Babolat is one of the original padel brands, bringing decades of racket sport expertise from tennis and badminton into padel. The brand is known for the Viper pro line and its Vertuo series, which offers accessible options for players at different levels. Babolat padel gear is available to New Zealand buyers through international online retailers.
This guide covers the Babolat padel rackets, shoes, and accessories available to New Zealand buyers, their NZD prices, and where to purchase. For a cross-brand comparison including Head, Wilson, and Bullpadel, see the best padel rackets guide for New Zealand.
Babolat produces padel rackets across several lines. The three models currently available to New Zealand buyers span the entry-intermediate range through to professional-level performance.
The Technical Viper Soft 3.0 is Babolat's professional-grade padel racket and the most premium product in the brand's NZ range. It carries the Viper name associated with World Padel Tour players and delivers a high-performance experience for advanced club and competitive players.
Key features: Diamond shape for maximum power generation, soft EVA foam core that reduces vibration while maintaining attack, 100% carbon fibre frame for stiffness without excess weight, reinforced hitting zone for durability on hard shots, advanced string pattern for spin generation.
Who it suits: Advanced players with technically correct technique who play at a competitive club or tournament level. The diamond shape rewards consistent contact in the upper third of the frame. Players new to the game should start with the Air Vertuo 2.5 and work up to this level.
NZD price: $516 NZD. The highest price point in the Babolat NZ range, competing with Wilson's Bela LS V3 ($514 NZD) and Bullpadel's Icon 2026 ($504 NZD) in the premium segment.
Maintenance note: High-performance carbon rackets benefit from protective edge tape to prevent damage during wall contact. Factor in $15-25 NZD for edge guard tape when budgeting for a premium racket.
View the Babolat Technical Viper Soft 3.0 on PadelShop.co.nz →
The Counter Vertuo 2.6 is the mid-range Babolat racket suited to intermediate players developing their game. It balances playability with performance at a price point accessible to regular club players.
Key features: Teardrop shape for balanced power and control, medium-density foam core providing comfortable response, carbon and fibreglass hybrid construction for durability, optimised balance point for versatility in attack and defence.
Who it suits: Intermediate players who have established basic technique and are looking for more from their racket than an entry-level model provides. Works well for players who enjoy playing from the baseline as well as at the net.
NZD price: $344 NZD. Directly comparable to the Siux Electra Elite 4 also priced at $344 NZD.
View the Babolat Counter Vertuo 2.6 on PadelShop.co.nz →
The Air Vertuo 2.5 is the entry point into the Babolat padel racket range and the most beginner-friendly option in the brand's New Zealand lineup. The focus is on comfort, a large sweet spot, and light weight to reduce fatigue during early learning stages.
Key features: Round shape with large central sweet spot, soft foam core for shock absorption and arm comfort, lightweight frame under 360g, fibreglass construction for flexibility and comfort, accessible swing weight for players still developing their stroke.
Who it suits: Beginners picking up padel for the first time, recreational players who play infrequently, and players who experience arm or shoulder discomfort with stiffer rackets. An excellent starting racket before moving to the Vertuo range.
NZD price: $206 NZD. Sits above the Head Evo Extreme 2025 ($172 NZD) and Wilson Optix V1 ($187 NZD) at the entry level, but the Babolat brand premium is backed by genuine padel heritage.
View the Babolat Air Vertuo 2.5 on PadelShop.co.nz →
The Babolat Sensa is the brand's dedicated padel shoe for women, offering a purpose-built alternative to cross-training or tennis footwear. Babolat brings the same performance philosophy from their rackets into footwear design.
Key features: Non-marking rubber outsole with herringbone pattern for artificial turf grip, padded ankle collar for lateral support during court movement, breathable upper construction for comfort during play, toe cap reinforcement for protection during wall play.
Who it suits: Women players looking for a padel-specific shoe with a dedicated fit and outsole. Suitable for recreational through to intermediate club play.
NZD price: $215 NZD. Comparable to the Head Motion PRO 1.5 Men at $222 NZD.
Sizing notes: Babolat padel shoes use European sizing. Order using your standard European shoe size. The Sensa fits standard women's width; check the Babolat size guide before purchasing if you are between sizes.
View the Babolat Sensa Padel Shoes on PadelShop.co.nz →
The Babolat Court X3 padel balls are available to New Zealand buyers and offer a reliable training and match ball. Padel balls differ slightly from tennis balls in pressure and diameter, and purpose-built padel balls like the Babolat Court deliver more consistent bounce on turf courts.
