StarVie Drax Plus Padel Racket

Padelful describes a clean, modern all-rounder for players who live on timing. It scores the rebound 9.1, which is high, so the ball leaves the face quickly, and it praises stable blocks, counterpunches and natural bandeja depth. Power is 8.4 and control 8.3, so it sits close to the middle of the road with a lean towards pace.

The weaknesses are the ones a lively carbon face brings. Padelful finds little softness on touch shots, says the racket needs active hands in defence and offers limited help on heavy smashes. It rewards an active swing rather than handing out easy power, which is the opposite of a soft first racket.

StarVie's technology list includes a Hepta Bridge for precision and lower weight, an Airflow Design frame to raise swing speed and Shock Shield rubber in the frame to damp vibration. A textured Spin Boost face and Reactive Holes complete the picture, according to Padelgids, which also lists a Z-Shock grip.

Shape is the clearest conflict. Padelgids and the retailers call it a teardrop and Padelful lists round, so ask if it matters. Weight runs from 350 to 365 on Padelful, 360 with 8 g either way on Padelgids and 360 to 375 g on another retailer. Level is intermediate on Padelful and Padel Kiwi and advanced on Padeldeals. We have not seen a StarVie sheet for this racket.

The StarVie Astrum Plus is the more forgiving sibling. On Padelful's 2026 pages it scores 9.4 for sweet spot against the Drax Plus's 8.3, while the Drax Plus is a little ahead for power and control. The Kenta Plus is StarVie's round racket, and the Raptor Plus is a teardrop aimed at advanced players.

If you tend to be late on the ball, the Astrum is safer. If you like to hit early and want bite, the Drax is the livelier choice. Our teardrop padel rackets page compares more shapes like this.

Players who want a soft touch or free power. Padelful finds little softness on touch shots and little help on heavy smashes, and a lively carbon face punishes a late or lazy swing. If you are still learning, the best padel racket for intermediate players page and the best padel racket for beginners page list gentler options.

A tacky overgrip from the padel grips page suits a lively racket, and frame tape from the racket protector range goes on before the first match. Balls come from the padel balls page.

A bag with a shoe pocket keeps sand off the kit, such as the Babolat RH Pro, and the padel shoes page covers court shoes, including the K-Swiss Ultrashot Light. Our guide to choosing a padel racket explains shape and balance.