Star Vie Astrum 2026 Plus

Introduction

The Star Vie Astrum 2026 Plus is a powerful, sweet-spot-focused tear-shape racket for aggressive mid-to-high level players.

Shape & Balance

The tear shape sits between round and diamond, giving you a balance of power and control. It feels more head-heavy than a round racket, so you get extra momentum on your shots.

This means a slightly slower swing, but once you get it going, the racket does the work. For players with good technique, this shape finds a sweet spot between aggression and control.

Grip

The handle is standard size, comfortable for most players. The medium feel extends to the grip area, giving you a firm hold without harsh vibrations.

After a long match, you might feel some fatigue because of the weight and head-heavy balance, but it's not excessive. You may need a tacky overgrip to keep a solid hold when you sweat.

Power & Control

With a power score of 9/10, this racket packs a punch. You'll hit lasers on smashes and can easily push the ball to the back glass from deep positions.

The control score of 8.8/10 is high but slightly behind power. You get good accuracy, but you have to manage the extra force. It's a great trade-off for players who like to attack and place shots.

Comfort & Speed

Comfort is decent, thanks to the medium feel and M-EVA Balance core. It doesn't send harsh vibrations up your arm, but it's not as plush as a soft-core racket.

Maneuverability scores 8.7/10, which is good for a racket this powerful. It moves quickly at the net for volleys, but you'll notice the weight if you're used to lighter rackets. It rewards players who are prepared for it.

Materials & Durability

The frame is carbon fiber, which gives it strength and stiffness without extra weight. The faces are 12K carbon, a high-grade material that's known for being hard and durable.

The core is M-EVA Balance, a medium-density foam that balances power and feel. These materials together make a racket that should hold up well over time, though the high stiffness means it could crack if you hit the frame hard.

Analysis

The Astrum 2026 Plus hits hard. The power rating of 9/10 is real, pushing the ball deep with little effort. The rebound score of 10/10 means the racket does a lot of the work on defense, turning blocks into fast, deep returns.

But it's not just a one-trick pony. The control score of 8.8/10 keeps your shots accurate, so you can place the ball even when you're hitting with force. The sweet spot is huge, a 10/10, which makes every hit feel solid, even on off-center contacts.

The medium feel and M-EVA Balance core give a nice blend of power and feedback—not too stiff, not too soft. You can feel the ball, but the racket still absorbs hard hits well.

If you're a beginner or someone with a slower swing, look elsewhere. This racket needs you to bring some pace to get the most out of it. Also, if you prefer a softer, more forgiving feel, this might be too firm.

However, for an advanced player who wants to dominate points with smashes and fast volleys, it's a rare gem. It's demanding, but it rewards clean technique.