[Review Experience] Victor MX-30L

Jayce September 6, 2024 3 0

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.