Starvie Metheora

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 very differently from a 350g version of the same model. My test model weighed 365g. Note that Total Padel provides a weighing service for €10.

The Starvie Metheora 

The Metheora is the new name for the former Metheora Warrior. It is the brand's control model - round and lower balanced than other premium Starvies. Like most of its models, Starvie offers this racket in different versions, which correspond to the different hardnesses, or densities of the foam cores: 
1. Metheora Dual: the hardest with the dual-density (aka MultiEVA) core (this model) 
2. Metheora: the intermediate model with the Soft 30 EVA core
All else being equal, we only recommend the Metheora Dual to advanced players who know they appreciate a hard touch.  

Design and craftsmanship

In the world of padel, control and precision reign supreme, and few rackets embody this ethos quite like the Starvie Metheora. Designed with an advanced control player in mind, this racket offers a sublime blend of feel, touch, and spin potential, making it a compelling choice for those seeking to dictate the pace of rallies and keep their opponents guessing.
A Racket for the Strategist
From the moment you step onto the court with the Metheora, it becomes evident that this racket is tailored for the strategic player – the one who prides themselves on building points and creating opportunities for their partner. With a weight range of 350-385 grams (our test model weighing in at 363 grams) and a balanced feel at 27cm, the Metheora provides the ideal platform for those who prioritize precision and controlled placement over raw power.

Spin and shotmaking

One of the standout features of the Metheora is its exceptional spin generation capabilities, thanks in large part to Starvie's renowned roughness system. "It will remove your calluses," Manu Martin said of the Full Plane Effect system when it was released. Our reviewers consistently praised the racket's ability to impart heavy spin on the ball, making it a formidable ally in executing a variety of shots, from kick smashes and bandejas to well-disguised drop shots.
While the Metheora may not offer the same level of raw power as some of its more offensive-oriented counterparts, its strength lies in its ability to facilitate controlled shotmaking. Whether you're looking to open up the court with a well-placed lob or construct a point with precise groundstrokes, the Metheora's combination of spin and control makes it a versatile and reliable companion.

Control and Sweet Spot

As one might expect from a racket designed with control in mind, the Metheora excels in this department. Our reviewers consistently praised the racket's ability to provide exceptional control, particularly at higher speeds where its stiff and responsive nature shines.
One aspect that stood out was the Metheora's impressive sweet spot – described as "large" by our testers. This generous sweet spot not only contributes to the racket's overall consistency but also helps mitigate the potential for mishits, making it a forgiving choice for those who value precision over outright power.

Comfort and Ergonomics

While the Metheora's focus on control and precision is undeniable, Starvie has not sacrificed comfort in the pursuit of performance. The inclusion of the brand's acclaimed Noene grip helps to absorb vibrations and enhance overall comfort, ensuring that even the most grueling matches don't take a toll on your hands and wrists.
However, our reviewers did note some areas for improvement in the ergonomics department. The narrow handle and small wristband were cited as potential drawbacks, particularly for those with larger hands or a preference for a more substantial grip.

A Racket for the Purist

In many ways, the Starvie Metheora represents a throwback to a time when control and precision were prized above all else in padel. Its no-nonsense approach, coupled with its ability to generate spin and facilitate precise shotmaking, make it a compelling choice for the purist – the player who values the finer nuances of the game and takes pride in their ability to dictate the pace of rallies.
While it may not be the racket for those seeking outright power or forgiveness, the Metheora excels at what it was designed for: providing a partner for control and precision that can elevate the games of those who truly appreciate the art of padel.

In Conclusion

The Starvie Metheora is a true precision instrument, a racket that caters to the discerning control player who values feel, touch, and the ability to dictate the trajectory of the ball. With its impressive spin generation, large sweet spot, and emphasis on controlled shotmaking, the Metheora represents a compelling choice for those seeking to take their strategic game to new heights.
While it may not be the racket for everyone, those who embrace its nuances and appreciate the finer points of the game will find in the Metheora a faithful companion – one that promises to reward their commitment to precision and control.