Padel racket comparison

Adidas Cross IT CTRL 2026 vs Babolat Counter Viper 2026

Ratings, shape, weight, balance, feel and prices side by side — and which one suits your game.

In short: the Babolat Counter Viper 2026 hits harder (8.1 vs 7.5 for power); the Babolat Counter Viper 2026 is the more controlled racket (10.0 vs 9.2).

Ratings compared

Adidas Cross IT CTRL 2026Babolat Counter Viper 2026
PowerControlReboundManoeuvrabilitySweet spot
7.5Power8.1
9.2Control10.0
8.4Rebound7.4
9.1Manoeuvrability8.4
9.0Sweet spot9.1

Ratings out of 10 by Padelful.

Choose the Adidas Cross IT CTRL 2026 if you want

  • a quicker, more manoeuvrable racket

From €175 at Padel-Point

Choose the Babolat Counter Viper 2026 if you want

  • more power on smashes and volleys
  • more control and precision

From €180 at Padel-Point

Advertisement

Key differences

Both are round rackets, so the differences come from balance, core and faces rather than the outline.

The Adidas Cross IT CTRL 2026 has a medium balance against medium-high for the Babolat Counter Viper 2026, which changes how head-heavy it feels on overheads and how quick it is at the net.

Feel: medium-hard for the Adidas Cross IT CTRL 2026, hard for the Babolat Counter Viper 2026. Softer cores give easier depth at low speed and more comfort; harder cores reward fast swings with precision.

Faces: 15K aluminized carbon versus 3K Carbon.

More comparisons

Specifications side by side

Adidas Cross IT CTRL 2026Babolat Counter Viper 2026
BrandAdidasBabolat
Year20262026
ShapeRoundRound
Weight360–375 g355–375 g
BalanceMediumMedium-High
FeelMedium-HardHard
CoreHigh Memory EVAX-EVA
Faces15K aluminized carbon3K Carbon
FrameCarbon fiber100% Carbon
Game typeControlControl
Suggested levelIntermediateIntermediate

Frequently asked questions

Which is more powerful, the Adidas Cross IT CTRL 2026 or the Babolat Counter Viper 2026?

According to Padelful's ratings the Babolat Counter Viper 2026 has more power (8.1/10).

Which is better for beginners?

Both are similarly forgiving; choose the one whose shape and weight suit you.

Which one is cheaper?

Right now the Adidas Cross IT CTRL 2026 starts at €175 and the Babolat Counter Viper 2026 at €180 in the shops we compare. Prices change often.

Where the ratings come from

The Power, Control, Rebound, Manoeuvrability and Sweet spot ratings (out of 10) are by Padelful, shown with their permission. Our lists and “who is it for” notes are based on each racket's published specifications — shape, balance, core hardness, face material and weight. Specifications come from the Padel Rackets catalogue and manufacturers; always check the retailer's product page before buying.

Advertisement
Padel Rackets — Free Mobile App

Find your padel racket

Compare 1,700+ padel rackets by shape, weight and feel, save favourites and find the best price — free on Android and iOS.