In short
- Origins: Pierre Babolat founded the brand in Lyon (France) in 1875, making racket strings.
- Innovation: it created string benchmarks such as the «Babolat VS» and popularised the verb «to babolise».
- Rackets: in 1994 it launched its first racket, the Pure Drive.
- Padel: its rackets are divided into Viper (power), Veron (versatility) and Vertuo (control).
Babolat has been in racket sports for more than a century. Its tennis experience shows in the design of its padel rackets, which are very clear in their approach: each range is designed for a style of play.
1875: natural gut strings in Lyon
Pierre Babolat founded the company in Lyon in 1875 to make tennis and badminton racket strings. Its natural gut strings became a quality standard and in 1925 the famous «Babolat VS» was born, used by the legendary «Musketeers» of French tennis.
International expansion and new products
From the 1950s the brand went international to keep pace with the tennis boom. In the 1960s it added grips and accessories, and its success was such that «babolising» a racket became a synonym for preparing it. In the 1980s, champions such as Björn Borg, Martina Navratilova and Jimmy Connors used its products.
In 1994 its first racket arrived, the Pure Drive, and years later Rafa Nadal, who had played with Babolat since childhood, would win his big titles with the brand.
| Year | Milestone |
|---|---|
| 1875 | Pierre Babolat founds the brand in Lyon |
| 1925 | The Babolat VS string is born |
| 1994 | First racket: Pure Drive |
| 2014 | Launches the Babolat Padel Tour for beginner players |
| 2016 | Technical footwear partner of the professional padel tour |
Babolat in padel
Babolat threw itself into padel with products adapted to the sport, its own circuit for beginner players and a strong commitment to footwear. Elite players such as Juan Lebrón have taken its rackets to the very top.
Viper, Veron and Vertuo: how to choose your Babolat
| Range | Shape | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Viper | Diamond | Attacking players looking for power |
| Veron | Teardrop | All-round players: a balance between attack and defence |
| Vertuo | Round | Players who prioritise control and comfort |
Within each range you will find «Technical» versions (more demanding) and «Air» versions (lighter and easier to handle).
Featured Babolat rackets
All Babolat rackets
Compare the Viper, Veron and Vertuo ranges with up-to-date prices.
Do you play in Babolat shoes? Check our Babolat shoe size guide.
