Babolat Air Vertuo 2022

Introduction

The Babolat Air Vertuo 2022 is a high-rebound diamond racket for experienced players who want raw power and fast handling.

Shape & Balance

The diamond shape makes the Air Vertuo head-heavy, shifting the balance toward the top of the racket. This gives extra momentum to your smashes but also makes it feel heavier during long rallies.

You’ll notice the head weight when you swing – it’s not for slow or lazy arms. If you’re used to round or teardrop shapes, this will take some adjustment.

Grip

The handle is standard size, easy to grip, and suits players who use a continental grip for volleys. Comfort is decent, but because the racket is head-heavy, you’ll feel more strain in your wrist and forearm over a long match.

Fatigue can creep in, especially if you’re not used to heavy-head rackets. A good overgrip helps with sweat and cushioning.

Power & Control

With power at 7.3, the Air Vertuo delivers reliable pop on aggressive shots, but it’s not the most powerful racket out there – the high rebound does much of the work. Control at 6.8 means you’ll need to be precise with your aim; the ball can shoot off faster than you expect.

In practical terms, you can hit hard but placement suffers if you’re not focused. The racket rewards clean strikes with power but punishes lazy swings with wayward shots.

Comfort & Speed

The medium-soft feel helps absorb some vibration, so comfort is acceptable, though not plush. The high maneuverability of 8.7 makes it quick to react at the net – you can block volleys and change direction fast.

This speed is a big plus, but combined with the head-heavy balance, it can be tiring. You get agility but at the cost of some arm fatigue in extended play.

Materials & Durability

The frame is carbon and glass, which gives a decent balance of stiffness and flexibility. Faces are glass fiber, which is not as durable as pure carbon but keeps the racket lighter and softer.

Durability should be fine for normal use, but if you hit the ground often or clash rackets, the glass fiber faces may chip. The Black EVA core offers a consistent rebound but is on the softer side, so it may lose some pop over time.

Analysis

The Air Vertuo plays exactly as its ratings suggest. Power is solid at 7.3, control middling at 6.8, but rebound is very high at 9.0 – meaning the ball flies off the face quickly. You’ll feel that extra pop on smashes and flat shots, but you’ll need to swing with precision to keep the ball in play.

Its diamond shape puts the weight toward the head, which adds momentum but also makes it less forgiving. The sweet spot is solid at 7.6, but not huge – off-center hits won’t feel as stable as on a round racket. Maneuverability is high at 8.7, so you can whip it through the air for quick reactions at the net.

This racket demands decent technique and timing. Beginners or players with slower swings will struggle to control the power and may find the balance unforgiving. It suits aggressive players who like to attack and can handle a demanding racket.

If you value control over power, look elsewhere. The 6.8 control score means you’ll need to work harder for precise placement, especially on low defensive shots. It’s a specialist tool, not an all-rounder.