2026
Babolat
Alioth Pro JR
Teardrop330gMedium BalanceBalancedIntermediate
£90 RRP £130
Save £4031% off RRP
From Express Padel
excl. shipping
excl. shipping
Prices update daily. We may earn a commission when you buy through our links — this never influences our reviews.
ShapeTeardrop
Weight330g
BalanceMedium
LevelIntermediate
StyleBalanced
CoreFoam
FaceCarbon
FrameCarbon + Fiberglass
Our Verdict
The Alioth Pro JR 2026 is a well-considered competition racket for juniors aged 8 to 12 who are training regularly and entering tournaments. The teardrop shape gives developing players access to a forgiving sweet spot without completely sacrificing the power that competitive play demands, while the Hybrid Frame's blend of carbon stiffness and fiberglass flex adds a degree of arm friendliness appropriate for young players still building physical resilience. Babolat's decision to adapt grip sizing specifically for junior hands is a genuinely useful detail that many junior-marketed rackets overlook. The Holes Pattern System optimises hole distribution for this specific shape, contributing to better power transfer and precision on returns. For a junior who is serious about competing and needs a racket sized and tuned to their game, this is a thoughtful and well-executed choice.
Pros
- Young competitive players will find they can generate respectable pace without sacrificing placement, thanks to the teardrop shape's sweet spot sitting closer to the centre of the face than a diamond would provide.
- The hybrid carbon and fiberglass frame absorbs some of the shock that would otherwise travel into a child's arm, which matters considerably over long training sessions and tournament days.
- Babolat's reduced grip sizing means a junior won't be fighting an oversized handle, giving them better wrist control and more natural swing mechanics from an early age.
Cons
- Juniors who are progressing quickly and developing an attacking net game may outgrow what this racket can offer in terms of head-heavy leverage and outright smash power sooner than the price point would justify.
In Depth
The Face
Carbon
Carbon face — stiff construction with direct power transfer. Crisp feel on contact that rewards clean striking technique with responsive ball speed.
The Core
Foam
EVA Soft core — a low-density rubber compound that prioritises comfort and vibration absorption. Keeps the ball on the face fractionally longer on contact, giving more feel and control.
Shape & Balance
Teardrop · Medium Balance
The most versatile combination available — sweet spot large enough to handle pressure situations, balance neutral enough to transition between defence and attack without fighting the racket.
Who Buys This
Intermediate · Balanced players
Club players who move between defensive and attacking play during a match. Versatile enough to perform in both situations without committing to a pure control or pure power racket.
Not sure? Run our racket analysis →You Might Also Like
