Curiosity Series 349— Victor METEOR X 80N

Karry September 12, 2024 1 0

Previously, I had never touched the MX series from Victor, and there were several reasons why I didn’t actively explore it. First, it has a legendary reputation, especially the MX80, which remains a favorite among many advanced and serious badminton players. Even many prominent equipment bloggers still use it as their main racket. Second, there are numerous versions, and the subtle parameter adjustments between them can be overwhelming. I’ve lost count of how many times the MX80 has been re-released, with variations in new colors and “little wing” versions. Third, the original or first batch models still maintain a high price, and the premium pricing for high-end models in this series was steep to begin with. Let’s not even mention the player version JJS. Fourth, this is indeed a very old and classic series, and I tend to prioritize discontinued products less.

Some players may have noticed that I recently updated my review of the MX30L, and I think now is a good time to delve into the recast version of the MX80.

Specifications:
4U G5, with an overgrip, the total weight in playing condition is 94.9g, balance point is 286mm, 7.2mm stiff shaft, 210mm length, tuned for stiffness, octagonal aerodynamic frame, 80-hole string bed, 9-3 point grommets, string tension recommendation of 26-28 lbs, strung with 25-27 lbs Karakal 66F.

The MX80N is positioned as a racket for powerful players, and its platinum paint job immediately appeals to me, carrying a majestic and regal aura. After getting it in hand and examining it closely, I couldn’t help but make a meme-worthy face, thinking, “Nice!” From the shaft extending to the racket head, a large amount of gradient coloring has been applied. The base color transitions from a golden sheen to pure white, with the frame shifting to a transparent lacquer finish. Additionally, at the 2, 10, 4, and 8 o’clock positions, Victor deliberately exposes carbon fiber textures, bordered by a strip of purple, making the racket look both domineering and incredibly detailed. It’s a masterpiece that’s hard to put down.

This is definitely not a racket that gives you an instant feel right out of the box—there’s almost no “sweetness” to it. During my test session, my feel was quite off, and after warming up in an attempt to get my touch back and doing some rallies with my opponent, I quickly gave up. It’s stiff—very stiff. Even by today’s standards, it doesn’t feel any softer than the top-tier stiff rackets like the Jetspeed 10. As one of the older Victor rackets with the hardest cone caps, and with the difficulty of driving the 80-hole string bed (not easier than a small 76-hole frame), players who are new to this type of racket might feel like they’re hitting with a steel plate when they string it at their usual tension.

Yet, this is also an incredibly enticing racket because its shots are explosively powerful. In its current specification, the MX80N is actually a balanced racket, and its 286mm balance point gives it excellent power transfer. The 210mm stiff shaft presents high resistance when swinging, but also provides extremely direct feedback upon contact. Surprisingly, its handling of clears is smooth and effortless, and paired with the aerodynamic benefits of the octagonal frame, swinging feels almost frictionless, with a clear sense of power transfer. In terms of triggering that surge of adrenaline, the MX80N excels.

After a few warm-up games, I finally gained enough confidence to use the MX80N in actual play. And after just one game, the MX80N completely captivated me with its performance in high-intensity situations. Violent, exhilarating, and energy-draining—if I were to describe the sensation, it would be like an unrestrained, reckless pursuit of exhilaration, focusing solely on the pleasure of each shot.

The racket feels violent due to its raw power. Smashing from the rear court feels incredibly rewarding—it delivers both sound and impact with every strike, and MX80N never lets down its user if they put in the effort. What’s even more remarkable is that this isn’t a head-heavy racket, which is why some veteran players refer to it as Victor’s “wrist-breaking weapon.” It reminded me of Jung Jae Sung’s relentless bombardment from the backcourt.

It’s exhilarating because the MX80N combines high swing speed with agility. I originally thought only the Brave Sword frame could produce that air-piercing sound, but the MX series delivers something similar. The racket’s balance point is indeed low, and combined with its uniformly stiff build, the crispness of each shot is jaw-dropping, providing an exceptional experience in drives and blocks, as if it never loses in speed or fluidity. From a rear-court smash to a mid-court follow-up, the sensation is immensely satisfying.

As for the energy drain, it’s self-explanatory. The high power threshold and relatively weak shock absorption make the MX80N a demanding racket to use. The 80-hole string bed and ultra-stiff shaft become weapons when you’re on the offensive, but during defensive play, it’s a struggle. Players without the right technique can easily be forced into returning mid-court shots after a heavy push to their backhand. However, its defensive capabilities, especially when receiving smashes, benefit from the clear feedback of each shot, allowing for fast counters with a quick flick or block, often forcing opponents into a defensive posture.

For a racket with such a high skill ceiling, pairing it with stiff strings and combining the MX80’s stiff shaft, the shot accuracy is superb. Whether it’s clears, drives, or drops, the shuttle lands exactly where you expect it to, much like the traditional box-shaped frames of the Thruster series.

The MX series is positioned as an all-round attacking line, and the “N” suffix mostly represents new colorways. The 4U weight and moderate balance point give the MX80N a solid feel, without any hint of hollowness. In terms of feedback, the racket does feel a bit “wooden,” which seems to be a feature of this series or the 80-hole frame. Although this is only my second time trying the MX series, I’ve learned a lot about the octagonal frame and 80-hole string bed from other brands, and it’s a fantastic combination of stability, torsional resistance, and low wind resistance. I’m not sure if the new colorway has improved the manufacturing process, but I didn’t experience the rumored “wooden” feel as much with the MX80N—certainly less than the same-era TK models or the MX30L. By comparison, modern carbon shafts just feel more bouncy.

I have an overwhelming affection for it.