Starvie Kenta Soft 30: technical specifications and design details
The reviewer focuses on the Starvie Kenta Soft 30, one of the most requested rackets from the Starvie lineup. This model stands out for its round shape and a slightly higher balance than typical round rackets, offering a unique blend of control and substance. The racket is available in a weight range of 355g to 375g, with some units even reaching up to 380g. The specific model tested weighed 355g (excluding the wrist strap) and featured a 27 cm balance point.
- Weight: 355–375g (tested at 355g)
- Balance: 27 cm
- Shape: Round, with a wider face than the Raptor
- Core: EVA Soft 30
- Face material: Full carbon fiber
- Grip length: 13 cm
- Grip technology: Noene collaboration for improved comfort
Starvie has moved away from its previous Star Balance System, replacing it with the new Geo Bridge at the heart of the racket. This change eliminates past issues with unwanted internal movement and noise. The Kenta Soft 30 also introduces a new hexagonal concentric spin surface, which the reviewer describes as highly effective—perhaps even offering more grip than expected.
First impressions and aesthetic choices
The reviewer initially had modest expectations, suspecting the Kenta Soft 30 might be similar to the Meteora or Astrum Eris models, which did not fully convince him in the past. However, after testing, he found the Kenta Soft 30 to be a pleasant surprise, retaining some of the best qualities of the Raptor while introducing its own strengths.
Visually, the racket is described as more understated than previous Starvie designs, opting for a sober color scheme that references the geometric theme of the new bridge system. While the reviewer would have preferred a more vibrant look, he admits the racket appears better in person than in photos.
Performance from the baseline: power, control, and spin
On-court, the Kenta Soft 30 delivers a solid and consistent ball output, aided by its medium-feel EVA Soft 30 core and robust carbon fiber faces. The reviewer notes that, despite the “soft” label, the racket feels more medium in impact, especially from the back of the court. The ball leaves the racket with notable ease and substance, making it accessible for players who like a bit of free power but also demand control.
The standout feature is the spin generation. The new hexagonal surface texture provides exceptional grip, creating a spin effect that the reviewer likens to tennis strings. He cautions that the spin is so pronounced it can be almost “diseducative” for players used to more traditional padel rackets, requiring some adjustment to avoid over-spinning the ball. Once accustomed, the spin is described as market-leading, allowing for heavy, consistent rotations with minimal effort.
The sweet spot is medium-sized—reassuring but not overly forgiving. The impact feels solid, and the racket offers more tolerance than previous Meteora models, though it is less elastic than the Astrum Eris. This places the Kenta Soft 30 in a sweet spot between rigidity and flexibility, appealing to a broad range of intermediate and advanced players.
Net play and volleying: touch, stability, and grip feedback
At the net, the Kenta Soft 30 maintains its reputation for excellent touch and control. The ball response is immediate and reassuring, with the racket offering a good blend of output and stability. The reviewer highlights the grip’s slightly larger size compared to previous years, thanks to the Noene collaboration, though he notes the ribbed texture may not suit everyone’s preferences—especially those accustomed to smoother tennis grips.
The sweet spot remains central and moderately sized, with the tip of the racket feeling slightly stiffer. However, even off-center hits retain enough energy to remain effective. The spin-enhancing surface continues to impress, making sliced and cut volleys particularly effective and easy to execute.
Overheads, smashes, and advanced shots
For overheads and smashes, the Kenta Soft 30 is not a pure power racket but excels in ball output and spin. Flat smashes benefit from the racket’s inherent energy, though the soft core means the ball may stay on the face a bit longer if hit with maximum force. The reviewer recommends a measured approach for flat smashes, letting the racket’s natural output do the work.
On kick smashes, the combination of medium touch, high spin, and easy ball release produces outstanding results. The reviewer calls the spin system the best he has ever tried, though he advises players to adapt their technique to avoid overdoing the spin, especially if they come from a tennis background.
Comfort, maneuverability, and player suitability
The Kenta Soft 30 is described as comfortable and well-balanced, with the 27 cm balance providing substance without feeling head-heavy. The grip’s comfort is improved, though its ribbed design may not be ideal for everyone. The reviewer emphasizes that this is not a racket for beginners or lower intermediates; it is best suited for intermediate to advanced players who can control its energy and exploit its spin potential. At lower skill levels, the racket’s lively head and output could make control more challenging.
Direct comparison with Starvie Raptor and other models
The reviewer directly compares the Kenta Soft 30 to the beloved Starvie Raptor, suggesting that it can serve as a worthy replacement for players who enjoyed the Raptor’s feel but want a slightly wider face and a more forgiving sweet spot. The Kenta Soft 30 is less “head-heavy” than the Raptor Pro, making it more versatile for both right and left-side players. Compared to the Meteora and Astrum Eris, the Kenta Soft 30 offers a more balanced blend of rigidity and elasticity, with superior spin and a more substantial feel on contact.
Reviewer’s ratings for the Starvie Kenta Soft 30
- Ball output: 8/10 – Full, easy, and consistent
- Sweet spot: 7.5/10 – Medium, reassuring, but not huge
- Control: 8/10 – Precise, but requires respect for its energy
- Power: 7.5/10 – Present, but not the main focus
- Maneuverability: 7.5/10 – Consistent, not cumbersome
- Comfort: 8/10 – Good comfort, medium rigidity, no discomfort
- Feeling: 8/10 – Very good, classic Starvie touch
- Spin: 10/10 – Best spin system tested by the reviewer
- Stability: 7.5/10 – Stable, especially at tested weight
- Baseline play: 8/10 – Reliable, with good sweet spot and spin
- Wall output: 8.5/10 – Excellent for spin and ball release
- Volleys: 8/10 – Effective for both right and left-side play
- Flat smash: 7.5/10 – Good, but not exceptional
- Kick smash: 9/10 – Outstanding for spin-based smashes
Final impressions: a versatile and modern spin machine
The channel concludes that the Starvie Kenta Soft 30 is a highly consistent and versatile racket, capable of replacing the Raptor for many players. Its combination of spin, ball output, and comfort makes it a standout in the current Starvie lineup. The reviewer recommends it for intermediate and advanced players seeking a racket that delivers substance and spin without demanding excessive sacrifices in control or comfort. The Kenta Soft 30 is an excellent choice for those who want a modern, spin-focused padel racket that performs well across all areas of the court.
