Ratings, shape, weight, balance, feel and prices side by side — and which one suits your game.
In short: the Star Vie Arkos 2026 is the more controlled racket (7.0 vs 6.0); the Star Vie Arkos 2026 is more forgiving thanks to a bigger sweet spot; the Adidas Drive Light 2026 is cheaper today (from €60).
Both are round rackets, so the differences come from balance, core and faces rather than the outline.
Feel: soft for the Star Vie Arkos 2026, medium-soft for the Adidas Drive Light 2026. Softer cores give easier depth at low speed and more comfort; harder cores reward fast swings with precision.
Faces: X Glass Tech versus Fiberglass.
The Star Vie Arkos 2026 is heavier (350–365 g vs 345–360 g), adding stability and power at the cost of manoeuvrability.
| Star Vie Arkos 2026 | Adidas Drive Light 2026 | |
|---|---|---|
| Brand | Star Vie | Adidas |
| Year | 2026 | 2026 |
| Shape | Round | Round |
| Weight | 350–365 g | 345–360 g |
| Balance | Low | Low |
| Feel | Soft | Medium-Soft |
| Core | S-EVA Flex | EVA Soft Performance |
| Faces | X Glass Tech | Fiberglass |
| Frame | Carbon fiber | Fiberglass |
| Game type | Control | Control |
| Suggested level | Beginner | Beginner |
They are very close in power (5.6 vs 5.7 out of 10 on Padelful's ratings).
The Star Vie Arkos 2026 has the bigger sweet spot (6.9/10 on Padelful), which makes it more forgiving.
Right now the Star Vie Arkos 2026 starts at €70 and the Adidas Drive Light 2026 at €60 in the shops we compare. Prices change often.
The Power, Control, Rebound, Manoeuvrability and Sweet spot ratings (out of 10) are by Padelful, shown with their permission. Our lists and “who is it for” notes are based on each racket's published specifications — shape, balance, core hardness, face material and weight. Specifications come from the Padel Rackets catalogue and manufacturers; always check the retailer's product page before buying.
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