Karry
There is a player known for his “cool and stylish” playing style, with a graceful physique and aggressive attack, who is affectionately called “Liu Da Ren”—Liu Guo Lun. He was once a Malaysian national men’s singles player, making his mark on the international stage since 2009 and becoming a rising star in Malaysia. In 2012, he won the French Open. With his young age, he was seen as a potential successor to Lee Chong Wei. As expectations grew, Xunfeng, his sponsoring brand, has launched the latest racket “2300 Guo Lun,” designed to complement Liu Guo Lun’s continuous attacking style, following the Guo Lun D83.
Appearance: The 2300 Guo Lun features a deep starry blue with mint green accents and Liu Guo Lun’s exclusive signature on the cone cap. As a classic and evergreen series from Xunfeng, the 2300 has been popular for over a decade, used by top players like Thailand’s Boonsak Ponsana and Poland’s Wacha in international competitions.
With the starry blue base color, the mint green accents and gold foil patterns make the racket look refreshing, elegant, and durable. From the Wind Blade to this 2300 Guo Lun, Xunfeng has shown visible improvements in paint craftsmanship, design, and texture.
The 2300 Guo Lun I have is a 4UG5 specification, with the string tension range of 28-35lbs; the shaft has a medium elasticity. It features a 76-hole string bed and a total length of 675mm. The unstrung weight is 82.1g (92.0g with grip added); the balance point is 293mm (292mm with grip added); it is strung with BG-80P at 28lbs.
Initial Impressions: The first impression of the 2300 Guo Lun is its stability, which is a refreshing change. Despite its 4U weight and a relatively balanced 293mm balance point, the noticeable head-heavy feel was unexpected.
Indeed, a few smashes and high clears reveal the 2300 Guo Lun’s ease in producing effortless shots thanks to its head-heavy design. The large head and sweet spot make it a racket that is relatively easy to handle.
Technology: The 2300 Guo Lun incorporates Xunfeng’s patented technology with a six-sided conical structure inside the shaft, enhancing the bending point while reinforcing the shaft’s bottom hardness. This results in faster recovery and improved torsional resistance. As a result, the bending point is shifted forward, making the racket more suitable for smashes and drops, even with its moderate balance point (293mm).
Performance: In attacking scenarios, the 2300 Guo Lun maintains sharp smash placement with its 4U weight and 40T high-modulus carbon fiber. The racket’s frame remains stable, and the quick rebound of the shaft allows for impressive continuous attacking capabilities. However, the forward-shifted bending point may feel unfamiliar and awkward, requiring some adjustment time.
Despite the 2300 Guo Lun’s three-segment dynamic wind blade frame (diamond-shaped head, fluid midsection, and box-shaped bottom), it struggles with its somewhat “bulky” nature, possibly due to durability considerations. This thickness affects the swing speed.
Fast-paced front-court play can be challenging for the 2300 Guo Lun, and the large head may result in a less crisp feedback on off-center hits. Fortunately, during defensive play, its easy return makes up for this shortcoming. While it may not excel in aggressive play, it is well-suited for net play, where its stable frame offers smooth control.
Conclusion: Priced close to 2000 RMB, the 2300 Guo Lun, a signature model, offers both prestige and value. As a mid-range racket, it provides a solid balance of attacking and defensive capabilities. It is recommended for advanced mixed doubles backcourt players and singles players seeking a reliable and versatile racket.
