Babolat Counter Viper Padel Racket vs Bullpadel Vertex 04 Comfort Padel Racket — Padel Rackets Comparison UK 2026

Sneakily good comparison because both frames are dressed up as control but have very different DNA — and the saving now sits on the other side of the ledger. The Babolat Counter Viper at £170 is a true round-shape frame with a soft EVA core, low balance, and the most predictable response off the strings of any Babolat at this money. The Bullpadel Vertex 04 Comfort at £131 keeps Paquito's diamond profile but softens the core and trims the balance slightly, so you still get diamond-style power on a smash with a more forgiving feel underneath — and it's now the cheaper racket by £40-odd. Buy the Counter Viper if you genuinely need control because you defend more than attack, and the round shape is worth paying a premium for. Otherwise go for the Vertex 04 Comfort if you want diamond-shape power without the wrist tax, you're a finisher who plays three sets, and you'd rather a frame that bridges control and attack — with the bonus that the £40-odd saved funds a winter coaching block.