The Starvie Kraken 2022 stands out with its innovative 26mm profile, offering exceptional maneuverability and control for advanced players. Its teardrop shape provides a generous sweet spot for precise shots, making it ideal for technically skilled players who prioritize touch and finesse over raw power.
Power
7.5/10
Control
9.0/10
Defense
8.5/10
Offense
8.0/10
Maneuverability
9.5/10
Padel Racket Review - Star Vie Kraken 2022
Always overperforms in the warm-up, always underperforms in the match. Such is life.
Our mission is to help you choose the right padel racket with clear, in-depth reviews that make it easy to level up your game.
We start with official specs, then break down each racket's key properties. Finally, we bring together trusted video and written reviews—summarised into one consistent, easy-to-read overview.
The Starvie Kraken 2022 immediately stands out in the crowded padel market with its innovative 26mm profile—significantly slimmer than the standard 38mm rackets. This bold design choice reflects Starvie's commitment to creating specialized equipment for technically proficient players. The Kraken combines a teardrop shape with Extra Sweet Spot technology and Tubular Bicarbon reinforcements to create a racket that prioritizes feel and precision over brute force. While most manufacturers chase power through thicker frames, Starvie has taken a different approach that transforms how the racket handles on court.
How it plays..
Exceptional Maneuverability with Technical Precision
The Kraken's standout feature is undoubtedly its handling. The 26mm profile creates a racket that feels incredibly nimble in your hands, with a responsiveness that more cumbersome frames simply can't match. Despite its head-heavy balance, the racket doesn't feel sluggish at all—quite the opposite. The medium-density EVA core provides good feedback on contact, while the carbon fiber surface offers enough stiffness to maintain control without sacrificing feel. The sweet spot is generously sized and positioned toward the top of the head, giving you confidence when making contact. Players with sound technique will appreciate how the racket responds to subtle wrist movements and precise positioning.
Defense
Defensive Agility Under Pressure
Defensively, the Kraken truly shines. The exceptional maneuverability makes recovery shots and quick reactions significantly easier, especially when under pressure at the back of the court. When opponents hit powerful drives, you'll appreciate how quickly you can position the racket face, though you'll need good technique to maintain stability against the heaviest shots. The racket excels when executing defensive lobs, offering precise control to place the ball exactly where you want it. While not the most powerful option for counter-attacks from the back court, it compensates with accuracy that lets you target specific areas to keep opponents on the move.
Attack
Technical Attacking Play Over Raw Power
On offense, the Kraken favors technical finesse over brute force. Powerful smashes are noticeably less explosive compared to thicker rackets, requiring excellent technique and timing to generate significant power. However, what it lacks in raw hitting power, it makes up for in placement accuracy. Players who prefer to outwit opponents rather than overpower them will appreciate the racket's ability to direct shots with precision. The head-heavy balance helps provide some additional punch when needed, but this is clearly a racket designed for players who value control and tactical shot selection over pure aggression.
Netplay
Net Play Brilliance
At the net, the Kraken truly comes into its own. Volleys feel incredibly responsive and natural, with the racket's excellent maneuverability allowing for quick adjustments in fast exchanges. The enlarged sweet spot positioned toward the top of the head makes volleys particularly effective, giving you confidence to cut the ball without hesitation. Bandeja shots benefit from the precise control, allowing for carefully placed defensive options that keep you in the point. For viboras, the head-heavy balance provides enough mass behind the shot while the quick handling lets you execute the technique with speed. Net play is undoubtedly where most players will immediately notice this racket's advantages.
Our Advice for New Players
Not Ideal for Players Still Developing Technique
If you're relatively new to padel, the Kraken 2022 likely isn't the right choice for you at this stage. While its exceptional maneuverability might seem appealing, the racket requires solid technical fundamentals to compensate for its lower power output. Beginners typically benefit from more forgiving rackets with better power generation to help develop consistent shots. The Kraken demands precision and good technique to maximize its performance, which can be frustrating when you're still working on the basics. You'll be better served by a more balanced, user-friendly option until your skills develop further.
Our Advice for Intermediate Players
A Challenging But Rewarding Step Up
For intermediate players with solid fundamentals, the Kraken represents an intriguing but challenging option. If your technique is already well-developed and you're looking to enhance your control and net game, this racket could accelerate your progress. You'll immediately notice improvements in maneuverability and precision, particularly during net exchanges and defensive situations. However, be prepared for an adjustment period as you adapt to the different power profile compared to thicker rackets. The Kraken rewards technical improvement and tactical awareness, making it ideal for intermediate players who prioritize finesse over power and are willing to refine their technique to get the most from this specialized design.
Competitive level
Technical Players Will Appreciate This Specialized Tool
For advanced players, the Kraken 2022 represents a specialized tool for those who value technical precision and exceptional handling. If your game revolves around control, court positioning, and tactical shot placement rather than overwhelming power, this racket will feel like an extension of your arm. The 26mm profile provides a unique feel that enhances your connection with the ball, particularly at the net and during defensive exchanges. You'll need to adapt your smashing technique to maximize power, but the trade-off in maneuverability and control will be worth it for the right player. This isn't a racket for every advanced player, but those who match its technical profile will find it to be a revelation on court.
Research & References
Our mission is to help you choose the right padel racket with clear, in-depth reviews that make it easy to level up your game. We start with official specs, then break down each racket’s key properties. Finally, we bring together trusted video and written reviews—summarised into one consistent, easy-to-read overview.
Exceptional maneuverability with unique 26mm slim profile
Excellent control and precision for technical players
Superior volleying performance at the net
Larger sweet spot thanks to Extra Sweet Spot technology
Great defensive capabilities with quick response
Power on smashes is lower compared to thicker rackets
Less stability against powerful opponent shots
Requires good technique to maximize potential
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Skill Level
Advanced
Court Position
Both
Play Style
Control
Best at: Maneuverability (9.5/10)
Average: 8.5/10
PadelReference
€119.90
ViewThe Kraken Pro offers more stiffness and power for a more offensive game, while the standard Kraken focuses on control and maneuverability with the same 26mm slim profile.
No, the Kraken 2022 is designed for advanced players with good technique, as it requires skill to maximize its potential and compensate for its lower power.
Its distinctive 26mm profile (vs standard 38mm) makes it exceptionally maneuverable with unique feel, complemented by Extra Sweet Spot technology.
Yes, Star Vie is a respected Spanish brand known for innovation and quality, producing rackets used by professional players with advanced technologies.
The Kraken's power is comparable to the Aquila but less than the Triton, while offering better maneuverability than both thanks to its unique slim profile.
It's ideal for technical, control-oriented players who value precision and quick net play over power, particularly for those with good technique.
It weighs between 350-385g with a head-heavy balance that provides control with sufficient power when hit correctly.
Shape
Teardrop
Weight
Medium (356–370G)
Balance
Power-Oriented (Head-Heavy)
Touch
Medium
Core
Medium
Texture
Rough
Year
2022
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