Tag: Kumpoo k520

I actually waited quite a while to get this racket. In forums, budget-conscious players often seek advice on such overlooked rackets, so I also keep an eye out for these to challenge myself. This is the second model in the “What more do you need for 100 yuan” series, the Xunfeng K520. It’s worth mentioning that its resale value in the second-hand market is significantly better than the previous Kason B110.

Specifications: 4UG5, with an additional grip tape, total weight 94g, balance point 284mm, middle shaft length 215mm, soft adjustment, 9-3 o’clock string grooves, standard-sized T-head with transition fluid box frame, string tension 24lbs with Yinghua 101GT.

In terms of appearance, I quite like both color schemes of the K520, especially the white one. A white racket can hide many imperfections, and it is also used by many beginner players. Overall, apart from some gold lines and patterns, there are no excessive decorations. Although it looks a bit flashy up close, it still appears clean from a distance. Compared to the similarly white Yu 1XL, its plastic feel is less pronounced.

Despite the 284mm balance point, swinging the racket doesn’t feel as sharp and nimble as the 9001 or HX800 LTD C. This made me question the mystical relationship between balance point and swing weight. However, the K520 still has a slight edge over the B110 in swing speed, although the latter cleverly narrows the frame to achieve this. There’s still a somewhat mystical plastic feel due to the shaft’s quality and hardness.

Due to string tension loss, the racket feels less responsive for high clears and defensive shots. Nevertheless, the shaft is very easy to drive, and the balanced design makes the power transfer relatively smooth. I believe replacing the strings with new ones would improve performance significantly. At least during warm-ups and prolonged rallies, this low-end racket with a long, soft shaft allows less experienced users to maintain their level of play for a longer period without fatigue. However, the control of shot placement is quite vague, with angle and distance control being average for this price range, roughly equivalent to an ultra-light black racket.

I was surprised that a racket with such a low balance point could still provide a good downward force during attacks. The feedback from the string bed after hitting the shuttle is noticeable, and it does make the shuttle follow a low, descending trajectory. Although the speed of smashes is greatly hindered by string tension loss and the soft shaft, it still feels like an attacking racket. The shaft’s upper limit is quite low, failing to provide the necessary explosive power for high-pressure shots. However, its low entry threshold means that even slight force can cause deformation, which can help beginners understand the mechanics of force application.

The large frame, big sweet spot, and slightly soft hitting feel are also beneficial for executing precise techniques. While it doesn’t put enough pressure on the opponent’s backcourt or provide enough defensive pressure, the K520’s good maneuverability can put net pressure on the opponent. It can create psychological pressure with its slow-drop shots from mid to backcourt opportunities. Although its attacking quality is low, this somewhat sneaky shot pattern fits well with the K520 until the opponent becomes accustomed to it.

Compared to high-elasticity strings, I recommend using strings with good tension retention for this racket, as users at this price range are likely to be sensitive to string replacement costs. The racket’s inherent instability will be further exacerbated by string tension loss. During my trial, even though I quickly understood the racket’s true nature, I still had to apply a bit more force when making precise shots to avoid hitting the net.

Lately, I’ve encountered many versatile rackets, so trying an entry-level racket is a nice change. Xunfeng has been criticized for quality control and marketing reasons, and I suspect that its competitive products don’t align with the forum’s primary audience. Nevertheless, Xunfeng’s training rackets and extremely lightweight models still offer some interesting features. Since they haven’t given up on developing rackets for most amateur players, I’m willing to be patient with them.

In summary, the K520, as an entry-level product at the lowest price point, still has its merits. It’s more suited for loaning out, casual play, training for beginners to develop proper technique and feel, or leisurely games. The suggested retail price is indeed ridiculous (like old subway phones), but for a bit over 100 yuan, it’s already satisfactory.

