Tag: Kumpoo

Specifications: 4UG5, no cap, total weight 87.1g in used condition, balance point 303mm, middle shaft length 215mm, moderate hardness, 76-hole string bed, box frame, 9-3 o’clock string grooves, warranty 30 lbs, strung with 26 lbs High God 65 string.

I wonder how other players with the Jin Song feel about its appearance. For me, its design is not particularly appealing. It uses a blue and white base with red lettering and red patterns, which is the main color scheme. The frame has an asymmetrical design (similar to the Sky Blade series), with contrasting colors at 4 and 10 o’clock, creating a visual impact. Although I initially thought this would be a national style racket from the name, apart from the calligraphy-style “Jin Song” near the cone, there’s no other relevant expression. At first glance, I thought it was a racket with many design details but a traditional and unremarkable appearance. Fortunately, the star-like decorations on the frame become more pleasing with time.

While I can find one or two hardcore rackets in the 300 yuan range, in the Jin Song range, they are all friendly, including this one. The combination of a balance point slightly over 300mm and a 4U weight is ideal for me, providing a classic, easy-to-handle feel. It has a slight head heaviness that helps with power but isn’t overly taxing. The 15mm extended middle shaft allows for easy deformation, and the elastic feedback is stronger than previous models, roughly equivalent to titanium, so I estimate the carbon fiber modulus is around 30-35T, which is rare in this price range. Almost any player can hit the backline with it, and the moderate hardness provides better power in defensive positions. This racket has already met my expectations.

For users who use this racket for training or have certain advancement needs, stability in the “first racket” is important. Jin Song is not flashy and uses a traditional box frame and 76-hole string bed. This traditional construction gives Jin Song a representative stable feel. Whether handling small balls at the net or executing clear shots from the backcourt, Jin Song performs consistently in terms of direction and angle. However, with increased power, such as strong smashes or downward shots, the T-head and middle shaft might suffer from material hardness, affecting accuracy. Nonetheless, it remains reliable as long as aggressive techniques aren’t used. I didn’t perform typical warm-ups with Jin Song but found it effective against equally skilled opponents, especially with reliable backcourt clears in crucial points. Therefore, I rate Jin Song positively.

Offensive performance is essential for any racket, and those that fail here are what I call “toys.” Jin Song is a racket with good downward power and a pleasant feel for smashes, similar to its performance in clears. The head heaviness aids in power, and the middle shaft drives elasticity. The frame hardness is moderate, so the ball stays on the string bed longer, allowing even less skilled players to generate power. However, during aggressive smashes, the deformation of the middle shaft might reduce sharpness and accuracy, weakening the threat. The racket’s lower threshold for offense enhances continuity, allowing powerful smashes even in quick setups. If one feels the smash performance is lacking, changing the string configuration could help, as Jin Song supports a 30 lbs warranty. I believe beginners will find it useful even with a slightly higher string tension, and it will remain a good backup after skill development. Overall, Jin Song meets my criteria for excellence.

There are still some issues before reaching a perfect score. The flat drive shots are somewhat sluggish, which is a trade-off in design, as one must choose between light and agile or stable but slow. The paint quality is poor; although it’s an entry-level racket, quality control needs improvement. Jin Song has almost no flawless second-hand options, and the cone cap paint is prone to chipping.

I believe the evaluation of Xun Feng’s products by the Chinese Badminton Equipment Library is overly harsh, largely due to the manufacturer’s marketing methods influencing initial perceptions. I originally intended to give the racket to others for testing, but it was taken by a female player on the test day. For this price range, I consider Jin Song a top choice for entry-level, backup, or loaner rackets.

Introduction

Upon exploring Kumpoo’s range of badminton equipment, one finds that the names of their top models are steeped in tradition and rich with distinctive features. There’s the imposing “Thick Sun,” the powerful “Solar Eclipse,” and the formidable “Pine Peak.” So, how does the “Titanium II” measure up? I wondered why Kumpoo chose this name over something like “Tai Chi II,” and I sought to understand the reasoning behind it.

Through some reflection, I discovered a clue. Titanium is known for its hardness and lightness, often referred to as a “space metal” and widely used in the aerospace industry. The Titanium II is constructed with Toray’s carbon fiber, a top material solution for sports and leisure products, as well as an important component in modern aerospace applications. The consistency in material application hints that the Titanium II is light as a feather but strong as a rock. Therefore, it becomes clear why Kumpoo opted for “Titanium” over “Tai Chi.”

