Karry
The WS series continues to sell well among all badminton racket categories from the Red Factory, firmly occupying the mid-range market. This indicates that lightweight and user-friendly rackets, when paired with good design, meet the needs of the majority of amateur players.
Several years ago, I found the WS72 difficult to get used to, but the top male player in our unit used the same series’ WS700 to execute a series of impressive moves, which inspired me to reconsider.
Parameters: 5UG6, with bottom, total weight 89.76g in used condition, balance point 299mm, shaft length 220mm, low hardness, fluid box-shaped frame, 76-hole string bed, 9-3 o’clock string groove, warranty 30 pounds, string tension 24lbs BG66U.
The previous user was a director, so I felt somewhat embarrassed to take photos of his racket, but I used it with some hesitation. To put it simply, the WS700 gave me the same initial impression as many players: it immediately reminded me of the Feng Dong 9000. Both rackets share a similar design aesthetic, with elegant beige-white and a small amount of gold lines. The use of water decals is minimal, making it less eye-catching compared to other products, especially when compared to the youthful colors of the 72/74. However, this simple appearance is also quite appealing.
In its unstrung state, the WS700’s balance point does not exceed 300. Upon using it directly, its feel is more like a 4U balanced racket. It has a slight head-heavy feel, a high swing speed, and with its low hardness shaft, the racket’s action is very smooth and easy to handle. This racket allows any beginner to hit accurate high clears without difficulty.
From the cone cap style, this racket seems to bridge the gap between the early and mid-generation Li Ning products. It is said to be the predecessor of the Li Ning ultra-light racket series or WS series. The entire frame feels both soft and elastic, comparable to the TP101 but with a significantly lighter initial setup. It’s evident that the WS700’s load capacity is not high, which is why the previous user chose it as his main racket later in life and even bought three of them for his bag.
Age may bring irreversible power decline to users, but if the player’s fundamentals are strong, the skillful and delicate handling will only improve with experience. The WS700’s lightweight design and high maneuverability allow for a wide range of shot options after reaching the net. Whether it’s deceptive drops, quick pushes, or sudden low-angle flicks, the WS700 combines quick response and strong handling, making it highly effective at the net. While it may not be ideal for every player, the additional 7g weight compared to the WS72 and the added feel of the string bed provide more stability for controlling small and long shots.
Many advancing players link the overall hardness of a racket with its attacking performance, but they are not directly related. In terms of powerful smashes, the WS700 cannot offer extremely solid feedback. Users typically leave some leeway when smashing from the backcourt, focusing on creating a more coherent and dense attack. Although I initially found the racket’s power to be weak, its forgiving nature allows for prolonged and consistent power generation, helping maintain a longer period of control and making scoring more comfortable.
Furthermore, the WS700 withstands stretching well. Its agility gives an advantage in mid-court drives. Although its response speed is not exceptionally quick, it is smooth and continuous. When following up after a net block, the racket can reach higher points, quickly establishing an advantage at the net and providing opportunities for teammates. In handling defensive shots, the racket’s soft, responsive, and relatively lightweight characteristics are effective. The backhand low-position shots are comfortable, and a simple push can reach the opponent’s backcourt baseline.
I consider this ultra-light racket to be a well-balanced model with comprehensive performance and not overly light. It reminds me of the significant change from the previous N903, reflecting not only the evolving needs of a mid-level advancing player but also the reasonable design aspects of the WS series.
I am not sure if the WS700 has been discontinued, but compared to the more expensive and less inflated 72/74, the WS700, with its older pedigree, theoretically has a price advantage. It could be an excellent choice for those interested in trying a 5U racket or seeking a softer, more forgiving option.