I had to wait quite a while to get my hands on this racket. Occasionally, some players on the forum with very limited budgets ask for purchase advice, so I also pay attention to these less appealing rackets to challenge myself. This is the second racket in the “what more can you ask for with 100 RMB” series, the Kumpoo K520. I must say, it retains its value much better in the second-hand market compared to the previous Kason B110.

Specifications:
4U G5, total weight with bottom grip and string is 94g, balance point at 284mm, shaft length 215mm, soft-tuned with 9-3 point string grooves, standard T-joint transition to a box-shaped fluid frame, strung with 24 lbs using YONEX 101GT.

In terms of aesthetics, I really like both color options of the K520, especially the white version—white covers all flaws, and even newbie girls can use it. The overall design is clean with only some gold lines and patterns as decoration. Although it looks a bit flashy up close, it appears quite pure from a distance. Compared to the equally white Yonex Arcsaber 11 Pro, it doesn’t feel as plastic.

Despite the 284mm balance point, the swing doesn’t feel as sharp and nimble as rackets like the Yonex 9001 and HX800 Ltd C. This makes me question the mysterious relationship between balance point and swing weight. However, compared to the pure box-shaped 3U B110 from the competitor, the K520 still has a slight edge in swing speed, even though the former has a narrower frame (horizontally). That said, there’s still a somewhat plastic feel, which relates to the quality and stiffness of the shaft.

Due to string tension loss, the racket doesn’t release the shuttle as easily when clearing or returning defensive shots. However, the shaft is easy to handle, and the balanced design makes the power delivery process relatively smooth. I believe that with a fresh string job, the K520 will perform better. At least during warm-ups and extended rallies, this low-end racket with a long soft shaft allows less skilled users to keep rallying without tiring out quickly. However, the control over placement is quite vague—both in terms of angle and distance, it’s below the B110 and comparable to super-light rackets.

I was surprised that a racket with such a low balance point could still provide some downward pressure during smashes. There is feedback from the string bed when hitting the shuttle, and you can see the shuttle flying along a low trajectory after a smash. Although the smash speed is greatly affected by the string tension loss and the shaft’s lack of stiffness, making it hard to kill the rally, at least you feel like you’re attacking. The shaft’s upper limit is low; it can’t even meet the basic explosive power needed for flat drives, but the low entry threshold allows beginners to easily sense the power transfer when the shaft flexes.

The large frame, large sweet spot, and slightly softer feel are also beneficial for delicate shots. While it can’t apply enough pressure on the opponent from the backcourt or during attacks, and lacks speed in flat exchanges, the K520 can still put some pressure on the opponent at the net with its maneuverability. During rallies, some obvious mid-to-backcourt opportunities, combined with deceptive slice drops, can surprise opponents with the shuttle’s unexpectedly slow drop, causing psychological pressure. Since the racket’s offensive quality is low, this kind of sneaky playstyle actually suits the K520 until the opponent figures out the trick… which usually takes just a few rallies.

Instead of focusing on elasticity, I highly recommend using strings with good tension retention on this racket, especially since users at this price point are likely concerned about restringing costs. The inherent instability of this racket will be further amplified by tension loss. During my testing, I quickly figured out the proper way to use this racket, but when executing delicate shots, I still had to add a bit more power to avoid hitting the net.

Lately, I’ve come across quite a few versatile rackets, so trying out an entry-level racket like this is a nice change of pace. Kumpoo has been criticized for various reasons, including quality control and marketing tactics, but I suspect a large part of it is that their competitive products don’t align with the forum’s main audience. Kumpoo’s training and ultra-lightweight rackets still have some play value. Since they haven’t given up on developing rackets that most amateur players need, I’m willing to be more patient with them.

To sum up, the K520, as an entry-level product, is still playable at the lowest price point. It’s more suited for lending to others, casual games with newbies, as a training racket to help beginners develop proper technique and sense power, or for laid-back games with minimal competition. Of course, the retail price is absurd (“elderly subway phone”), so interested players might want to check out the second-hand market, where there’s usually plenty of stock. What more can you ask for with 100 RMB? It’s already decent.