Evolution of the Titanium II

The Titanium II builds on the foundation of the Titanium I but does not undergo drastic changes. To establish the “Titanium” name in the market, Kumpoo had to address the flaws of the previous model. One notable issue with the original Titanium was its overly thin and brittle frame, evoking the phrase, “you fell before I even applied force.”

Thus, Kumpoo made significant improvements to the Titanium II’s frame. The number of grommets was increased from 72 to 76, and the frame thickness was upgraded from 4.7mm to 6mm. This adjustment helps distribute stress and enhance the head frame’s tensile strength, ensuring stable performance. Kumpoo also replaced ordinary grommets with specially designed single-piece grommets, showing attention to detail.

Appearance and Design

In terms of aesthetics, the Titanium II has transitioned from a matte finish to a vibrant gloss. Although this change sacrifices some durability and scratch resistance, it greatly enhances the visual appeal. The racket features a dual-color scheme of red and green, symbolizing both offensive and defensive capabilities. The vivid red and green Taiji patterns on the frame are striking and lifelike.

The design of the shaft continues the theme of the frame, with the number “2” cleverly incorporated into a Taiji symbol. Red and green text at the end of the shaft, marking “OFFENSIVE” and “DEFEND,” visually represent the Taiji philosophy. This design conveys the racket’s dual nature: powerful aggression in “OFFENSIVE” mode and refined defense in “DEFEND” mode.

Playing Experience

The Titanium II tested is a 4UG5 model, with 76 grommets, a total length of 675mm, an unstrung weight of 83.4g (93.2g with grip), and a balance point of 292mm (292mm with grip). The shaft measures 7.23mm, offering moderate elasticity. It is strung at 26lbs, with an official rating of ≤30lbs.

Upon first use, the racket’s slight head heaviness and comfortable grip were noticeable. The medium elasticity of the shaft provided a good rebound feedback, making it easy to generate power. The Titanium II’s low swing weight facilitates effortless maneuvering, making it feel intuitive and familiar even to new users. The direct and clear feedback during hitting allowed for effective adjustments and improved results.

The Titanium II excels in smooth transitions between shots, whether in attack or defense. This fluidity is likely due to its patented dual-hardness shaft. However, it lacks speed and precision in rapid shots and net play. Despite this, the racket’s stability and crisp hitting sensation compensate for these shortcomings, thanks to the SPIRAL design that reduces air resistance during swings.

In doubles play, the Titanium II’s moderate swing speed can be a disadvantage in fast exchanges at the net, though its good feedback still maintains a competitive edge. While it doesn’t provide the explosive power for heavy smashes, it offers a smooth and controlled attacking experience, akin to the refined movements of a Taiji sword.

In defensive situations, there’s no need to worry about the frame breaking under intense pressure. The improved frame stability in the Titanium II addresses past issues, ensuring reliable performance.

Conclusion

After a brief experience with the Titanium II, it’s easy to classify it as a “soft” racket. Its overall feel is gentle yet robust, with a rounded and substantial impact. The reduced entry-level threshold makes it easier to handle, providing valuable assistance to players in their progression. In essence, the Titanium II is an engaging racket that lives up to its name, embodying the principles of Taiji. Taiji represents balance and harmony, and the Titanium II exemplifies these concepts in its design and performance.

I have a badminton friend who is not able to play often. She is about 150 cm tall, with very slender limbs and has not undergone specialized training in techniques or footwork. Generally, such women are positioned as front players in mixed doubles. However, since the other players do not usually hold back, despite having capable partners, dealing with varied shots and intense attacks can be challenging. For her, even though she can return high-clear shots actively, she still often ends up only managing mid-court returns.

The first hurdle for beginner women is the difficulty in handling high-clear shots without proper power techniques. We can’t expect every beginner to use high-end rackets like the NF600 or NRGZ. If relying on equipment, it should at least meet these criteria: 1. Affordable, under 200 RMB; 2. Ultra-light, as some players only use 5U or lighter rackets; 3. Flexible shaft, making the racket easier to handle; 4. Some elasticity to ensure good shot quality; 5. Aesthetic appeal.

The A72 meets these requirements well, despite not being part of the “what more could you ask for” series (it’s more expensive than the K07).

Specifications: 5UG5, full weight 85g, balance point 300mm, 210mm long middle shaft, moderately soft tuning, box frame, strung with about 25lbs training string.

For a racket clearly aimed at amateur beginners, paying some attention to aesthetics can be an effective strategy to boost sales. It features a white base similar to the K520, Y1L, and K07, with colorful rainbow fonts and lines creating a basic sense of layering. Although the paint still feels cheap, it is visually acceptable and suitable for giving to young women (9500 tears). The paint quality is also decent (important for beginners who might hit the frame frequently), and during my testing, despite several frame hits and one collision, there was no noticeable wear. However, if the paint chips, the white appearance and carbon fiber black spots might be visually unpleasant.

