Tag: VICTOR

威克多

  • Badminton Racket Victor HYPERNANO X 600 Reviews

    Badminton Racket Victor HYPERNANO X 600 Reviews

    The more I experience the HX series, the more I regret its experimental nature.

    Parameters: 3UG5, with base and heat shrink wrap, total weight 98g, balance point 292mm, 6.8mm Flash Shaft middle shaft, length 210mm, hard tuning, diamond windbreak frame, 10-4 point string groove, warranty 30 pounds, strung at 25-26lbs with BG80P.

    The high-end HX series paint jobs are very attractive. I haven’t encountered any mediocre ones so far. With its white base coat, silver high-gloss stickers, and overall glossy finish, the color scheme is quite orthodox, without obvious feminine or masculine aesthetic traits. However, the paint’s durability on the sharp edges of the windbreak frame still shows weakness. When I received the racket from the seller, it was in excellent condition after just a few clears. However, small blemishes appeared due to the rubbing of the rackets stacked together.

    From the specifications, there is no difference between the HX600 and my HX-Sun. Both have good swing speeds when unstrung but with a slightly head-heavy feel, making the HX600 feel quite well-balanced. Except for the weight, it’s almost identical to the Sun, making me consider how to transition the review naturally to the HX-Sun before the match.

    However, a fellow player pointed out that there is a difference in the middle shaft tuning between the two. After playing, I indeed noticed the difference — the HX600 has a stiffer feel. The material hardness and weight are different, making the 600’s middle shaft harder to drive compared to the Sun. While the Sun can be used as a more forgiving racket in less optimal conditions, the 600 has less forgiveness.

    The HX600 excels in high clears with excellent power transfer and a solid feel. Its performance in terms of frame tolerance, handling of passive shots, defense, and small ball control is similar to the Sun, making it a good reference.

    In terms of offense, the HX600 provides more explosive power. Its stiffer feel allows advanced players to get better feedback when smashing, resulting in more forceful and precise shots. On this 3U racket, the diamond windbreak frame’s torsional resistance and M46J’s excellent elasticity are well showcased. Coupled with BG80P strings, it provides a gratifying impact during smashes. However, this level of feedback has a threshold. On the day of testing, my partner’s opponent gave up after a few rallies and switched back to the Xunfeng 10U.

    Notably, I also used the HX900X that day. When driving, the Pyrofil and Flash Shaft felt similar in difficulty, but the former had a more brittle feel while the latter was slightly more resilient.

    Other experiences will not be detailed here. Compared to the mainstream series like Li-Ning’s Sword, Speed, and TK series, Victory has indeed made many experimental combinations in the HX series. The frame shapes used in HX are quite complex and varied. Although positioned as an all-around racket, some models clearly cater more to speed or attack. The overall characteristics of the HX series are not very clear, with significant differences between models. This might be why the series performed poorly in the market and was eventually replaced by the Yu series.

    It is said that this Nanjing long racket was once available at a bargain price? The racket is quite good, but after browsing Taobao and considering its popularity and performance alternatives, the current price is just about competitive. The resale value on Xianyu is also acceptable. Finding a good deal on a second-hand one is still a good idea.

  • Badminton Racket Victor HYPERNANO X 500 power Reviews

    Badminton Racket Victor HYPERNANO X 500 power Reviews

    I really dislike the “mushy” feeling of durable strings. Whether it’s for smashes or flat drives, it always makes me feel like the shuttlecock isn’t coming off the string properly, and the feedback is also less clear. It feels like a waste, especially on high-end rackets. Although I’ve played with a few rackets strung with 65 strings that felt good, they inevitably ended up being unpopular and discontinued.

    Recently, I encountered a high-end racket that still performs well with 65 strings as the HypernanoX series reaches its final exploration stage. It’s truly a pity for this series.

    Parameters: 3UG5, with base, total weight in use 94.9g, balance point 300mm, high-modulus carbon middle shaft, length 205mm, stiff tuning, 76-hole diamond windbreak frame, 8-4 point string groove, warranty 28 pounds, strung at 27 pounds with BG65.

    The aesthetic of the HX500P in good condition is quite appealing to me, with a very layered appearance. The deep gray part of the paint uses a glossy finish with glitter, which looks quite nice up close. Besides the deep gray on the head and T-joint, the middle shaft and sides feature a non-symmetrical design with fluorescent yellow merging into white, providing a rich visual experience. The racket clearly showcases its technological features with the coefficients marked on it.

    However, the paint quality is quite poor, which was a common issue with Victory products from that period. It chips easily, especially on the cone area. Even the tape from the grip can pull off the “Victor” logo on the cone after several wraps. Despite this, the frame feels quite robust, giving a powerful impression similar to the HX900X, possibly due to the wide windbreak surface on the diamond frame.

    The racket feels noticeably heavy in hand, highlighting its “power” attribute as the name suggests, offering a solid experience. Although I’ve mentioned many times that the diamond windbreak frame’s performance is well-known, the HX500P’s swing is smooth but lacks the agility of faster rackets.

    On the court, the power is evident. With its 3U weight, high balance point, and decent elasticity in the middle shaft, each high-clearance shot combines speed, depth, and trajectory effectively, providing a solid and reliable performance with good power. Although slightly heavier rackets may struggle in prolonged rallies, the HX500P remains effortless to use, making shots more natural in controlled exchanges.

    The racket uses familiar strong core filling, enhancing stability in the diamond frame, providing excellent directional control. This is particularly noticeable in drills and defense, allowing for precise placement of shots. It has a large sweet spot, contributing to high tolerance and reducing mishits during the adjustment phase.

