Tag: METEOR

Badminton Racket Victor MX6000 Reviews
In the lower-end MX series, the MX7600 and MX7000 have left a significant impression. The former, in particular, is recommended for beginners due to its user-friendly design. However, while the MX7600 might have felt a bit soft in its tuning, which affected its offensive capabilities, the MX5600, with its different stiffness settings, raises the question of whether it could be a better choice.
Parameters: 4UG5, no base, used condition total weight 92.87g, balance point 293mm, 7.2mm shaft, length 213mm, medium stiffness, eight-sided wind-breaking frame, 72-hole string bed, 9-3 o’clock groove, warranty 22-24 pounds, string tension 26-28lbs BS710.
The MX6000, being a low-end model, doesn’t have high expectations in terms of its appearance. Nevertheless, it showcases some design features reminiscent of the METEOR series, with a blue color scheme similar to the MX30L. The multi-stage color design of the frame, with black at the T-head and the head, and the gradient dark blue on the wings, creates a layered effect. The teal accents at 2, 10, 4, and 8 o’clock add a touch of contrast. The eight-sided wind-breaking frame is still prone to paint damage, and the absence of XT woven carbon means there’s no visible carbon fiber texture.
Although the MX series is often associated with 80-hole string beds, the 72-hole design is also seen in high-end models like the MX80B. The 72-hole frame results in a slightly narrower head, which might impact the sweet spot.
On first handling the MX6000, it feels surprisingly light. While previous high-end MX models were balanced and felt solid, the 4U MX6000 feels a bit flimsy in comparison. However, the medium shaft stiffness prevents the feel from being too compromised. The wind-breaking effect is still good, which raises expectations for its stability.
During play, the MX6000 offers good power generation with its high swing speed. However, its borrowing ability isn’t exceptional, which might make it less suitable for players accustomed to heavy swings. The head is slightly lighter, and with a medium shaft stiffness, the racket relies more on active force. The sweet spot is reasonably well-distributed, although not as large as in 80-hole designs. After adjustment, the racket can still deliver adequate power.
In terms of quick exchanges, the MX6000 performs well, with fast and smooth transitions. However, the response speed of the 72-hole string bed is not as quick as that of 80-hole designs, leading to a somewhat hesitant feel.
This hesitation can be beneficial when dealing with passive shots, providing more space for adjustment. Although the direct impact might be less intense, the feeling of the shot is not overly compromised. Due to material limitations, the MX6000’s offensive potential is capped, but it’s still sufficient for the current user. The medium shaft stiffness allows for effective power transfer during heavy smashes, making it reliable for back-court play.
The difference in frame stability is significant. Initially, I thought the stability of the eight-sided frame was purely structural, but without XT carbon fabric, the MX6000’s lightness can’t control shot direction as well, reducing its threat in sharp placements and making delicate shot handling less steady. For net shots and high-ball play, it’s manageable, but the racket may falter when attempting a high lift from the back-court.
Overall, considering the purchase price, I am quite satisfied with this experience. While it might not reach the recommendation level, it deserves a positive review. The new price might be slightly higher due to the eight-sided wind-breaking frame craftsmanship, perhaps around $300?
August 23, 2024
Badminton Racket Victor MX5600 Reviews
Among the entry-level MX series, the MX7600 and MX7000 are the most impressive, with the former being recommended as a good option for beginners due to its user-friendly design.
However, the MX7600 does have a slightly too soft setup, which makes it less satisfying for aggressive play. Given the official specs, could the MX5600, which only differs in stiffness, be a better option?
Parameters: 3UG5, no base, used condition total weight 91.17g, balance point 307mm, shaft length 215mm, medium stiffness, eight-sided wind-breaking frame, 80-hole string bed, warranty 26 pounds, string tension 25lbs BG85.
The design of the MX5600 has a similar feel to the MX70, featuring silver-white and navy blue as the main colors. The layering is well done, with long blue sections on the sides making the racket look longer and highlighting the slender wind-breaking structure of the head. The MeteorX pattern at the 3 and 9 o’clock positions is quite distinctive. While the racket is not eye-catching, closer inspection reveals several noteworthy details.
However, upon receiving the racket, I realized my initial expectations were not met. This is currently the only entry-level MX model I’ve encountered with an 80-hole string bed, meaning it’s quite different from the entry-level MX rackets I’ve tried before. If we’re comparing, it should be compared with the MX6000, as the main difference between them is the number of string holes.
