Jayce
I never expected it to be such a BRAVE SWORD. Six months ago, I wouldn’t have felt the urge to complete the collection of this decade-old speed racket series. Although it’s called a classic, it could also be seen as outdated, especially considering how much I like the Hyperion series, where performance is the priority and retro isn’t necessary.
Yet, I’ve ended up using an even older model.
Specifications: 3UG5, without cap, weight 92.9g, balance point 311mm, shaft length 215mm, high stiffness, diamond wind-break frame, 72-hole string bed, 9-3 o’clock string grommets, warranty up to 28 lbs, strung with 24 lbs Victor NS880.
I find the BRAVE SWORD 09’s appearance quite dull, with a silver base and a bit of red on the racket head, making it look unremarkable and blunt. The racket seems to lack intentional embellishments and has minimal stickers. There’s no indication of advanced technology, but it retains the BRAVE SWORD’s notorious paint-chipping issue and the old problem of paint peeling off the cone cap, making it look quite worn over time.
The feel of this racket is surprisingly heavy. Isn’t it supposed to be a speed racket? It reminds me of the 3U Hyperion 70k but with noticeably higher rigidity. Initially, I worried that the old strings would cause excessive ball pocketing, but I underestimated the string tension. The racket still has a crisp and elastic feel. The BRAVE SWORD series indeed excels in providing a direct, stiff feel.
Even though the string elasticity has significantly diminished, the head-heavy feel provides a powerful leverage effect, sending high shots with a steep arc to the baseline. Compared to later models, it doesn’t show obvious lagging performance. I believe that if the strings were replaced, its shot speed and overall performance could improve.
This is the first time I’ve used such a heavy BRAVE SWORD, and the first time encountering such a solid feeling in a BRAVE SWORD. Besides the improved grip from the racket’s weight, the NS880 strings enhance the feel, giving excellent performance in net play. During pre-game net drills, it gave me a clear sense of how to get closer to the net with each shot. In doubles, I managed to execute some impressive net rolls. Even with my rough technique, I began to appreciate playing at the net.
Additionally, the large racket face provides higher tolerance, reducing the risk of mis-hits due to over-aggression.
However, the increased head weight does sacrifice some agility. Agility is not the same as swing speed; the characteristic “whoosh” sound when cutting through the air is still present, but the BRAVE SWORD 09 slows down during flat exchanges and fast blocks. In passive play, it sometimes struggles to react quickly, and continuous defensive play can strain the small joints, causing forearm and wrist fatigue.
The BRAVE SWORD 09’s added control comes at the cost of some continuity and agility, making it more suitable for singles play.
The racket’s offensive feel is close to traditional offensive rackets: rigid with a slightly head-heavy balance, offering excellent smash capabilities. Due to the string’s condition, I didn’t push for full-force smashes, instead focusing on maintaining continuity with about 30% power. Even so, the BRAVE SWORD 09’s sharpness and power exceeded my expectations. Despite the loss of string tension, it still delivers impactful smashes.
As for shot placement, it does exhibit some inherent twisting issues.
In summary, as long as you don’t view it as an old relic, it remains a capable and aggressive racket. I didn’t expect Victor to release an upgraded version of the BRAVE SWORD 12 this year, and I didn’t anticipate that this older high-end model still has strong performance.
Its worn appearance matches its enduring capabilities.
