We continue with the testing from the collection StarVie 2022. The Spanish company, which we no longer present, has decided to break the codes and innovate in its own way by presenting a completely atypical model called Kraken. A pala made by hand in Spain, which will surprise more than one!

Like the Titania, Aquila and Triton, it is offered in Soft30 and Pro50 rubber in order to reach as many players as possible, an excellent initiative that I salute once again here.

26 mm instead of the usual 38!

At first glance, from the front, nothing differentiates this series from other palates on the market. But when you look at her in profile, you realize that something is not common. Indeed, the thickness is not 38mm but 26mm!

Starvie Kraken Pro

Will this difference of more than a centimeter have a beneficial effect in the game, or on the contrary non-existent or even negative repercussions?

Let's first look at some characteristics that remain in “normality”.

Teardrop shape, bicarbon tubular frame, 3K carbon faces, head weight, 0.5mm longer shaft and classic wrist strap. Astonishing drilling plan, smooth faces and glossy finish complete the picture of this pala which stands out with the fluorescent green logo on its black/grey bed.

But some innovations specific to the brand have appeared, namely the technology Stiffness in the core that optimizes the balance and provides greater rigidity, as well as theExtra Sweet Spot which is responsible for generating a wider punto-dulce, and providing better control on off-center hits.

Soft 30 medium density rubber offers theperfect balance between power and control while the more rigid Pro50 will be reserved for players of a very good level.

Impressive maneuverability!

In game, I was pleasantly surprised by the maneuverability of this pala. Coming from squash, it was obvious that this reduced profile was going to charm me, and I must say that the result is final. The coefficient of penetration in the air being better, it feels like playing with a foil! But it will nevertheless take time to adapt in order to tame the beast and understand how to talk to it, because the first minutes are totally confusing.

Volleys are the business of the so-called Kraken, it's a pure delight to cut the ball without apprehension to see it go into the background.

Due to the reduced profile, powerful smashes are a tone below a Triton, but equivalent to an Aquila, despite a sweet-spot above the center and a marked balance in the head.

But what you lose on one side you gain on the other, and defensively speaking, it's a pure marvel of manoeuvrability, although it still takes a little extra push of the wrist when you're at the end of the line. stroke in order to squirt the ball with more vigor.

The black point remains less stability when you are on the fly and opponents send very strong strikes, you will need to be well sheathed to master it.

So, is this the perfect pala?

Yes if you are looking for control and maneuverability, no if you are of an average level and/or a fervent supporter of omnipotence.

It is clear that this pala caused a stir by being the main attraction in my club. The model with a Soft30 foam density is really worth trying because you have to have it in hand to believe it, and handling this model with disconcerting ease will make you gain in confidence (therefore in progress).

Having also tested the much stiffer model with a Pro50 rubber, I was not won over by this reference, despite constant precision (but for that you have to be able to get right into the heart of the sweet spot). A hard rubber generally forgives less than a soft rubber, but when the profile loses more than 20% of compactness, the slightest misalignment is punished.

Thanks once again to Julien and Manu for French Padel Shop for allowing me to experiment with these unusual models, which we were able to find and test at FIP Rise of Canet-en-Roussillon at the corner of FPS, from August 24 to 28.

Stéphane Penso

Fan of padel, Stéphane has become the official tester of the planet padel in Europe. Everything goes through his expert hands. Thanks to his extensive experience in the snowshoeing world, he is able to scan your gear from head to toe!

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