The MX5600 didn’t immediately impress with its feel. It’s fairly neutral, with a slightly higher head weight and swing speed that help generate comfortable active shots. During actual use, it performed well in high clears but needed some adaptation due to the 80-hole string bed, which is uncommon in entry-level rackets.
The 80-hole string bed on the MX5600 is reminiscent of a lower-end Bolle racket I’ve used, which also had an 80-hole string bed but suffered from a poor feel due to material issues. The MX5600 faces a similar challenge. The larger sweet spot of the 80-hole string bed should theoretically provide better performance, but in an entry-level racket, this characteristic can lead to more user discomfort.
Additionally, despite the long-awaited and beloved BG85 strings, the string condition was average and didn’t perfectly match the MX5600.
In most aspects of the racket’s performance, the MX5600 is quite similar to the MX6000. Considering the specifications, the key difference lies in the feel during power shots. The 80-hole string bed does make the racket stiffer. In terms of power, the MX5600 provides a very effective feel for hitting the ball with force, so heavy smashes are not a problem. However, in terms of energy transfer, it falls short compared to the MX7000. Even with the BG85 strings, there is a noticeable lack of explosiveness in the string bed after concentrated power smashes.
The issue still seems to be about matching the materials to the design. The 80-hole string bed is better suited to high-quality materials to reach its full potential; otherwise, it can become a drawback.
August 23, 2024
Badminton Racket Victor MX-30L Reviews
Skipping this series would be a mistake, but trying out this series hasn’t sparked much desire for updates. Many of the models from the classic blue brand are well-known, and the popularity of the MX80 in its original color is enough to sustain the acclaim for Victor’s attacking rackets among enthusiasts.
It is irresponsible to judge a professional-grade product before fully adapting to it, but as you know, my recent update frequency has been high. If the rackets I try are all hardcore products, then the few trial opportunities would be wasted on just adapting to them, which is inefficient.
Starting with the MX30L is a good choice.
Parameters: 3UG6, with a base, used condition total weight 94.9g, balance point 294mm, 7.0mm shaft, length 220mm, moderate stiffness adjustment, eight-sided wind-breaking frame, 9-3 o’clock string groove, 80-hole string bed, warranty 26-28 pounds, string tension 25-27lbs Karlin 66F.
The models with the number 3 in Victor’s racket lineup often feature blue elements, such as the HX30/300, Speed 3, and X30, which is more delicate. The light turquoise stickers enhance its appearance, and the selectively covered areas on the frame expose the carbon fiber texture, giving the racket a more layered and appealing look. Partially covered areas can provoke more instinctive attraction than being fully exposed. The frame also features silver elements, further brightening the X30. Although this racket appears to be more geared towards women based on its specifications, its excellent appearance makes it universally appealing.
In addition to the eight-sided wind-breaking frame, the frame’s material looks woven, which is likely chosen to balance swing speed and torsional rigidity. The few string holes in the racket head have a wave treatment similar to the Bright Sword series, enhancing the rebound of the string bed. The elaborate paint and coating of this frame make it quite valuable, though the sharpness of the wind-breaking design might also lead to easier wear of the paint. I genuinely wish Victor’s design department would learn from the blue brand on how to make a racket look beautiful…
Before trying it, I hoped this would be an easy-to-use racket, and indeed, after weighing it in hand, I felt its approachable nature. Although it is a 3U model, the balance point and swing weight are not high. The shaft’s static stiffness is moderate, and the swing speed is quick, producing a sharp sound in the air.
However, upon actual use, I found the X30 still requires some adaptation. The racket’s sweet spot is not very pronounced, and despite the moderate shaft stiffness, the 80-hole string bed’s driving difficulty is slightly higher. The frame’s rigidity is also relatively high, causing shorter contact time between the string bed and the shuttlecock when not exerting force, possibly leading to early shuttlecock release. Nevertheless, the large sweet spot makes it difficult to miss hits, and feedback from the ball is rich.
Spending a bit of time adapting will be beneficial. Once you get to know the MX30L’s characteristics, it feels like a girlfriend with her own ideas but also willing to progress with you. The racket’s frame stability and power transmission are outstanding, making high clears controllable and relatively easy. It can also deliver certain speed and accuracy in flat high shots, and net shots are easily executed. Overall, its performance in various long shots suggests it is well-suited for consistent play.
