Karry
I’m always eager to try out new Pollen products. On one hand, the brand’s pricing system is stable; flagship products on online channels are often launched at more than 50% off compared to the major brands. On the other hand, Pollen’s rackets consistently perform well in terms of feel and competitive performance, catering to players at all levels, and almost always providing a “safe bet” recommendation.
However, this also means that some of Pollen’s excellent models are more prone to being out of stock due to production limitations, especially the “boron fiber” upgrade products, which have been notoriously difficult to find over the past year. This even led to rare instances where specific models saw a price inversion in the second-hand market.
As they say, “Early birds get the worm.”
Specifications:
- B212: 4U G5, with paint, total weight 93.68g, balance point 295mm, 6.5mm middle rod, length 218mm, medium hardness, box-shaped frame, 78-hole string bed, 9-3 point string groove, warranty up to 30 pounds, string tension 25-27lbs VBS69N.
- Black Mamba Pro: 4U G5, without paint, total weight 90.11g, balance point 303mm, 6.3mm middle rod, length 220mm, high hardness, wind-breaking frame, 72-hole string bed, 9-3 point string groove, warranty up to 30 pounds, string tension 25-27lbs Li Ning N68.
Design and Appearance: The two new models are hot off the press, and their designs reflect their different series. The B212 and B213 are part of the latest 1982 series, maintaining the InterstellaX theme with a space-age feel. The frame has a touch of black lining at the 2 and 10 o’clock positions, and a glossy finish, creating a clear distinction from the 213. The paint quality remains at Pollen’s flagship level.
The Black Mamba Pro, on the other hand, stands out with its unique design elements. The racket is entirely black, with the Pollen cloud mark replaced by a cobra emblem, reminiscent of the Ford Mustang Shelby GT500. The two venomous fangs at the top of the frame add to its aggressive look, and the use of high-reflective stickers in purple, bronze, and silver creates a visually striking effect. The ultra-thin middle rod adds a touch of sophistication, though some elements appear inspired by the Thunder series.
Performance: The main upgrade for the B212 is the addition of boron fiber, and the racket’s hardness has been adjusted to accommodate the new material. While the racket’s face remains similar to previous models, the increased middle rod hardness moves it away from being a “sugar-water” racket, introducing a slightly higher usage threshold. From the feel of rallying in the backcourt, the B212 provides a more “solid” hit, allowing for high ball speeds. This version retains the advantages of easy power generation and leverage, making the B212 more aggressive in handling long shots, while maintaining precision and accuracy, integrating some of the hard-core 1982 genes.
The Black Mamba Pro, being even harder, offers a more direct feedback with its ultra-thin middle rod. This results in a higher difficulty level for the sweet spot, making it more suitable for advanced players. While it may seem easier to use for aggressive shots, it becomes more demanding in slightly passive scenarios, requiring greater effort from the user. Compared to the B212, it exhibits a more extreme side that fits its product profile.
The B212 is considered an offensive racket but has a slightly lower hardness compared to the 213. The boron fiber upgrade makes it more elastic in attack compared to other 1982 models. With the increased hardness in the middle rod, it can handle explosive power better, with reduced shock and a more substantial feel on impact. Unlike the B155/152, which relies on frame weight for power, the B212’s strength comes more from the middle rod’s rebound. This new material finally provides a racket that feels confident for attacking from the backcourt in mixed doubles, although it took some time to adjust.
In contrast, the Black Mamba Pro excels as a professional offensive racket. It might feel slightly lighter in hand, but its pronounced head weight enhances its downward shot tendencies. Even with less concentrated force, it can deliver downward shots. When attacking, the new 6.3mm middle rod shows impressive explosive power, with a noticeable whip-like feel and sharp sound, encouraging players to extract more energy from it. It can deliver both sharp and heavy shots, with each strike being potentially lethal.
Comparison: Both rackets were able to keep up with my doubles play, though they differed in swing speed and flexibility. Overall, the Black Mamba Pro’s wind-breaking frame provides superior swing speed, proven in the backcourt with sustained aggressive pressure. This consistent attack is a comprehensive trait, with quick middle rod recovery also playing a crucial role. However, the B212, with its slightly lower head weight, is quicker in the initial swing and offers better flexibility, which is advantageous for intercepting and front-court play, providing more stable and forgiving performance.
Regarding net play and backcourt control, the two rackets have clear distinctions. The Black Mamba Pro offers a stiffer feel with a smaller sweet spot, making precise angle and power adjustments more challenging, which might result in a slightly higher error rate for delicate shots. The B212, with a longer contact time and more adjustment space, offers more confidence in delicate backcourt shots and net play, making it more effective for handling small balls and disrupting the opponent’s strategy.
Conclusion: The boron fiber and 6.5mm middle rod of the B212 provide a predictable upgrade in performance, while the 6.3mm middle rod of the Black Mamba Pro offers stronger impact. Having previously expressed concerns about the pace of updates in certain series, the recent releases with Pollen’s latest middle rod technology have shown significant improvements compared to their predecessors. The Black Mamba Pro inherits traits from the Pro 2.2/Princess frame, which remains unmatched until further updates. However, the feel of this frame is more rigid and shock-inducing, explaining why it hasn’t been as popular as other models. In contrast, the 1982 series remains evergreen, though the positioning of the B212 and B213 seems inconsistent with official promotional materials. Is there any need for clarification on this?
