At StarVie we are told how palas are different from those of the competition, why their price is, and above all, we are told a little bit more about the future of the star pala. Some interesting topics from one of the biggest brands of padel in the world.

In this article, we talk about StarVie, and more specifically about palas. These rackets, made entirely in Spain, are a burst of pride in the Hispanic players. Let's understand why?

StarVie and others

The base is the place of production. In Spain for StarVie, and in Asia for most other brands (about 300 today). The fact of having all the production on site allows several things: first of all to control the quality of the materials used. Then to be close to the production, to make tests on the chain, to produce according to the demand. Finally, offer palas of high quality, made almost by hand, with the ability to rectify quickly between the manufacturer and the player.

The difference between a pala made in Asia and one in Spain

Asia produces palas very aesthetic but would tend to lose performance after 6 months of practice. This is due to materials used and manufacturing that are not always followed very closely. StarVie announces palas spending the year of life-long use, quality materials and careful monitoring.

StarVie processes to control manufacturing

There is 2: The first is to take a random pala, cut in half and check if each material is in its place. The second is a cosmetic process to check if the paint stays in place. 24 to 48 hours of washing then analysis.

StarVie is sustainability

The annual breakage index is currently below 1%, which is very little. StarVie uses only carbon for its palas. It is a choice to prefer carbon to fiberglass, not for the sake of resistance because the fiberglass is also very resistant, but more by feeling of play. A preference more focused on the resistance than on the aesthetic (till today).

With the arrival of Stupa and the Raptor, StarVie becomes aesthetic.

StarVie is always looking for new designs and colors to attract new players, but this is not the point of honor. StarVie does not want to be compared to the palas Asian, very aesthetic, effective in the game from the first snowshoes but unsustainable shots. 2020 will be a new year for StarVie with 2 new snowshoe shapes, but silence for the moment.

A change in the price policy

A few years ago, StarVie offered a 50% discount on new palas. This time is over and prices are aligned with the competition. The price of the palas corresponds to their manufacturing stroke, the materials used, the research (I + D), and the accompaniment of the players. The most expensive palas are often those used by star players, often hard, but there are also cheaper palas, just as well manufactured, more flexible. The price of palas is not a sign of better quality ... at least at StarVie, and making low-cost is not the image that the brand wants to pass to its customers.

Players and StarVie?

It seems that players see StarVie as an expensive brand, which is why the rates have been revised. Also the aesthetic part is slightly reproached.

On the other hand, players know that StarVie is an innovative brand. This year we have discovered S2 and Filava which are 2 materials that increase resistance and durability.

What would be the pala of the future at StarVie?

According to its manufacturing director, Alberto Mancho, “The best would be to offer in a few years“ La pala de padel”. It would be a racquet for any type of player that would mix control, power and good racquet output. ”

source: Padel World Press / StarVie

Julien Bondia

Julien Bondia is a teacher of padel in Tenerife (Spain). Columnist and advisor, he helps you play better through his tutorials and tactical/technical articles padel.