But that doesn’t mean it’s not aggressive. The MX30L still has two weapons: speed and power.
After a long time, I’m no longer overly picky about racket specifications and have seen a lot, but this 3U racket still leaves a deep impression regarding speed. The eight-sided wind-breaking frame’s excellent wind resistance performance, combined with its relatively low head weight, makes it suitable for use as a speed racket in doubles. Additionally, the 220mm long shaft doesn’t cause excessive flapping in flat drives, maintaining good performance in mid-court flat drives, with quick and stable ball response.
Moreover, the X30 does not lag in the rear court either. Its stable ball feel, combined with basic shaft explosiveness, ensures powerful attacks in heavy smashes. Even if one shot doesn’t finish the rally, there’s always a second or third shot to maintain pressure and continue attacking. Despite the noticeable old-fashioned wood-like feel in the shaft, the power loss during smashes is not significant.
August 23, 2024
Badminton Racket Victor MX-260 Reviews
The unsellable rackets in hand usually have a few prominent attributes: either poor condition, low brand recognition, or they are low-end. No matter how cheaply you buy them, you’ll always end up at a disadvantage.
However, overcoming a badminton obsession is not easy, and many times, just seeing something that looks appealing can lead to a purchase. This is the case with this mid-range Victor MX series racket.
Upon reflection, several mid-range models ending in 60 might be configured with the same cost-cutting approach as the MX-60.
Parameters: 3UG5, stripped, used condition total weight 89.25g, balance point 300mm, 7.2mm shaft, length 216mm, moderate to low stiffness, eight-sided wind-breaking frame, 80-hole string bed, 9-3 o’clock string groove, warranty 26-28 pounds, string tension 25-27lbs BS720.
I seem to have a weak spot for magenta, and the appearance of the MX-260 is quite appealing. Among the entire series, it’s the only racket with this pinkish hue, leading me to conclude that it might be designed for women. The white paint integrates quite a bit of silver stickers, making it look more delicate, a departure from the rugged image I associate with the MX series. However, the paint and sticker quality are still a bit concerning, especially since the seller didn’t take much care of it, resulting in noticeable damage.
Unlike the clearly low-end MX6000, the MX-260 features a genuine 80-hole string bed. Additionally, the racket head adopts an outer wave design and incorporates nanotec in its materials, making it seem more advanced than an entry-level model, stepping into the mid-range territory.
Actually, apart from the hardness of some rackets, the entire MX series does not exhibit extreme characteristics, whether in entry-level or flagship models. The MX-260 feels quite gentle to handle. Aside from the moderate swing weight and a shaft hardness at least one level lower, it doesn’t have the high-end rigidity found in MX models with special woven carbon fiber.
While this provides a user-friendly handling difficulty, it results in a noticeable reduction in feedback and stability. However, this aligns well with its intended positioning.
In practice, whether warming up with high clears or practicing net shots, the racket performs adequately. Its flexibility is also decent, and with hard strings, it performs well in front court flat drives during doubles. For players with an active net game, it offers a good net advantage.
However, it can only be said that the racket is not difficult to use. I didn’t expect it to have great elasticity, and the MX-260 is indeed unremarkable. Even within the range I can accept, it is on the lower end, making it difficult to experience the benefits of nanotec resin.
When generating power, the MX-260 exhibits a noticeable power loss, more due to the racket face. I previously thought the wave design was to improve ball rebound by leveraging the frame’s elasticity, but it seems more aimed at allowing the use of higher tension strings with lower-grade carbon fiber. The face response is sluggish, and with the shaft not being stiff enough, the ball speed suffers, reducing confidence and desire in attacking.
Additionally, the information in the equipment database is somewhat inconsistent. Although the racket does indeed come in a 3U specification, the “high rigidity carbon fiber” used does not seem to have been experienced throughout the test. If this is due to performance degradation over time, then in some cases, it might not be as suitable as previous low-end MX models.
August 23, 2024
Badminton Racket Victor MX60 Reviews
Yes, Meteor X.
For the third model, I have the MX60, which seems to have a better reputation than the 30L, as it is closer to the top model, the 80, in terms of its model number. Generally, a number starting with 6 indicates a truly high-end product.