The feel of swinging the racket is familiar, having used many ultra-light rackets. It gives a feeling of “light in hand, some weight in swing, overall fast swing speed,” similar to the VTFB, but with a noticeably softer middle shaft, allowing for noticeable deformation.

The middle shaft is interesting—it’s not as excessively soft as some entry-level rackets from Victory. Although my power shots almost max out the potential of the middle shaft, it provides a slightly rare resilience in its feedback, similar to bamboo bending and rebounding. The A72 is described as having a medium-soft shaft, and this resilience may be due to slightly higher modulus carbon fiber. Thus, while smashing may feel a bit stiff, the shots are crisp and fast, suitable for rapid downward shots, with the 300mm balance point being just right for this purpose.

Compared to the 6U WS72, the A72 performs better in the front court. Its faster start-up allows players who have good front court habits to apply more pressure on opponents without fearing shots going out of bounds. The flat drives are crisp, handling various line changes and positioning well in amateur play, and recovery speed is adequate. Directional control is good for rackets in this category.

Due to its weight, the racket has a slight feeling of power loss when receiving smashes. However, using the racket’s own power for smashes makes it easier to handle close-net shots, but lifting shots can be a bit challenging, especially for beginners who might rush their shots. The racket’s crisp shot quality can make it harder to lift effectively.

The reason I’m discussing the high-clear shots last is that this was my primary reason for testing this racket. I believe even advanced players wouldn’t mind using it for high-clear warm-ups. The resilience in the middle shaft makes the power application process more linear. While not comparable to high-end rackets like the NF600, the A72 is more controllable than those overly soft rackets aiming to lower the power threshold. With a 5U weight, it allows for smoother power application, and the middle shaft helps somewhat in the case of insufficient power.

In my opinion, Xunfeng is often criticized mainly because its target market doesn’t align with the forum’s mainstream preferences. Currently, the A72’s performance surpasses the Y1L, B110, and K520, and differs from the K07 and small iron hammer primarily in playing style. I recommend it for beginners with absolutely weak power, and it can be used by men as well. It’s good and offers better performance compared to the “what more could you ask for” series, without compromising. Using a 66U string might improve performance further.

In 2020, Kumpoo once again entered the badminton scene. With endorsements from internet celebrities, extensive promotion on badminton forums, partnerships with world champions, high-quality designs and color schemes, and affordable prices, Kumpoo successfully stood out among many second-tier brands. This series of commercial operations by Kumpoo has been undeniably successful, making the brand shine brightly among its peers. However, the products of the brand have also faced controversy.

Kumpoo Kevlarmor “Shiri”
The asymmetric design of the Kevlarmor series evokes thoughts of the Green Factory’s Ti series. (I personally really like this type of asymmetrical design.) The black and red color scheme is also quite impressive, and when paired with the Red and Black AB strings from the Green Factory, it looks excellent.

Specifications: 4U (82g), 290mm balance point, and a relatively soft shaft. Priced around ¥240, this racket is very beginner-friendly with no significant learning curve—it’s definitely a “sugar-water” racket. It’s also quite suitable for players with some experience, especially for doubles play. Note that despite Kumpoo’s official specs listing it as a 4U racket, it feels closer to a 3U in hand.

Kumpoo positions this racket as a doubles racket, and indeed, in my practical experience, it performs very smoothly in continuous attacking play. It exerts minimal pressure on the wrist, excels in flat drives, and the softer shaft contributes to a smoother swing and power generation. The feel is solid and stable. However, its performance in singles is quite average. It requires more effort for high clears and tends to be somewhat inconsistent in smashes.

The frame strength of the Kevlarmor is quite good, likely due to the special materials used (Kumpoo claims it uses bulletproof materials). The paint quality, however, leaves much to be desired, which is a common issue with smaller brands but is acceptable.

Comparing the Kevlarmor 1 and Kevlarmor 2, the latter has a stiffer shaft and delivers heavier smashes. Despite being only about ¥30 more expensive, I personally find the first generation to be better.

Summary: I recommend the Kevlarmor 1 to students or players with a limited budget who need a mid-range racket with a good feel and to those who want a racket suitable for continuous attacking play. However, it’s crucial to choose a racket that fits your own style rather than blindly pursuing higher tension or more expensive options.