View the Babolat Court X3 Padel Balls on PadelShop.co.nz →
The Babolat RH Pro Padel Bag is a technical racket bag with dedicated padel compartments, thermoprotected racket sections, and accessories storage. Suitable for players who travel to multiple venues or carry multiple rackets.
View the Babolat RH Pro Padel Bag on PadelShop.co.nz →
Understanding the Babolat racket line structure helps with choosing the right model. The Vertuo series covers the recreational and intermediate market; the Viper series targets performance and professional play.
Vertuo series: Designed for playability and accessibility. The "Air" designation indicates lighter weight and more flexible construction; the "Counter" designation indicates a more structured, control-oriented frame suited to players developing tactical play.
Viper series: Professional-grade rackets designed for maximum performance. The "Technical" and "Soft" designations refer to the construction and core characteristics. The Soft core reduces vibration while maintaining the aggressive power profile of the Viper frame shape.
When choosing between the two series, player level is the primary factor. Players who have been playing padel for under a year are best served by the Vertuo series. Players who play regularly at club level and compete should consider the Viper series.
Babolat padel gear is not routinely stocked in mainstream New Zealand sports retailers. The reliable purchasing route is through international online retailers that ship to NZ.
Tennis-Point: One of the largest padel specialists in Europe, with comprehensive Babolat stock across all product categories. Ships to New Zealand with delivery typically 7-14 business days. Regularly stocks current and previous season models, providing opportunities to find the Counter Vertuo at discounted prices.
Amazon Australia: Faster delivery to NZ than European retailers. Babolat padel rackets are available through Amazon AU, though the selection may be more limited than Tennis-Point. Ideal when delivery speed matters.
Padel specialist stores: A small but growing number of New Zealand padel-specific retailers carry Babolat. Contact your local padel club for current recommendations as the NZ market expands.
Babolat competes directly with Head, Wilson, and Bullpadel for New Zealand padel buyers. Here is how the brand positions across the price spectrum:
Entry level: The Babolat Air Vertuo 2.5 at $206 NZD sits above the Head Evo Extreme 2025 ($172 NZD) and Wilson Optix V1 ($187 NZD). Babolat's padel heritage justifies the premium for players who want a brand with deep sport-specific expertise.
Mid range: The Counter Vertuo 2.6 at $344 NZD matches the Siux Electra Elite 4 at $344 NZD. Head's Radical Team Light 2026 at $327 NZD is slightly less expensive. All three are strong choices at this price point.
Premium: The Technical Viper Soft 3.0 at $516 NZD directly competes with the Wilson Bela LS V3 ($514 NZD) and Bullpadel Icon 2026 ($504 NZD). All three are professional-grade rackets; the choice between them comes down to personal preference in feel and shape.
| Product | NZD Price | Category | Player Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Air Vertuo 2.5 | $206 | Racket | Beginner / Recreational |
| Sensa Women Padel Shoes | $215 | Shoes | Recreational / Club |
| Counter Vertuo 2.6 | $344 | Racket | Intermediate / Club |
| Technical Viper Soft 3.0 | $516 | Racket | Advanced / Competitive |
Yes. Babolat padel rackets, shoes, balls, and bags ship to New Zealand from international retailers including Tennis-Point and Amazon Australia. Local NZ retail stock is limited, but the online route is reliable with delivery typically 5-14 business days.
The Air Vertuo 2.5 is $206 NZD, the Counter Vertuo 2.6 is $344 NZD, and the Technical Viper Soft 3.0 is $516 NZD. Add international shipping of $15-30 NZD if ordering from European retailers.
The Viper is Babolat's pro-level racket line. The Technical Viper Soft 3.0 available in NZ is a diamond-shaped performance racket with a soft EVA core, designed for advanced players who generate their own power and prioritise attack.
Yes. The Babolat Sensa features a non-marking herringbone rubber outsole rated for artificial turf, which is the standard surface at New Zealand padel facilities.
For a full cross-brand comparison of padel rackets available in New Zealand, see the Best Padel Rackets in New Zealand guide.
For padel shoes across all brands, see the Best Padel Shoes in New Zealand guide.
To browse Babolat products currently listed for NZ buyers, visit the products page. For local stockists, check the NZ retailers directory.