Jayce
With the conclusion of the Thomas and Uber Cups, I’m feeling rejuvenated and taking a break before resuming regular updates.
Although the Arrow series from Power has not been very high-profile, I had the chance to use a product coded 780 last year, which left a lasting impression on me. This series, often underrated, has always intrigued me.
Now, the Arrow has officially been named “疾风” (疾风10pro), moving away from its previous three-digit model numbers to a new “pro” suffix. This new model might stir up the high-end and mid-range market of second-line and first-line brands just like the recent weather in Guangdong, with its powerful wind affecting the market.
Specifications:
- Model: 4UG5
- Weight (with grip and string): 93.77g
- Balance Point: 297mm
- Shaft Length: 222mm
- Hardness: Medium
- Frame Type: Box frame
- Grommets: 78-hole
- String Bed: 9-3 point
- Warranty Tension: 30 lbs
- String: VBS66N, 26-28 lbs
The Arrow 10pro is a standout in terms of its color scheme, which is a level above the average design. The matte black base paint is complemented by purple head accents and gold decals, creating an elegant look. The transparent white grommets break away from the all-black frame image, giving it a fresh appearance. The semi-matte finish also indicates higher manufacturing costs, reflecting the product’s quality.
This racket provides a typical experience of an extra-long shaft, where the fish-mouth cone cap makes the already long shaft more flexible during swings. This results in an impressive feel and allows players to easily harness the materials’ elasticity, generating high shuttle speeds with moderate swing weight. It’s very easy to handle.
Although the racket has a smaller head size, it didn’t cause much trouble in terms of sweet spot adaptation. The increased string bed density ensures good tolerance, even in extreme defensive situations. The 10pro maintains stability and direction in high clears, making it reliable for dealing with opponents’ powerful shots. Additionally, the new frame design achieves a high level of balance in swing speed and torsion resistance, maintaining excellent directional control over long distances.
Interestingly, despite the long shaft, the 10pro maintains a fast recovery speed during fast-paced rallies, preserving fluidity. While the response time of the head may be slightly longer in flat drives, the ultimate shuttle speed is impressive, allowing for strategic adjustments. The racket remains flexible and effective in front court play and doubles matches.
In handling defensive shots, the 10pro offers a somewhat therapeutic feel. It’s easy to drive and effective for low, overhead, or awkwardly positioned shots, providing more space to generate power and make successful clears.
Even with its smaller head, the 10pro’s larger frame allows it to excel in net play. For delicate shots like pushes, cuts, and placements, the 10pro offers stable and effective performance. Its flexibility supports effective deception in shots, with high tolerance for slight adjustments during the shot.
In terms of offensive efficiency, the 10pro performs well. While it may not match specialized attacking rackets for heavy smashes, it offers a reliable feel with solid downward pressure. Its attack capabilities are not its strongest suit, but its sweet spot and versatile placement make it a good tool for scoring actively. The 10pro provides an interesting feedback with its flexible shaft, creating a satisfying whipping sensation during smashes.
The Arrow 10pro reflects the characteristics of many well-regarded, balanced high-end rackets. It maintains a pleasant and fluid feel, avoiding the trend of “short shaft, slender, and stiff” designs. Its design features, including the unique frame shape and 6.6mm shaft, fill the gap between other shaft thicknesses. The 10pro appears to offer a new answer to “coherent attack” and balances stability and speed performance effectively.
