Curiosity Series 139 — Mizuno Fortius 11 Qiuck

Karry September 21, 2024 0

I was genuinely surprised when Nishimoto knocked out Momota at the German Open. It might have been a strategy, considering the upcoming All England Open. However, one thing’s for sure—if Mizuno releases a new model endorsed by an active player and I can afford it, I won’t miss out. My initial impressions of the Fortius series were formed by the 10 Power, but many badminton friends had told me back then that the Q model would be more suited to my taste. Now, I finally have a chance to explore that with this new release.

Specs: 4UG6, total weight (without grip tape) 86.8g, balance point 302mm, shaft length 210mm, stiff tuning, handle length 210mm, pure box-type frame, 8-4 string groove, tension warranty of 29lbs, strung at 26lbs with AB string.

In terms of appearance, the FT series continues its dark-colored design, but unlike its predecessor, the 10 series, it now uses a glossy finish, making it look even more eye-catching. The 11Q has a lot more detail, such as a watermark behind the model name on the shaft, similar to the Olympic version. The word “Fortius” hints at an undeniable sense of power. The frame still features a box-type design, with the 5 and 7 o’clock positions marked with Mizuno’s carbon fiber prices and BFS technology. It also has a lot of snake-scale-like decals, which add an intimidating flair. However, Mizuno’s paint quality never quite lives up to the design.

The head-heavy feel isn’t particularly strong, and during dry swings, I didn’t feel much load. However, the use of a box-type frame doesn’t seem to give it much advantage in swing speed either. As a racket used by active singles players, the 4U weight may be unconventional, but in extended one-on-one rallies, it could offer endurance benefits. A quick check on Mizuno’s official website shows that the original 10P/Q models have been discontinued, clearly to make way for the FT11 series, indicating the company’s confidence in these products.

But, during warm-up, I felt a bit deceived—the racket didn’t feel as stiff as I expected! It might not even be as stiff as the Altius 01 Speed. Despite the specs, T5 carbon fiber, shaft length, string configuration, and the product’s intended positioning, I anticipated a super stiff offensive weapon. Yet, as I hit clear after clear, I could feel that the shaft’s drivability was good, but its stiffness was just medium-stiff at best. The repulsion was obvious, and the elasticity was excellent, making it surprisingly accessible. The shuttle didn’t fly off the string bed too crisply; there was a bit of contact time between the shuttle and strings at the point of impact, which wasn’t what I expected from this racket. Especially since its predecessor, once used by Hendra Setiawan to win major titles, naturally made me think that the 11Q would be a sharp, crisp doubles racket. However, it quickly became clear that this racket has greatly enhanced its singles play attributes compared to its predecessor.

Of course, the accuracy, power, and speed of the shots are all excellent. After just a few strokes in warm-up, I could grasp the power needed to reach the backcourt, and the speed of the shuttle from flat drives also had a nice, suppressive effect. Moreover, the sweet spot is large. I felt very confident in controlling net shots, thanks to the racket’s hold and the high friction provided by the AB string. On the other hand, for backcourt sliced drops, even when hitting the sweet spot, I still had to put in a bit more power to avoid the shuttle falling into the net. This makes the racket a perfect tool for singles players who specialize in controlling rallies and waiting for opportunities to attack.

In doubles, where flat drives and blocks are more common, the racket’s not-so-crisp feel and unimpressive swing speed made it feel a bit awkward. Even when faced with high kill opportunities at the net, the lack of confidence in securing a high contact point made me hesitate to smash aggressively. However, in defensive situations, the medium-stiff feel and excellent elasticity make it easier to escape pressure. If your opponent has a powerful backcourt smash but lacks tactical flexibility, you can easily return their shots using the racket’s repulsion. This makes the 11Q well-suited for players who enjoy defensive counter-attacks.

Now, onto its offensive performance: simply put, it’s exquisite. Mizuno’s 11 series uses a “Trans Force Frame” design, which essentially reduces frame deformation, allowing the impact force to be fully transferred to the shaft for more efficient flexing. This trait, which makes full use of the shaft’s elasticity, is particularly evident during heavy smashes. From the moment of preparing to strike, you can feel the shaft flex significantly. The whip-like sensation is pronounced, but without any feeling of power loss. Your explosiveness is fully reflected in the shuttle’s sound and speed, accurately mirroring your strength. In my hands, the racket felt incredibly powerful. In my opinion, the violence generated by the FT11Q’s excellent elasticity has surpassed the FT10P. The repeated sonic booms during my testing session made it impossible to stop smashing. The offensive boost from the Trans Force Frame is especially noticeable when performing overhead attacks. Owners of this racket should practice their footwork to fully appreciate its gracefulness.

When a friend warned me that “the racket might not pair well with AB strings,” I kept that in mind. Initially, there was indeed some mismatch, but after some more play, I found it—yes, it’s still very bouncy, very Mizuno, and very highly rated.