Star Vie Drax 2026 Plus

Introducing the Star Vie Drax 2026 Plus – a racket built for those who appreciate both precision and power during play. Leveraging modern materials and clever engineering, this model feels highly responsive from the very first rally.

Technical Analysis

Shape and Balance

The round shape of the Drax 2026 Plus is evident in how the racket responds across varied game scenarios. The medium balance helps blend control with just enough hitting power, while the design promotes a consistent feel across the face. I noticed the racket heads remain stable during fast swings, helping to maintain accuracy without feeling clunky in hand.

Materials and Construction

Star Vie combines a carbon fiber frame with new-generation 12K carbon fiber faces. This mix brings a firm, lively contact but not without some forgiveness. The core, formed from M-EVA Balance foam, delivers a medium-feel response. This translates to softer absorbs when needed, but enough backbone to accelerate the ball off the face.

Grip

Grip comfort holds up well through long matches. The standard grip feels secure and adds to the overall confidence when switching from defense to attack. Even as matches wear on, the handle's ergonomic shape aids quick hand adjustments.

Sweet Spot and Forgiveness

Where this racket shines is in its generous sweet spot. Off-center balls don’t immediately lose all control, which makes for a more forgiving play, particularly when reacting under pressure or stretching for returns. Star Vie’s attention to hole distribution and carbon layering really matters here.

Comfort Features

One of my favorite details is how the Shock Shield system handles vibration. Strikes—even the awkward ones—feel comfortable, reducing arm fatigue. The combination of M-EVA and the carbon frame further lessens stringy shock without deadening the hit.

On-Court Impressions

Baseline Performance

At the back of the court, the Drax 2026 Plus provides a medium-firm touch. Defensive lobs come with strong directional control and even tricky shots maintain a steady ball exit, thanks to the well-sized sweet spot. While some rackets feel hollow or unpredictable in defense, this one strikes a satisfying middle ground, rewarding measured strokes while still letting you push for power if technique is solid.

Net Play and Volleys

At the net, the balance and aerodynamics encourage quick reactions for volleys and bandjas. The carbon face grips the ball just enough, especially when adding spin, so you have good control over drop shots and angled placements. On overheads, the stability stands out. Effort feels well-transferred and pop doesn’t lag, even under pressure.

Smashes and Aggressive Shots

For smashes, the blend of M-EVA foam and 12K carbon carbon really activates. Drives and overheads kick off the face with noticeable speed. There’s enough power to threaten from mid-court, but hitting big requires commitment through the swing. The round shape doesn’t sacrifice the possibility for deep or sharp-angled shots—something not always common with control-focused rackets.

Spin Generation

The Spin Boost Tech texture is not just a label. There’s effective ball bite, making slice serves, top-spin volleys, and cut smashes far more precise. Players who habitually add spin pick up the difference quickly.

Conclusion

The Star Vie Drax 2026 Plus sits confidently among the more versatile rackets for intermediate and advanced players. It merges expressive touch with just enough bite for attacking play, while extended rallies won’t steal energy thanks to well-implemented comfort tech. The large sweet spot, reliable response, and effective spin surface mean there’s little holding you back—except the limits of your technique.

Its primary strengths? Consistent feel, spin capability, and a sweet spot that offers room for error. There’s some trade-off with outright maneuverability on fast exchanges, but this is more a matter of play style than a significant flaw.

This is a racket for players who want the confidence to both defend deeply and step up the offensive tempo. A solid pick that doesn’t bind you to one style of padel.