    It’s worth noting that the HX500P isn’t a speed-oriented racket. Its moderate swing speed and noticeable string bed wrap affect its performance at the net. When opportunities are lacking, aggressive pushes are not recommended, as the heavy head may cause shots to miss the target. Instead, it’s better to use its steady advantage to create opportunities through varied net play.

    Although the HX500P excels in men’s doubles and mixed doubles, its slower swing speed and string bed wrap mean it often maintains a defensive position rather than taking the initiative. However, once the initiative is gained, the racket performs excellently in aggressive play, reminiscent of the HX80 and HX900X. Its head-heavy inertia aids in driving the middle shaft and storing energy for powerful smashes, which remain effective even with 65 strings, delivering strong, fast, and well-placed shots. The feedback is clear, and smashes feel satisfying.

    Unfortunately, the stiffer and heavier setup also affects performance when the user’s energy is low, making powerful smashes harder to execute, especially in mixed doubles where energy consumption is a concern. Despite the HX500P meeting my preferences, it is not a racket that can be used recklessly. I once lent it to a teammate, and its slower swing speed and heaviness made him frequently miss shots. However, he appreciated its excellent smash feel and used it for several matches. To me, the HX500P is somewhat similar to the HX900X.

    Interestingly, while I’ve generally used 4U rackets for mid-range models, I’ve opted for the heaviest specifications for high-end series, possibly due to lower acceptance of 3U rackets. When matched with adequate power, 3U rackets often provide better performance in optimal conditions. For 3U balanced rackets, there’s no need to resist; adapting to them might be wiser than sticking to 4U out of comfort.

    Nevertheless, the HX500 remains a competitive racket below 600, but it doesn’t change its relatively lukewarm status.

  • Badminton Racket Victor HYPERNANO X 500 Control Reviews

    Badminton Racket Victor HYPERNANO X 500 Control Reviews

    The most overlooked balance racket series from the Blue Factory has finally been filled in. After using the HX500P and finding that the database did not separate the two rackets, I initially thought of skipping the HX500C. Later, as updates were made and my interest grew, I decided to complete the review.

    Specifications:
    4UG5, with base layer, total weight 93.0g in used condition, balance point 283mm, 6.8mm Babolat carbon shaft, shaft length 208mm, medium to high stiffness, diamond-shaped frame, 9-3 o’clock grommet design, 76-hole string bed, warranty of 27 lbs, strung with 25-27 lbs KT65.

    As the twin of the relatively unknown HX500P, the HX500C and P are distinctly different. This isn’t due to a difference in style but rather the color schemes: the Power version uses a black base coat, while the Control version uses a white base coat. The fluorescent yellow stickers add a touch of freshness, making the racket look more neutral and suitable for female players as well.

    I haven’t used a diamond-shaped frame for a long time, and the frame shape popularized by the Nano 7 has no secrets left. While this construction was necessary back then to combine swing speed and stability, today’s material science allows for frames with better performance.

    However, the racket still has a good temperament. With a larger frame area and a lower balance point, it requires less effort from the user and makes it easier to hit high clears. The face has a noticeable holding feel, familiar to those who have used the Nano 7. The short shaft gives a bit of a mismatch; with the setup for explosiveness and recovery speed, I would prefer a crisper response.

    The elasticity of the racket is still excellent. As a high-end racket priced at 1280 yuan, the shaft material was top-notch at the time, though it lacks the special fibers found in other technologies like Nano Fortity/TR+/SR+/EM. The potential of the diamond-shaped frame is mostly exhausted, so the 500C falls short in torsional resistance, with deformation after stringing being average.

    Compared to the 500P, the Control version has improved flexibility, making mid-court shots and counter-attacks easier and showing an advantage in swing speed. This makes the 4U HX500C more suitable for women’s singles or doubles. The short shaft’s advantage in fast-paced rallies is evident, with quick recovery and explosive power, but the holding feel on the face reduces the crispness of shots.

    While the 500P also has a noticeable holding feel, it has a stiffer shaft and strong head-heavy balance, which suits aggressive play. The 500C, however, cannot avoid the issue of holding feel affecting its performance in flat drives.

    The 500C excels in rear-court drop shots, providing a good feel for control and allowing for quick, precise net shots. The flexibility and hold make it good for sudden angled shots. Yet, for net play, I prefer the stable feel of the 3U HX500P.

    Although labeled as Control, the 500C is not weak in attacking. Its short and powerful shaft provides excellent explosiveness, with a sharp, explosive sound. It is more akin to the 88S in the Axforce series, showing good offensive feel and consistency. However, it lacks some downward pressure, making it difficult to control the ball when physical strength wanes, a problem not present in the 500P.

    The 500C is good for defense, with high tolerance and elasticity. It returns shots well in passive situations and feels good for backhand shots, though I’m not a fan of its less direct feel when using it for returns. This results in less abruptness in flat shots.

    The HX series also includes the 800 series with P and C variants, with the 800C being distinctive and the 500 series focusing more on Power. While the 500C is a good racket, its diamond frame and face characteristics leave it somewhat average, creating a bit of regret and making it feel more neutral.

  • Badminton Racket Victor HYPERNANO X 60H Reviews

    Badminton Racket Victor HYPERNANO X 60H Reviews

    Regardless of how good the racket is, it often ends up being a less popular model that sells poorly, sometimes even hitting a dud, becoming a hot potato.

    In this series, buyers who have been a bit of a pain are the most common…

    Specifications:
    4UG5, with grip tape removed and cushioning film, total weight 86.7g, balance point 298mm, 6.8mm shaft, shaft length 215mm, medium stiffness, handle length 205mm, diamond-shaped frame, 76-hole string bed, 8—4 o’clock grommet design, warranty of 34 lbs, strung with 26 lbs Li Ning No. 1 string.

