Jayce
Recently, a fellow player asked me about Victor rackets with a balance point around 305mm that are suited for offensive play. Upon reflection, aside from some classic old models like the 2013P/L, most of Victor’s recent products have leaned towards balanced, lightweight, and speed-oriented designs, with fewer options for aggressive, hard-hitting rackets. However, the Glory 002 I have in hand stands out as a formidable offensive racket for Victor (its predecessor, the Glory 001, which I haven’t tried, is apparently a more powerful version with feedback indicating it’s quite aggressive and enjoyable).
Appearance:
It’s hard to imagine Victor designing a racket with this color scheme. Most high-end Victor rackets feature glossy finishes and gold accents or a matte, understated look, such as in the Infiniti or 1982 series. The Glory 002, however, sports a semi-matte finish that feels quite premium, avoiding any cheap look. The gold and laser stickers on the shaft and frame add a stylish touch. The racket features a black and pink color scheme, with a gradient effect from pink to black on the frame and handle. The asymmetrical paint pattern is quite eye-catching. With its pink strings and grip tape, the racket exudes both flair and power. This aesthetic innovation is sure to appeal to many consumers.
Specifications:
- 4U G5
- Full string grommets
- 76-hole small edge frame
- Handle length: 205mm
- 46T material shaft length: 220mm
- Weight (without grip): 94.5g
- Balance point: 303±2mm
- String tension: 25-27 lbs with Victor VBS66N
- Warranty tension: 30 lbs
Performance:
With a specified balance point of 305±0mm, the Glory 002 clearly targets high-end performance within Victor’s product line. The racket belongs to the Infiniti series, featuring a small frame and strong power feel. Despite being a 4U model, it feels solid, with a larger head-heavy sensation, which contributes to a formidable smashing threat. Compared to another Infiniti classic, the 3U Lanpad, the Glory 002’s lighter weight gives it a slightly faster swing speed. In terms of offensive performance, I find the Glory 002 superior to the Lanpad. The shaft’s resilience and hardness provide a sharp, clear shot, making it effective for both smashes and powerful clears, with minimal strain on the wrist and stamina. It’s not a soft racket and does require some power to perform optimally. The accuracy in high clears and baseline control is commendable, with improved shock absorption compared to older J20 series models, although some vibrations still occur.
In flat drives, the Glory 002’s excellent maneuverability helps a lot. It offers quick rebound rates, allowing for continuous pressure and swift recovery. The racket’s performance is smooth, though there are a few things to note. It requires some adaptation and has a certain threshold for effective use. Despite its aggressive smashing, the small frame has a low tolerance for errors, and its fast swing speed demands good ball feel. Occasional mis-hits can lead to passive situations, although the paint job is durable. Additionally, its performance at the net is fairly average, relying heavily on wrist and finger strength. The racket provides minimal assistance for net play, making it more suitable for singles and recommended for rotation in the mid-backcourt for doubles.
Summary:
Victor has often been criticized for making rackets that lean towards softer, speed-oriented designs, sacrificing power in the rear court. The Glory 002, along with its predecessor, the Glory 001, stands out as a prime option for those seeking a racket that balances power and agility. It seems to be the best solution for combining explosive power with agility in Victor’s current lineup.
