Jayce
It’s clear that excellent gear isn’t necessarily meant to complement each other. In the world of badminton equipment, good products inevitably compete against one another. Not only do similar products from different brands create intense competition due to the same market demands, but even products from the same brand with different positions can compete due to factors like cost-performance ratio and marketing. This happens even though the less favored product might still be excellent.
I’m referring to the Hypernano X90—the last and perhaps most underrated piece of the Hypernano series puzzle.
Specifications: 3UG5, unstrung weight 89.8g, balance point at 320mm, 7.0mm shaft, 205mm shaft length, stiff tuning, 76-hole string bed, 9-3 o’clock string grooves, diamond aerodynamic frame, warranty up to 27 lbs, strung with 25-27 lbs XB65.
The most striking feature of the HX90 is its fluorescent green color. The frame’s black, purple, and green layers create a misaligned, layered look, with asymmetry on both sides. Although the frame’s thickness isn’t particularly impressive, the frame itself appears large. The paintwork is well-executed, with the matte finish adding a nice touch.
The HX series is known for being balanced, but like the HX80, the HX90’s high stiffness and high balance point make the racket feel stable and solid. This 3U version, with its balance point of 320mm, feels quite heavy right from the start, especially during warm-up swings. This weight became even more noticeable once I started adapting to it on the court. While the HX80 had a 4U version that was more manageable, the HX90’s 3U version is quite challenging for me.
The racket excels in power transfer, but with its highly elastic strings, it’s easy to hit the shuttle out if you’re not careful. The racket also has a long wind-up time, so adjusting to its swing rhythm takes some time.
The shaft material is made of anti-torsion carbon, and I’m glad to report that the HX90 delivers a more straightforward shot, similar to the HX80, without any unpleasantly dull feedback during initial contact.
Additionally, whether due to EM fibers or the string, the HX90’s string bed feels very elastic. The initial speed during short, sharp strokes is impressive. However, unlike other highly elastic rackets, the HX90 also excels in controlling delicate shots, with no unpredictable bounciness. This balance reminds me of the HX900X from the same series.
Because of this, the racket’s control is outstanding when combined with a solid core. The large frame and sweet spot enhance forgiveness, while the high stiffness and torsional resistance ensure accuracy. The heavier weight also provides a stable feel, making it easy to execute high-quality drops, net shots, cross-court slices, and lifts during rallies. This consistency would delight any strategic player.
Moreover, the racket’s explosive power is among the best I’ve seen in rackets using anti-torsion carbon. While the Nanoray 6 was also an attack-oriented balanced racket, the HX90’s stiffness and elasticity enhance the pleasure of smashing from the backcourt. The direct feedback ensures aggressive play, making it capable of landing powerful smashes that can pierce through opponents’ defenses.
However, the downside is also apparent—it’s slow and heavy. The diamond aerodynamic frame only moderately reduces wind resistance, and even with advanced aerodynamic frames like the Sonic Frame, the overall feel of the racket remains heavy, particularly in flat drives and blocks. This makes it difficult to control fast-paced exchanges, especially at the net.
I think the HX90 is a traditional attack racket, and a 4U version would be a better choice. Even so, it demands a higher level of strength and proper technique from its user.
That said, the racket feels incredibly solid when defending smashes with cross-court drives or lifts. Its stability and the direct response of the short shaft are evident here. However, when struggling in fast exchanges, it might be better to play it safe and stick to a high lift and defensive strategy.
Overall, the HX90 lives up to its price and position. It’s a high-end racket with a high usage threshold. Although it has great elasticity, you need enough power to make the most of it. Its properties overlap with many other rackets, so it’s understandable why it might not be a top-seller despite being a quality product.