    The orange color is vibrant and energetic. Apart from the eye-catching color scheme, the racket still adheres to the straightforward design language of the mid-range HX series. The frame uses asymmetric coating, with bright silver stickers at the 11 and 5 o’clock positions on each side, but these are prone to fading, revealing the orange base coat. The transition from black to orange is marked by strong lines. The black-and-orange HX logo on the shaft is quite to my taste, giving a robust, industrial feel.

    The frame uses FRS, which is one of Victor’s most widely used technologies and is suitable across high, mid, and low-end models. The warranty of 34 lbs suggests that the HX60H might inherit the durability of the Nano series. The diamond-shaped frame feels similar in swing, but in practice, the head-heavy feel of the HX60H seems heavier than indicated by the balance point.

    Many players report that the No. 1 string is a high-elasticity string with a tendency to transmit vibrations and a wooden feel, but it pairs well with the 60H, providing better shock absorption than the previous HX30. However, the feel is relatively less clear, but this slight muddiness remains acceptable. Maintaining the characteristics of mid-to-low-end rackets, the string tension is not high, the shaft stiffness is moderate, and the diamond frame offers decent swing speed and a consistent sweet spot. The high-clear experience with the HX60H is above average and easy to handle.

    When it comes to small shots, passive play, and defense, I am running out of words. After all, the entire series uses the same frame shape. Besides differences in player skill and slight variations in shaft/frame material affecting stiffness/elasticity, the large sweet spot lowers the operational threshold. Personally, I prefer rackets with clear feedback for net shots, but the 60H’s feedback for small actions is somewhat distorted, and the holding feel is not very pronounced. However, despite the limited descriptive ability, the HX60H’s relatively easy-to-drive shaft and moderate head-heavy support offer good performance in net play, backhand area, and receiving smashes.

    In terms of backcourt attacking quality, the 60H ranks first among the HX mid-range models I’ve experienced. With the current string setup, it delivers threatening attacks while allowing for smooth follow-up shots. The head-heavy feel is not excessive, and the process from drawing the racket to hitting the ball is relatively smooth. The shaft’s driving force and elasticity are good, making it suitable for players between beginner and intermediate levels to perform effective smashes. Remarkably, the racket’s explosive power is fitting for its high tension capacity. Even at 26 lbs, there is still potential for releasing more power, and my full-force smashes did not experience significant shock absorption. While the HX30 provided unexpected attacking performance, the 60H’s durability for high tension and shaft tuning demonstrate deeper potential.

    Additionally, although the diamond frame is said to reduce wind resistance, after numerous HX series experiences, its stability rather than speed is what leaves a lasting impression. This feeling is particularly noticeable in flat drives, contrasting with the sharpness of speed rackets. My personal experience may differ from some reviews, so please consider this with caution.

    The HX60H, aimed at advanced players, is a decent racket that doesn’t fetch a high price. I even saw new ones selling for around 300 yuan on certain platforms, quite a pity.

  • Badminton Racket Victor HYPERNANO X Sun Reviews

    Badminton Racket Victor HYPERNANO X Sun Reviews

    The latest racket is indeed quite niche—the third trial racket, the HX-SUN, a signature model of the Vice President of the Badminton Association, Sun Jun.

    I wasn’t familiar with this name, so I checked the information. Coach Sun Jun was a national men’s singles player in the 1990s, known for his defensive and control play, following in the footsteps of Coach Zhao Jianhua. He was a major tournament player but retired prematurely due to health issues.

    Since recovery is ongoing, the test intensity will be slightly lower; this experience is for reference only. Overall, the racket feels different from what I expected based on Sun Jun’s image.

    Specifications:
    Produced by Victor’s Nanjing factory, 4UG5, with grip tape removed and balance point at 306mm. The shaft is 6.8mm (M46J + M30) and 210mm in length, with medium stiffness. It features a diamond-shaped frame, 10—4 o’clock grommet design, and 23-25lbs string tension with NBG95.

    The colors—navy blue, silver-gray, bright red, and white—combine to create an energetic, positive design, reminiscent of the classic color scheme of Gundam’s main characters. The frame stickers and shaft lettering are quite flashy, making the racket visually striking. Apart from the special Sun Jun signature on the shaft, the racket has a “three good” traditional quality feel, similar to classic models from the past, which I find appealing.

    Although the balance point is at 306mm, it is not heavy to swing compared to the Dragon Tooth, leading me to question the mystical relationship between balance point and feel. The T-head features wind-breaking design, and the 4-6 o’clock direction includes flow channels. The diamond frame, used by Victor since the Nano 7, provides a clear and smooth wind-breaking effect. Despite the head-heavy nature leading to a slightly cumbersome feel during continuous swings, the overall process remains smooth.

    After a few shots, the positioning of the SUN becomes apparent. The head and shaft have medium stiffness, while the shaft offers excellent elasticity and feedback, making it easy to deliver high-clear shots with controlled placement. The 6.8mm Flash Shaft is a mature design used in high-end rackets, explaining why models like TK15/30 were considered luxurious.

    The feel for small shots is solid and reliable. The large frame and sweet spot make technical shots like drops easier to execute and offer a good sense of the ball. This wrap-around feel and large sweet spot improve the ability to break away from defensive shots, allowing for effective transitions from defense to offense in doubles. For attacking with power and precision, this racket performs well.

