Basalto

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 Basalto Pro: A Power-Oriented Racket for the Attacking Player

In the world of padel, power and offensive prowess are often the keys to seizing control of the court. For those seeking to elevate their attacking game, the Basalto Pro is a compelling choice, offering a potent combination of power and precision that caters to the needs of intermediate and advanced players alike.

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. Basalto Pro: the hardest with the Pro 50 core

2. Basalto: the intermediate model with the Soft 30 EVA core (this model)

In the fast-paced world of padel, the ability to excel at the net can often make the difference between victory and defeat. For those seeking a reliable ally in their quest for volleying mastery, the Basalto stands as a compelling choice, offering a well-rounded performance that caters to the needs of the discerning player.

Its balance translates particularly well to the volleys, where our reviewers found the Basalto to be a true standout. Its ability to provide a consistent and responsive platform for executing weighty volleys.

Power and Sweet Spot

While the Basalto may not be the hardest racket in its class, it still manages to deliver a respectable level of power, particularly in smashes leveraging spin. Our reviewers noted that, while the racket may lack that extra bit of power compared to some of its more specialized counterparts, it still offers a satisfying and controlled power delivery.

One area where the Basalto truly shines is its sweet spot. Described as “wide” by several of our reviewers, the racket’s generous sweet spot contributes to its overall consistency and forgiveness, making it a reliable choice for players seeking a racket that can mitigate the impact of mishits and off-center strikes.

Weight and Maneuverability

The weight of the Basalto is perhaps one of its most divisive aspects. Our test model weighed in at a hefty 380 grams, which most reviewers found too difficult on their shoulders.

However, it’s important to note that weight can vary between individual rackets, with some models reported to weigh as little as 360 grams.

For those who prefer a lighter and more maneuverable racket, a 360-gram version of the Basalto may prove to be a more suitable option, offering the same well-rounded performance in a package that is less taxing on the body.

Comfort and Ball Absorption

Comfort is another area where the Basalto Pro receives mixed reviews. While some reviewers appreciated the racket’s ability to absorb vibrations and provide a comfortable playing experience, others found the ball absorption to be slightly excessive, particularly in offensive situations where they desired more direct feedback and response.

In Conclusion: A Versatile Choice for the Well-Rounded Player

The Basalto Pro is a racket that truly shines in its versatility and well-rounded performance. While it may not excel in any single aspect, its ability to deliver a balanced touch, a wide sweet spot, and a respectable level of power make it a compelling choice for players seeking a reliable and consistent companion on the court.