Jayce
If this type of signature racket is not used for collection purposes, its rarity, combined with limited availability, high prices, and a small audience, can create significant challenges for equipment enthusiasts.
It’s better if the signature version belongs to a current or recently retired Chinese national team player. However, if it belongs to a more distant foreign player, the influence will inevitably decline sharply.
Before discussing whether it’s good or bad, it’s worth noting that it’s already a rather niche option.
Specifications: 3UG5, no base grip, weight in use is 90.8g, balance point is 298mm, 7.0mm Biocarbon shaft, 210mm length, stiff tuning, 76-hole string bed, fully aerodynamic frame, 9-3 o’clock grooves, warranty at 28 lbs, recommended string tension is 24-26lbs with xb63.
The color scheme of the racket is on point, very striking and dignified. The bright red lacquer on the racket head is adorned with multiple gold stickers, in addition to some technical watermarks, gradually transitioning to a deep burgundy glossy paint around the 4 and 8 o’clock positions on the frame. Apart from the model on the shaft, there is also the player’s signature near the gold connector close to the cone. Once taken out, this racket’s aura makes its presence felt instantly.
Over the past year, under the influence of friends, I have gradually shifted from unconditionally favoring any type of 4U racket to leaning towards selecting 3U balanced-speed rackets based on the actual situation. The current Ahmad T is also a 3U version, and even after removing the base grip, the balance point has not exceeded 300mm. It feels substantial in hand but not overly burdensome, offering a solid sensation. This feeling is somewhat familiar and reminds me of the watermelon knife I used before. However, looking at the frame, the string bed area of Ahmad T should be a whole circle larger than the watermelon knife, and combined with the stiffness marking on the shaft, it is clearly a flagship JETSPEED that is not too difficult to handle.
The difficulty of getting used to this racket is apparent right from the initial warm-up shots before the match. During any rhythm of clears, thanks to its large sweet spot, low swing weight, high swing speed, and good shaft elasticity, it provides the holder with strong confidence in returning shots and a satisfying power experience. As long as the strokes are not too extreme, even beginners can achieve decent height and depth in clears with the current configuration of the Ahmad T.
However, this does not mean that everything is smooth sailing. Overall, the stiff tuning of Ahmad T still requires the user to overcome some resistance when driving shots. Unfortunately, the current feedback from the racket also exhibits a similar situation to what some players reported during the early release of the watermelon knife— a stiff shaft. This means that my observation period of the Ahmad T might need to be extended.
Nonetheless, it must be said that although the current feedback is still somewhat unpleasant, its performance in doubles matches is already quite satisfying. In terms of smashing alone, its offensive power is very similar to the Energy 80 I tested recently, which also has a bright color scheme, but the shot feels more crisp, adding a suddenness. Moreover, the lower balance point actually facilitates quick power execution during smashes. Although the shaft’s stiff tuning has made it difficult for me to fully grasp its explosive power, and early on I experienced some smashes into the net due to issues with the feeling during smashes, by employing more sudden and placement-focused attacking techniques, I was able to gain quite an advantage in evenly matched contests.
The performance of Ahmad T in drive exchanges can be directly described as fierce. A 3U speed racket, equipped with higher stiffness materials, exhibited excellent qualities in flexibility, speed, and stability during fast-paced continuous exchanges. As the pace increases, the lower balance point and frame allow the racket to get into position earlier. Compared to similarly top-notch JETSPEED 10 or zsp, the larger string bed also ensures that the shuttlecock is easier to find during rushed shots, reducing mishits or swings and misses.
In terms of net control, Ahmad T’s large frame is still quite useful. Even though the quick-release characteristic makes it difficult for me to control the power during more elaborate moves like cross-court net shots, often resulting in shots that go too high or out of bounds, for simple net shots, Ahmad T provides a very comfortable experience. A gentle tap just over the net, and it’s actually quite playable. Similarly, the performance in cutting and slicing from the backcourt is also outstanding, provided you adapt to its rebound feeling; after all, in the very early stages, there’s a high likelihood of hitting shots that are too high.
The first defensive block against heavy smashes from the backcourt was quite good. When well-prepared, the Ahmad T, with its flexible and high-elasticity qualities, makes it easier to counter the force and place the shuttle accurately to disrupt the opponent’s rhythm. The reason I emphasize the first block is mainly because as the opponent’s continuous attack persists, the small power generation threshold brought by the stiff shaft can cause the quality of your returns to diminish, making it easy for the opponent to chase and pin you down. During my trial period with Ahmad T, I would subconsciously lower my center of gravity to stabilize my racket action and make high-quality shots during passive defense, but if the preparation was inadequate, it became much easier to remain passive.
It’s still quite similar to the feel of the 90k and JETSPEED 10. From my experience, it feels pretty good, but the shaft lacks a bit of flexibility, doesn’t have the WES, and is slightly less durable under high tension. However, even though it’s a signature racket, it’s still more affordable than the 90k in terms of market price, though its low recognition directly affects its trade value.
Ah,Victor always comes out with these rackets that are well-received but not well-sold…
