Babolat Stima Vita Padel Racket

Babolat's page says the racket is aimed at beginners, and describes it as designed to support female players in their first matches. The head-light balance, the round shape and the oversize sweet spot all push in the same direction: make contact easy and keep the racket easy to swing. The hybrid frame, which Babolat says combines the sturdiness and lightness of carbon with the flexibility of fibreglass, keeps it from feeling floppy.

On weight, Babolat gives 345 g give or take 10, while Padelful lists 335 and 355 without units. We use Babolat's figure. Nothing in Babolat's copy says the racket is only for women, and a lighter player of any gender could pick it up.

Soft and comfortable. Padelful's reviewer found quick hands on defensive blocks, a large forgiving sweet spot and easy ball exit off the back wall, with a soft feel from the core. It helps with blocks, wall returns and controlled lobs, which is most of what a first-year player does.

The cost is the finish. Flat smashes lack power, the smooth face gives little bite on the vibora, and soft volleys lack weight. When you start to wish you could end points quicker, you are ready for something firmer, which is a good sign rather than a reason to avoid it.

The Stima Spirit is lighter, at 335 g with a 36 mm frame, and the softest of the pair; Padelful scores its power lower still. The Stima Energy adds a Carbon Flex face for control and pace, and the teardrop Dyna Spirit is for players who want a bit more attacking shape.

If you want the same job from a different brand, the Counter Origin is Babolat's other round beginner racket, heavier at 355 g with a low balance.

Players who already hit with weight. A power score of 6.5 and a smooth face do not reward a full swing, and Padelful says players who want to finish at the net should look for a firmer, head-heavier racket. The best padel racket for beginners page has other first rackets, and the women's padel rackets page covers the wider range.

Babolat recommends Syntec Uptake. An overgrip such as the Babolat VS overgrip adds tack, and our padel grips page explains when to replace instead. Frame tape from the racket protector range is worth fitting, since new players clip the floor often.

A low-power racket likes lively balls, so a tube of Babolat Court balls is a sensible start, and the padel balls page covers how fast they fade. The padel bags page has a small option in Babolat's Court S, and the padel shoes page finishes the kit, and the full padel racket range is on one page. If you are weighing shape and balance for the first time, our guide to choosing a padel racket explains both.