Curiosity Series 188 — VS Qilin80

Karry September 21, 2024 0

Specifications: 4UG5, without a base, total weight in use of 89.1g, balance point at 320mm, 6.8mm shaft, length of 215mm, medium stiffness, box frame, 76-hole string bed, 7-5 point stringing groove, rated for 24-38 lbs, strung at 26-28 lbs with VBS66N.

This is my second racket with a national-style paint job. Unlike the Jinghong, this one exudes a powerful presence. Named “Qilin,” the accompanying bag features bold text that conveys strength, and the flame-patterned mane adds to its fierce appearance. The racket itself, similar to the Jinghong 7, boasts a large white base coat, while the shaft and frame incorporate elements that resonate with its name, including the romanization of “Qilin” on the shaft. The rounded box frame gives it a sturdy feel, and the overall impression reminds me of a certain racket from the Red Factory. Knowing the model’s name and number gives me a somewhat indescribable feeling.

The qilin symbolizes strength and majesty. The initial impression of the Qilin 80 was its aggressive nature, emphasized by a pronounced head-heavy balance. This is likely the highest balance point (320mm) among the 4U rackets I’ve used recently. The thick frame and strong head feel lead to a surprisingly smooth swing, allowing for powerful overhead shots, though the reverse stroke may feel slightly less effective.

The qilin represents harmony and approachability. While it’s a head-heavy attacking racket, its excellent shaft elasticity and moderate stiffness make it easy to leverage power, allowing for effortless placement of high clears. This sense of leveraging power is evident in all strokes. Additionally, its large sweet spot increases forgiveness without sacrificing shot characteristics, providing a suitable holding feel that enhances its user-friendliness. If one can adapt to its swing weight, the Qilin 80 offers a pleasantly smooth feel, making it well-suited for male players with some strength and foundational skills.

The qilin signifies strategy and success. This racket doesn’t require overly aggressive play to secure victories, thanks to its shot stability. Whether executing delicate net shots or surprising opponents with unexpected drives and clears, the feedback from each shot directly reflects the quality of the racket. My net skills may be lacking, but even on test day, the Qilin 80 helped me create many offensive opportunities for my partner. However, its head-heavy design can make initiating shots a bit slower, making net play and close-range drives somewhat challenging. Stability inherently suggests torsional resistance. Indeed, the box frame provides natural structural strength compared to other frame types, but the Qilin 80 goes beyond that by embedding three titanium wires into the 6.8mm shaft for reinforcement. In 2022, those committed to incorporating titanium into their designs are likely brands with a strong passion, particularly those outside the top tier.

The qilin denotes nobility and honor. When given the opportunity to apply pressure, the Qilin reveals its majestic side. A head-heavy attacking racket naturally has excellent downward pressure; if users can manage their timing and power effectively, the 4U Qilin 80 remains a potent weapon for scoring directly. I believe that if Weichen could adjust the tuning for a firmer feel, the explosive potential could increase. Currently, while the Qilin 80 performs well in powerful shots, it lacks the final assertiveness that a heavier racket might provide, which could be a downside for power players. However, the Qilin is not meant to be an aggressive beast; its tuning favors continuous downward pressure. As stated before, if one can adapt to its swing weight, the excellent elasticity of the shaft and suitable stiffness make every attacking shot easier to leverage, maintaining pressure even in less-than-ideal situations.

The qilin symbolizes benevolence. Rackets with a head-heavy feel often struggle with passive shots, but thanks to the large sweet spot, as long as footwork is up to par, nearly every strike can return to the opponent’s court, with the reverse area being relatively easy to navigate. This emphasis on head weight demands a bit more from the user, but it remains user-friendly and not overly stiff. Overall, the Qilin 80 is an excellent choice for players with a certain level of ability, especially for those eager to try out domestic brands and passionate about attacking play, as this racket offers a very nice feel.

How do second-tier or independent brands elevate to first-tier or second-tier status? I still don’t have the answer, but I can see the strong enthusiasm and ambition Weichen has maintained in its pursuit of racket development.