Badminton Racket Victor Drive X 09 Reviews

Karry September 29, 2024 1 0

Find a few unusual basic-level rackets to try. Pay attention to the wording—basic-level means there’s no other racket in the series with an official price lower than this full carbon fiber model. This distinguishes it from entry-level rackets. I’ve always trusted Victory’s basic models, whether new or old, because I often find interesting elements in them.

Speaking of which, I wonder if any readers remember when I wrote about the TK330. It’s an entry-level racket with a 6.6mm shaft, which plays softly but still feels decent. The Yu 09 attracted me for a similar reason: I just wanted to see how the most basic 6.8mm shaft from the Blue Factory feels.

Specifications: 3UG5, without grip tape, total weight in use 91.05g, balance point 290mm, shaft length 215mm, low stiffness, fluid box frame, 76-hole string bed, 9-3 o’clock string grooves, string tension warranty of 26lbs, strung at 24lbs with VBS70.

Of course, offering multiple color choices is a way for low-end rackets to boost their product power. When they can’t provide much performance, they should at least meet aesthetic needs. The version I have is red and black, with vibrant red used on the 4-8 o’clock positions of the racket head and the cone. Visually, it provides a basic sense of layering. The model on the shaft uses a bold font typical of the Yu series, and “09” is a more basic code compared to the 0 and 1L. A similar naming pattern is used in the Speed series. I wonder how this racket looks to others. To me, aside from the head, the current color scheme reminds me a lot of the Duora 8XP.

This racket is aimed at amateur beginners, so it naturally can’t have too much head-heaviness. Besides, given the positioning of the Yu series, this should be a balanced racket. The materials used in this 6.8mm shaft are identical to the slightly pricier Yu 0 and Yu 1L models. Or you could say the 1L at least has the advantage of being lighter, but the Yu 0… is it just because of its looks that it differs from the positioning of the Yu 09? I can accept that.

Originally, I thought this level of racket would feel rather dull, but after using it, I found that the increased stiffness of the 09 improved the overall feel of hitting the shuttle. It feels quite different from the soft and dull sensation of the Yu 0 and 1L. The 09 is a bit stiffer than those two, and its reduced diameter gives it a slight improvement in elasticity. When handling close shots, the power release feels much better, and the dampening effect is reduced. The shaft doesn’t feel too soft when hitting, and although its increased stiffness makes it harder to flex, the benefit is a much clearer feel.

As you can see in the image, the strings are a bit off, which might not sit well with perfectionists. However, there’s no need to worry about these small details, as the stringing condition was pretty average during the test. But here’s the question: why wasn’t this better shaft used in the Yu 0 and 1? Could it be a cost issue?

When I first tested the Yu 0 and 1L, I struggled to adapt to the low elasticity when hitting powerful smashes. Not only did it produce a dampening effect, but the feedback wasn’t very clear, and I wasn’t confident in the power of my shots. But the Yu 09 doesn’t have this problem. As a “basic model,” it reminds me of the unattractive 3U-spec ProKennex Bluebird. Although their feel is in two different directions, the performance ceiling is similar. Whether for casual play or low-intensity matches, it’s really sufficient for me.

As for other aspects, such as drives, net play, defense, and handling passive shots, I’m at a loss for words—the racket embodies the balanced style of the Yu series. The performance and experience of this type of racket are likely more influenced by the strings. If I had a fresh 26lb 66N setup, everything would improve. But with the VBS70, which is losing tension, well…

I think it’s worth recommending. For players who are serious about the game, there’s no need to consider other entry-level Yu series rackets—this one can carry you to an intermediate level. Not to mention, I picked up the second-hand unstrung racket for under 100 yuan. Players tired of the 9500 might want to consider this one, which offers a more balanced feel and a slightly better shaft.