The low-end entry racket market is quite complex. As far as I know, there are already many rackets in the 99 series, such as the Balanced Blade and the Offensive-Defensive Blade. However, I haven’t experienced their actual performance yet, so I’ll wait until I get the chance to try them. In the near future, I plan to conduct a comprehensive evaluation and comparison of entry-level rackets priced between 100 and 200 yuan. Many advanced players may dismiss these rackets, and they are indeed not very appealing. But to provide some guidance for beginners, I’ll first talk about the long-standing Victor 9500.
The “Fire Dragon Spear” has been a renowned name for more than a decade, back when I was in high school. I vividly remember saving up my pocket money for a long time to buy one online, only to receive it with a broken frame. Lacking experience at the time, I didn’t file a claim, and that was the end of it. After many years, picking up these two rackets again brings back a lot of memories: I still recall running under the setting sun—that was my lost youth.
Back to the topic, these rackets belong to my classmate: one is the red 9500C, and the other is the blue 9500. In essence, there’s not much difference between them, so I’ll discuss them together.
Appearance: The red-black and blue-black combinations are generally safe choices. The red-black version is more bold, while the blue-black version is more understated. The design has been maintained up to now, and in terms of paint durability, the 9500 seems to hold up better than the 9500C. As for looks, they’re fairly standard, carrying the typical aesthetic of older Victor rackets. If you care about aesthetics, you might want to check out the Pro Kennex Star Shadow, Star Illusion, or Star Cloud.
Specifications: Both rackets are 4U in weight, strung with BG95 at around 25 lbs. The balance point of the 9500C is slightly higher. Overall, they both fall under the category of balanced rackets, with 10-4 o’clock string grooves and box frames.
Feel: Nothing particularly stands out. If I had to point out a weakness, I’d say there’s no real weakness—everything is fairly average. I’d give it a score of around 65 out of 100 (truly balanced). It’s not great at generating power for clears, especially after using highly elastic rackets like the Kirin, White Tiger, and Vermilion Bird. After using those, the 9500 feels quite stiff. The shaft feels somewhat rigid and dull, and the directional control isn’t very precise, which is particularly noticeable when attacking from the backcourt. The red-black 9500C feels slightly better when driving the shuttle downwards, though this could just be a psychological effect. The racket does have enough power to deliver a smash in the mid- and front-court. In terms of flat drives at the net, although the racket is relatively light, it’s hard to control because of the slow rebound rate. When caught in a rally, it’s best to break out of it quickly. However, the racket does perform well in net shots, with the large frame offering a high tolerance for errors. Whether it’s rolling the shuttle along the net or cross-net shots, it handles them with ease.
Overall: After using it for a while, although the racket doesn’t have any standout features, I don’t think it’s particularly suited for complete beginners. In my opinion, it’s more suitable for players who enjoy smashing, have some basic strength, but haven’t yet perfected their technique—typically aggressive male players. As for female players, I’d suggest steering clear and opting for the Star Cloud or Star Illusion instead. To this day, the 9500 still holds a place in the low-end market. Besides its inherent brand advantage, the performance it offers at this price point is indeed noteworthy. Moreover, it has a certain level of resale value and is highly durable. If you’re worried about buying other brands and getting a poor-quality racket (since 100-200 yuan can still be a lot for some students), the 9500 is a safe choice as an entry-level racket. If you’re looking for an even better experience at the same price, stay tuned for my next review.
As a classic, long-lasting entry-level racket, it remains one of the options recommended by many experienced players to beginners as their first racket. I still remember my first named racket being from Victor’s Explorer series, a product of the same era as the Challenger.
Although I haven’t played with this racket yet, I’ll make up for it by borrowing it from a friend. By the way, this isn’t from the “what more could you ask for” series, as this racket still costs a significant amount today, and it even retains its value on second-hand platforms.
Specifications: 4UG5, with overgrip and string installed, total weight and balance point unknown, medium stiffness shaft with a 7.5mm diameter, 210mm in length, suspected to have a fish-mouth cone cap, standard box frame, 10-4 o’clock string grooves, strung at 25lbs with BG65Ti strings.
