Starvie 2024 padel racket range: new models and key updates
The creator dives into the Starvie 2024 padel racket collection, highlighting both fresh introductions and notable changes from previous years. Starvie’s lineup remains extensive, with several models now available in three core versions: Pro, Soft, and Ultra Speed Soft. While the reviewer finds this variety somewhat redundant, he acknowledges that the Ultra Speed Soft option was particularly appreciated on the Aquila last year, though less so on the Triton, where the Pro version remains his preference.
Kenta: a premium evolution of the Raptor
The Kenta emerges as a standout in the 2024 range, positioned as a premium model with a unique identity. It features a round shape with a high balance, reminiscent of the well-known Raptor but with a refreshed approach. The reviewer suggests that Kenta is essentially the Raptor reimagined, now with a new name and updated specs to restore its premium status after the Raptor’s price drop in recent years. The Raptor itself remains only as a Black Limited Edition.
- Shape: Round
- Balance: High
- Face material: Double 3K carbon (including color 3K)
- Core options: Pro 50 (firm), Soft, Ultra Speed Soft
- Grip: Noene anti-vibration system (on premium models)
While the Kenta’s understated design is noted, the reviewer would have preferred a more aggressive look to match its performance pedigree. The addition of the Noene grip is a significant update for comfort and vibration dampening, now standard across Starvie’s premium rackets.
Astrum soft: new naming and technical tweaks
The Astrum Meris is now rebranded as Astrum Soft, signaling a shift towards a softer play feel. The channel expects a Astrum Pro to follow soon. The racket maintains a double layer of 3K carbon (including color 3K) and drops the previous fiberglass layer. The weight range remains broad—350–385g—which the reviewer finds excessive, especially given the racket’s association with Bea González. He suggests narrowing the available weights for a more focused offering.
- Weight range: 350–385g
- Face material: Double 3K carbon
- Core: Soft V30
- Grip: Noene system
The reviewer raises a question about González’s actual preferences, given her stated liking for harder rackets, and wonders if she uses a custom core.
Triton: refined aesthetics and improved playability
The Triton Pro is highlighted as the reviewer’s favorite Starvie racket. The 2024 edition features a striking pearlescent white design, praised for its elegance and modernity. The Triton now comes in three versions: Pro, Soft (simply called Triton), and Ultra Speed Soft. The reviewer appreciates the return of the Soft variant and the simplified naming, which makes it easier for players to choose the right model.
- Shape: Diamond
- Face material: Double 3K carbon with color 3K
- Core options: Pro, Soft, Ultra Speed Soft
- Grip: Noene system (thicker grip expected)
One recurring criticism is the small handle size on Starvie rackets, which the reviewer hopes will be addressed with the new Noene grip. Overall, the Triton is described as balanced and accessible, offering power without excessive rigidity—ideal for players seeking both aggression and playability.
Meteora and meteora dual: changes in range and construction
Both Meteora and Meteora Dual have been moved from the premium to the Universe range, effectively “demoting” them within the Starvie hierarchy. The Meteora Dual now features a single carbon layer instead of the previous double, making it more elastic and potentially more forgiving. The Meteora uses the V30 core, while the Dual employs a dual-density core. Both models now include the Noene grip and retain the Star Balance System for weight distribution.
- Face material: Single carbon layer (Dual)
- Core: V30 (Meteora), Dual Density (Dual)
- Grip: Noene system
The reviewer notes a slightly low balance on the Dual, wishing for a higher balance to make it more universally appealing.
Basalto pro and soft: bold new looks for 2024
The Basalto Pro and Basalto Soft retain their technical specs but receive a much more aggressive and eye-catching yellow design for 2024. The reviewer feels this new aesthetic finally matches the rackets’ high performance and importance within the Starvie lineup. Both models now feature the Noene grip, with the Pro using the V50 core and the Soft the V30 core.
- Core: V50 (Pro), V30 (Soft)
- Grip: Noene system
- Color: Bright yellow (2024)
Dronos and the star line: streamlined options and mature designs
The Dronos is now only available in the Ultra Speed Soft version for 2024. Players seeking the standard Dronos can still find last year’s model at a lower price. The reviewer again highlights the addition of the Noene grip and hopes for a more comfortable handle size.
In the Star line, the Aquila and Titania models continue in their familiar Pro, Soft, and Ultra Speed Soft versions. The Aquila, in particular, is praised for its mature and attractive design, with the Pro version offering a high balance (up to 28 cm) for those seeking power. The Titania range remains the entry point for Starvie, with the Pro featuring a carbon face and the Soft and Ultra Soft using fiberglass faces and softer cores.
- Aquila: Pro, Soft, Ultra Speed Soft
- Titania: Pro (carbon face), Soft/Ultra Soft (fiberglass face)
- Balance (Aquila Pro): Up to 28 cm
General impressions and qualitative evaluations of the 2024 range
- Kenta stands out as a premium, high-balance round racket, essentially replacing the Raptor with a new name and technical tweaks.
- Astrum Soft drops the fiberglass layer and offers a wide weight range, but the reviewer suggests narrowing it for better usability.
- Triton Pro impresses with its new look and balanced playability, remaining a top choice for aggressive yet accessible performance.
- Meteora Dual becomes more elastic with a single carbon layer, but its lower balance may limit its appeal.
- Basalto Pro and Soft benefit from a bold new design, finally matching their on-court performance.
- Noene grip is a welcome addition across the premium and upper-midrange models, promising improved comfort and vibration reduction.
- Handle size remains a concern, with hopes that the new grip will address this issue for players with larger hands.
- Starvie continues to emphasize handmade in Spain, though the reviewer notes occasional inconsistencies in finish and construction.
The 2024 Starvie padel racket lineup offers a mix of continuity and innovation, with several models refreshed in both aesthetics and technical details. The reviewer looks forward to hands-on testing to see if these updates deliver on their promise for a wide range of players.