The Reputation of This Racket Might Suffer Due to Quality Control and Pricing Issues

Although this racket should be considered a good mid-to-high-end model based on its appearance, materials, and actual experience, the quality issues have had a detrimental effect on its reputation. This highlights the irreversible impact of quality control on a product’s reputation.

Specifications: 4UG5, total weight 89.0g (with overgrip), balance point 309mm, 6.8mm shaft, length 210mm, moderate hardness, 8-4 o’clock string grooves, 76-hole string bed, three-in-one frame, string tension 28lbs with Aerosonic.

This racket is endorsed by Tian Houwei and comes with a cover featuring his signature, which is quite sincere for fans of Tian. As for the racket itself, I find the frame design more aesthetically pleasing than the shaft. The font on the shaft is a square black typeface with a gray-black stripe resembling a car’s chrome trim, which doesn’t appeal to my taste. However, the frame’s color is richer, with many details and a layered look, making it one of the most attractive Kumpoo products I’ve used recently, surpassing the Taiji in terms of appearance.

Don’t assume that because Tian Houwei endorses it, the racket is difficult to handle. Similar to how Hong Wei endorses the Shiri Racket, the 4U option indicates the target audience for this product. The quality of a product isn’t solely determined by its level; it’s essential to evaluate the actual user experience. Improving the experience can be achieved through better materials, and the 6.6mm shaft is quite impressive. Although the 40T material may not be top-notch, the thinner diameter and graphene technology enhance the shaft’s elasticity. The large 76-hole string bed, especially with the frame’s expansion at the 2 and 10 o’clock positions, gives the racket a “square face” feel similar to those on the TK Falcon and Altius J1, which increases the sweet spot and tolerance.

Before using a new racket, I usually warm it up by hitting a few shots to get a feel for it. Early use of the Tian Houwei racket clearly shows it as a “sugar water” racket. The 4U weight, moderate balance point, and the three-in-one frame with low wind resistance significantly reduce the driving difficulty. The medium shaft hardness makes it easier to flex. The racket is very user-friendly; a few high clears can reveal its character, making it easy to handle. However, the three-in-one frame design is rare, especially the box-like frame structure at the T-joint, which I’ve only seen on the HX900X. While it may improve frame stability and torsion resistance, I wonder why it wasn’t placed at the T-joint, where the wind resistance effect would be more noticeable. The likely reason is to avoid patent issues, but it does work and supports a maximum tension of 35lbs.

The frame stability is good, with above-average directional performance compared to similar products. Except for some extreme power attacks, it can accurately target shots, especially for high flat shots. With the current string setup, it offers good shot speed and effective pressure, with accurate placement.

The Tian Houwei racket also performs well in attacking. Besides the consistent characteristics of a “sugar water” racket, its elasticity and pressure provide a good smashing experience. Despite using 40T material, the shaft quality is impressive, achieving the highest elasticity among Kumpoo products I’ve used. It’s recommended to pair it with a hard, high-elasticity string. Although it doesn’t have the head-heavy feel of the Titanium Extreme, it still offers similar downward pressure with sharp shot placement and powerful smashes.

However, it’s less suitable for general speed play. While stable in mid-front court blocking, it has a slower pace and less crisp response in fast exchanges, often requiring high clears to escape. Fortunately, its defense benefits from a large sweet spot and high tolerance, making it reliable for continuous defensive play. Overall, the Tian Houwei racket is more suited for doubles than singles.

I agree with many players’ opinions that the Tian Houwei racket shows performance similar to some classic mid-range rackets, particularly a box-frame Falcon. It’s visually appealing and, if Kumpoo keeps it under 400+ RMB, it should perform well in the market. However, its rating on the Equipment Library has not exceeded 8, possibly due to initial quality issues with the string holes, which have had a lasting negative effect. This is somewhat unfortunate.

The equipment used by professional players has always attracted the attention of amateur players. The topic of which player uses which outstanding racket is often a hot topic among enthusiasts. Today, we are focusing on the Shanhai racket, specially designed for the Hebei provincial team from Jizhou. Recently, Shanhai made a stunning appearance on the Zhongyu Unboxing column, and now it is in the Zhongyu Online Review Room. Let’s take a look at its performance from various aspects.

—Detailed Specifications

The Shanhai racket I have is 3UG5; the recommended string tension is ≤32lbs; the shaft is moderately elastic with a slightly hard feel; it has a 76-hole string bed with a relatively small frame area, and the total length is 675mm; the unstrung weight is 87.1g (98.3g with overgrip); the unstrung balance point is 308mm (309mm with overgrip); the string setup is Kumpoo-K70, with a tension of 28lbs; and it features a carbon fiber cone cap. Kumpoo is known for its bold use of carbon materials, and this time, even the cone cap is made of carbon fiber, showcasing a significant cost in both carbon materials and the new mold.

