The Babolat Counter Origin is a round, control-first racket built for beginners and improvers — an oversize sweet spot and head-light balance make it forgiving and easy to place, with no prior racket-sport experience needed.
Babolat’s Counter family is its control-first line, and the Origin is the entry point — a round, forgiving frame aimed at players new to padel, including those without a racket-sport background. It sits at the start of the range, below the carbon Counter models.
This review covers its build, specs and on-court feel, and who it’s for. See also our best Babolat padel rackets guide.
Babolat Counter Origin at a glance
Why it wins: Control and forgiveness for newcomers — a round head, oversize sweet spot and head-light balance make the ball easy to place and the racket easy to handle. (~$110)
- Round shape — control and a central sweet spot
- Oversize Sweetspot for extra forgiveness
- Head-light balance, quick to handle
- Hybrid carbon/fibreglass frame
Main features of the Babolat Counter Origin
The Counter Origin is Babolat’s control-first entry racket, built around forgiveness:
- Round shape for a central, forgiving sweet spot
- Oversize Sweetspot that expands the clean-hitting area
- Head-light balance for quick reactions and easy handling
- Hybrid carbon/fibreglass frame — light but stable
- EVA core for a comfortable, controlled feel
Specification of the Babolat Counter Origin
Here are the full specs of the Babolat Counter Origin:
- Shape: Round
- Weight: ~355 g (±10)
- Balance: Head-light
- Core: EVA
- Faces: Fibreglass
- Player level: Beginner
- Type of play: Control
- Pro: —
Our review of the Babolat Counter Origin
The Counter Origin does the beginner job well. The round head and oversize sweet spot make clean contact easy, and the head-light balance keeps it quick to manoeuvre, so you can react at the net and place the ball without fighting the racket. The EVA core keeps the feel comfortable.
It’s firmly a control-first starter rather than a power tool — but for learning placement and consistency, that’s exactly what you want from a first Babolat.
Pros
- Very forgiving round sweet spot
- Easy, controlled handling
- Comfortable feel
- Beginner-friendly price
Cons
- Limited power
- Outgrown as you improve
- Basic feedback
Who is the Babolat Counter Origin for?
The Counter Origin is for beginners and early improvers — especially those new to racket sports — who want a forgiving, control-focused racket to learn with. Power-seekers should look at the Technical line.
How the Babolat Counter Origin plays
On rallies and control shots it’s easy and consistent, helping you place the ball cleanly.
On smashes it offers modest, controllable power rather than pace.
Babolat Counter Origin vs the alternatives
It’s a more control-oriented, beginner-friendly pick than the power-leaning Babolat Technical Vertuo, and a natural first racket within the Babolat range.
For an even lighter racket at 335 g, see the Babolat Alkes.
For the diamond version of the Origin line, see the Babolat Technical Origin+.
Is the Babolat Counter Origin worth it?
As a first racket the Counter Origin is good value — forgiving, comfortable and easy to control while you build technique.
Conclusion
The Counter Origin does the beginner job well: the round head, oversize sweet spot and head-light balance make clean contact and placement easy while you build technique. Power is limited and you’ll outgrow it, but as a forgiving, control-first first racket from a brand beginners trust, it’s a sensible, low-risk pick.
The Babolat Counter Origin is a forgiving control starter. See our beginner-friendly picks in the best padel rackets guide.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Babolat Counter Origin good for beginners?
Yes, that is exactly what it is built for. The round head, Oversize Sweetspot and head-light balance make it forgiving and quick to handle, at around $110.
What is the Oversize Sweetspot?
Babolat’s name for an enlarged effective hitting area. It means off-centre strikes lose less speed and control than they would on a frame with a concentrated sweet spot. Our guide to the sweet spot in padel rackets explains why this matters most for new players.
What is the Babolat Counter Origin made of?
A hybrid carbon and fibreglass frame with a round head and a head-light balance. The fibreglass content is what keeps the feel soft rather than stiff.
Is the Counter Origin a power or control racket?
Control. The round shape and head-light balance prioritise placement and handling over hitting power, which is the right trade while you are learning.
How does the Counter Origin compare to the Counter Veron?
The Origin is the entry frame: round, head-light and around $110. The Counter Veron is a hybrid with a high balance point aimed at intermediate and advanced players.
Is the Counter Origin good for your arm?
Yes. Fibreglass in the frame flexes more than full carbon and transmits less shock, which makes it a sensible pick if you have had elbow trouble.
How long will a Babolat Counter Origin last?
At club frequency you should expect a couple of seasons before the core softens noticeably. Fitting protector tape from the start helps. See when to replace a padel racket.
Which Babolat should I move to after the Counter Origin?
The Veron or Viper families, depending on whether you want control or power. Our Babolat padel rackets guide compares the range.
Lucas Sánchez is the founder of SimplePadel. Born and raised in Spain, Lucas has been living in the US and UK for the last 20 years and currently calls Miami his home. While he’s never played professionally, the dream is still alive.
Lucas loves nothing more than playing (and talking) about padel, and he considers himself lucky to have a wife and family that share his love for the game.