Curiosity Series 404 — VS Jianling

Karry September 21, 2024 0

404 Not Found So this time, let’s not look at the big brands in the 200-yuan range; instead, we’ll check out other brands.

Jianling has been around for a while, and I’m curious about what performance it can offer at the same price point, especially with VS’S material quality. Recently, many brands have been playing the game of positioning alternatives, which is getting a bit tedious. It might be more interesting to try out as many entry-level rackets as possible before the 618 shopping festival.

Specifications: 4U G5, including grip, total weight 92.51g, balance point 302mm, handle length 220mm, medium stiffness, wind-breaking frame, 76-hole string bed, 9-3 string channels, warranty up to 30lbs, strung with Gosen65 strings at 25-27 lbs.

Ah, another platinum color! I’m feeling pretty indifferent at this point, so I’ll follow the usual practice and say a few things. Jianling also has a very strong national style in its naming, leaning toward the fantasy genre, which adds some expectation to the racket. The frame features gold stickers at six points for decoration, making the racket look less bland. However, named “Jianling,” its English translation “Sword Soul” might be a bit awkward…

On the test day, I also brought along a Little Cannon racket, and switching between the two didn’t create any awkwardness. Jianling is also very easy to pick up. Thanks to its wind-breaking frame, Jianling offers even higher swing speed. The shaft provides better drive and elasticity than the previous model, resulting in superior feedback when striking the shuttle. I initially thought Jianling would be priced slightly higher, but was surprised to find out at the end of the test that it is a 200-yuan product, showing that VS is quite generous with materials.

The joint and the top section of the shaft appear quite robust, resembling an octagonal structure, which significantly enhances Jianling’s torsional strength. Even compared to pure box-frame products at the same level, it doesn’t lag behind at all.

Due to improved feedback and frame stability, Jianling’s performance on long shots exceeded my expectations. Its directional clarity allows for good control, and I was able to consistently place flat high shots, deep clears, and drop shots with high reproducibility.

Currently, Jianling’s racket head weight offers a bit of leverage for easy strokes, but the explosive power primarily comes from its above-average elastic shaft compared to similar products. Jianling can deliver decent speed for smashes, but if the power is insufficient and the shot lacks downward trajectory, achieving sharper placements is quite challenging.

Although it features a wind-breaking frame, Jianling doesn’t feel overly fast during use; rather, it provides a balanced experience. The current frame thickness isn’t low, so it doesn’t feel too sharp when swinging, and the shaft stiffness is moderate. The response isn’t overly crisp; during fast exchanges, it’s more suited for changing the rhythm, and occasionally using a softer touch to redirect the shuttle feels more appropriate.

Of course, Jianling’s better elasticity provides a more satisfying feel during defensive play, making it easier to counter smashes effectively. To be fair, Jianling does have a somewhat plastic feel, but in practice, it is very user-friendly and effortless, making it a good choice for beginners or as a backup racket in your bag.