—Appearance and Finish

As a domestic brand, Kumpoo’s design is strikingly innovative and vibrant, with a rich use of traditional Chinese elements. Upon close inspection, some bubbles can be seen in the frame stickers and paint. Although Shanhai is positioned as a top-tier gift box racket in the brand’s lineup, the quality of the paint needs improvement.

—On-Court Experience

During practical use, the Shanhai racket leaves a deep impression with its excellent and comfortable medium shaft elasticity. The racket offers a noticeable ball wrap and holding sensation. The slightly higher balance point and low shaft threshold allow the racket to perform well even with incomplete swings. The racket’s concentrated sweet spot and moderately hard frame, combined with the elastic medium shaft, provide ample resilience.

However, despite its attractive exterior, the Shanhai has some drawbacks. The medium shaft exhibits excessive oscillation during rebound, leading to a slower recovery speed, especially in prolonged rallies. While it excels in ball holding, it compromises shot accuracy, making it less effective in fast-paced exchanges and continuous attacks, but well-suited for singles and defensive positions in doubles.

The Shanhai’s use of internal foam molding avoids dullness and excess vibration, creating a surprisingly impressive impact feedback. The high overall swing weight and solid frame shape give it a natural advantage in attacking play, with powerful smashes and long shot placement. The combination of internal foam molding and T800 carbon contributes to its strong smashing performance, similar to most attacking singles rackets. However, the racket finds it difficult to achieve tricky shot placements. Its stability and moderate performance at the net are expected.

—Passive Defense

In passive defense, Shanhai demonstrates its excellent performance as a balanced racket. The return of power and comfort is effective, but the medium shaft’s deformation can affect shot accuracy, resulting in slightly erratic placements. The smaller frame also reduces the margin for error during defense.

—Recommendation Summary

Shanhai focuses on a comfortable attacking experience and high cost-performance. In its price range, it offers a balanced yet offensive racket with superior qualities. While it may be considered a luxury even in practical use, its overall resilience and comfort, along with decent smashing capability, make it suitable for controlled and single/double offensive play. It is recommended to use a hard and thin string for attacking or a soft string for a balanced approach, ensuring control over shot strength to avoid out-of-bounds shots.

Xunfeng has always had some strong products, but the mismatch between these products and the broader market’s needs often leads to criticism. This assessment is personal and not influenced by the brand’s promotional tactics.

The current product is a great example. I’m quite pleased with it, and it works well for casual matches with friends. As long as it’s not used for playing against stubborn teammates or leading games, it can still perform competitively. It’s particularly suitable for beginner players who lack strength, especially female players.

I first encountered Xunfeng with their unconventional 9U and 10U rackets, and this time is no exception. Thanks to a friend for providing the test equipment.

Specifications: 6UG5, with grip tape, total weight 84.0g, balance point 297mm, middle shaft length 217mm, medium hardness, box-shaped frame, 76-hole string bed, 9-3 o’clock string grooves, warranty for 30 lbs, strung with Xunfeng K70 strings at 24-26 lbs.

The pure white color has been used by many manufacturers, and Xunfeng is no exception, which easily reminded me of the K520. The golden middle shaft and frame sticker, along with minimal parameters or tech details, give it a very clean look. Perhaps due to cost control, there’s not much to say about the appearance. After all, white can cover a multitude of flaws, and the appearance isn’t an issue. But why the name AKA? As known as?

In terms of design, this racket offers only 4U and 6U versions, skipping the 5U version. The current 6U version aligns with mainstream ultra-light racket designs, with a medium shaft hardness and a high balance point that aids in leveraging. The borrowed racket had a thick grip tape, making the balance point nearly 300mm, which is quite notable.

When using it, the AKA provides both a light and powerful feel. The shaft tuning avoids excessive softness, preventing the “hitting cotton” sensation common in some ultra-light rackets. While the AKA’s power isn’t as strong as the K600, it still delivers acceptable speed. For its target audience, being able to hit the shuttle to the backline and maintain basic accuracy is sufficient, and the AKA fulfills this well.

Unlike the K600, which aims to increase downward force while remaining ultra-light, the AKA focuses on being a friendly and consistent tool. It’s understandable that balancing all aspects might be challenging, but for a higher price, one can get rackets that attempt to achieve this balance.

In practice, the AKA excels in mid-court drives and backcourt smashes. Both areas perform similarly to other ultra-light rackets, offering good speed and control. With its box-shaped frame and shaft, the AKA provides speed and control, making it effective for scoring with smashes and net play.

