Curiosity Series 136 — VS Blade 7100

Karry September 21, 2024 0

I’ve started exploring Weichen rackets, beginning with their “bike gear” series.

I’ve been aware of this brand for a while, especially their “Shenbian” and “Zongshi” series, both of which I once wanted to collect. Around 2012, discussions about Weichen were quite popular on badminton forums, especially among enthusiasts of independent brands in the Lingnan region. However, as various brands have flourished, Weichen’s simple VS logo has gradually faded from view.

The process of acquiring this racket was quite unusual.

Specifications: 4UG5, without the base grip, cushioned film and towel grip added, total weight 86.5g in use, balance point 305mm, medium shaft stiffness, shaft length 211mm, 214mm when measured from the concave part of the fish-mouth cone cap, handle length 205mm, 76 holes, aerodynamic frame, 8-4 o’clock grommet distribution, strung with BG80 at 24 lbs.

The reason I say the acquisition was peculiar is because I saw a photo of this racket posted in a group chat, where it became a subject of ridicule. Anyone familiar with rackets from the Red Factory would instantly recognize the frame design and color scheme and think: “Wait, isn’t this the Blade series?” Indeed, the 7100 borrowed heavily from the Blade series, except for the gold-yellow color scheme which Li-Ning hadn’t used. Aside from the cheap paint job, it actually looks pretty good, with its own watermark design on the wings. The paint quality, however, is limited in areas where the sharp edges of the wind-breaking frame are prominent.

That said, the racket is unapologetic about its inspiration, with the word “Blade” clearly displayed on several parts of the racket, which inevitably draws comparisons to the Caliber series. Despite being a 4U racket with such a high balance point, it feels light during empty swings, likely due to the aerodynamic effect of this well-designed frame. I knew it was a sub-200 yuan racket, so the slightly plasticky feel was expected. The shaft also feels softer than advertised. So far, my impressions of the 7100 have been positive, and I’m cautiously optimistic about this kind of imitation.

However, the wooden handle does reveal some cost-cutting. After removing the base grip, I found a rather uneven handle, like an unfinished building project, worse than even the HX30 model. The grip tape is also mediocre, tearing easily during removal and leaving more residue behind. Maybe it was stored for a long time, but once I rewrapped the handle, these flaws were hidden.

Warm-up and clear shots: With the current low-medium tension BG80 strings, the racket feels a bit too soft for my liking, but during rallies, the 7100’s performance matches its positioning. It’s easy to generate power, has decent swing speed, but the shots can feel a bit dull and unresponsive—still within my acceptable range. The shaft flexes easily without much effort, and simply executing a smooth swing is enough to produce noticeable shaft deformation, though not excessively.

At the net, the racket’s large string bed makes it easy to find the shuttle’s sweet spot. With BG80 strings, the balance between control and feel is good. General net play and small shots are manageable. With some adaptation and techniques like slicing and cutting, your doubles partner would likely be pleased with the precision. The racket’s increased forgiveness also makes defensive backhands and passive shots easier. The racket’s easy-to-handle “soft feel” is notable—even my beginner girlfriend, who’s still learning, found the 7100 comfortable to use.

I have to admit, it does remind me of the Blade series during smashes. It has that slightly dull, muffled feeling—not as pronounced as the Blade 500, but still present—leading me to suspect that the frame design naturally produces this sensation. However, the explosive power is commendable. With the BG80 strung at medium tension, the power and speed of the shuttle off the string bed are impressive, and the sound is notably loud. Even when using 70-80% of my strength in downward smashes, the shaft didn’t show signs of absorbing too much energy, maintaining enough pressure on the opponent. If the opponent fails to return the shuttle deep enough, a full-power smash can still land a direct hit. Point smashes and sliced smashes are also among the best in this price range.

What’s more remarkable is that this is just a 4U racket, yet its ability to keep up with consecutive shots is excellent, allowing me to transition seamlessly from mid-court drives to front-court net play in one smooth sequence.

Although many players criticize its borrowed design, I agree with Coach Panghu—small brands imitating big brands’ successful designs is something to be encouraged. I’m satisfied with this “bike gear” racket. Could it become a strong competitor against the Bluebird and K07 with its superior offensive performance?