Starvie Tritón 2024

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, Javi Garrido (the former signee of this racket) Bea González, Coki Nieto, 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. Note that Total Padel offers a weighing service for €10.

The Starvie Tritón

The Tritón is Starvie's canon - it's their highest balance racket in their premium line with a double layer of 3K carbon fiber. That means it is their most powerful, most technical racket. It has a small, high sweet spot. It has a long handle. 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. Tritón Pro: the hardest with the "Pro 50" EVA core (this model)
2. Tritón: the intermediate model with the "Soft 30" EVA core
3. Tritón 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 Tritón Pro on the court

Designed for upper intermediate and advanced players who crave an offensive edge, this racket is a force to be reckoned with, delivering exceptional power and precision in a package that demands both skill and physical stamina.
While the Starvie Tritón Pro stands as an uncompromising powerhouse for advanced attackers, the standard Triton model offers a more forgiving and fluid alternative without sacrificing the brand's commitment to delivering exceptional power and spin.
Occupying a space between the demanding Tritón Pro and the softer Tritón Speed, the Tritón strikes a careful balance, catering to players seeking a potent offensive weapon that doesn't demand the same level of technical prowess as its harder Pro sibling.

Power and Responsiveness

Like its Pro counterpart, the Tritón features a double layer of uncolored carbon fiber, resulting in a slightly harder composition than its predecessor. This construction, combined with a balance point of around 27cm, translates into a racket that delivers ample power and responsiveness, particularly higher swing speeds. Its power is easier to access than the Pro, particularly at medium speeds, where the Pro responds with discreet ball output where as the standard Tritón brings a more helpful response. 
Our reviewers consistently praised the Triton's ability to respond well when pressure is applied to the ball, resulting in potent flat and kick smashes that don't sacrifice control or feel. This combination of power and precision makes the Tritón a formidable weapon in the aerial game, allowing players to volleys and viboras with fluidity and consistency.

Spin Generation and Control

Starvie's renowned Full Plane Effect spin system is a standout feature of the Tritón, providing exceptional spin generation capabilities that rival some of the best rackets on the market. Whether executing top-spin smashes or well-disguised drop shots, the Tritón's ability to impart devastating rotations on the ball is a true asset for players seeking to dictate the pace and trajectory of rallies.
Despite its power-oriented nature, the Tritón manages to deliver a high level of control, particularly at medium and high swing speeds. Our reviewers noted that this racket offers a notable improvement in control compared to the softer Tritón Speed, making it a compelling option for players seeking a balance between power and precision. Though on warm days at the net, the core is noticeably more reactive, and players should be careful to not shoot these balls into the wall.

Forgiveness and Playability

While the Tritón Pro demands a high level of technical proficiency and physical conditioning, the standard Tritón model offers a more forgiving and accessible experience. With a slightly smaller sweet spot than its Pro sibling, the Tritón still punishes mishits, but to a lesser degree, allowing players to find their rhythm and groove without being overly penalized for minor lapses in form.
Additionally, the Tritón's slightly lower weight and balance point contribute to improved maneuverability, making it easier to wield during extended rallies or defensive situations. This increased playability, coupled with the racket's fluid and consistent performance, makes the Triton a compelling choice for players seeking a step up in power without sacrificing forgiveness or control.

In Conclusion: A Powerful and Approachable Option

The Starvie Tritón represents a compelling middle ground for players seeking a powerful and spin-friendly racket that doesn't demand the same level of technical mastery as the uncompromising Triton Pro with its tiny sweet spot. With its blend of power, control, and forgiveness, the Triton offers an approachable yet potent option that can elevate the games of intermediate and advanced players alike.
While it may not possess the raw, unadulterated power of its Pro sibling at high speeds, the Tritón's fluid and consistent performance, combined with its exceptional spin generation and ball feel, make it a versatile and rewarding choice for those seeking to unlock their offensive potential without sacrificing playability or comfort.