- Big sweet spot
- Comfortable
- Easy to use
- Absorbs the ball on flat smashes
- Lower roughness than other Starvies
Scorecard
Specifications
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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, which I consider a requirement for Starvies, for €10.
The Starvie Dronos Speed
From the moment you take the Dronos Speed in your hands, you'll be struck by its balanced feel and maneuverability. Unlike most Starvies, this racket offers comfort and maneuverability. It is optimized for low to medium speeds, while its soft touch can result in a loss of power at higher speeds due to the unpredictable bounce effect. Unlike most of its models, Starvie only offers this racket with one foam core, its softest one, the "Ultra Speed Soft rubber".
Sweet Spot and Feel
One of the standout features of the Dronos Speed is its impressive sweet spot, which our reviewers consistently described as being slightly above the center of the striking surface. This well-positioned sweet spot not only contributes to the racket's overall consistency but also enhances the overall feel and feedback, ensuring that players can trust their instincts and execute shots with confidence.
Our reviewers also praised the racket's ability to provide a comfortable and forgiving touch, particularly at lower and medium swing speeds, where its soft composition and well-balanced weight distribution work in harmony to create an accessible playing experience.
Spin and Shotmaking
While the Dronos Speed may not be the most powerful racket in Starvie's lineup, it more than makes up for it with its impressive spin-generation capabilities. Thanks to Starvie's renowned 3D roughness system, this racket can impart a lot of spin on the ball, allowing players to execute bajads, viboras, and kick smashes with Starvie's renowned spin. Note that the height of the roughness is slightly lower on this racket than on other Starvie models.
Versatility and Maneuverability
Perhaps the most compelling aspect of the Dronos Speed is its versatility. Our reviewers consistently praised the racket's ability to perform well in a wide range of situations, from the back of the court to the net, and everything in between.
At the net, the Dronos Speed's maneuverability and comfortable feel make it a reliable choice for executing precise volleys and defensive shots. In the back of the court, its soft touch and medium balance allow players to control the pace of rallies with ease.
Comfort and User-Friendliness
Comfort is a key strength of the Dronos Speed, with its soft composition and well-designed ergonomics contributing to an overall user-friendly experience. The inclusion of Starvie's Noene under grip adds an extra layer of comfort and grip, ensuring that even the most grueling matches don't take a toll on your hands and wrists.
In Conclusion: A Versatile Choice for the Well-Rounded Player
The Starvie Dronos Speed is a true embodiment of versatility, offering a well-rounded performance with its medium balance, impressive sweet spot, spin generation capabilities, and overall user-friendliness. It represents a compelling choice for players seeking a reliable and adaptable companion on the court.
In the volleys, I really love the spin, a good sweet spot, and I barely feel it on my arm it's so easy to move with. In my aerial game, it allows me to express all the spin I want. In the back of the court, the sweet spot is OK. Really enjoyable in lobs. In smashes, you have enough power, but not exceptional - I notice the large sweet spot here. Test racket is 360g and balances at 26.2cm, medium hardness. I appreciate the Noene undergrip.
This is a medium-soft, easy to maneuver racket with a sweet spot slightly above center. In my opinion, it is the most complete of the Starvies with "Ultra Speed Soft" core. Less powerful than the Triton Speed, but easier to use. Classic Starvie uncinched wrist strap with Neone grip tape, single layer of 3K carbon fiber and 3D roughness - lower than the other Starvie models. Test model 360g and balances at 26cm.