Starvie Tritón Speed 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 provides a racket weight selection 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

The Tritón Speed on the court

In the world of padel, striking the right balance between power and control is a constant pursuit, and Starvie's Tritón Speed offers a compelling solution for players seeking a potent yet forgiving racket tailored for defensive play.
As the softest member of the Tritón family, the Tritón Speed represents a departure from the uncompromising power of the Tritón Pro, instead delivering a medium-soft touch and exceptional ball output, making it an ideal choice for those who prioritize consistency and control in their defensive game as well as a wide sweet spot. 

Power and Ball Output

Despite its softer composition, the Tritón Speed remains one of the most powerful medium-soft rackets on the market. Featuring a double layer of uncolored carbon fiber and a slightly harder construction than its predecessor, this racket packs a surprising punch, particularly at lower swing speeds.
Our reviewers noted that while the Tritón Speed excelled in smashes and volleys at lower speeds, its performance remained impressive even at higher velocities, thanks in part to the leverage effect provided by its balanced weight distribution.

Forgiving Playability

One of the standout qualities of the Tritón Speed is its forgiving nature, which makes it an accessible option for players of varying skill levels. With the largest sweet spot among the Tritón models, mishits are less punishing, allowing players to find their rhythm and groove without being overly penalized for minor lapses in form or timing.
This increased forgiveness, combined with the racket's exceptional ball output, makes the Tritón Speed a compelling choice for players who prioritize consistency and control in their defensive game, enabling them to extend rallies and keep their opponents on their toes.

Control and Spin Generation

While the softer composition of the Tritón Speed may seem better suited for defensive play, this racket still delivers impressive spin generation capabilities, thanks to Starvie's renowned Full Plane Effect spin system. Whether executing well-disguised drop shots or imparting topspin on defensive lobs, the Tritón Speed provides ample control and spin, allowing players to dictate the pace and trajectory of rallies.
Our reviewers noted that while the trampoline effect from the soft EVA core could occasionally lead to a loss of control at higher speeds, the overall level of precision and spin generation remained impressive, particularly in the aerial game.

Comfort and Maneuverability

Comfort is a key strength of the Triton Speed, with its medium-soft touch and balanced weight distribution contributing to a pleasurable playing experience. The racket's design also features Starvie's narrow handle, which many reviewers counteract with a few overgrips.
Despite its relatively high balance point, the Tritón Speed remains surprisingly maneuverable, making it a viable option for players who need to quickly transition between offensive and defensive situations.

In Conclusion: A Versatile Powerhouse

The Starvie Tritón Speed stands out as a versatile powerhouse, delivering a potent combination of power, ball output, and forgiveness that caters to players seeking consistency and control in their defensive game.
While it may not possess the raw, unadulterated power of its Tritón Pro sibling or the fluid precision of the standard Tritón, the Tritón Speed excels in its ability to provide a forgiving and approachable partner for defensive play, without sacrificing the spin generation and control that are hallmarks of the Triton line.
For players who want easy power without compromising the sweet spot size, the Tritón Speed represents a compelling option that can elevate their game to new heights, allowing them to extend rallies and keep their opponents guessing with a potent blend of power and ease of use.