player Level (our assessment) | Beginner | Not stated |
| Core Hardness (our assessment) | Soft | Medium |
| Power vs Control (our assessment) | 1 (Pure control) | 3 (Balanced) |
| Sweet Spot (our assessment) | Large | Large |
| Player Types (our assessment) | Counter | Builder, Counter |
Which one has more power?
In our assessment, the Black Crown Piton 2026 provides significantly more power than the Babolat Counter Origin 2025. We rate the Piton 2026 at a 3 out of 5 on our power versus control scale, placing it right in the middle as a balanced racket. Its medium core hardness (Medium White Eva) and potential upper weight of 370 g allow players to put genuine weight behind their attacking shots, such as flat smashes or aggressive offensive viboras at the net.
On the other hand, we rate the Babolat Counter Origin 2025 at a 1 out of 5 for power versus control, designating it as a pure control racket. Combined with its soft core and a fixed 355 g weight, it absorbs speed rather than generating explosive power. While this makes it tough to hit high-velocity smashes, it gives players precise control over where the ball lands.
Which is easier to play?
The Babolat Counter Origin 2025 is much easier to play with, particularly for newcomers to the sport. In our assessment, it is rated for beginner players, backed by manufacturer specs featuring a low balance and a lightweight 355 g frame. These specs make the racket quick to maneuver when defending off the glass or reacting quickly during fast net exchanges, allowing players to recover from late swings without penalizing shot placement.
The Black Crown Piton 2026 demands significantly higher technical proficiency. Listed by the manufacturer for advanced players, its weight ranges from 355 g up to 370 g, and in our assessment, its core is rated as medium. While we assess both rackets as having a round shape and a large sweet spot, the extra weight capacity and medium core of the Piton 2026 require established technique to handle effectively throughout a long match.
How do they perform in key padel situations?
When defending off the glass, the Babolat Counter Origin 2025 provides high forgiving performance. Its low balance and soft core (in our assessment) allow players to absorb incoming ball speed easily and execute defensive lobs with minimal effort. In contrast, the Black Crown Piton 2026 features a tubular carbon frame and Medium White Eva core, giving it greater firmness off the wall. This firmness requires the player to supply more fluid stroke mechanics, but offers superior directional control for advanced setups.
At the net, the rackets cater to different tactical roles. During transition shots like the bandeja or tactical vibora, the Black Crown Piton 2026 allows builder players to maintain consistent depth with decent pace. The Babolat Counter Origin 2025 relies purely on precision; placement to the corners will be accurate, but accelerating the ball requires extra physical effort. For smash overheads, the Piton 2026 offers enough pop to finish points, whereas the Counter Origin 2025 focuses on keeping the ball low and controlled rather than forcing a point-ending winner.
Who should buy which?
Babolat Counter Origin 2025 is best for:
- Beginner players who need a high-control, easy-to-use racket.
- Defensive or counter players who focus on consistency from the back of the court.
- Players seeking maximum arm comfort through a soft core and low balance.
- Anyone who prefers a fixed weight of 355 g for effortless swing speed.
Black Crown Piton 2026 is best for:
- Advanced padel players looking for a balanced mix of control and offensive output.
- Game builders and counter players who structure points and attack open spaces.
- Players who prefer a medium core hardness paired with a carbon frame.
- Left-side or right-side players comfortable handling weights up to 370 g.
Frequently asked questions
What are the main differences in core hardness between these two rackets?
According to the manufacturers, the Babolat Counter Origin 2025 uses an EVA core, while the Black Crown Piton 2026 uses Medium White Eva. In our assessment, we classify the Babolat as having a soft core and the Black Crown as having a medium core. A soft core provides a comfortable feel and absorbs impact, while a medium core offers more firmness for controlled power.
Is the balance specified for both rackets?
The manufacturer specifies a low balance for the Babolat Counter Origin 2025. For the Black Crown Piton 2026, the manufacturer balance is not stated.
Which player types do these rackets suit according to PadelLeague?
In our assessment, the Babolat Counter Origin 2025 is designed specifically for counter players. We assess the Black Crown Piton 2026 as suitable for both builder and counter player types.