Jayce
I personally believe that Power’s most well-known product isn’t the Zhan Gui Dao, J20 series, or the 1982 series, but rather the Light Blade 9001. The 9001 is a staple in almost every beginner and intermediate racket recommendation list, proving its reliability. Recently, there’s been a new color release for the 9001. My old-color 9001 was a gift from a friend, letting me experience the classic Power feel.
Appearance:
The old color features a silver-gray base with gilded accents. While some may criticize its appearance, I find it understated and aligned with the racket’s style. It doesn’t demand attention, which suits a “moyu” (casual) racket well. One shouldn’t expect flashy colors like yellow or red Lin Dan editions. The paint quality is also quite good upon closer inspection. The gold and blue frame design is well-balanced, and paired with my stylish presence, it turns me into the most eye-catching player on the court.
Specifications:
- Grommets: 76-hole
- String Bed: 3-9 point
- Frame Type: Box frame
- Weight (full setup): 89.2g
- Balance Point: 293±2mm
- Grip Length: 210mm
- Shaft Length: 210mm
- String: VBS70
- Construction: 1.5K WOVEN carbon fiber
Feel:
My bag already includes the Power 2013, White Tiger, and Qilin models, along with rackets from other brands. Given my aggressive playing style, I was initially both hopeful and apprehensive about the 9001. Upon first use, I was impressed by how effortless it was to play high clears. The moderate shaft (which I find slightly soft) provides a high and far flight with ease, offering a completely different experience from stiffer rackets. This performance helps in easily clearing opponent’s smashes and improves my defensive play, particularly with backhand shots.
However, in terms of offense, the 9001 requires good technique. Its lack of strong downward pressure means that powerful smashes from the back court are less effective, and shot placement can be inconsistent. For aggressive players who rely on smashing, the 9001 may not provide the smooth experience desired. It is best suited for consistent and strategic play, especially in the mid-front court. For singles, a defensive, high-clear approach is recommended. If you are a forceful attacker, the 9001 might not meet your expectations, but it serves well as a functional backup racket.
Overall:
The 9001 is a sweet-feeling racket. After playing numerous singles and doubles matches with it, it’s clear that it is more suited for doubles and mid-front court play. For singles, a more aggressive, smashing approach might be less effective. Nonetheless, as a secondary racket, the 9001 performs admirably. Its performance under $300 is exceptional and worth the investment. It’s a solid addition to any player’s bag.
