Karry
I find the naming of the JetSpeed series quite confusing. For example, models numbered 2, 3, 8, 9, and 15 don’t provide any clues about their price or positioning just from the numbers. Naturally, without some special circumstances, they wouldn’t be a priority on my trial list.
If it weren’t for a familiar vendor discussing these models in a group chat, I wouldn’t even know about them. A friend specifically emphasized that these are underrated and overlooked good rackets, so I decided to take note.
Specifications: 3UG5, stripped, total weight 91.4g, balance point 295mm, 7.0mm Babolat carbon shaft, 210mm handle length, moderately soft setup, Fluid Break Wind Frame, 9–3 o’clock string grooves, warranty for 28lbs, string tension 26–28 BN69.
This JetSpeed is very beautiful! The first thing that catches the eye is the large-area JetSpeed series wind frame, featuring a color scheme of cyan, blue, black, and rose red from the racket head. It’s vibrant and rich in color. If you look closely, the black base paint has a lot of glitter, making it a racket that looks good from both a distance and up close. It has a lot of depth and doesn’t get boring; sometimes, I can’t help but feel the frame and the T-head while swinging it.
If the visual appeal is the first surprise after receiving the racket, then the feeling of JetSpeed 3 in hand continues this joy, like having an engaging conversation with a close friend. As a 3U racket, it’s very agile, with a family-bred sense of speed. Even after removing the bottom, the balance point hasn’t reached 300mm, which is even less exaggerated than the former 90s models. It swings without burden but doesn’t feel as insubstantial as an ultra-light racket; rather, it has a graceful and powerful elegance similar to a ballet dancer’s pointe shoes.
After using it on the court, my appreciation for the JetSpeed 3 further deepens due to its excellent handling, stability, and continuity.
I previously mentioned its larger frame area, which may approach the Speed series, making the sweet spot large enough that advanced players are unlikely to miss. The Babolat carbon shaft is soft and elastic, similar to the HX300L and Mizuno 02 Solear, allowing for deformation even with a light racket head. Hence, clear and effortless clears, comfortable and labor-saving, easily reaching the opponent’s baseline with good speed and damping effects from the core filling. It’s very appealing. The only adaptation needed is due to the slightly faster swing speed, which requires users accustomed to non-head-light speed rackets to adjust their timing, otherwise, it might result in frame hits or misses.
As for smashes, it might lack a bit of explosive power, resulting in lower suppression effects due to the slower ball speed.
The JetSpeed 3’s shot is not as instantaneously bouncy; it has a certain holding feel that lowers the power threshold while improving overall control and enhancing the downward pressure sensation. Although it has a relatively soft feel, its torsional resistance is good, and the shots are controllable. Once adapted, it’s precise, and using weapon terminology, it’s a moa (small) weapon. Its stability and excellent swing speed are notable, achieving a commendable balance, mainly thanks to the frame design and material technology. The frame near the T-head adopts an oval cross-section to enhance torsional resistance and transitions to a sharp wind-breaking frame at the top to improve swing speed. With strong core filling and 7.0mm Babolat carbon, the racket’s torsional resistance is further enhanced.
Combining JetSpeed 3’s high tolerance, it can handle net play, front court net shots, rear court smashes, and high clears with ease. The range of techniques is extensive.
The previous seller’s offensive rackets explained the release of JetSpeed 3, as they might not be accustomed to the slightly weakened offensive capability of speed rackets. Compared to the Thunder series’ heavy smashes, JetSpeed 3’s scoring relies more on continuous and varied attacks, which is its forte. In mid-front court flat shots and blocks, you can achieve early positioning and use the racket to rebound, enhancing the rhythm of flat shots. If you’re pulled to the back court, the JetSpeed 3’s “syrupy” shots make it easy to add power to smashes. For players with a sense of continuity, it’s like having a dense formation on your arm, making consecutive smashes easy, and you have ample time to vary the shot direction, making the opponent uncomfortable.
Even though shot speed relies more on the shaft’s elasticity, I really enjoy using it to organize a coherent scoring rally in the back court.
In short, it’s an underrated gem! In the JetSpeed series, it’s a transitional product that’s high-end but not quite top-tier, with valuable product strength. If its price matches that of the Falcon Shadow 500, it could shake up the market for speed rackets with some promotion. For those considering speed rackets like the JS12TD, finding a good deal on this (3U) model would be worth it. Very adorable!
