Racket Series: Shining Twins ‘Boli 2013P Second Generation Frost Blue’

Karry September 20, 2024 0

First, let me introduce myself. I’m an informal player who first got into badminton in 2013, during my first year of university. I’ve spent a lot of time on outdoor courts, but after pursuing my master’s and PhD, I don’t play as much, averaging around three times a week. My style leans towards speed and sudden attacks, and I’d rate myself around level 4, haha.

I’ve tried some independent brands and also played with the big three, thanks to having friends who let me test their rackets. I’m not too eager about buying high-end rackets (probably because of my budget, haha), but the collection of random rackets I own could already match the price of some high-end ones. When it comes to testing rackets, it might be that I haven’t found one that perfectly fits my style, or maybe I’m not an extreme enthusiast. I’ve often spent entire afternoons playing with friends and coaches using a gifted XM25 racket from a previous promotion. So, the following review is just my personal opinion—everyone has their own preferences, and I encourage open discussion.

Currently, my main rackets are the Third Court Black Panther K Supreme Edition and the Black Panther C Titanium Edition (I’ll review them later). I’ve always wanted to try some second-tier brands, like Kawasaki Lightning, Battle Wolf, Boli’s Demon Blade, and the 2013 and 1982 series, as well as the J20 series. But I admit, I’ve hesitated due to the mixed reviews about Boli’s marketing tactics. Who knows if they’re any good? After a long internal debate and being tempted by PDD’s discounts, I finally ordered the 2013P Second Generation Frost Blue. I got it for 305 yuan, including 66N strings, from a seller on a certain platform. Not sure if the seller remembers me!

Specs: I won’t go into too much detail about the 3-in-1 frame or octagonal edges—you can easily search for that. Considering the tension increase with 80-hole stringing, I asked the seller to string it at 25 lbs.

Appearance: At first, I liked the 2013L Second Generation Purple Gold version, but after showing it to my girlfriend, she felt that both the Frost Blue and Purple Gold were nice, but Frost Blue edged out slightly. From what I’ve read in some threads, I learned a bit about the differences between the P and L versions and ultimately chose the Frost Blue based on my playing style. When it arrived, I found it quite aesthetically pleasing, with a glossy finish that’s both luxurious and understated. It’s not as unattractive as some online forums claim—it just lacks any standout features, haha. I do think a cloud logo would look even better—it would be the ultimate finishing touch!

Feel: As a singles player, I haven’t used it for doubles. After a few high-intensity sessions, playing around sixteen or seventeen 21-point games, I’m not sure if I’ve improved or if it’s just a placebo effect, but my current record is 15 wins and 1 loss. I removed the original grip and added an overgrip, so it’s slightly heavier but still agile. As others have reviewed, this racket is stiff—very stiff from top to bottom, as one reviewer aptly put it, like a “brute.” The downward pressure is excellent, and the shuttle leaves the racket quickly, giving you an irresistible urge to smash whenever you’re under a clear. With proper power and footwork, it’s often possible to score with a single hit. Its precision is excellent—whether attacking or defending, it meets placement needs well, without any floating or imprecise shots. It also performs well in fast drives, making it suitable for players who favor continuous offensive play. Despite being a 3U racket, it’s surprisingly nimble, not inferior to the speed-focused series my friends use.

Cons: I was going to mention its weight and stiffness, as they can be quite taxing on stamina. Against tough opponents, during long rallies, it’s easy to become fatigued, and once your form suffers, the power of this heavy sword drops significantly. However, that’s not the racket’s fault—it’s mine!

Lastly, I want to touch on the topic of second-tier brands and independent brands often being associated with marketing “shills,” especially in the 300–500 yuan price range. There’s a lot of malicious competition and exaggerated claims, but instead of relying on hearsay, I think personal experience is more reliable, especially given the low cost of trying these rackets. At 300 yuan, including stringing, I believe the 2013P Second Generation is undoubtedly a solid and well-made product.