Babolat
Babolat MNSTR
Babolat's control-leaning pickleball paddle. Tennis pedigree shows up in the touch, closer to a real tennis racquet feel than most carbon-faced paddles. Good fit for ex-tennis players who built around placement, not power.
Overall score
Research reviewSpecs
- Weight
- 7.9 oz
- Shape
- Elongated
- Core
- Polymer honeycomb
- Thickness
- 16 mm
- Surface
- Carbon fiber
- Grip size
- 4 1/4"
Score breakdown
v4 · 6 axes- Control7/10
- Value6/10
- Comfort7/10
- Spin7/10
- Power6/10
- Durability7/10
What we like
- Premium feel and finish, Babolat manufacturing is mature
- Touch-bias control suits tennis converts who like to paint corners
- HK Babolat dealer network covers warranty support
Where it falls short
- Imports run premium prices against direct-to-consumer competitors
- Less spin than dedicated 18K-weave paddles
- Brand is newer in pickleball, long-term durability data still emerging
Full review
What it is
The Babolat MNSTR, Babolat's pickleball line crossover. Carbon fiber face, polymer/EVA foam core, 16mm thickness, 7.9 oz, elongated shape. Babolat is the French tennis brand that's been making racquets since 1875. They entered pickleball in 2021 with the MNSTR series.
How it plays
The MNSTR's distinctive characteristic is the EVA foam layer in the core, it's described by owners as a vibration-damping setup that gives the paddle a tennis-like feel through the handle. Touch at the kitchen is the strength. Power is moderate. Spin lags dedicated 18K-weave or current raw-carbon paddles by a clear margin.
The brand-specific catch flagged by owners: warranty support for pickleball-specific issues is unclear. Babolat's tennis warranty network is mature; the pickleball claim process has been described as opaque by buyers trying to use it. That matters when you're paying premium money for a paddle from a brand still figuring out the pickleball segment.
Who should actually buy this
Tennis converts who specifically want a Babolat-branded paddle and value the touch-bias, foam-damped feel. The MNSTR is genuinely different from most carbon-faced honeycomb paddles, that EVA layer changes the feel meaningfully. If you've used Babolat tennis racquets for years and want pickleball gear from the same brand, this works.
Bottom line
Low priority for spec-focused buyers. The HK$1,450-1,700 price tier is competitive, at this money you can have a Vatic Pro V-Sol Pro with paddle cover (US$109), a JOOLA Hyperion CFS, or a Selkirk SLK Halo Control. All three outperform the MNSTR on spin and have clearer long-term durability data. The MNSTR is a legitimate niche choice for the right player, but it's not a default recommendation.
What players are saying
Player feedback curated from active pickleball communities, ranked by how many other players agreed. No cherry-picking.
Interesting. I have no way to test one locally so just ordered a Vatic Flash 16mm. I am currently playing a Babolat MNSTR power. I have tennis elbow pretty badly right now and was hoping the new paddle would help, not hurt that.
I also just switched to the Flash 16mm and love it so far. The carbon fiber paddles are a huge leap forward in technology and well worth it in my opinion. My old paddle was a Babolat MNSTR Power.
Selkirk is hands down amazing. Trying to warranty a babolat mnstr at the moment...they dont have a clear submission for pickleba warranty claim so we'll see how that goes.
Babolat MNSTR Power. The foam core is meant to dampen the vibrations while still offering good enough power and excellent control. Can't recommend this paddle highly enough.
Buying it in Hong Kong
Imports to Hong Kong via Amazon. Expect 1–3 weeks shipping. Total landed cost usually HK$1,450–1,700 including duty.
Check current price at Amazon →Final verdict
Score: 67/100 · Low Priority
Babolat's control-leaning pickleball paddle. Tennis pedigree shows up in the touch, closer to a real tennis racquet feel than most carbon-faced paddles. Good fit for ex-tennis players who built around placement, not power.
If this isn't quite right
Try one of these instead.
Cheaper alternative
Selkirk
$$Selkirk SLK Halo Control
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More power
JOOLA
$$JOOLA Hyperion CFS 16
The JOOLA paddle that built the brand's reputation before the Perseus took over. Still excellent, better value than the flagship, similar feel, slightly less power. The pick if you want JOOLA at not-quite-flagship money.
More control
Engage
$$Engage Pursuit Pro EX 6.0
Engage's control-leaning successor to the Pursuit MX. More spin than the original, similar plush feel. Strong tournament credibility without the JOOLA price.
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