Key features and technical specifications of the StarVie Kenta Eternal Ultra Speed Soft
The channel presents a detailed review of the StarVie Kenta Eternal Ultra Speed Soft, StarVie’s new model for the 2023-2024 season. This racket stands out for its focus on comfort and ball speed, thanks to a combination of innovative technologies and materials. The reviewer highlights several technical aspects that define its performance and feel:
- Weight range: 350–385g (tested model: 373g)
- Balance: 26.3 cm (26.5 cm with protector)
- Core: Ultra Speed Soft foam
- Face material: Double 3K carbon fiber layer
- Grip length: 1.5 cm longer than standard (13.35 cm total)
- Vibration reduction: Noene Inside technology (claims up to 96% vibration absorption)
- Heart design: Geo Bridge (removes the classic Star Balance piece for redistributed weight)
- Hole pattern: Reactive Holes (progressively wider spacing toward the frame for greater reactivity)
- Surface texture: STCH hexagonal roughness, with each hexagon doubling in weight toward the edge
The combination of the Ultra Speed Soft core and double carbon face gives the racket a medium to medium-soft hardness. The reviewer notes it feels softer than a Bullpadel Vertex but slightly firmer than models like the Siux ST2.
Performance from the baseline: comfort and ball exit
From the back of the court, the reviewer emphasizes the large sweet spot, which is slightly bigger than standard. The medium balance and overall maneuverability are praised, even with the higher weight of the tested unit. The standout feature is the Ultra Speed Soft foam, which delivers a noticeably softer feel and increased ball exit compared to the V30 core.
At low to medium speeds, the ball leaves the racket with minimal effort, making it easy to achieve depth and comfort in defensive play. The reviewer finds this particularly helpful for players who struggle to generate speed with stiffer rackets. Even at higher speeds, the racket maintains control, offering a balance between reactivity and manageability. The pronounced roughness on the face also aids in generating spin with little effort, especially on lifted or sliced shots.
Mid-court play: adaptation and control challenges
In the mid-court, the racket’s high reactivity becomes more noticeable. The reviewer mentions that while the sweet spot remains forgiving, off-center hits can produce a different sound and a slightly “bitten” ball exit. The longer grip allows for more leverage, helping accelerate the ball, but the high ball exit requires an adjustment period—especially for players who tend to hit hard.
Initially, the reviewer struggled to control powerful shots, often sending balls long due to the racket’s lively response. However, after adapting, it became easier to harness the speed and generate effective, deep shots with less effort. The rough surface continues to enhance spin, but mastering the racket’s quick response is essential for consistent results in fast-paced exchanges.
Net play and volleys: offensive potential with a learning curve
At the net, the StarVie Kenta Eternal Ultra Speed Soft provides comfort and speed at medium to low intensities. The reviewer rarely missed the sweet spot and found the racket easy to maneuver for standard volleys. However, the high rebound means that volleys require a downward motion to keep the ball low and controlled—otherwise, the ball tends to float or fly long.
Short, compact volleys are more effective than elongated swings, and once adapted, the racket’s speed can be leveraged for offensive play. The reviewer notes that players who enjoy quick, aggressive volleys will benefit most after adjusting to the racket’s lively nature.
Smash and overheads: standard power with extra help on spin
For smashes, the reviewer describes the racket as offering medium to medium-soft hardness, which means it is not specifically designed for maximum power. On flat smashes, the expected extra power from the high ball exit is not as pronounced; the racket absorbs some of the force, resulting in standard power output for its hardness category.
Where the racket excels is in three-meter smashes and spin shots. The pronounced roughness and reactive core make it easier to generate spin and lift, allowing players to clear the fence or bring the ball back with relative ease. The reviewer recommends this racket for players with at least an intermediate technique, as it rewards proper execution and timing.
Target player profile and price point
The reviewer positions the StarVie Kenta Eternal Ultra Speed Soft as an ideal choice for players seeking to increase ball speed without excessive effort. Those who struggle to move the ball quickly with stiffer rackets will find this model especially beneficial. However, a period of adaptation is necessary due to the racket’s high ball exit and lively response, especially in fast-paced or aggressive play.
The retail price is noted as €250, placing it in the premium segment, justified by its advanced technologies and performance characteristics.
Reviewer ratings for key performance areas
The channel provides clear ratings for the main aspects of the racket’s performance. These scores reflect the reviewer’s personal experience and adaptation period:
- Defense: 9/10 (excellent comfort and ball exit, large sweet spot)
- Víbora and bandeja: 7.75/10 (high speed, but requires adaptation for control)
- Volley: 7.5/10 (good at medium/low speed, challenging at high speed until adapted)
- Smash: 8/10 (standard power, extra help on spin and three-meter smashes)
The overall score is estimated to be just above 8/10, with the reviewer highlighting defense and comfort as the racket’s strongest points.
Final thoughts on the StarVie Kenta Eternal Ultra Speed Soft
The StarVie Kenta Eternal Ultra Speed Soft stands out for its combination of comfort, high ball exit, and advanced vibration reduction. It is best suited for players looking to add speed to their game with minimal effort, provided they are willing to adapt to its lively response. The reviewer promises future comparisons with the V30 and Pro 50 versions, which will help clarify which core suits different playing styles best.