Against higher-level opponents who keep the shuttle deep, the AKA may struggle despite its consistency. However, it’s particularly good for defensive play and casual games. Its large sweet spot, elasticity, and swing weight meet the expected needs. Among the 6U rackets I’ve used, the AKA stands out for its solid base and slightly improved material quality and performance. Although the middle shaft’s explosiveness isn’t the highest, its recovery speed after deformation is excellent, making it more consistent than many ultra-light rackets.

If you’re experiencing aesthetic fatigue with other brands and need an ultra-light racket of this level, consider trying the AKA.

He shocked the world by defeating Malaysia’s top player Lee Chong Wei in the 2013 Australian Open final, clinching the title with a surprising victory over his teammate Xue Song. In the 2016 Rio Olympic cycle, he also overcame Olympic champion Chen Long and silver medalist Lee Chong Wei. Going back further, he first made his mark by winning the Asian Junior Championship and the World Junior Championships in 2009, the year he turned 18.

Known for his graceful playing style and powerful attacks, he is a left-handed player with solid fundamentals and a distinctive style characterized by aggressive and quick play. His maturity and calm demeanor on the court are remarkable, and his composure is so exceptional that, as noted by Fujian provincial badminton team’s head coach Hu Zhilan, “I can’t even tell whether he won or lost just by his tone during post-match calls.” This illustrates his high level of excellence, which is widely acknowledged.

At this point, many players might already be shouting his name—yes, it’s Tian Houwei. The Thick Yie II, reviewed here, is closely related to him, and we will also include a comparative review of the previous Thick Yie I model.

Appearance Appreciation

The design features a stunning blend of cloisonné blue, jade green, and Han white, creating a dynamic and vivid portrayal of national style. The embossed cloud patterns on the shaft and frame add to the artistic beauty, making the racket look more like a finely crafted piece of art than a mere sports equipment.

The frame’s vibrant colors include refreshing and calm blue-green hues, complemented by bold white, black, and gold accents. The white symbolizes brightness and hope, while the green and blue represent vitality, creating a visually striking combination.

Parameter Analysis

The review model of Thick Yie II is a 4UG5 specification, with string tension marked as ≤35lbs; the shaft has a hard elasticity;

• Frame balance point: 296mm (292mm with grip tape);
• Swing weight: 89;
• String setup: bg-80, tension: 28lbs;
• Frame type: three-section dynamic frame;
• 76 string holes, overall frame area is large;
• Frame length: 675mm;
• Empty racket weight: 82.5g (93.8g with grip tape).

Comparative Feel: Thick Yie I vs. Thick Yie II

In terms of parameters, Thick Yie II inherits the dynamic frame design from the first generation—top part wind-breaking frame, middle part box-type, and bottom part oval frame. With the addition of new graphene technology, the overall strength of the frame has increased, and the maximum string tension has been raised to 35lbs.

Comfortable Handling and Speed-Based Attack

Initially, it is noticeable that Thick Yie II retains some of the aggressive head-heavy characteristics of its predecessor but with a more balanced and agile feel. This adjustment makes the racket more versatile in the mid-court and less prone to being passive in quick exchanges. Although the high swing weight of the previous model provided more finishing power, Thick Yie II offers improved maneuverability and elegance, akin to a refined sword.

Versatile and Dynamic

The head-heavy design has not diminished its offensive capabilities. Thick Yie II has adjusted parameters to balance speed and attack, resulting in a more harmonious racket. The three-section structure combined with the narrow, elongated frame provides a vertically extended sweet spot. Initially, it may take time to adjust to this layout compared to traditional rackets. The enhanced handling and attack are well-suited for precise shots and diverse techniques.

Comfortable Impact and Advanced Materials

The inner foam and high-modulus carbon fiber (46T) contribute to a comfortable shock absorption experience, rivaling high-end rackets. The inclusion of three memory titanium wires in the 6.6mm diameter shaft improves rebound performance, making the ball’s trajectory as precise as other high-end models. However, there is a slight sensation of vibration that could affect consistency during extended rallies.

Defense Performance

While the updated design offers better defensive performance compared to its predecessor, the elongated sweet spot can make it less forgiving in defense, particularly when hitting off-center.

Conclusion

Overall, the Thick Yie II is a well-rounded racket designed for fast and controlled singles play. Its excellent feel and affordable mid-range price offer high-end performance characteristics. The detailed craftsmanship and improvements over its predecessor make it a competitive option in the mid-range market. Despite some shortcomings in defense, the Thick Yie II provides a solid and appealing experience at its price point.