    The racket’s attacking performance is impressive, with noticeable ball retention on the string bed but without the sticky feel of the HX990 or the dryness of the HX900. It offers a power feedback similar to the Arc 11, delivering direct power without a wooden or mushy sensation. The racket’s design requires minimal explosive force to achieve mid-shaft deformation, allowing for fast smashes and effective ground-stamping shots. The frame’s resistance to torsion is good, providing a predictable shot placement. Although it doesn’t have the rotational generation system of the Throat series, it still transitions well between heavy smashes and subsequent shots, proving effective in competitive matches.

    The performance in flat drives is slightly lacking. In fast exchanges, it feels a bit sluggish, and successful predictions for intercepting shots may suffer due to swing speed issues. It remains suitable for backcourt play in doubles or singles with less power.

    Regarding the NBG95 string, although it is often categorized as an all-around string among durable lines, its moderate character is not particularly favored. However, the new string’s performance is commendable, with hardness and elasticity approaching 80P and a decent holding feeling. For amateur players, it’s not economical to frequently change strings due to performance issues, and the NBG95 string’s post-tension performance does degrade, contributing to its less favorable reputation.

    In my view, the SUN is a high-quality, user-friendly racket designed primarily for amateur players, with excellent feel and downforce. After receiving it, I couldn’t find any retailers on Taobao. Later, I found that new or first-hand models were priced around 500-600 yuan, with in-store prices around 800 yuan. This price is reasonable for the racket’s performance, though availability is currently uncertain. With the HX flagship discontinued, the HX-SUN continues to shine in its obscure niche. It’s a shame that such a good racket is relatively unknown. Victor’s previous marketing strategy has indeed overlooked many great products. I hope that Victor, after restructuring, will focus on improving their equipment. Ultimately, player choices depend on product quality.

  • Badminton Racket Victor HYPERNANO X Air Reviews

    Badminton Racket Victor HYPERNANO X Air Reviews

    I waited for this racket for over six months, experiencing a moment of reluctance, a missed opportunity, and a fortuitous encounter before finally acquiring it from an unknown female player, albeit in less-than-perfect condition. Nevertheless, this racket is almost a concluding piece for the HypernanoX series from Victory, which has been full of regrets. Securing this rare model despite various obstacles and completing my series testing holds significant value.

    Specifications:
    5UG5, unstrung weight of 83.0g, balance point 315mm, 6.6mm shaft, 217mm long, stiffness rated medium-stiff, elliptical aero transition diamond frame, 9-3 point grommet system, 76-hole stringing pattern, tension warranty of 26 lbs, strung at 24 lbs with BGAS string.

    First off, there were quality control issues; I discovered a rattling sound after receiving it. However, considering that during its release many high-end models from Victory were collapsing or cracking, a rare model like this having such a minor issue seems less concerning.

    The deep blue base coat, combined with a lot of gold foil stickers on the aero frame, is very prone to damage! Despite this, the asymmetrical design and vibrant colors give it a universally appealing look suitable for both genders.

    If it weren’t for the prominent HX branding emphasizing its lineage, it might fit better within the Speed series. Nonetheless, regardless of series, the Air model stands out among the Blue Factory’s high-end rackets today. It lacks the Flash Shaft and Pyrofil labeling, instead using Toray’s prepreg fabric. The equipment library shows the Air’s shaft as 7.0mm, but visually it appears more slender. Its unconventional design was my first impression.

    I previously held the view that a super-light racket used for serious play should have a firm shaft, and the Air excels in this.

    The seller paired it excellently, and I instantly fell for the Air’s hitting feel. The hard yet elastic AS string complements the Air’s own firm and elastic setup. Despite only 24 lbs tension, the feedback is substantial. The 5U weight and 315mm balance point make it easy to handle the shaft’s deformation, providing a very comfortable experience for high clears, without the effort and dissatisfaction of many ultra-light rackets. Even without the top-tier Bolo carbon, the shaft quality is top-notch.

    Remarkably, it has no obvious power loss; you can even execute powerful smashes to pressure your opponent.

    Surprisingly, the racket’s forgiveness level is extraordinary for a Speed model—no surprise given its frame type. The 76-hole stringing pattern provides consistent sweet spot size and performance, with no awkwardness or issues like mis-hits from strange swing speeds or weights. This could be the best 5U flagship model from the Blue Factory. High swing speed, excellent leverage, and stable string bed make it incredibly user-friendly.

    Additionally, the larger hitting area makes it easier to hit accurate shots at the net, allowing smooth execution of techniques like flicks, drops, and pushes, with consistent feel.

    However, to label it simply as a “soft feel” racket would be a significant understatement. In my testing, it demonstrated considerable attacking capability. The 5U Air supports string tensions up to 26 lbs, and the 4U version goes up to 27 lbs, meeting the needs of advanced players for various scenarios. It is a firm racket with excellent elasticity; even at 5U, it performs well under explosive smashes, comparable to the NF800LT with decent smash power and excellent attacking continuity. The racket maintains high efficiency in energy transfer to the shuttle, and the threshold for effective smashes is relatively low. Well-placed smashes can directly score points.

    Its performance in flat drives is noteworthy, with good shaft recovery speed and fast swing speed, retaining the Speed series feel. Defense and transitioning to attack are also comfortable, avoiding the net errors common in some ultra-light rackets.

    Having previously worked with various electronic products, I’ve noticed a pattern: Creativity Air, iPad Air, MacBook Air—good products. Hence, the HypernanoX Air is also a good product, without any faults.

  • Badminton Racket Victor HYPERNANO X 80L Reviews

    Badminton Racket Victor HYPERNANO X 80L Reviews

    Here we are again with another mid-range model from the HX series. This series is vast and complex, so it would seem challenging to complete a comprehensive review. However, as I write, the progress is better than expected—probably because some rackets in this series are easier to acquire, which only underscores the somewhat sad state of the HX line.

