It’s evident that there is a difference between outstanding items and those that are more subtle. In badminton gear, good products often compete not only across different brands but also within the same brand due to variations in cost-effectiveness and marketing. Even if a product is excellent, it may still face stiff competition. This is what I’m referring to with the HypernanoX90, the final piece in the somewhat obscure Super Nano series.
Parameters: 3UG5, stripped base, current weight 89.8g, balance point 320mm, 7.0mm shaft, 205mm length, stiff, 76-hole string bed, 9-3 o’clock grommet slots, diamond-cut wind frame, warranty 27lbs, string tension 25-27lbs, XB65.
The most striking color on the HX90 is fluorescent green. The frame features a mix of black, purple, and green with a layered, asymmetric design. The frame’s thickness isn’t exceptional, but the large frame area stands out. The paintwork is well done, with a commendable matte finish.
The HX series is known for its balanced rackets, but like the HX80, the HX90’s high stiffness and balance point make it feel stable and solid. A 3U version with a balance point of 320mm feels quite hefty during initial handling and even more so during early play. Previously, the HX80 was available in 4U, but the HX90’s remaining stock is all 3U, which presents a challenge.
The racket excels in power when leveraging the shot, but with highly elastic strings, it’s easy to overshoot. It also has a “long forehand” feel, requiring some adaptation to the swing rhythm.
The shaft uses reverse carbon technology, and thankfully, the HX90’s performance leans more towards the direct feel of the HX80 rather than a dull response. Additionally, whether due to the EM fibers or the strings, the HX90’s string bed offers a good amount of elasticity. It provides excellent initial speed in short, powerful shots and doesn’t cause erratic shots during delicate play. This balance of qualities reminds me of the HX900X.
Thus, with a strong core filling, the control is very good. The large head and sweet spot ensure a high margin for error, while the high stiffness and anti-twist capability provide precision. The heavier spec ensures stable feel, making it easy to perform quality shots like lifts, cuts, hooks, spins, and drops. The racket also demonstrates impressive power among those with reverse carbon shafts. Although the Nano 6 was also a balanced offensive racket, the HX90’s harder feel enhances the joy of attacking from the backcourt. It performs well in competitive play, providing powerful smashes.
However, the drawbacks are also apparent—slow and heavy. The diamond-cut wind frame only slightly reduces wind resistance, and even with advanced designs like the Speed Frame, the head-heavy feel of the HX90 leads to a primarily heavy handling experience, affecting quick defensive moves. The racket’s inflexibility can make fast-paced actions and net play more difficult.
The HX90 can indeed be classified as a traditional offensive racket. The 4U version would be a better choice, though even this requires a high level of skill and technique. Despite its advantages, the HX90’s performance might not stand out compared to other models, which could explain its lack of popularity in the market. Overall, it justifies its price and positioning but has a higher usage threshold. Its good elasticity requires substantial personal strength to drive it effectively, making it a near-high-end racket. With many competing models and no particularly striking features, its market performance is understandable.
