Karry
Many fellow badminton enthusiasts, just like I once did, find themselves captivated by Mizuno’s stunningly beautiful products, longing to get their hands on a high-end Mizuno racket. However, faced with the daunting prices of the Altius and Fortius series flagships, many are deterred. Not only that, but the prices of sub-flagship and other high-end series don’t show much difference either. Then, there are the fake knock-offs on TB/XY that sell for around 100-200 RMB, and though we know we shouldn’t buy them, their aesthetic appeal keeps nagging at us.
At this point, many stumble upon a series called JPX. Priced at 600-700 RMB for a brand-new racket, it feels like a breath of fresh air, and its aesthetic is just as impressive. The key is that all sellers emphasize that it’s a high-end racket. Although the JPX series is no longer listed on the official website, in the previous generation of Mizuno’s product pyramid, JPX indeed belonged to the high-end category, and with professional players endorsing it, it’s hard not to be tempted.
As someone who loves to try out new gear, I resisted the urge to spend my money. But a generous friend lent me three rackets from the JPX series, and with gratitude, I respectfully conducted a parallel test of the three models. After all, who isn’t a sucker for good looks?
Specs: 4U G5, total weight 89.7g (in playing condition), balance point 304mm, 46T shaft material, shaft length 218mm, stiff tuning, top of the frame is box-shaped, while the bottom part is aerodynamic, strung at 26-28lbs with XB63 string.
It’s worth noting that the JPX series is extensive, with many models and clear distinctions in playing feel. Each new release always has something to grab attention, with aesthetics being the most effective tool. Mizuno had already been using the black-gold color scheme for years, and even the text on the shaft is in a flashy silver print, giving it a very stylish look. I had mentioned before, when reviewing the Black Gold Falcon, that I was getting a bit tired of this color scheme, but the JPX RE reignited my interest. The matte black base coat paired with a touch of silver is akin to how a jeweler might present a gemstone on dark velvet, enhancing its allure. It’s subtle, not flashy, but endlessly appealing.
Aside from Mizuno’s use of its in-house 46T carbon fiber (which I understand), other technologies listed on this racket are now missing from the official website, making research a challenge. The website has essentially removed the JPX series, leaving only the Altius and Fortius lines, complicating verification. What surprises me is that, like the NR900, Japanese doubles rackets of that time tended to have aerodynamic designs in the lower half of the frame while maintaining a box-shaped head. This is because, based on swing trajectory, an aerodynamic head should reduce air resistance and increase swing speed more effectively than an aerodynamic throat. Perhaps other brands back then couldn’t achieve the same strength with a fully aerodynamic frame? At least this racket isn’t too extreme in design; even after removing the grip, the balance point barely crosses 300mm. It has a slight head-heavy feel, yet it still swings relatively fast.
It feels like a racket that’s seen some action on the court, but it’s still very friendly to handle. Although its tuning leans toward stiffness, the moderate head-heavy feel and extra-long shaft provide noticeable power when hitting the shuttle. The racket has good elasticity and responsiveness, making it easy for players with some experience to get accustomed to. The shuttle comes off the racket with solid feedback, neither too soft nor too dull. I initially thought that an older Mizuno high-end product would be somewhat inferior, given the FX04 and GP10 precedents, but the JPX still provides excellent feedback when hitting the shuttle.
However, the shaft is a bit too long. During drive exchanges, where quick follow-up shots are crucial, the racket’s recovery speed isn’t the fastest, giving it a bit of a flail-like feel. The swing speed and weight distribution are well-balanced, but if the shaft were slightly shorter or stiffer, the JPX RE would perform much better in the mid-to-front court. That said, handling the shuttle at the net involves more than just rapid drives. The RE’s large frame and generous sweet spot make it very forgiving, allowing you to easily connect with the shuttle. Rather than focusing on speed, it seems more suited for delicate net shots that create opportunities for attack. You should try it—it excels at tight net shots.
When paired with partners of similar skill levels who lack good coordination, there are moments in doubles matches where, after serving and pushing the opponent to lift the shuttle with a net shot, I would need to take a small step back to cover the down-the-line smash since I know my partner hasn’t rotated properly. At this moment, the RE shows its ability to both control and attack, responding swiftly with a sharp, whiplike smash that showcases its attacking potential. In this regard, it feels a bit “sweet,” as it’s easy to generate power and speed without much effort. Wait, this feeling is familiar… It’s like the Fortius 10 Power! Although the two rackets have different stiffness and balance, they share a similar head-heavy, elastic-driven feel when attacking. Could it be that the JPX is a precursor to the Fortius series?
In any match, no matter the skill level, it’s rare to maintain constant control, and the RE’s defense has its own merits. Its elasticity is sufficient for intermediate-level players to defend against powerful smashes. Unlike the NR900, the JPX RE makes it easier to redirect a heavy smash into a deep defensive clear. However, for me, I usually choose to lift the shuttle as far as possible, risking it going out of bounds, since if my opponent has good shot consistency and can keep pushing forward, the RE’s long and somewhat sluggish shaft becomes noticeable in fast-paced exchanges, making continuous defense challenging. Aside from that, handling defensive shots from the right shoulder, underarm, or backhand is quite smooth.
A good-looking and well-performing racket, the current price for a brand-new JPX RE is also quite reasonable. For those who don’t switch rackets often but are curious about Mizuno, this is a solid choice. You can experience a doubles-oriented attacking racket with the essence of the high-end Fortius series at a more affordable price. Plus, it’s a way to push back against the negative trends set by brands with poor pricing strategies. While I’ve often praised Mizuno’s products in the past, I’ve never said they had good value for money—until now. The JPX RE? It’s worth it.
