Supreme Thunderbolt: Gosen RYOGA SHIDEN Badminton Racket
Equipment Type: Badminton Racket, Brand: Gosen, Series: RYOGA SHIDEN, Applicability: All, Price Range: Above 1501 Yuan, Introduction: The RYOGA SHIDEN was launched in November 2010. It features a semi-square frame and shaft made of Zylon, a carbon fiber developed by the U.S. Air Force in the 1980s and later adapted for civilian use in Japan. This material is lightweight and highly durable. The shaft tapers from 6.7mm to 7.5mm, transitioning from the thickest part near the T-joint to the thinnest part at the frame head, reminiscent of Gosen’s previous design with force nodes for added strength. While the RYOGA SHIDEN focuses on speed, the Flash is a power attack racket, and the Thunderbolt is designed for players who require both power and speed, making it a versatile choice. This racket demands a combination of speed and power from the player. The frame and shaft are not uniform; the T-head is 10mm thick, and the top is 9mm, allowing for faster swings. This could explain why the recommended tension for Flash and RYOGA is up to 30 lbs, while the Thunderbolt is rated at 27 lbs, indicating a higher requirement for stringing professionals. The color is similar to the Korean version of RYOGA, with the T-head pattern following the Flash’s design, showing a clear lineage among the three. The Thunderbolt’s balance point is moderate at 285mm, which may decrease by 1-2mm with added string and grip. The Flash has a head-heavy balance, while RYOGA is more even with a slightly lighter head. Although the hardness is the same as RYOGA and harder than Flash, the Thunderbolt is expected to feel even stiffer due to the 7.5mm shaft diameter at the T-joint, which is quite robust in today’s market where 7.0mm is common. The official recommended string is the R4X110, similar to the YY80. While this is not absolute, it suggests a balance of power and elasticity with good durability. However, players may prefer to choose between pure power or high-elasticity strings based on personal preference. Frame Material: Zylon (Zylon), Four-axis Carbon Fiber, Shaft Material: M40, Four-axis Carbon Fiber, Racket Weight: 3U, Racket Length: 675mm, Handle Size: G5, Shaft Flexibility: Extra Stiff, String Tension: 20-27 LBS, Balance Point: –