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Buy the Vertex 04 Hybrid if you're an advanced player — it's now both the better-built and cheaper option; the Viper Air earns its premium only through its lighter, easier swing.
Babolat versus Bullpadel, and the price picture has flipped from what you might expect.
The Babolat Viper Air at £160 sits in the upper-mid bracket. The Viper Air is generally a lighter, more swingable version of Babolat's attacking Viper line — aimed at players who want power without the full weight penalty.
The Bullpadel Vertex 04 Hybrid at £129 is a top-tier weapon that now undercuts the Babolat by about £30. 360-380g hybrid shape, medium-high balance, MultiEva core, carbon fibre face. The MultiEva core is the trick — different EVA densities in different zones, giving you power in the sweetspot and control on the edges. Excellent vibration dampening too.
The Vertex 04 is the better racket for proven advanced players who want premium build quality — and at current prices it's also the cheaper one, which removes the old objection entirely. If your technique can handle a 360-380g power-leaning frame, it's the obvious buy.
For players who can't, the Viper Air's lower weight still makes it the practical choice — just know you're paying about £30 more for that manageability.
Hand-written editorial — not auto-generated. By Gary, RacketRise.
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Category | Padel Rackets | Padel Rackets |
| Sport | Padel | Padel |
| Skill Level | Intermediate | Advanced |
| Weight | 355-370g | 360-380g |
| Shape | Diamond | Hybrid |
| Balance | Medium | Medium-High |
| Core | — | MultiEva |
| Surface | Carbon fibre | Carbon fibre |
| Thickness | 38mm | 38mm |
| Pros |
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| Cons |
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The main differences are: Weight: Babolat Viper has 355-370g vs 360-380g. Shape: Babolat Viper has Diamond vs Hybrid. Balance: Babolat Viper has Medium vs Medium-High. Overall, the Babolat Viper Air Padel Racket is best for intermediate players while the Bullpadel Vertex 04 Hybrid Padel Racket suits advanced players.
Neither is specifically designed for beginners — the Babolat Viper Air Padel Racket suits intermediate players and the Bullpadel Vertex 04 Hybrid Padel Racket suits advanced players. Beginners may find both challenging.
The Babolat Viper Air Padel Racket (£160) costs more than the Bullpadel Vertex 04 Hybrid Padel Racket (£129). Whether the premium is worth it depends on your skill level — if you are intermediate players, the extra investment in the Babolat Viper Air Padel Racket can pay off.