Convincing players in 2023 with a 2012 model is quite a challenge.
Specifications: 3UG5, unstrung, weight 93.0g, balance point 305mm, 7.2mm shaft, length 218mm, medium-high stiffness, 8-sided aerodynamic frame, 80-hole string bed, 9-3 o’clock string groove, warranty 28 lbs, stringing 24–26 lbs BG65Ti.
I have a strong impression of Victor’s yellow rackets, probably due to their striking color. On the MX60, I would unpoetically call it “construction vehicle yellow”—or “mango yellow” according to the Columbia 6—though it feels more like the HX60. Regardless, the carbon fiber texture under the clear coat, the bright silver stickers at the paint joints, and the large prominent X on the shaft make this niche high-end MX look sharp and precise.
Upon first handling, I was convinced of its MX series lineage. Is it really balanced? Regardless of the actual shaft stiffness, it feels remarkably stable. It might be a bit mystical, but the sharp “whoosh whoosh” sound when swinging doesn’t lie.
Of course, after a few rounds of high clears, I noticed the 60 also has that inherent “wooden” feel, somewhat subdued.
However, the overall feel is quite good. The “wooden” sensation but stable performance provides excellent precision in active shots. The dense sweet spot of the 80-hole string bed and the 7.2mm shaft’s high torsional strength explain this. Although the driving sensation isn’t strong, it’s not difficult to drive, making it relatively easy to execute beautiful clears.
Is it enjoyable? Compared to the current cheap, flexible rackets, it doesn’t actively please the user. However, its unique character encourages a more serious approach to the MX60, like a reward from self-discipline.
Especially in smashes, it doesn’t have a high head weight or strong elasticity, but its high energy transfer efficiency is motivating. In powerful smashes, the 60’s feel isn’t as raw and stimulating as the 80, but its stable output and slightly lower stiffness provide a more enduring sense of security during long, grinding rallies, alleviating the issue of not being able to swing the racket towards the end of a match.
Flat drives are also one of the MX60’s strengths. Besides the mentioned stability, its high swing speed and quick recovery greatly enhance the pleasure of playing in the mid-court. It’s not as fast as to be deadly agile but excels in versatile and manageable ways. The well-defined sweet spot of the 80-hole string bed offers ample tolerance for quick exchanges.
The feel for smashes or powerful drives to the opponent’s rear court is similar to the 80’s “bounce-back” sensation, straightforward and efficient.
Using this racket requires self-improvement to appreciate its qualities. The MX60, while relatively mild, is not obsequious; its high potential is its strength. At this point, even the wooden feel is no longer a drawback. Players who are deterred by a lack of flattery may miss out on the MX60’s charm.
August 23, 2024
Badminton Racket Victor METEOR MX360 Reviews
Let me start with a story.
A scholar from the agricultural bureau went to the fields for an inspection and noticed that the crops along the power lines and pylons grew more lushly. Intrigued, they initiated a research project to study the effects of electromagnetic waves on crop growth. After years of research with no positive results, the scholar returned to the fields in search of clues. During this visit, they encountered a farmer and casually asked for his thoughts.
“Oh,” the farmer replied, “the birds on the power lines drop their droppings, which fertilize the crops.”
This simple and straightforward explanation is often overlooked in today’s increasingly refined methods of operation—something that hides in plain sight.
Parameters:
- Weight: 3U (G5) without the original grip
- Overall Weight in Use: 91.38g
- Balance Point: 312mm
- Shaft Length: 215mm
- Stiffness: High
- Frame: Octagonal aerodynamic frame
- Stringing Pattern: 80 holes
- Stringing Holes at 9-3 Points: Grooved
- Max Tension: 28 lbs
- String Tension Used: 26 lbs with BG80 strings
The paint quality of the METEOR series isn’t particularly great, even the METEOR 80 often had issues with chipping. For mid- to low-end models, this problem is even more apparent. The MX360 only differs from the MX260 in terms of color scheme. The T-joint and head have been changed to a stronger contrast black, and the magenta color at the 2, 10, 5, and 7 o’clock positions has been replaced with orange. This gives the racket a more vibrant and neutral look. Personally, I don’t dislike this restrained aesthetic. While there’s nothing particularly eye-catching about it, it is pleasing to the eye.