In terms of appearance, it’s acceptable. The red stickers on the frame are aesthetically pleasing, but there’s nothing particularly noteworthy to comment on. I could critique the aesthetics of many of Babolat’s high-end rackets, but for this classic design, there’s nothing much to say—it feels standard and ordinary, like when parents wear gold-rimmed reading glasses. The only touch of technology is the “power box” marking at the 5 o’clock position, giving the 9500 a sense of modernity.
The racket has a slight head-heavy feel, and the box frame leads to slower swing speeds. However, the 4U version doesn’t feel uncomfortable during air swings, with a moderate load. Rackets at this price range often have a plasticky feel, which may be a psychological bias of mine. To give a more precise description in the future, I’d probably need to do blind testing without knowing the price.
When hitting clears, I immediately sensed the old-school flavor typical of Victor’s mid-to-low-end rackets from the last decade: wood-like and jarring on the hands! The shot quality isn’t bad, and the shaft is easy to drive without being overly soft. As long as the technique is correct, hitting clears is relatively easy, though the feedback isn’t particularly pleasant—it’s akin to using a racket with a slightly higher balance point like the Astrox 99 Tour (see the previous review). It’s passable for an entry-level racket, though—aside from the iron hammer models, I haven’t encountered many rackets at this price range that deliver a truly powerful shot.
The racket’s performance in handling defensive and passive shots is stable, which I found satisfying. If it were a 3U version, this aspect might suffer, but the 4U version is more suitable for me, especially as someone who mainly plays doubles. The 9500 excels in handling net shots, with its large face and slightly ball-holding nature making it easy to adjust angles and control. In mid-to-front court situations in intermediate-level doubles matches, it can help set up shots for a rear-court partner who can deliver powerful smashes.
Theoretically, the standard box frame should create a large and consistent sweet spot, but hitting the sweet spot on the 9500 didn’t make me feel like I was getting a higher-quality shot. On the contrary, missing the sweet spot resulted in unpleasant vibrations throughout the racket. Overall, its smashing ability is above average for rackets at this price point. Its moderate head-heaviness and stable box frame provide controlled power for smashes, but its shot speed remains average, and attempts at more explosive shots often feel like they lose power. The vague sweet spot and off-sweet spot vibrations significantly impact the enjoyment of attacking with this racket.
In terms of drive and block shots, it falls short compared to the cheaper Jujiang K07. The box frame’s high air resistance, coupled with the long, soft shaft that’s slow to recover after deformation, results in less crisp shots, leaving the player somewhat powerless in fast-paced exchanges. It’s puzzling that, despite the extended shaft, the 9500 still requires a fish-mouth cone cap design.
Having tested many entry-level rackets at this price range, I agree that the 9500 still holds its value with its stable quality, though it’s difficult to call it the best option. All current versions come from Victor’s Nanjing factory, and differences between versions require individual testing. Personally, I think the C/S/D versions, which have had shaft upgrades, may offer better performance. For doubles, both 3U and 4U are viable, though for singles, 3U is a must to avoid more shortcomings. I wouldn’t recommend this racket to female players, and for beginners who don’t favor a power-based playstyle (a rare few), this racket offers some unique advantages for control, net play, and improving front-court techniques. Overall, though, this racket feels somewhat outdated.
This series of badminton rackets features a diamond-shaped frame and high-rigidity carbon and nano materials, enhancing strength, rebound performance, and lightweight properties. With a stylish appearance, it is designed for players who prefer elegance. The high-end configuration and mid-range price of the Nano series have made it popular in the badminton community, and models such as SUPER NANO7, SUPER NANO6, and the upgraded HX-7SP, HX-6SP remain beloved among enthusiasts.
Challenger Series (CHALLENGER)
The Challenger series focuses on attack-oriented rackets, suitable for players who favor aggressive play. Made from high-rigidity carbon fiber, these rackets are solid and powerful. The VICTOR Challenger 9500 offers high cost-performance and is a great choice for beginners. The Challenger 9300 is praised for its control and is ideal for players who seek a balance between attack and defense.
