in the galaxy StarVie, there is a “Premium” range that we could study last may, a “Star” series that we will analyze shortly, and a “Universe” version that we will dissect today.

Like its sisters in the “Premium” category, the Dronos and the Osiris are high-end models that we were eager to test.

A well-oiled manufacturing process

This StarVie collection, as it has been for years, is made in the  own factory of the brand, located at Azuqueca de Henares. This is where the entire production process takes place, 100% Made in Spain, which guarantees the quality of its products A process that begins with the design phase, then goes through the manufacturing, who takes between 11 and 15 days depending on the model, during which the racket goes through the different production phases.

It all starts with molding, an entirely manual job, where the previously cut materials are impregnated with epoxy resin in order to integrate the core, the tubular, and any additions (carbon fiber, basalt, aluminum, etc.)

Then begins the longest phase, the cosmetic work, in which the pala goes through the cut, where the excess material is removed and where the rackets are cleaned and prepared for the painting phase.
Once the pala is dry again, the water-based layers are applied manually, a laborious job that takes about 12 minutes for each one to be applied.
At this point, the racket moves on to the drilling phase and, finally, the wrist strap, closure, grip and any frame protections are placed.

StarVie Osiris

This is the model selected by Coki Nieto, very patient and extremely tenacious left player. There are racquets on the market that stand out for their great power, even if sometimes they lack a little control. Likewise, there are racquets that have incredible control, but with very low power.

But, fortunately, there are models that manage to strike the perfect balance between control and power. This Osiris is one of them, it stands out for its ability to strike with power, without neglecting control. As you would expect in a weapon of this level, it has a solid 100% carbon frame. But the best is in the faces.

In addition to using carbon fiber classic, they incorporate an additional material, the basalt.

This material not only gives more resistance and durability to the racquet, but also improves the reaction to shocks. Its main advantage is a considerable increase in the control and comfort of striking, but what is even better is that it does not penalize the power. As mentioned at the beginning, the Osiris Basalto is a racket that provides enough power to the hitting player.

However, it also offers great contact comfort with exceptional control. This is possible thanks to the fact that the racket has a core Eva Soft. It's the caoutchouc soft from StarVie (Soft30), characterized by its elasticity and its ability toabsorption. In this way, the hit is much more comfortable, without vibrations and with a great ball output. We come to one of the most important parts, which make the Osiris Basalto a complete pala. Various technologies have been incorporated to meet specific objectives.

One of them is the Full Plane Effect, a rough finish on the faces that increases grip with the ball to optimize spin on chop shots.

Coki Nieto Bandeja Albacete Challenger 2022

On the other hand, there is always the Star balance, one of the factory's flagship innovations, which is present in competition-level racquets. It is a piece designed exclusively in the area of ​​the heart of the racquet, its objective is to optimize the balance of the racquet for greater maneuverability. Regarding its design, the predominant color in the background is black, on which the brand logo stands out in yellow, as well as the name, placed in the lower part, in white. At stake is a pala that is superbly well balanced, versatile and enjoyable.

It does not compete with the brand's most powerful model (Triton Pro), but is very close to one of the most manageable references (Aquila). smashes, viboras and banderas are hit with a certain security, it goes off quite hard, but it remains hyper controllable. Medium sweet-spot, short handle and simple wrist strap are the last features we can add.

StarVie Dronos

Same shape, same rubber, with a more pronounced head weight and aluminum replacing basalt.

THEAluminum Tubular System is an aluminum tube that is inserted into the heart of the racquet to provide more stability in each stroke, and which offers greater rigidity, developing more firmness with each stroke. This model will therefore be slightly more powerful than the Osiris, because the addition of aluminum will provide a drier feel.

Nor should we neglect the Five Side Tech, a 5-sided design of the pala profile, which gives greater rigidity to the structure and better aerodynamics. The balance is higher than on the Osiris, and the Sweet spot is located like the latter, just above the center.

It is a pala which will be a little more complicated to handle in defensive situations, and which will draw all the characteristics of carbon and aluminum when it is necessary to carry the thrust.

It's the kind of model in fashion at the moment, very versatile, slightly power-oriented and which will suit the vast majority of players. Those who want more control will look to the Titania and those who want a little more power to the Raptor.

In game, this pala used by Lucas Bergamini proves to be pleasant and easy to handle, the volleys are performed safely, and the addition of aluminum gives this model surprising precision.
The rough finish Full Plane Effect is really very appreciable when it is necessary to give an additional effect. It is very discreet with its dark tones of black and purple.

En conclusion

If we had to decide between these two models, I would say that the Osiris will be more resistant thanks to the addition of basalt and the Dronos more powerful thanks to the incorporation of aluminium.
These references are recommended for those who opt for an offensive game without neglecting control.
All the brand's latest advances are there, as well as the chameleon metallic paint, which changes tone depending on the light.

Thanks to Julien and Manu for French Padel Shop for the loan of the complete StarVie 2022 range.

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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