This is a purely offensive racket. The removal of the original grip reveals a strong head-heavy feel, significant overall weight, and a high stiffness level—all of which emphasize its attacking nature, making it drastically different from the gentler MX260. The power transfer is robust, with even a casual swing from the lower grip able to send the shuttlecock to the opponent’s baseline with a high trajectory. When playing clears, it’s essential to control the swing speed and force to avoid hitting the shuttle out of bounds. The 80-hole stringing pattern is a familiar friend, offering a high sweet spot and easy adaptability
By now, most users should have a good sense of the racket’s feel, but its high swing weight and stiff design still demand a lot from the player’s physical abilities, with a usage load comparable to that of top-tier offensive rackets.
The MX360 exudes raw power, delivering fast shuttle speeds with strong penetration, making it ideal for using drives to pressure the opponent’s baseline in singles or targeting the female player’s overhead area in mixed doubles. The racket’s strong defensive potential in smash situations makes it difficult for opponents to anticipate the shuttle’s trajectory after several exchanges. Additionally, the MX360’s frame stability ensures consistent performance in various control scenarios, from net shots to backcourt drops.
This time, the nano resin technology finally shines through, with the shaft’s elasticity approaching that of high-end rackets. This, combined with the racket’s powerful downward pressure, produces explosive attacking force. When you capitalize on a backcourt smash opportunity, the MX360 delivers a heavy and forceful shot that’s both low and powerful, placing considerable pressure on the opponent’s defense.
However, the racket struggles in terms of consistency. Its high swing weight and long wind-up time make it less effective in fast-paced rallies, particularly in doubles where quick exchanges are common. Defensive blocks, especially in the mid-to-front court, are challenging, and it’s often best to resort to lifting the shuttle high as a means of escape, particularly during consecutive defensive plays. Yet even when opting to lift, the high force requirement in emergency situations sometimes leaves the MX360 feeling underpowered in defensive scenarios.
When you can no longer effectively reach high points at the net, softer blocks and net shots become more advantageous. Thankfully, the MX360’s solid and stable feel doesn’t hinder these plays.
Positioned as a mid-tier racket, the MX360 brings to mind the Columbia series, with which it shares a similar price range. However, in terms of materials, the MX360 still has a way to go, as the Columbia 6 remains the king of this level. Creating a mid-range racket with a strong identity isn’t easy, but the MX360’s simple and brutal design has already made a lasting impression.
August 23, 2024
Badminton Racket Victor MX2012LONDON Reviews
I originally thought that the METEOR series only had the JJS player edition left, but then a friend suddenly asked if I had ever tried the Olympic Commemorative Edition.
What? I checked the equipment database, and sure enough, there is such a racket, which reminds me of the unfortunate fate of the HX800LTD.
Specifications:
3UG5, without a grip, total weight in use is 95.4g, balance point at 293mm, 7.2mm shaft, 215mm in length, high stiffness, octagonal aerodynamic frame, 80-hole string bed, 9-3 o’clock string grooves, warranty up to 28 lbs, strung at 25-27 lbs with Gosen R4X Momone strings.
Hmm, very British. You can see that Victor tried to incorporate elements of the UK flag into this commemorative edition as much as possible, including adjustments in the colors and lines. The full paint coverage is also a bit of an exception. But if you ask whether it looks good, I’d say the regular edition looks a bit more imposing. Moreover, isn’t the light blue of the MX30, the mango yellow of the MX60, or the metallic silver of the MX70 more impactful than pure white?
When I picked it up, it felt very familiar, as if I had just used it recently. Looking at the stiffness and head-heavy feel, wow, it’s very similar to the MX90. Could it be just a re-skinned version? But there are some differences—the London edition has a 7.2mm shaft, unlike the 7.0mm of the MX90. And speaking of timelines, the London edition came out two years before the MX90, so if anything, the MX90 should be considered the re-skinned version of the London edition.
So, could this be a product made with the MX80 foundation, tuned to the MX90 specs? Hey, I really think that’s the case. The slightly heavier swing weight and slightly better drivability of the shaft’s stiffness, yep, it feels just right. If I had to further differentiate, I’d say the racket’s stiffness is between the MX80 and MX90, but the current tension of the Gosen R4X strings is already a bit stiffer than the KT66f, so focusing on too many details isn’t necessary.