Meteor X Series (METEOR X, MX)
The Meteor X series brought a powerful all-around racket to international courts. Released in 2011, the MX-80 introduced an eight-sided blade structure that provided a more stable racket face, becoming popular among international players. This series is known for its all-around capabilities and stability, with an 80-hole design offering dense stringing that improves shot performance and protects the strings.
HYPERNANO X Series (HX)
The HYPERNANO X series uses a unique diamond wind-breaking frame and advanced material technology to achieve balanced, stable, and anti-torque characteristics. It excels in both precise attacking and effortless defensive play, offering comprehensive performance for aggressive and versatile gameplay.
DriveX Series (DX)
The DriveX series addresses the evolving needs of badminton technique, emphasizing control and speed in doubles and singles play. It offers a smooth and stable racket feel, ideal for players who require fine control and fluid movement. The DriveX series redefines control rackets with an emphasis on attack.
Brave Sword Series (BRAVE SWORD)
The Brave Sword series is considered the soul of VICTOR, with many top Korean players having used these rackets. This series emphasizes speed, making it suitable for doubles play and players who favor quick, agile movements. The rackets are elegant and lightweight, providing sharp and precise attacking capabilities.
Thruster Series (THRUSTER)
The Thruster series focuses on aggressive play with a box-type frame and strength-enhancing grooves at the 5 and 7 o’clock positions. Made from graphene and nano-resin materials, the rackets offer excellent power and control, making them ideal for powerful smashes.
Artery Series (ARTERY)
The Artery series features carbon fiber rackets with strong rigidity and excellent elasticity. These rackets are designed for easy handling and stable performance, with models like the VICTOR Artery 996 representing mid-range technical rackets.
Columbia Series (COLUMBIA)
The Columbia series offers enhanced comfort with strong core technology and refined middle shafts. It is designed for older players seeking a classic and nostalgic option with smooth handling and comfortable play.
Legend Series (LEGEND)
The Legend series commemorates Zhao Jianhua, one of the “Four Heavenly Kings” of badminton. It combines rigidity and stability with high-quality materials, providing a luxurious feel for technical players and showcasing the essence of badminton.
Auraspeed Series (AURASPEED)
The Auraspeed series focuses on innovation and speed. It includes models with various speed attributes such as X (control), K (attack), S (speed), and F (women), offering diverse performance options tailored to different needs and preferences.
Jetspeed S Series (JETSPEED S)
The Jetspeed S series is a classic speed-focused series, popular among international players like Wu Liying and Chen Weichang. Known for its robust frame and quick response, the Jetspeed S series excels in fast-paced play and efficient transitions between offense and defense.
VICTOR rackets are generally categorized into three main types: Attack, Speed, and All-Around.
All-Around (Comprehensive)
Speed (Defensive)
Attack (Offensive):
Super Nano Series DriveX Series HYPERNANO X Series Meteor X Series (MX)
BRAVE SWORD AURASPEED JETSPEED S
CHALLENGER THRUSTER ARTERY COLUMBIA LEGEND
VICTOR Badminton Racket Purchasing Tips
1.Racket Handle
VICTOR badminton rackets come in three handle sizes: G1, G2, and G3. G1 is the thinnest, equivalent to YONEX’s G5 handle size. Currently, some women’s rackets feature G1 handles.
Typically, VICTOR uses the G2 size (3 1/2) wood handle, which is covered with a sweat-absorbent, non-slip, durable, and comfortable PU grip. For larger handle sizes, an additional 0.75mm grip can be added over the original. Some batches of rackets come with G3 handles, suitable for players with larger hands.
2.Racket Weight (Unstrung)
VICTOR rackets use the U system for weight measurement, similar to YONEX. The categories are 2U (over 90g), 3U (85-90g), and 4U (81-84.9g). The most common weight is 3U, suitable for the majority of adults. 2U is typically used by players with strong wrist power and high string tension, and is less common now, with models like the Artery 99 still available in 2U. 4U is generally used by defensive and control-oriented players. Many women’s rackets are primarily 4U.