    HX80L, just looking at its specs, is almost a high-end model, and there’s also a sibling without the “L” suffix. HX20H and HX30 are great entry-level choices, while HX80L… well, it’s more for reference.

    Specifications:
    4UG5, unstrung weight of 86.4g, balance point 289mm, 6.8mm shaft (220mm long), stiffness rated medium-stiff, tested as medium, diamond aero frame, 8—4 point grommet system, 76-hole stringing pattern, tension warranty of 26 lbs, strung at 24–26 lbs with VBS70.

    It’s clear that the HX80L has an attractive appearance. The predominantly white racket, with subtle patterns on the frame aside from its tech features, gives it a fresh look—standard practice to make a racket look more appealing. This aligns with the trend of “L” suffix models being generally aimed at female players. However, as with many brands, the paint job quality starts to show after some use. The prettier the racket, the worse it looks after it gets scratched.

    When it comes to dry swings, there’s not much to say—the overall stiffness isn’t high, and the swing feels quite light and agile. It’s a balanced racket but doesn’t feel particularly responsive in hand. Many players may have used the Nanoray 7, so I’ll just say it feels like a slightly lighter Nanoray 7.

    The shaft on the HX80L uses the same rebound nanotube technology as the HX100. While the latter felt much stiffer than advertised, the HX80L feels a notch softer than its rated stiffness. If it’s not a formula error, then it’s likely that this shaft’s stiffness degrades more significantly over time. The tech description mentions that this innovation should enhance the shaft’s elasticity, but during overhead clears, it felt like a standard entry-level racket—easy to use with decent swing speed and directional accuracy, but nothing more to note.

    I brought both the HX80L and FX04 to my company’s game for testing, switching seamlessly between the two. Comparing them, the HX80L felt slightly stiffer and a bit crisper on shuttle contact. Paired with the relatively hard VBS70 strings, the racket’s control in the frontcourt and net play was quite solid, giving me confidence. Its lightweight nature made it easier to push and flick to the backcourt, creating some offensive opportunities. However, when transitioning to the backcourt for attack, the control-oriented clears weren’t particularly fast. While it’s forgiving, it lacks the element of surprise. Overall, the entire experience felt mild and uneventful throughout testing. It seems that Victory’s 76-hole stringing pattern indeed helps enhance shuttle hold.

    As for flat drives and defense, there isn’t much new to say. Like many soft-shaft rackets, its performance was similar to the FX04—probably 90% comparable.

    For male players, this racket might feel a bit dull, as there’s nothing exceptional about its offensive quality—quite average. To rule out the possibility that my high-end racket usage was making me overly picky, I swapped with a colleague’s 4U TK15 for smash practice. Both rackets are non-head-heavy, but the smash quality of the HX80L was noticeably inferior. Its continuity was acceptable given its weight and specs, but the smash power left little to be desired. The technology’s advertised benefits, like enhanced elasticity, were not fully realized, except for the slight softness. With a max tension of 26 lbs, if you want to make aggressive shots, switching to more traditional offensive strings is necessary.

    I wanted to get some satisfaction from the soft, elastic feedback, but the HX80L struggled to deliver any excitement. When I wasn’t in good form, all I felt was a bland, watered-down sensation.

    In summary, the HX80L doesn’t need to overdo it with fancy technology. Its core filling does provide a more stable feel and better control, with good shock absorption, but I didn’t experience any noticeable elasticity enhancement. The soft, balanced feel seems aimed at female players. It feels solid at first, but over time, you’ll notice that its elasticity is better than the HX20H but still falls short of the HX100. Perhaps the shaft’s performance deterioration affects its feel, and it lacks the impact of true high-end models. When considering a mid-range option from the HypernanoX series, the HX80L is an average, middle-of-the-road choice.

    Writing this review, I can’t help but think of the Duora 6.

  • Badminton Racket Victor HYPERNANO X 100 Reviews

    Badminton Racket Victor HYPERNANO X 100 Reviews

    Whenever there’s a clearance sale, it always heats up some lesser-known, niche rackets. At lower prices, the trial and error cost of these rackets decreases significantly, which broadens their user base. This allows the characteristics of these rackets to be more thoroughly explored and understood, often reversing their reputation.

    HypernanoX 100 — I’ve witnessed this racket being sold at terrifying clearance prices, going for as low as 249 RMB for a bare frame in some stores, despite it being an entry-level high-end racket from one of the big three brands. With 80% of the full tech package advertised, even second-tier or independent brand flagships couldn’t compete.

    However, after snatching up a bargain, few people would care to explore why it ended up in clearance in the first place.

    Specifications:
    3UG5, fully strung weight of 96g, balance point 291mm, 6.8mm shaft (210mm long), stiff tuning (although marked as medium), diamond aero frame, strung at 27 lbs with BG65ti.

    The racket looks great, with a cherry red color scheme that even tough guys might tear up over. The various layers of patterns and color blocks create a very distinct visual depth. Although other models in the same series—like the 990 and 900 in red, or the 600 and Sun in navy blue, or even the 800 in black—may stand out visually, none of them appeal to me as much as the 100. In addition to the color, the asymmetrical design of the frame’s pattern is quite detailed, which should be enough to attract many players.

    When held in hand, the HX100 should be suitable for both beginner female players and intermediate male players. Unless you severely lack strength, the 3U version is likely the better choice. The balance point isn’t high, so the racket feels light to swing with little burden. The feel is solid enough, and opting for a 4U version might lead to the racket feeling too floaty. With its swing speed and weight, the HX100 seems more suited for doubles play.

