Padel racket comparison

Star Vie Drax 2027 Plus vs Black Crown Gladius 2026

Ratings, shape, weight, balance, feel and prices side by side — and which one suits your game.

In short: the Black Crown Gladius 2026 is cheaper today (from €113).

Ratings compared

Star Vie Drax 2027Black Crown Gladius 2026
PowerControlReboundManoeuvrabilitySweet spot
8.4Power8.1
8.3Control8.4
9.1Rebound7.6
8.1Manoeuvrability7.8
8.3Sweet spot8.1

Ratings out of 10 by Padelful.

Choose the Star Vie Drax 2027 if you want

  • a very similar feel — pick on price, look or brand preference

From €159 at Padel-Point

Choose the Black Crown Gladius 2026 if you want

  • to spend less (from €113)

From €113 at StreetPadel

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Key differences

Both are teardrop rackets, so the differences come from balance, core and faces rather than the outline.

Faces: 12K Carbon Hyper versus 18K Carbon.

More comparisons

Specifications side by side

Star Vie Drax 2027Black Crown Gladius 2026
BrandStar VieBlack Crown
Year20272026
ShapeTeardropTeardrop
Weight350–370 g355–370 g
BalanceMediumMedium
FeelMedium-HardMedium-Hard
CoreM-Eva BalanceMedium Black EVA
Faces12K Carbon Hyper18K Carbon
Frame—Carbon fiber
Game typeVersatileControl
Suggested levelIntermediateIntermediate

Frequently asked questions

Which is more powerful, the Star Vie Drax 2027 Plus or the Black Crown Gladius 2026?

They are very close in power (8.4 vs 8.1 out of 10 on Padelful's ratings).

Which is better for beginners?

Both are similarly forgiving; choose the one whose shape and weight suit you.

Which one is cheaper?

Right now the Star Vie Drax 2027 Plus starts at €159 and the Black Crown Gladius 2026 at €113 in the shops we compare. Prices change often.

Where the ratings come from

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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