Stéphane Penso’s review
Stéphane Penso: attacking the Babolat Air 2.5 · Padel Magazine
Article: Stéphane Penso · 2025-01-23
The reviewer thanks Babolat France’s Bastien Richard for advance access to the rackets.
A softer route into attacking play
Penso positions the 2025 Air Veron for improving players who still want an offensive game. He describes a more flexible face and useful ball release from the Black EVA and CarbonFlex construction. His point is not that it outpowers the Viper, but that it makes a responsive shot easier to access.
The comparison that matters
Both Air rackets share the long handle and replaceable wrist-strap concept in the review. The Veron uses the standard 3D Spin treatment and a matte finish, whereas the Viper’s finish and face construction differ. Those are separate products, not interchangeable names for the same blue racket. Penso gives the Viper the stronger high-intensity attacking case.
Test the difficult defensive ball
Try a low pickup and a controlled lob when you have little room for a full swing. Those shots reveal whether the extra release helps you more than the Viper’s firmer response. Then compare a compact volley: easier release is useful only if you can still keep the ball below the height you intend.
What to try on court
Put Air Veron on the demo list if you want the more forgiving of Penso’s two 2025 Air models. Choose from your defensive control as well as your best attacking shot.