    During warm-up rallies, you can feel that the HX100 requires some effort to generate power; it’s not an effortless racket. Besides the high string tension and light head making it harder to utilize, the shaft is a major point of criticism. At first, the racket feels stiff and jarring on impact, with noticeable shaft stiffness that contradicts its advertised medium-flex label. Other feedback from players in my gear library echo this opinion. Based on my experience, this racket needs a break-in period. After owning it for about a month now, I can feel the shaft gradually becoming more manageable, but the overall playing experience still leans stiff. As a high-end model, this 6.8mm shaft doesn’t feature technologies like Flash Shaft or Pyrofil; instead, it just has a modified material formula with nanotubes. Perhaps the experimentation wasn’t enough, as the playing experience doesn’t match the promotional claims, suggesting a mismatch between the technology and performance, leading to a disjointed playing feel.

    The HX100 doesn’t communicate feedback consistently with each shot, and this disconnect affects the interaction between player and racket. For instance, during a powerful smash, the racket’s offensive potential is evident, with enough strength to deliver a floor-smashing shot. The balanced weight also makes it easy to generate power, with decent precision. However, compared to other high-end rackets that give a distinct sense of elasticity and rebound after a strong hit, the HX100 lacks a recognizable feel. Regardless of angle or power, the feedback feels the same, which can be likened to clapping hands with someone who doesn’t want to participate.

    The HX100 performs well for active, power-based shots with crisp shuttle release, but its feedback characteristics make backcourt slice shots and net play unfriendly. Frequent errors in backcourt shots remind you to put in extra effort, and when paired with the BG65ti strings, it’s all too easy to lift the shuttle too high in net play, losing any advantage in net battles. In defense, I frequently encountered puzzling mishits—swinging early before the shuttle arrived or missing shots even when the direction was correct. This is rare and could either point to a torsion issue with the racket or just me being off my game. It’s also harder to lift smashes, which doesn’t correlate with the size of the racket’s string bed or frame.

    In summary, after multiple tests, I found that when I’m in good form and able to respond to each shot, especially in favorable conditions, the HX100 can offer a satisfying experience with its solid shuttle release. However, when my form is off and I need more support from the racket, particularly in defense-heavy situations, the HX100 becomes inexplicably uncooperative. The switch between these states can happen within just a few minutes during a game.

    For beginners, I wouldn’t recommend this racket. While it has the looks and decent product quality, now that it’s returned to its normal price range, I think other mid-tier rackets from Victory would offer a more controllable experience for most players. At around 300 RMB, the HX100 is still a good deal, but you’ll need to invest some time in breaking it in—and it may not be the most enjoyable process.

  • Badminton Racket Victor HYPERNANO X 800 Reviews

    Badminton Racket Victor HYPERNANO X 800 Reviews

    This might be the flagship of the HypernanoX series. The HX800 once stood out with its reputation and popularity. As one of Tai Tzu Ying’s former rackets, the HX800 won over many players with its unique feel and excellent performance. However, like many other Victory bestsellers, its destiny was the same—issues such as collapse and cracks ultimately became the main reason why many people hesitated to buy it.

    Specifications:
    3UG5, with base grip, total weight in playing condition is 92.9g, balance point 305mm, 6.8mm Pyrofil carbon shaft, length 215mm, stiff tuning, diamond aero frame, 76-hole string bed, 9-3 point string grooves, warranty up to 28 lbs, strung at 25–27 lbs with KT65.
    This is a racket with a black base, but its black paint is very pure, like ink, without any grayish tone. The racket features plenty of technology, some of which is exclusive to the HX series. Back in the day, the diamond aero frame offered both swing speed and stability. The appearance of the racket isn’t outstanding, but the additional stickers and purer black color give it a decent texture. However, the stickers and paint are quite fragile and easily show defects.

    The HX800 is clearly a high-end piece of equipment aimed at advanced players, and its power threshold is not low. In terms of head weight, it definitely qualifies as a balanced racket, which aligns with my overall impression of the HX series. However, both the shaft and frame feel might discourage beginners. From my perspective, the shaft’s stiffness is comparable to that of the HX900x, but the latter’s more pronounced head weight makes it excellent for leveraging power. In contrast, with the HX800, you’ll mostly have to rely on your own strength—even for warm-up clears, the 3U version in my hand still felt quite stiff.

    There are two twin versions of the HX800: the LTD-C and LTD-P. In my previous trials, I noted that in terms of shuttle hold, actual swing weight, and feedback, the HX800 sits between the two. Although the shuttle releases crisply, the 800 doesn’t give me the same surprising swing speed as the LTDC.

    One advantage, however, is that this racket has low shock absorption, giving it a raw, hand-to-hand combat feel. For instance, when defending against smashes, the sense of power return to the backcourt feels very effortless—especially when facing opponents who like to hit hard. It’s almost as if you don’t need to use much physical energy to drive them back effectively. This direct feeling also translates well during flat drives, where the response delay is very low, resulting in a high-elasticity and stable shuttle release. The current 3U specs, though, don’t quite offer the most seamless experience in continuous drive-play. Otherwise, this racket would excel at flat exchanges. However, for players who prefer control, the racket’s lack of shuttle hold could reduce forgiveness during delicate net battles, as the adjustment window between high lifts and net errors is very small.

    Since the shuttle releases immediately, the heavy smash performance of the HX800 depends entirely on the player’s timing. The more focused the hit, the more lethal it becomes. This aspect is quite unforgiving—similar to the DZS. When hitting sharp smashes, the shuttle releases quickly and unexpectedly, but during heavy smashes, it seems to require much more concentrated power to achieve somewhat satisfactory downward pressure. I recently experienced this same sensation with the first-generation Protech 2013P. I believe this is where the HX800 falls short compared to the MX80N. Personally, I prefer rackets that are more lightweight and easy to generate power with, so I suspect that the 4U version of this racket would be a better option for feeling that drive sensation.

