Jayce
AURASPEED 98K, as an “outgoing” AURASPEED product, was a good offensive speed racket with its sub-high-end price positioning and configuration that seemed to be quite sincere at the time, which was supported by the heat from outside the game and gained a good market performance and reputation. However, the fact that a non-production racket fully conformed to the naming rules of the original series and received the largest serial number at the time has led to a lot of misunderstandings about the true positioning of the racket. Nevertheless, the 98K was a success compared to the AURASPEED PB, which had similar positioning and features.
Now that the 98Kpro has been released, will this merchant-driven upgrade be able to clear up the segmentation controversy that once arose?
Parameters: 3UG5, de-bottomed, total weight in used condition 90.54g, balance point 304mm, center pole length 215mm, high stiffness, wind breaker frame, 76-hole wire bed, 9-3 point wire trough, warranty 29lbs, threading 26-28lbs VBS66N.
4UG5, de-bottomed, total weight in used condition 87.845g, balance point 307mm, center bar length 215mm, stiffness, wind breaker frame, 76 hole wire bed, 9-3 point wire slot, warranty 29lbs, threading 26-28lbs VBS66N.
The appearance of the 98KP is vastly different from the 98K style, and the pro is surprisingly more introspective than the latter’s high-reflectivity decals and slow metallic paint job I expected. The full-shot surface has a semi-matte finish, and the local color returns to a deeper inky blue, whose actual look and feel gives me a leaner, less flashy feel. The application of stickers is also quite discreet, the pattern of the frame is made up of non-reflective decals, and the model number and technology logo on the center stick follows the same style as the previous version, only with the addition of a pro.
In addition, because it is a high-end racket with a suspended handle, this time the handle skin is not directly wrapped around the handle, but by the user to decide the configuration, which is very friendly to go to the bottom of the star.
What exactly has been changed is also obvious on paper or in appearance, one is that the Whip Strike Gain System has been adopted in version 2.0, and the second is the change from carbon wood grips to suspension grips. These two tech upgrades would remind me of the change from the THRUSTER RYUGA to the THRUSTER RYUGA II, and it just so happens that the 98K itself is on the stiffer side of the hand, which at one point made me worry if the 98kpro had undergone a sugar-watering as well. However, after I got my hands on it, both specs of the pro told me that I thought too much. After enjoying WES 2.0, the racquet’s hardness can still be equal to that of the 98K, and the hard and bouncy feeling has evolved, but the addition of the suspension handle makes the racquet’s shocking feeling at high pounds significantly suppressed, and it netted a good deal of benefits.
In fact, the 98K’s official hardness is not quite in line with what most amateurs use, except that a higher swingweight and the addition of wes can make the racquet’s drive feel a bit more pronounced, and the 98KP takes full advantage of this feature. In the process of actively dealing with the overhand ball, each shot seems to be quickly popped out of the head of the ball, it seems that the power is not fully transferred to the head of the ball, but the pull of the ball is still very on point and easy, and when the power is added to the speed of the ball can still be a linear gain effect, which shows that the 98Kpro’s racket face is stiff and the center stick is very elastic, and each shot can produce direct and pleasant feedback.
This dryness gives the 98Kpro a clear feel on short power shots, with a responsive racket surface, making it easy to take advantage of the opportunity to increase the pace of the court on returns, and make it easier to get a head start on flat draws and quick blocks in the middle of the court, with a higher ceiling. However, because of the higher swingweight, the racket’s point of gravity is a little bit backward when meeting the ball, resulting in the need to be a little bit more aggressive than usual in following up the incoming ball at the net in order to maximize the speed effect. In either case, the racquet still requires a high level of ability or conditioning from the user. Similarly, the characteristics of the racket face give the 98Kpro a certain advantage in the net, but it is easy to bounce high, which has become a common problem for many speed rackets, and there is not much change compared to the 98K.
It is worth mentioning that the inertia of the two racquets in the swing is not much different, but the 3U has a more solid and stable feel, and a higher confidence in the ball.
The huge 98Kpro racket face also made me more comfortable in handling passive situations. When being chased by a kill, underarm or flat draw to the right shoulder position, even if the power is awkward, as long as the racket face receives the ball, the elasticity of the equipment itself can compensate for my lack of power, so that the ball smoothly back over the net. And when catching a kill, bouncing the ball to the backcourt or pumping a shot to the side was also excellent, giving me a good sense of control on defense as well.
The 98Kpro’s performance on offense was dominant, with excellent downward pressure and the ability to withstand quite a bit of explosive power. Because of the clear feeling of the racket’s power, the energy transfer process is smooth, and through the more concentrated power injection can be hit with a very high speed of the ball, with the racket’s downward pressure consistent ability to form a high-pressure situation of intensive firepower output to break down the opponent. In addition to the momentum of hitting hard, the high swing speed of the racket also makes it easier to catch the opponent’s shots in a high-speed confrontation or control maneuver. Even when he meets a good defensive opponent and his power is not concentrated, he can still maintain an active position through a half-power shot or soft pressure in the middle of the court, without leaving significant holes.
The author’s preference in terms of specifications is similar to the logic of the Black and Gold Falcon, I would personally prefer the 3U specification of the 98Kpro, the flexibility of the constraints are not so obvious, but in the attack of the confidence in the press and the stability of the draw gear will have an advantage. However, no matter which specification, the user’s requirements are still objective, even if I try the day of good condition, in the process of playing the ball off the court home will still appear in the process of arm soreness. For beginners who want to buy the racket, lowering the poundage appropriately can also be experienced from the charm of the racket.
The borrowed equipment does show a more pro performance, and it can be said that such a stylish and pleasing feel is just what the advanced doubles player needs nowadays.