For players with good strength and technique, it’s obviously easy to handle. Even if you can’t feel the shaft flex, the inertia of the head and the power of the string bed are enough to send the shuttle to the opponent’s baseline with a high trajectory, provided you hit the sweet spot and execute the clear properly. As for the feedback, it still has that slightly rigid feel characteristic of the METEOR series. You might say it feels “wooden”? I used to agree, but “wooden” is a subjective term that every player interprets and tolerates differently, so now it’s a matter of personal preference. I actually enjoy the sensation this kind of feel brings.
However, if you haven’t mastered your power stroke, don’t force yourself to use it—you might risk injury.
Right from the start, I tested its various shot-making capabilities. Clears, of course, felt great; the touch for slicing and net shots was stable; drives and blocks were strong, but the slightly higher swing weight made it less agile during fast exchanges, making it harder to maintain continuity and find small windows for quick power shots. Defensive shots were also a bit uncomfortable… This really does resemble the MX90.
Well, that’s that. Let’s see if I can get my hands on a JJS.
August 23, 2024
Badminton Racket VICTOR MX7600 Reviews
I suddenly realized that there’s not much to say about old, low-end rackets. Even if I talk about them, they’re no longer available for purchase, so I might as well lay it all out during the All England period.
Let’s strike while the iron is hot and try out the low-end METEOR series. This might be the highest-numbered one, the 7600. Just by looking at the first two digits, 76 seems to be closer to 80, but the fact that they didn’t name this racket the 8000 makes it a bit puzzling. Given its age, it’s hard to find more information about this racket through other channels, so let’s just treat it as an ordinary entry-level racket.
Specifications:
3UG5, with a grip, total weight in use is 93.13g, balance point at 288mm, shaft length 215mm, low stiffness, octagonal aerodynamic frame, 72-hole string bed, 9-3 o’clock string grooves, warranty up to 24 lbs, strung at 23-24 lbs with NS660Ti.
The racket has its own style in terms of design, not following the pattern of some higher-end models. Giving a relatively high-end model in the low-end range a unique paint job isn’t something you see often. The symmetrical design from the racket head to the cone features a rich color gradient, transitioning from silver-gray, fluorescent green, white, navy blue, and back to white, all with a matte metallic-like finish. The aesthetic is quite strong. This racket is on the threshold of the mid-range level, with the nano tec below the T-joint as proof. However, the 7.2mm shaft remains unchanged.
Surprisingly, the racket feels light and nimble, with a very low balance point. For beginners, they probably wouldn’t notice if the 3U label on the cone was changed to 4U; it could easily be used as a speed racket. I’ve already covered the characteristics of the 72-hole string bed in the past, so I won’t repeat them here. The racket is very user-friendly, with low swing weight and high swing speed, and the shaft is quite soft. It’s easy to generate a sense of power without much effort; even gently swinging the racket with a grip slightly lower down can produce noticeable shaft flex. The racket is also quite powerful, making it easy to reach a high contact point and hit the sweet spot.
However, the shaft is just too soft, which significantly affects its attacking power and continuity.
In practice, the 7600 quickly proves itself with a friendly demeanor, showing its potential right away without any adjustment period. In doubles play, it quickly reveals its strengths, like flooring the accelerator in an entry-level electric car on the highway. The racket’s swing speed and maneuverability are quickly apparent, offering more room to perform in doubles.
The quick preparation, ability to drive the shuttle down from a high position, and smooth follow-through after each shot all show the racket’s potential. But due to the string condition and shaft stiffness, its response speed isn’t fast enough, especially in fast exchanges, although this can be improved by restringing.
In the mid-court, the 7600 seems to allow for more flexibility, not just limited to net blocks. Even in less ideal situations, like when the shuttle is lower or hard to attack, it performs well with net shots, lifts, and returns. The solid feel of the racket might be average, and perhaps the string’s strong hold on the shuttle is contributing to the good feel during delicate shots and backcourt drops, but the 7600’s flexibility certainly makes it easier to execute some tricky moves.
Furthermore, in defensive situations or when returning smashes, if the strings were more responsive, the performance could be even better. I believe its softness and lightness make it easier to handle such shots.