    This racket was borrowed from a local friend.
    I had previously tested this racket once. Despite my desire to write about it after our first encounter, I knew at the time that I couldn’t fully explore its potential, so I didn’t rush into writing. After borrowing it again recently, I got another chance to experience it. However, this reunion, two years later, was a bit less enchanting than before.

  • Badminton Racket Victor HYPERNANO X 20H Reviews

    Badminton Racket Victor HYPERNANO X 20H Reviews

    HX high-end series has encountered bottlenecks due to acquisitions, and the hx500p/c is in very low supply. If anyone has a good price source, please recommend it.

    Since the high-end models are unavailable, adjusting the mood with an affordable entry-level model is a good option. I picked up an hx20h at a “why bother with a bicycle” price—hopefully, there will be some surprises.

    Specifications:
    4UG5, full setup weight without base grip is 86g, balance point 295mm, 6.8mm shaft, 210mm length, slightly soft tuning, 10-4 string groove, diamond aero frame, strung at 25 lbs with bg80p/vbs68.

    In terms of technology, it’s all familiar. Players from the Nano 7 era should be no strangers to this, borrowing from the main Iron Hammer series and using FRS for high tension durability. After all, with an “H” suffix, the racket is guaranteed to withstand up to 35 lbs. The design is youthful, with a white base and blue-black stripes. As an entry-level racket, it’s visually appealing. You can tell that some thought went into its design, like with the Iron Hammer, and it’s visually richer than the YU1L. However, the paint quality might be lacking—it chips easily, and the cone tends to blacken.

    Swinging it feels nimble. Although the reduced wind resistance from the diamond frame isn’t much, the 4U balanced racket doesn’t demand much power, giving a sense of control due to its light swing weight. With this user-friendly setup, beginners likely won’t struggle with swinging it. The shaft is on the softer side, easily flexing during swings, but not to the point of feeling unstable like the Iron Hammer. Considering the 7.0mm shaft is a standard for Victory’s entry-level rackets, there’s not much else to add.

    On the court during warm-up, it took some getting used to since I’ve been playing less with balanced rackets lately. The power didn’t feel quite right on clears at first. Honestly, while the shaft is easy to handle, you still need to put in extra effort to get good depth and trajectory due to the light head. Given the string bed has been tied with bg80p for over a year, switching to a more elastic string helped—things improved with fresher vbs68 strings.

    In doubles, the racket is genuinely easy to pick up. During mid-to-front flat drives, the nimbleness shines through, and while the shuttle doesn’t fly off explosively, the racket follows your reactions well, supporting slightly more aggressive exchanges. As for net kills and blocks, as long as you make small, precise movements, it delivers decent results for windshield-wiper actions. Despite being an entry-level racket, it performs like a superlight racket in fast-paced exchanges.

    However, in the backcourt, the smashing power is lacking. The racket is very forgiving, and with correct technique, you can execute smashes with minimal effort, but the speed and power are average, with a noticeable reduction in force. For balanced rackets, the lack of head weight means that power transfer relies more on the shaft’s elasticity, which leaves room for improvement in this entry-level shaft. This also explains why head-heavy entry-level rackets like the Iron Hammer feel more elastic and generate heavier smashes. The threshold for smashing isn’t high, and the feeling is decent, but the quality of the shot isn’t impressive. Pulling higher tensions on the HX20H doesn’t significantly enhance this either.

    This classic frame shape still provides a stable feel and is easy to adapt to. At the net, there’s confidence in touch shots, thanks to its hold, even though it has the “soft” feel criticized in the Nano 7. Defense and smash returns are also comfortable.

    Another well-behaved, responsive entry-level racket. Honestly, it plays like a younger, more durable Nano 7. Compared to the hx7sp, the cost-performance ratio is indeed good, and it’s worth recommending.

  • Badminton Racket Victor METEOR X 6000 Reviews

    Badminton Racket Victor METEOR X 6000 Reviews

    It seems I’ve reached a point where I’m no longer picky about rackets, and I can enjoy even entry-level models that I wouldn’t have high expectations for. Besides the player versions, I believe I’ve now tried all the high-end MX models. However, about a year ago, I frequently saw mid- to low-end MX models being sold second-hand, and in decent quantities. Oddly, despite MX’s high reputation, the non-premium models seem to lack spirit, like something is missing.

    Let’s see where its soul went missing.

    Specifications:
    Weight: 4U G5, with grip, total weight in use: 92.87g, balance point: 293mm, shaft diameter: 7.2mm, length: 213mm, moderate stiffness, octagonal aerodynamic frame, 72-hole string bed, 9-3 o’clock grooves, tension guarantee 22-24 lbs, strung at 26-28 lbs with BS710.

    This is a low-end, battle-worn racket, so there’s no need to expect much in terms of visual appeal. Even so, the MX6000 still carries some of the design flavor of the Meteor series. The green color, for example, reminds me of the MX30L. The multi-layered color scheme of the frame is a highlight, with black at the T-joint and head, blending into a gradient dark blue on the wings, giving it a nice layered look. The green accents at the 2, 10, 4, and 8 o’clock positions help break up the monotony. Since it also uses the octagonal aerodynamic frame, the edges of the paint are easily prone to chipping. Without the XT woven carbon fabric, there’s no need to expose the carbon fiber texture.

