Jayce
Recently, there have been updates to the lesser-known JETSPEED series. Previously, the JS2SP and JS3 left me quite impressed with their quality, despite their lackluster market performance. Many sellers are now clearing out their stock, likely giving up on them, and the readership numbers are average, so I don’t think they’ll make much of a splash in the market.
As for niche high-end models like the JETSPEED Ahmad, only true enthusiasts would appreciate them. Since I’ve already used the Ahmad, it only makes sense to complete the set with the JETSPEED Natsir.
However, when I first held it, my preconceived notion of it being a mixed doubles racket primarily for women was challenged—
“Can you handle this, you skinny dog?”
Specifications: 3UG5, without the grip tape, total weight 88.8g, balance point 318mm, 7.0mm Pyrofil carbon shaft, 215mm length, moderately stiff tuning, 9-3 o’clock grooves, 76-hole string bed, full aerodynamic frame, 28 lbs warranty, string tension 24-26 lbs with VBS70 strings.
This racket is very green, quite refreshing, reminding me of tangy green plums—this racket must be juicy. Overall, it retains the JETSPEED series’ silver decals and symmetrical design, and like the Ahmad, it features sharkskin paint at the 2, 4, 8, and 10 o’clock positions to reduce air resistance. Of course, the paint is as prone to wear as ever, which is typical for this frame. Interestingly, this racket doesn’t use the aggressive diamond-shaped aerodynamic structure but instead opts for a large elliptical aerodynamic structure to reduce wind resistance. I believe the manufacturer prioritized stability over swing speed for this racket.
When I first received it, I didn’t notice anything unusual, but once on the court, something felt off—the head heaviness was very pronounced, nothing like the head-light configuration indicated by Victor. After repeated checks, I confirmed the balance point was indeed 318mm, even without the grip tape. This is an extremely high level, even surpassing some offensive rackets. Thankfully, the swing speed is satisfying, and the power generation feels good without too high a usage threshold. In an era emphasizing shaft elasticity, the Natsir boldly chose a 7.0mm shaft to emphasize stability and torsional resistance.
Unfortunately, the current VBS70 string, with its insufficient tension, results in a somewhat dull feel. The shaft stiffness is moderately stiff, providing clear feedback when actively hitting, with a large sweet spot that’s easy to adapt to.
Initially, I thought this was a racket optimized based on the JETSPEED 8ST, but once the head heaviness kicks in, the overall feel is more stable. It doesn’t match the pace of other JETSPEED rackets, retaining a holding feel instead, which the VBS70 further amplifies.
This characteristic makes me less inclined to rush the net, retreat under pressure, or insist on fast exchanges. Even with excellent wind resistance control, the higher swing weight undeniably impacts the racket’s flexibility during continuous strokes. Additionally, the strong holding feel makes it feel like the shuttle isn’t leaving the racket quickly enough, making it difficult to handle in fast-paced exchanges—it can hold its own, but doesn’t dominate. It might be due to my limitations, but the racket’s lack of crispness was somewhat frustrating.
Although not as nimble, the Natsir’s stability makes it a solid choice for defense. The appropriate shock absorption and decent directional control provide a solid feel when blocking smashes, especially when intercepting at the net or directing the shuttle to the sides. These qualities often allow a smooth transition from defense to offense. The shuttle isn’t released too hastily, offering more time to adjust the power for each shot. The shaft’s tuning also supports effective baseline clears.
I’m not a fan of the VBS70’s hitting feel, but it does inadvertently highlight the JETSPEED Natsir’s advantage in net play—strong holding feel, rough string texture, and a meaty feel that makes spinning the shuttle easy. Sometimes, with a bit of laziness, a simple block or return can effectively disrupt the opponent’s rhythm without much effort in shot placement. However, due to the string bed’s lack of elasticity, more force needs to be applied to lift the shuttle from the backcourt; otherwise, it’s prone to falling short.
As for the offensive capability that many players are concerned about, the JETSPEED Natsir certainly has some potential. The material used in the shaft and the head-heavy configuration ensure solid smashes. However, the medium tension of the durable string doesn’t provide a sharp attacking feel. With a 28 lbs tension warranty, pairing it with a typical attacking string like VBS68 should yield impressive results. Although the shaft is relatively stiff, the threshold for generating power is not too high, and there’s still some give, but it feels too dull for my taste.
The lack of a sharp attacking feel from the backcourt is due to my personal skill level and aesthetic preferences.
Having tried the JETSPEED 8ST, I quickly figured out how to use this racket. Although it doesn’t feel as satisfying as others, my win rate with it isn’t low.