3.Shaft Flexibility (FLEX)
VICTOR rackets usually indicate shaft stiffness. The closer the shaft is to Flexible, the softer it is, suitable for technique-focused players, control, and those with weaker strength. Conversely, a stiffer shaft is suited for aggressive players. The parameters are visible on the cone of VICTOR rackets.
4.Racket Balance Point (Carbon Racket)
VICTOR rackets generally have a lower balance point, with very few exceeding 300mm. Most rackets have a balance point between 285-295mm. According to physics, the balance point for an unstrung racket is usually between 28cm and 29cm. A rearward balance point (below 285mm) makes the racket head lighter, offering better maneuverability but less power for smashes. A forward balance point (above 29cm) makes the racket head heavier, providing more power but less flexibility. VICTOR adjusts the balance point according to each racket’s characteristics to create distinct attack features.
5.Racket Frame Shape
Most VICTOR rackets feature a large square head design, providing a larger sweet spot. For example, the VICTOR Brave Sword 15 uses a smaller square head design, concentrating the power more effectively.
6.Racket Length
VICTOR rackets are uniformly 675mm in length.
VICTOR Badminton Racket Model Recommendations
For entry-level players, the affordable Super Nano 9 is a good choice, while the Super Nano 8, 6, 5, and 3 series are more suitable for intermed
Entry-Level Racket
1.VICTOR Challenge CHA-9500
A highly recommended entry-level model, well-regarded among badminton enthusiasts and considered a classic! This racket is known for being one of the best-selling low-end rackets from VICTOR and among the best-selling rackets in the entire badminton community. It is extremely easy to handle, with suitable weight and swing weight, making it perfect for beginners. Typically, entry-level players may not yet have a developed technique and average strength; this racket helps in transitioning from a beginner to an intermediate or advanced player. Available in 3U/4U specifications with color options of red and blue.
2.VICTOR Thruster TK-HMR Hammer
The Hammer is a good entry-level attacking racket. It has a soft shaft but a higher balance point, making it a solid choice for those focused on offense. Compared to the CHA-9500, this racket is newer and more attack-oriented, though slightly more challenging to handle. Beginners can still consider it. For players with less power, the lighter version, TK-HMR L (Little Hammer), is an option. However, because of the lighter weight, generating powerful smashes may require more effort.
Intermediate Rackets
1.VICTOR Brave Sword 12 (4U Full Carbon Training Racket)
This is the iconic racket used by Lee Yong Dae. The Brave Sword 12 features a wind-breaking frame, delivering fast, accurate, and powerful shots. It excels in continuous defense, allowing for a wide variety of shots such as clears and flat drives. While smashing isn’t the racket’s strongest suit, it still performs well. Overall, it’s a versatile racket with an excellent reputation and high cost performance, making it ideal for doubles. It’s one of the best-selling VICTOR rackets.
2.VICTOR HX-7SP
An upgraded version of the Nano 7, the HX-7SP comes in champagne gold and amber gold, available in both 3U and 4U. Nicknamed the “AK47 of rackets,” it offers improved swing speed and stability after the upgrade, with the shaft slimmed down from 7mm to 6.8mm. It’s one of the best-selling mid-range rackets, and its performance has been well received in the market. Ideal for players with a drive-and-attack style, this racket is known for its excellent cost performance. It’s a classic choice, offering strong mid-court flat drives and fast, agile play at the front, making it suitable for beginners as well.
High-End Rackets
1.VICTOR Thruster Onigiri (TK-Onigiri)
The Onigiri racket features a smaller head design, coupled with a long string groove and an ultra-thin 6.4mm shaft. Every aspect that could reduce air resistance has been optimized for speed, embodying the philosophy of “the fastest blade wins.” With its stiff shaft, this racket excels in both offense and control, making it ideal for intermediate to advanced players.
2.VICTOR DriveX 9X (DX-9X)
This is a high-end balanced racket from VICTOR’s DriveX series. It’s easy to use and highly praised for its unbeatable balance, even better than the Yonex ArcSaber 10 and 11 in terms of equilibrium. With an attractive design, great feel, and ease of handling, this racket is a popular choice among players.