There is a player known for his “cool and stylish” playing style, with a graceful physique and aggressive attack, who is affectionately called “Liu Da Ren”—Liu Guo Lun. He was once a Malaysian national men’s singles player, making his mark on the international stage since 2009 and becoming a rising star in Malaysia. In 2012, he won the French Open. With his young age, he was seen as a potential successor to Lee Chong Wei. As expectations grew, Xunfeng, his sponsoring brand, has launched the latest racket “2300 Guo Lun,” designed to complement Liu Guo Lun’s continuous attacking style, following the Guo Lun D83.

Appearance: The 2300 Guo Lun features a deep starry blue with mint green accents and Liu Guo Lun’s exclusive signature on the cone cap. As a classic and evergreen series from Xunfeng, the 2300 has been popular for over a decade, used by top players like Thailand’s Boonsak Ponsana and Poland’s Wacha in international competitions.

With the starry blue base color, the mint green accents and gold foil patterns make the racket look refreshing, elegant, and durable. From the Wind Blade to this 2300 Guo Lun, Xunfeng has shown visible improvements in paint craftsmanship, design, and texture.

The 2300 Guo Lun I have is a 4UG5 specification, with the string tension range of 28-35lbs; the shaft has a medium elasticity. It features a 76-hole string bed and a total length of 675mm. The unstrung weight is 82.1g (92.0g with grip added); the balance point is 293mm (292mm with grip added); it is strung with BG-80P at 28lbs.

Initial Impressions: The first impression of the 2300 Guo Lun is its stability, which is a refreshing change. Despite its 4U weight and a relatively balanced 293mm balance point, the noticeable head-heavy feel was unexpected.

Indeed, a few smashes and high clears reveal the 2300 Guo Lun’s ease in producing effortless shots thanks to its head-heavy design. The large head and sweet spot make it a racket that is relatively easy to handle.

Technology: The 2300 Guo Lun incorporates Xunfeng’s patented technology with a six-sided conical structure inside the shaft, enhancing the bending point while reinforcing the shaft’s bottom hardness. This results in faster recovery and improved torsional resistance. As a result, the bending point is shifted forward, making the racket more suitable for smashes and drops, even with its moderate balance point (293mm).

Performance: In attacking scenarios, the 2300 Guo Lun maintains sharp smash placement with its 4U weight and 40T high-modulus carbon fiber. The racket’s frame remains stable, and the quick rebound of the shaft allows for impressive continuous attacking capabilities. However, the forward-shifted bending point may feel unfamiliar and awkward, requiring some adjustment time.

Despite the 2300 Guo Lun’s three-segment dynamic wind blade frame (diamond-shaped head, fluid midsection, and box-shaped bottom), it struggles with its somewhat “bulky” nature, possibly due to durability considerations. This thickness affects the swing speed.

Fast-paced front-court play can be challenging for the 2300 Guo Lun, and the large head may result in a less crisp feedback on off-center hits. Fortunately, during defensive play, its easy return makes up for this shortcoming. While it may not excel in aggressive play, it is well-suited for net play, where its stable frame offers smooth control.

Conclusion: Priced close to 2000 RMB, the 2300 Guo Lun, a signature model, offers both prestige and value. As a mid-range racket, it provides a solid balance of attacking and defensive capabilities. It is recommended for advanced mixed doubles backcourt players and singles players seeking a reliable and versatile racket.

Xunfeng Liuli Badminton Racket 5UG6

To be honest, I don’t quite understand the naming pattern for Xunfeng. Why use the same name for both shoes and rackets?
I get why names like Houyi and Guolun are used since they can leverage the fame of star players and ride the wave of publicity. But “Liuli”… is it because the same design elements are used for both products? Or is it just laziness in naming? Or maybe it’s to appeal to the ladies?

First, let me clarify: this racket is not for my own use. I bought it for my girlfriend. Initially, I was planning to get the K520PRO, a racket I had played with before. It’s light, easy to handle, slightly head-heavy, good for borrowing power, has a soft shaft, a large frame, and high tolerance for errors. It’s my go-to recommendation for beginners, and even when I had a shoulder injury, I borrowed my friend’s K520PRO for rehab games.
However, my girlfriend preferred the look of the Liuli. The pink and purple color schemes were more appealing to her than the K520PRO’s.
So, I checked the specs:
5U, balance point of 302mm.
In terms of total weight, the K520PRO is heavier, but the Liuli has a heavier head based on its balance point.
However, considering it’s a 5U, even with a 302mm balance point, it shouldn’t be too difficult to handle, right?
So, I went ahead and ordered the racket.

