Babolat Alioth Pro Junior Padel Racket

Babolat's UK page lists a teardrop head at 330 g give or take 10, a 36 mm profile, a carbon surface and a carbon frame, with a Syntec Uptake grip in a size smaller than standard, based on Babolat's research into young players' hands. A large head and a drilling pattern in the upper part of the face are there for tolerance, so off-centre hits are more forgiving, and the holes pattern system is meant to help power transfer and precision.

Babolat's description calls the frame a hybrid of carbon and fibreglass, while its table lists carbon, so we say carbon and note that the text says hybrid. The core is not listed.

The Alioth Junior is the beginner racket for the same age band: 320 g, round, 34 mm, head light and fibreglass. The Pro Junior adds 10 g, a thicker frame, a teardrop head and a carbon surface, which gives more power and a harder feel but less forgiveness.

The Pro is for a child who plays regularly or competes, has decent technique and can handle the extra weight without using two hands. For a child who plays once a week or is still learning, the Alioth Junior is easier to enjoy. A child under eight needs the Alioth Mini Junior instead.

For a beginner. A carbon surface and a teardrop shape are less forgiving than a round fibreglass racket, and a child who is still learning will find it harder to use. Our kids padel rackets page lists other junior rackets, and the best padel racket for beginners page covers what to buy when they move to an adult frame.

Children sweat, so a spare overgrip from the padel grips page is worth having, since the grip is already small. Frame tape from the racket protector range protects a racket that will get dragged along the floor.

Fresh balls from our padel balls page matter for a lighter hitter, our padel bags page lists small bags, and the padel shoes page covers court shoes. When your child is ready for an adult racket, the full padel racket range and our guide to choosing a padel racket explain shape and balance.