Starvie Kenta Pro

Starvie in 2024

Starvie is famous for a few things: manufacturing their rackets in Spain, the durability of their rackets, and ending their sponsorship program in 2024. We can't know why they decided to do this, but at the end of 2023 beginning of 2024, Bea González, Coki Nieto, Lucas Bergamini, and other players announced that they would no longer be playing with Starvie rackets. I have to be honest - this slightly disappointed me as it sort of felt like the heavy-sponsoring, China-manufacturing brands would stomp out the Spanish-manufacturing brands. Or maybe it's just a shift toward boutique, premium, exclusive branding? How will this turn out? Only time will tell.

Starvie tip

Because Starvie weight ranges are so wide, we strongly recommend specifying the weight when you purchase your racket. A 385g Starvie will play totally different from a 350g version of the same model.

The Starvie Kenta Eternal

The Kenta Eternal is a sort of replacement for the Raptor Evolution. It fills a gap between the more power-oriented Triton and the control-oriented Metheora. Like most of its models, Starvie offers this racket in three versions, which correspond to the different hardnesses, or densities of the foam cores:
1. Kenta Pro: the hardest with the Pro 50 EVA core (this model)
2. Kenta: the intermediate model with the Soft 30 EVA core
3. Kenta Speed: the softest model with the Ultra Speed Soft EVA core
All else being equal, we only recommend the Kenta Pro to advanced players who know they appreciate a hard touch. 

The Kenta Pro on the court

For advanced control players seeking a racket that offers control and power, the Starvie Kenta Pro stands out as a top choice. It stands out for its versatile game which prioritizes control and sensation of the ball over forgiveness.

Power and precision

The Starvie Kenta Pro surprised our reviewers with its ability to deliver powerful shots while maintaining control. Despite its reputation as a control racket, its hard touch and roughness allow players to add weight to their shots with confidence and precision. It has a balance slightly above medium, at around 26.5cm, which makes it excel at delivering power when you ask it. It is particularly performance at high speeds, where it allows you to respond with power or slow the ball down for a drop shot with precision. This makes it a valuable asset for players looking to dominate the game with aggressive play.

Responsive Spin Generation

"The most powerful spin technology I've seen to date."
- Manu Martin

Starvie's Full Plane Effect, the monicker for their previous 3D roughness system for spin, was previously the strongest roughness system. And now with the Kenta, they have one-upped themselves. Players appreciate the racket's ability to generate spin effortlessly, giving them an edge in controlling the trajectory of the ball. Whether executing high or low-speed shots, its spin is generous.

Sweet Spot Sensation

The sweet spot is smaller than average - this can not be avoided for hard rackets. But our reviewers found that when they hit it, the sensation was unmatched. When the sweet spot is missed, on the other hand, it feels like the ball sits on the racket face for an additional split second.

Maneuverability and Comfort

Despite its >26cm balance, the Starvie Kenta Pro remains relatively maneuverable, particularly at the net where players can enjoy excellent control and spin. However, some players may find it less maneuverable in the backcourt.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Starvie Kenta Pro offers advanced players the precision and power they need to excel on the padel court. While it may not be suitable for everyone due to its demanding nature, its performance in delivering spin, power, and control makes it a valuable option for advanced players seeking the benefits of a hard racket. If this doesn't sound like you, check out the standard Kenta.