Let’s start with the appearance.
According to my girlfriend, “It looks nice, but that’s about it. It’s not stunningly beautiful.” The color scheme is very pink and girly, but upon closer inspection, it seems rather ordinary.
I have a similar impression.
The pink and purple around the racket head, paired with the white on the T-joint and shaft, gives a cute and fresh feel. The addition of some fluorescent decals adds a bit of sparkle, like a magic wand from a children’s show.
The shaft, besides the white base, also has some green and pink-purple decals, which look pretty nice at first glance.
However, looking closer, the decals and font on the shaft appear a bit cheap, almost like those found on low-cost plastic toys from childhood. I even felt as though I might find rough edges or mold marks on the racket.

Now, onto the playing experience.
For context, the strings were pre-installed by the seller at 24 lbs, since my girlfriend is a complete beginner.
On the first few hits, I was pleasantly surprised.
Hitting clear shots with proper technique was easy thanks to the soft shaft and the not-insignificant head weight, allowing for powerful and effortless clears.
Even without rotating my body, relying solely on arm strength, I could easily hit baseline-to-baseline shots.
The 302mm balance point might look intimidating on paper, but given its 5U weight, it still feels relatively light and fast.
The shaft is on the softer side, almost like a spring. You don’t need much strength to feel significant flex. I initially worried that such a soft shaft might reduce power during smashes, but I was wrong.
Not only is the shaft soft, but its elasticity is quite impressive, especially when combined with the head weight. During smashes, it feels like the handle of a hammer has been replaced with a spring.
The momentum from the swing, combined with the shaft’s flexibility, allows for powerful smashes that land right at the opponent’s feet.
So, I decided to try a men’s doubles game.
Honestly, it was a bit awkward being the only guy wielding what looked like a magic wand, while the other three guys were using tough, aggressive rackets.
But, as the saying goes, the pinker the racket, the fiercer the smash. I was on fire that match, smashing everything in sight.
Just when I thought I could ride this momentum to victory, the racket’s flaws started to show.

Firstly, defense shots felt uncomfortable. Of all the rackets I’ve used recently, this one made defensive shots feel the most difficult, even worse than those with small attacking frames.
All the advantages I mentioned earlier became disadvantages.
Whether it was backhand drives or defending against smashes, the head’s weight slowed down my swing, making it hard to time the shots properly.
The overly soft shaft also made the racket feel imprecise.
Even though the string tension was 24 lbs, there wasn’t the expected “holding the shuttle” feel. The strings seemed to release the shuttle instantly, but the shuttle speed was still disappointingly slow.
At the net, whether pushing, slicing, or dropping, the racket head was difficult to control. It felt like the racket’s torsion resistance wasn’t very good.
And due to the inertia from the head weight, the racket often felt like it had a mind of its own during defensive shots, refusing to cooperate.
After just two games, I handed the racket over to my girlfriend.

Initially, I didn’t plan on writing this, but after seeing how the racket performed in my girlfriend’s hands, I had a change of heart.
I’ve seen many beginners like my girlfriend play badminton. Usually, just making contact with the shuttle is a success. Most of their clears either go high but not far or far but not high, or worse, neither far nor high.
However, during her first time playing, using this racket, my girlfriend managed to hit some fairly decent clears. While she didn’t quite reach the baseline, her midcourt clears were pretty solid. I even started imagining her as a potential badminton talent.
That fantasy was shattered when she tried using my racket.
Turns out, all her good clears were thanks to the racket.

But… the more I thought about it, the more interesting it became.
I’ve tried getting others into badminton before, but it always ended in failure.
Initially, I thought it was because they couldn’t hit the shuttle and thus had no interest in the game. But upon closer observation, they could hit the shuttle; they just didn’t find the fun in it.
Then I thought back to what got me addicted to badminton in the first place.
Looking deeper, powerful clears, fast drives, and explosive smashes were the common elements.
Breaking it down, these types of shots all require significant power, have a clear feedback when hitting, and produce a satisfying sound.
Isn’t this basically like delivering a powerful, controlled slap? In a society as stressful as ours, who wouldn’t get hooked on this feeling?
With this realization, I finally understood how this racket should be used.
A heavy head, good power transfer, soft and elastic shaft, comfortable feedback without too much vibration, and the combination of head weight and shaft elasticity helping to produce a loud hitting sound—this racket is like a perfect tool for delivering powerful slaps. It’s a badminton addiction machine.
So, for those of you who’ve been asking for my opinion on this racket and are considering buying it for your girlfriend to get her into badminton, this might just be the first step to finding a mixed doubles partner.