Karry
A vivid antagonist often enhances, or even establishes, the foundation of a work. Recently, I received a new racket that gives me the same impression as Razor, the boss from “Need for Speed: Most Wanted.” It’s flamboyant, ruthless, and a bit unscrupulous, but undeniably fast.
This season, Weichen’s new product fits this image perfectly—it’s also called Razor.
Specifications: 4UG5, with a base weight of 93.0g, balance point of 300mm, shaft length of 215mm, medium to high stiffness, inverted aerodynamic frame, 72-hole string bed, full string channel, tension warranty of 28lbs, strung at 26-28lbs with Weichen Kirin strings.
The purple-black, graffiti style finish can be described as flamboyant and audacious—certainly not a derogatory term. Such a bold design inevitably captures attention, making enthusiasts ecstatic. The racket’s name “Razor” is displayed in a strong, personal style at the 4, 8 o’clock positions and on the shaft, evoking the spirit of the black market in “Most Wanted.”
Weichen doesn’t frequently offer high-end rackets with a tension warranty of only 28lbs, and it’s rare for them to produce such an aggressively fast racket. Notably, this frame features originality, with the thinnest part of the racket head at 0.6cm, showcasing Weichen’s top technology. I think it deserves a thumbs up.
The racket has a slightly higher swing weight, but its stiffness is also significant, making it feel very responsive without any sluggishness during air swings. When striking, it produces a sharp sound that slices through the air.
I understood this feeling and couldn’t wait to string it with hard strings. The Razor lived up to my expectations on the court. The overall high stiffness provides direct feedback upon hitting, yet it doesn’t feel too wooden. There’s a certain threshold for use, but the large sweet spot and low wind resistance of the frame made the adjustment process smoother.
The racket offers a fantastic feel for power generation; a well-executed flat shot can achieve high speed and relatively controlled landing points without a sense of loss of power. This direct feedback provides immense satisfaction during quick exchanges, with the string bed not absorbing the shuttlecock. Combining finger and wrist movements results in explosive shots. Moreover, the shaft’s recovery speed after deformation is impressively quick, ensuring good continuity, although a lower swing weight would enhance its performance.
That said, the racket’s lack of absorption can be challenging at the net, requiring careful technique to avoid high bounces… With this racket, I found it hard to focus on delicate maneuvers.
However, does the aggressive frame hinder Razor’s power attacking ability? My answer is: it depends on how you use it. During trials, I enjoyed using it for powerful downward strikes, reveling in the feeling of hitting—results aside, it’s about the enjoyment. However, during heavy smashes, it lacks the weighty impact characteristic of true offensive rackets. While it delivers smooth power transmission, it demands a certain level of force; the heavier head isn’t enough to maintain the leverage needed for high-quality downward shots.
But even if a powerful smash doesn’t land, you can always follow up with another shot, maintaining a satisfying rhythm. I could clearly feel that when I seized the initiative in a rally, the pace quickened, making it difficult for my opponent to break free from the relentless attacks. Among many high-end speed rackets, this experience stands out.
This update on the racket represents the approach I appreciate; I must say, Weichen has done a remarkable job.
To be clear, this isn’t a mere gimmick. While it is indeed fast and sharp, its aggression is not about underhanded tactics but rather straightforward speed and power. However, I have concerns about its durability; such a thin frame must endure full stringing, posing new challenges to its resilience.
We often say that it’s tough for small brands to sell top-tier products at high prices; most accepted price points are below 500. However, this new model exceeds this psychological expectation and, in my view, deserves a higher status.