Actually, using the 7600 can make it easier to create opportunities for your partner to attack from the backcourt. However, when you rotate to the backcourt and take on the attacking responsibility, the 7600 feels too gentle. Although it has a good feel and it’s easy to reach a high contact point, whether using a quick, sharp hit or a powerful shot with body rotation, there’s a noticeable loss of power in the process. Excluding the string issue, the 7.2mm shaft seems to be overloaded and should be more rigid. The result is that even if you can execute an ideal downward shot, it’s unlikely to be a high-speed, powerful smash that poses a threat. Those who enjoy hitting the shuttle into the ground should avoid this racket. If it only offers continuity without the ability to threaten, many tactics will be difficult to implement—sometimes it’s better to just play a flat lift.
However, from the perspective of a “sugar-coated” racket, there’s nothing wrong with it. By the way, does anyone have a good method for removing old, sticky grip residue?
August 23, 2024
Badminton Racket Victor MX7000 Reviews
This is likely a low-end MX model among the short players.
However, based on the author’s speculation from the MX260 review, the 7000 is likely another soft racket, as supported by information from the badminton equipment database. From the METEOR 6000 to 7000, the stiffness decreases, similar to the difference between the METEOR 80 and 90. Additionally, low-end rackets tend to avoid using an 80-hole string bed, not because it costs more to add a few extra holes, but probably because an 80-hole design places higher demands on the frame’s structure and materials. It’s easier to just stick with a 72-hole design.
Specifications: 4UG5, no grip, total weight in use is 85.30g, balance point at 313mm, 7.2mm shaft, 220mm in length, low stiffness, octagonal aerodynamic frame, 72-hole string bed, 9-3 o’clock string grooves, warranty up to 24 lbs, strung at 24 lbs with Li-Ning N9 strings.
The color scheme is somewhat similar to the NR750 mentioned earlier, but it actually traces back to the blue-silver-gray of the METEOR 70. The gray on both sides and blue at the four corners create a visual effect that draws attention toward the center of the racket face. There are plenty of decals, with the shaft being relatively plain, and no standout technological features. It has the common aesthetic of a low-end racket, not bad, and compared to the Victory 09 I used before, it’s much improved, though I still prefer the black base of the METEOR 6000.
After removing the grip, the racket’s head-heavy feel becomes more apparent, and with such a high balance point, the swing weight is a bit excessive for a 4U racket. Handling the shuttle close to the body isn’t an issue, and the head-heavy balance helps generate power. When swinging the racket head, you can clearly feel the shaft’s flex and the resulting power, making it a beginner’s racket that can deliver a strong sense of power. However, it does place significant demands on stamina, and after about 30 clears, I already started to feel fatigue.
Therefore, I want to jump straight to discussing the racket’s attacking ability. Frankly, the METEOR 7000’s smash feel is outstanding among entry-level products, with solid impact and strong shuttle release. If you upgrade the strings, achieving powerful smashes wouldn’t be a problem.
But it does sacrifice continuity and endurance, especially the former. The METEOR 80 is a classic high-end racket that balances both drives and smashes well, but for the METEOR 7000, which is two levels lower, the high swing weight solves the power issue but naturally affects the follow-up shots. The long preparation time, extended follow-through, and the strain on the forearm and wrist are the main reasons I struggle with it in fast exchanges. These drawbacks are further magnified by the subpar strings. This racket is decent in the mid-to-back court, where the longer reaction time and better swing speed help maintain continuity.
The racket face and sweet spot are of moderate size, and the 72-hole string bed does offer a stronger shuttle hold than the 80-hole design, making the METEOR 7000 more comfortable for controlling delicate shots, and it shows good tolerance in backcourt drops.
When dealing with defensive situations, it really comes down to personal skill. It’s not that the METEOR 7000 requires advanced power techniques; in fact, the shaft is quite forgiving. The higher swing weight is just something that takes time to get used to, but as long as you have the strength, you can manage. During fast-paced exchanges where you’re being pushed side to side, repeatedly turning to hit cross-court drives or backhand clears relies heavily on core strength; otherwise, relying only on the upper arm won’t get the shuttle where you want it.
This racket has a bit of the head-heavy feel of the METEOR 70, making it a distinctive old entry-level racket with its strengths and characteristics.
