Jayce
During the holiday, I went back to my lifelong mixed doubles partner’s home, which is in a relatively remote area. However, I have friends from all over the place in my usual chat group, and I happened to meet one of them locally this time. We had a great time setting up a game together. Thanks to the friend for the arrangement.
Of course, I also played to my strength—mooching.
Specifications: 3UG5, with cap, weight 94.4g, balance point 293mm, 7.0mm shaft, length 215mm, medium stiffness, diamond wind-break frame, 72-hole string bed, 9-3 o’clock string grommets, warranty up to 24 lbs, strung with 24 lbs VBS66N.
The grass green color, I like it. Although the racket doesn’t have many stickers, this unique color choice is very successful and offers good visibility. The green, white, and black transitions on the frame are basic but create a natural layered effect. This is more comfortable compared to some workshop models with pure white or pink, and it matches the glossy finish well. However, it seems that the 1500 series has several different color options, indicating substantial tuning differences within the low-end range from 1100 to 1900.
Despite the cost constraints limiting the material quality, the BRAVE SWORD frame retains its original features, resulting in low air resistance and high swing speed, providing a sense of agility. The cutting air sound is also present when applying force.
The lower-end materials cannot completely hide the fact that the racket has a relatively stiff face. The 1500, with its current string setup, still exhibits a somewhat crisp rebound characteristic. The moderate stiffness of the shaft, combined with the large sweet spot, offers a pleasant hitting experience. However, its control over shot placement, particularly in high clears, is somewhat limited due to the reduced rigidity of the frame.
Even though the racket’s swing weight is slightly head-heavy, its smash feel is quite good, even better than the entry-level JETSPEED 02 I used before. Although it can’t achieve powerful smashes due to the shaft’s elasticity, the relatively stiff face helps in maintaining confidence during smashes. The actual power output depends more on the user’s skill and string condition. It may not be very friendly for beginners, but intermediate players will likely find it suitable.
The racket’s flat drive feel is not as bouncy as high-end BRAVE SWORD models, which makes it more controllable in net play and less prone to hitting the shuttlecock too high. The large racket face provides ample tolerance, and the high swing speed enhances its performance in defensive situations. The backhand power feel is also quite good, providing a reliable safety net.
In summary, the 1500 is a product that, despite using lower-end materials, meets the expectations for entry-level players. It’s not particularly exciting but serves its purpose well. I actually quite like it; the color and feel match my expectations for a racket at this price point.