    Although the MX series is typically associated with the 80-hole string bed, the 72-hole frame is also used in high-end models like the MX80B (which I’ve yet to complete testing), so it’s not surprising. The 72-hole string bed narrows towards the head, creating a small flat-top effect that may affect the sweet spot.

    When actually holding the MX6000, it feels surprisingly light. The high-end MX models I’ve used were all 3U with balanced configurations, so they didn’t feel too light. But with this 4U MX6000, the feeling is somewhat plastic-like. However, the shaft’s stiffness isn’t too low, so overall the feel isn’t excessively discounted. Similarly, the aerodynamic efficiency of the frame is good, making me optimistic about its stability.

    Thanks to the high swing speed, the MX6000 delivers good power when hitting, but the racket’s power transfer isn’t impressive among lower-end models. Players who prefer big arm swings might find it less comfortable because the lighter head, combined with a moderately stiff shaft, requires more active power generation. The sweet spot isn’t unusually large, but it’s distributed evenly, taking up about one-third of the string bed. Once you adjust, you can generate decent power with this racket.

    In drives and blocks, the racket performs sharply, allowing for quick, consecutive exchanges during fast-paced rallies. However, the 72-hole string bed doesn’t respond as quickly as the 80-hole ones, and the direct feedback from the shuttle that’s typical in the MX series is lacking here. There’s a slight hesitation in the response.

    This hesitation can actually be helpful when dealing with defensive shots, giving a little more time to generate power and buy some breathing room in tight situations. While the immediate feedback might not be as strong, the “wooden” feeling is also less pronounced (lacking spirit, perhaps).

    The materials limit the racket’s ceiling in attacking and smashing, but for me, it’s sufficient. Since the shaft stiffness isn’t overly compromised, power transfer remains relatively smooth when hitting the sweet spot during full-power smashes. The loss of energy conversion into shuttle speed is manageable, giving me enough confidence to play aggressively from the backcourt. Of course, this requires a player with decent power generation skills. Beginners might find it easier to wield a hammer-like racket that offers more assistance in attack.

    The gap in frame stability, however, is significant. I initially thought the octagonal frame’s stability was purely due to its structure, but without the XT carbon fabric, the MX6000’s lightness doesn’t help control shot placement, making it harder to hit sharp angles. This makes smashes less threatening, and the handling of delicate shots lacks precision. While net shots and placements aren’t too problematic—since I mainly play doubles and prefer direct net kills—the racket struggles in backcourt drops when it’s not a clean opportunity, often sending the shuttle too high and giving the opponent a chance.

    There’s no need to delve into other details. Considering the price I got it for, I’m quite satisfied with this experience. It’s not quite at a level where I would recommend it, but I would still give it a positive review. I’m not sure what its brand-new price is, but the craftsmanship involved in the octagonal aerodynamic frame might push it a bit higher.

  • Badminton Racket Victor METEOR X 5600 Reviews

    Badminton Racket Victor METEOR X 5600 Reviews

    Among the lower-end MX series, the 7600 and 7000 are the two rackets that have left the deepest impression on me. The former, with its more user-friendly handling, has become one of the recommended entry-level rackets.

    However, the 7600 does have the issue of being tuned a bit too soft, which makes it less satisfying on the offensive side. Based on the official specs, could the 5600, with only a difference in stiffness, be a better option?

    Specifications:
    Weight: 3U G5, without grip, total weight in use: 91.17g, balance point: 307mm, shaft length: 215mm, moderate stiffness.
    Frame: octagonal aerodynamic frame, 80-hole string bed, string tension recommendation: 26 lbs, strung at 25 lbs with BG85.

    The design is reminiscent of the MX70, with silver and navy blue as the primary colors for the paint job. However, the layering is done very well, and the long blue sections on the sides make the racket appear longer, highlighting the slim aerodynamic structure of the head. The meteorX design at the 3 and 9 o’clock positions is quite distinctive. The racket isn’t flashy, but upon closer inspection, there’s plenty to talk about.

    When I got the racket in hand, I realized my expectations weren’t quite met, as this is the only 80-hole racket I’ve encountered in the low-end MX range so far. This means it’s on a different track from the other entry-level MX models I’ve tested. If we’re going to compare it, it should be compared to the MX6000, where the only difference on paper is the number of string holes.

    When I first picked up the MX5600, it didn’t feel particularly striking. It has a somewhat average feel, with slightly higher head weight and swing speed, which should assist in generating power to hit solid shots. In actual play, it performs well enough in clear shots, but the 80-hole string bed does require some adjustment, especially for a low-end racket.

    This reminded me of a low-end Bonny racket that also used an 80-hole string bed, but without proper material tuning, it amplified the “wooden” feel of the string bed, and the 5600 faces the same challenge. Of course, one could argue that the larger sweet spot of the 80-hole design makes it more forgiving, as off-center hits will have less impact on shot quality. However, this kind of characteristic change in a low-end racket may increase discomfort for a broader audience.

    Additionally, even though I encountered the long-missed and beloved BG85 strings, their condition wasn’t ideal and didn’t pair well with the 5600.

    As expected, in most aspects of its performance, the 5600 doesn’t significantly stand out from the MX6000. Given the differences in specs, it’s worth focusing on the difference in feel when hitting with power.

    The key features likely lie more in smashes or drives, where the 80-hole string bed does feel stiffer. In terms of power generation, the 5600 actually provides an effective sensation of leveraging the frame’s weight to hit powerful smashes. However, in energy transfer, it falls short compared to the 7000. Otherwise, it’s hard to explain why, even with the BG85 strings, the racket still lacks that explosive power after heavy smashes.

    Ultimately, it comes down to compatibility. The 80-hole string bed is better suited for use with higher-quality materials to reach its full potential, or else it becomes a limitation.