Jayce
This racket is the main one used by the captain of my unit’s badminton team. To call it his main racket might be an exaggeration, but it is indeed the one he has used for the longest time. I also know that he has an old 88D with a classic color scheme that he keeps in his racket bag.
The first time I saw him using this racket, I genuinely couldn’t understand how he could generate such powerful smashes with what is clearly a racket designed for women. When I learned the model of this racket, I mistakenly confused it with the JETSPEED 9.
Specifications: 3UG5, total weight unknown, balance point 285mm, shaft is slightly flexible, 210mm length, aerodynamic frame, 10-2 o’clock grooves, string tension unknown, 25 lbs warranty.
This is the pink version, and the visual contrast of our captain using it is quite stark. However, I must say the racket looks really good. The gradient color scheme of pink and lemon yellow on the frame gives it a touch of femininity, with smooth and gentle lines on the shaft. It’s visually a “soft girl” racket. The paint quality can’t be guaranteed, especially since there’s some paint chipping even on the shaft, which is usually less prone to damage. Although it’s labeled with an “L” suffix, the versions available for sale are the standard 3U and 4U versions.
When I first saw the price, I judged it to be a racket that’s positioned just above the entry level. Aside from the standard frame of the JETSPEED series, the only notable technology is the “Power-Boost Cap,” and the shaft is a 7.0mm standard version, giving it somewhat of a “JETSPEED 50” feel. Although it’s a 3U racket, the balance point is relatively low, providing a decent swing speed and a sense of lightness, while still feeling solid in hand. The 285mm balance point doesn’t quite match the noticeable head heaviness, but it doesn’t affect the racket’s performance.
The primary positioning of this racket is ease of use. Of course, a user-friendly racket configuration is pretty standard: the shaft deforms easily upon impact, swing weight is low, swing speed is fast, sweet spot is large, and it has good elasticity. Essentially, the JETSPEED 09L checks all these boxes. Even though it doesn’t use a higher-end shaft, the racket’s elasticity is still quite prominent given the current configuration.
Therefore, as long as the user has a well-formed stroke, they won’t have any issues with clears. Although the shuttle speed isn’t high, the racket’s behavior is very predictable and doesn’t feel as limp and unresponsive as Victor’s most basic flexible-shaft rackets. The 25 lbs tension warranty seems a bit low to me, but it does meet the average needs of female amateur players.
The downward pressure feedback from the racket also doesn’t align with its low balance point. The hitting point on the JETSPEED 09L is easy to find, and the shuttle trajectory is low and stable. Thanks to the Power-Boost Cap, the racket has good directional control. At least, when I played against the captain, he often caught me off guard with sharp smashes down the sidelines. However, I can’t seem to generate that kind of speed with it; I still don’t understand how the captain manages to consistently smash through opponents with this racket.
The shuttle doesn’t leave the racket in a crisp manner, there’s a holding feel. The large sweet spot and large frame offer high forgiveness, making net play easy to escape from under pressure, especially when forced into a backhand position. Overall, it feels very balanced in use; while it doesn’t have a high performance ceiling, there are no obvious weaknesses in its performance.
The captain is about my age, but he’s already married with a son. Balancing work and family, while also organizing badminton activities for our unit, is no easy task. Moreover, due to some congenital factors, he’s prone to gout caused by high uric acid levels. Even during his free time, he has to assess whether his body condition allows him to play. It’s no wonder that, instead of seeking extreme excitement, he prefers a more forgiving racket, one that’s as reliable and nurturing as a “perfect wife.”
