Curiosity Series 238 — Kumpoo Jin Song

Karry September 19, 2024 0

Specifications: 4UG5, no cap, total weight 87.1g in used condition, balance point 303mm, middle shaft length 215mm, moderate hardness, 76-hole string bed, box frame, 9-3 o’clock string grooves, warranty 30 lbs, strung with 26 lbs High God 65 string.

I wonder how other players with the Jin Song feel about its appearance. For me, its design is not particularly appealing. It uses a blue and white base with red lettering and red patterns, which is the main color scheme. The frame has an asymmetrical design (similar to the Sky Blade series), with contrasting colors at 4 and 10 o’clock, creating a visual impact. Although I initially thought this would be a national style racket from the name, apart from the calligraphy-style “Jin Song” near the cone, there’s no other relevant expression. At first glance, I thought it was a racket with many design details but a traditional and unremarkable appearance. Fortunately, the star-like decorations on the frame become more pleasing with time.

While I can find one or two hardcore rackets in the 300 yuan range, in the Jin Song range, they are all friendly, including this one. The combination of a balance point slightly over 300mm and a 4U weight is ideal for me, providing a classic, easy-to-handle feel. It has a slight head heaviness that helps with power but isn’t overly taxing. The 15mm extended middle shaft allows for easy deformation, and the elastic feedback is stronger than previous models, roughly equivalent to titanium, so I estimate the carbon fiber modulus is around 30-35T, which is rare in this price range. Almost any player can hit the backline with it, and the moderate hardness provides better power in defensive positions. This racket has already met my expectations.

For users who use this racket for training or have certain advancement needs, stability in the “first racket” is important. Jin Song is not flashy and uses a traditional box frame and 76-hole string bed. This traditional construction gives Jin Song a representative stable feel. Whether handling small balls at the net or executing clear shots from the backcourt, Jin Song performs consistently in terms of direction and angle. However, with increased power, such as strong smashes or downward shots, the T-head and middle shaft might suffer from material hardness, affecting accuracy. Nonetheless, it remains reliable as long as aggressive techniques aren’t used. I didn’t perform typical warm-ups with Jin Song but found it effective against equally skilled opponents, especially with reliable backcourt clears in crucial points. Therefore, I rate Jin Song positively.

Offensive performance is essential for any racket, and those that fail here are what I call “toys.” Jin Song is a racket with good downward power and a pleasant feel for smashes, similar to its performance in clears. The head heaviness aids in power, and the middle shaft drives elasticity. The frame hardness is moderate, so the ball stays on the string bed longer, allowing even less skilled players to generate power. However, during aggressive smashes, the deformation of the middle shaft might reduce sharpness and accuracy, weakening the threat. The racket’s lower threshold for offense enhances continuity, allowing powerful smashes even in quick setups. If one feels the smash performance is lacking, changing the string configuration could help, as Jin Song supports a 30 lbs warranty. I believe beginners will find it useful even with a slightly higher string tension, and it will remain a good backup after skill development. Overall, Jin Song meets my criteria for excellence.

There are still some issues before reaching a perfect score. The flat drive shots are somewhat sluggish, which is a trade-off in design, as one must choose between light and agile or stable but slow. The paint quality is poor; although it’s an entry-level racket, quality control needs improvement. Jin Song has almost no flawless second-hand options, and the cone cap paint is prone to chipping.

I believe the evaluation of Xun Feng’s products by the Chinese Badminton Equipment Library is overly harsh, largely due to the manufacturer’s marketing methods influencing initial perceptions. I originally intended to give the racket to others for testing, but it was taken by a female player on the test day. For this price range, I consider Jin Song a top choice for entry-level, backup, or loaner rackets.