Thick Attack, Supreme Flight: KUMPOO Thick Yie II Review

Karry September 19, 2024 0

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

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

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

Appearance Appreciation

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

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

Parameter Analysis

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

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

Comparative Feel: Thick Yie I vs. Thick Yie II

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

Comfortable Handling and Speed-Based Attack

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

Versatile and Dynamic

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

Comfortable Impact and Advanced Materials

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

Defense Performance

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

Conclusion

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