Starvie Kenta Speed

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
2. Kenta: the intermediate model with the Soft 30 EVA core
3. Kenta Speed: the softest model with the Ultra Speed Soft EVA core (this model)
All else being equal, we recommend the Kenta to intermediate control or versatile players.

The Kenta on the court

The Starvie Kenta Speed is the softest Kenta - the Kenta with the most comfortable touch and the largest sweet spot. It is designed for players who prioritize spin and ease of use - confusingly, despite its name, it performs best at low speeds. It combines the Kenta's maneuverability and spin with comfort and a wide sweet spot that recreational players will appreciate. It is a standout option for comfort-oriented intermediate players seeking a versatile racket because of its strengths in ball output, sensation, and spin. Due to its soft touch, it will eat the ball slightly and be hard to control at high speeds. For this same reason, it is great in the defense. 

Aerial game

The same strengths that make it so capable in the back of the court can result in some constraints in the aerial game and volleys: the high ball output doesn't require much follow-through to generate speed, but it can similarly be difficult to control the ball at high speeds. Its 26.5cm provided most reviewers with a great balance between power and control. 

Comfortable touch and maneuverability

Despite its advanced design, the Starvie Kenta remains comfortable to wield, thanks to its softer core. Players note that it offers great touch and maneuverability, allowing for precise shot-making and fewer mistakes, particularly in compromised situations. Plus, its reduced vibration ensures minimal strain on the arm, making it an ideal choice for extended matches and intense rallies.

Amazing spin

"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 weight of the ball. Whether executing high or low-speed shots, the new "Hex Tech" for spin is generous.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Starvie Kenta Speed is a versatile and comfortable choice for intermediate players seeking comfort, maneuverability, and spin all around the court. While it may not offer the raw power of some other rackets, its balanced performance and comfortable touch make it a valuable asset for players looking to take their game to the next level.