Karry
Specifications: 3UG5, no cap, total weight 88.8g, balance point 318mm, 7.0mm Babolat carbon shaft, length 215mm, medium stiffness, 9-3 o’clock string grooves, 76-hole string bed, full wind-breaking frame, 28lbs warranty, string tension 24-26lbs VBS70.
The racket is a vibrant green, reminiscent of tart green plums, suggesting it might be quite juicy. It features the typical JetSpeed silver decals and symmetrical design, with shark-fin paint at 2, 4, 8, and 10 o’clock for reduced wind resistance. The overall paint quality is consistent with JetSpeed’s durability issues, which are characteristic of the frame’s design. Unlike more aggressive designs, this racket uses a large elliptical wind-breaking frame to reduce drag, aiming for stability over swing speed.
Upon receiving the racket, I noticed a significant head-heavy feel, contrary to Victory’s indicated head-light setup. After confirming the balance point of 318mm, it’s clear that this is quite extreme, even for some offensive rackets. Fortunately, the swing speed is satisfactory, and the power feel is good, with a moderate learning curve. The 7.0mm shaft, despite its emphasis on elasticity, indicates a preference for stability and torsional resistance.
However, the VBS70 strings, coupled with lower tension, result in a noticeable loss of power. The medium-hard shaft offers a clear feel for power shots, with a large sweet spot for easy adaptability.
Initially, I thought this racket was an optimized version of the JetSpeed 8ST, but the head-heavy nature makes it feel more stable and less fast compared to other JetSpeed models. This creates a more pronounced holding feel, exacerbated by the VBS70 strings, affecting performance in fast exchanges and reducing overall agility.
Despite the reduced flexibility, the racket’s stability is beneficial for defense. Its suitable shock absorption and good directional control make it effective for net play and defending against smashes, particularly for net blocks and sideline shots, facilitating smooth transitions from defense to offense. The VBS70 strings, although not ideal, highlight the racket’s advantages at the net with strong ball control and a rough string surface, allowing for effective disruption of opponents’ rhythm. However, the lack of string bed elasticity requires extra effort to control backcourt shots and avoid netting.
Regarding offensive capability, the racket’s design supports strong smashes with its head-heavy balance and shaft material. The 28lbs warranty suggests a solid foundation for powerful shots, although the VBS70 strings may not provide the sharpest attacking feel. With a more suitable string like the VBS68, the racket would likely perform even better. The shaft’s stiffness, while medium-hard, doesn’t impose a high threshold for powerful shots but may feel less responsive.
In conclusion, while this racket doesn’t offer the same exhilarating feel as others, it performs reliably with a decent win rate. Having tried the JetSpeed 8ST, I quickly recognized the handling of this racket. Though it’s not as thrilling, it delivers consistent results.
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