Jayce
Do you remember the Yu 09 I wrote about earlier? It’s normal if you don’t; such a basic entry-level racket doesn’t attract much interest, hardly sells, and has almost zero circulation. The reason I bring it up is that Yu is a successor to the HX series, but during the HX period, the entry-level products were mostly insignificant.
I’ve already covered the more advanced HX series, so it’s time to use this “unremarkable” entry-level model, and its “fast-food” simplicity happens to suit my needs at the moment.
Specifications: 4UG5, with grip, total weight in used condition 89.90g, balance point 292mm, 7.0mm shaft, length 215mm, medium-low stiffness, diamond aerodynamic frame, 72-hole string bed, 9-3 o’clock string groove, warranty 23 lbs, stringing 24lbs BG6.
Surprisingly, this most basic entry-level racket comes in only one color. However, for such a low-priced product, its appearance is quite decent. The lake blue paint, with an asymmetrical design on the frame, and dark color accents at 2 and 8 o’clock positions make the 09 look somewhat unique, with notable recognition and a fresh appearance. The racket lacks high-tech features, and the minimal use of decals achieves a clean visual experience, cleaner and neater than the Summer 8 series.
When HX09 was released, it didn’t have the favorable conditions of the Yu 09 and could only use a 7.0mm shaft. Given its limited elasticity, it allows for a clearer experience of its smooth swing and power feel through its low swing weight and high swing speed. This is a racket that encourages focused and short bursts of power, and in actual play, it offers a quite comfortable hitting feel. Although officially rated at the lowest stiffness level, subjectively, it still has some “resistance.”
The racket’s swing speed is indeed high. Combined with its low power requirement, its continuity is outstanding. The feel for mid-front court drives and net play is excellent, almost effortless. It seems lighter and more aligned with my aesthetic preferences compared to the Yu 09.
Although the frame doesn’t withstand high tension well, it’s still better than using FRS on a low-end racket that’s already uncomfortable, making the HX09’s feedback quite enjoyable. While you can’t expect it to win points outright, simply enjoying its power and downward feel is pleasant, reminiscent of the Power 9001. Additionally, its shaft isn’t as poor as expected; when I decide to smash, it provides good speed without losing balance, allowing for consistent execution of sudden shots. It somewhat resembles the HX30, another neglected model.
Furthermore, the racket excels in its ability to handle passive shots with low power requirements, making it quite handy for transitional shots. Speaking of which, why did the classic diamond aerodynamic frame fall out of favor?