August 23, 2024
Badminton Racket Victor MX-90 Reviews
The 2014 MX-90, as a latecomer to the 80, should have been able to be the set piece. But the MX-90’s popularity and recognition differed from the MX-80 by a cliff, and even it couldn’t escape the fate of the rest of the MX line’s high end being overshadowed by the MX-80. But unlike the fate of the 80/90, the MX-90 still has an audience, and some of the older MX series players will just like the MX-90 even more.
It, as the Classic Series proper has the highest numbered capper, is likely to be a more balanced option.
Parameters: 3UG5, de-bottomed, total weight in used condition 89.7g, balance point 295mm, 7.0mm center, length 215mm, stiffness on the high side, eight-sided windbreaker frame, 80-hole string bed, 9-3 point string groove, warranty 28lbs, stringing 25-27lbs KT66F.
Is there any golfer like me, looking at some of the top products of the last era, analyzing their appearance, in fact, will find that they are compared with the current new products will lack some exquisite stickers, color schemes and patterns, but just look particularly powerful, for MX-90 this also applies. The MX-90’s frame and center column have a strength and sturdiness to them that gives you a sense of security, regardless of any imperfections caused by age. The color scheme, with a white primer on the T-head and head and black or varnish on the wings of the frame and cone cover, has a kingly look.
Looking over the information, the MX90 does have a little lower labeled stiffness than the MX-80N, but the head weight is more pronounced. When the series generally existed in the case of playing the feeling of hair wood, at first I thought that the middle rod thick reason, and later thought it was 80 holes innate attributes, and then later found a new end – reinforced laminated carbon fiber, this technology is not the later strong laminated FRS well, although the back of the lower end of the lower end of the Victor part of the production and greatly improve the resistance of those models to high poundage. Although the technology was later put into the middle and low-end products of Victory and greatly improved the performance of those models in terms of high poundage resistance, it also made the racket faces of those products generally become as stale as dead faces, and I didn’t realize that the source was actually here.
It’s worth mentioning that the MX-80 has a 7.2mm center bar, while the MX-90 is 7.0mm.
The difference in frame shape and weighting makes a considerable difference in the feel of the MX-90 and MX-80 in the hands. For one thing, the 90’s windbreak handling is not as sharp, and the frame thickness has been increased, resulting in a swing speed that is not as impressive as the 80’s. Secondly, the off-head-weighted configuration also makes the racquet more heavy-handed and solid. The result is a change in the performance of the stringbed, with the 90 holding the ball slightly better, which makes it friendlier to use for players whose power level is not yet very good. At the same time, the higher swingweight also makes it more comfortable to warm up and take the ball out without having to put extra effort into it, although this can be detrimental to physical exertion in confrontation.
The MX90’s mid-range driver is also different from the MX-80, with a thinner diameter for a more flexible feel, less stiff feedback, and a bit more of a mid-range deformation recovery ejection on the ball. The current MX-90’s ball control ability is therefore better, in addition to a little holding feeling added to the ball out of the moment to become more maneuverable, and the MX-70 similar to the weight of the head also it provides me with a lot of confidence in the stability of the feel of the hand.
The draw has not weakened, and it still has good ball response and clear pointing. However, the higher swing weight requires more durability of the user’s small arm and finger strength, and my small arm was a bit sore after a high-intensity doubles inning.
Judging from its feel feedback, I was looking forward to its offensive performance, and it certainly lived up to the hype. Needless to say, the actual results were high, with its high ceiling having been recognized by both Gideon and Zhou Tiancheng. On heavy kills, its hitting from sound effects to feedback can bring a lot of pleasure to golfers with good power level. In this session, some differences between the 80 and 90 can be more clearly distinguished. The 90 gets a stronger downward pressure due to the higher swing weight, and the drive is correspondingly less difficult, but the higher swing weight also makes its ability to connect on the next shot less brutal than that of the MX80N.
In the end, Victor’s X stands for balanced tuning, and from the earliest supernanoX, to the meteor X, to the hypernano X to the current Harness X, and even all the products in the series with the X suffix have intentionally pulled some of the more aggressively tuned racquets toward the center of the coordinate axis. And it’s the same thing with the MX-90, except that with the pull it looks a little more like an attacking racquet compared to the MX-80.
I was going to say that if I can’t get a good deal on a JJS, then that’s the end of the MX series, but then I thought about it, and the MX80B is odd enough that I’d rather just leave it here.
August 23, 2024