VS Jiangmo XP

Karry September 21, 2024 0

The eye-catching unconventional T-head design, the innovative double bend enhancement, and the completely different cone cover design—all showcase the innovative attempts by VS. This is the Jiangmo XP.

Hello everyone, welcome to the equipment experience! Just by looking at its appearance, it’s incredibly eye-catching. I’m here to satisfy my curiosity and see how this uniquely designed racket performs.

First, let’s talk about the aesthetics. The overall color scheme is primarily silver, with angular designs that complement the racket’s sharp style. At the T-head, there’s no logo or water mark; instead, the unique T-head is very eye-catching. The silver smoothly transitions to white, prominently featuring Jiangmo XP indicating its model. The design exudes a fierce and understated armor-like vibe. If I were to rate it, I’d give it full marks. I must also mention the quality of the included cover—it not only changes color at different angles but also features a magnetic design. It’s simply stunning, and I have to give it a thumbs up.

Now let’s look at the specifications. This model is a 4U G6, with an empty weight (including grip) of 85.3g and a balance point of 308mm. After setup, the weight comes to around 313g, which is indicative of an attacking racket. The handle length is 210mm. Additionally, it features a 78-hole design—not just an extra string line, but changing the double holes at the 4 and 8 o’clock positions to single holes. Surprisingly, this racket has a maximum tension rating of 38 pounds, which is quite impressive.

The overall feel of the racket is relatively heavy, and the swing speed is somewhat fast. The large frame increases the margin for error, and the overall hitting feel is quite balanced. The shaft bends noticeably, providing good elasticity. The unique T-head doesn’t feel difficult to control, and during short, forceful strokes, you can really sense the additional bend.

Now let’s dive into the specifics. The biggest innovation here is the unique T-head, referred to as the Jiangmo Staff, which has been patented. The idea is that this part can provide greater bending during smashes, resulting in better downward angles. Visually and theoretically, VS’s creativity is evident. In practice, I feel that this racket excels in quick strikes—under adequate force, the shorter the stroke, the more noticeable the bending effect. However, for heavy smashes, this bending is less pronounced due to the longer force application. This racket seems to thrive in quick strikes and speed attacks rather than heavy smashes.

When it comes to net play, the large frame and moderately stiff shaft are quite friendly for drops and lifts, providing ample leverage and stability. The three-in-one frame design (a wind-breaking head, a box-like middle, and a hexagonal bottom) balances speed and stability well. The overall stability is decent, allowing for more ball contact during angled shots, and normal pushes and lifts feel quite similar to those with a standard T-head, maintaining stability.

Defensively, the moderately stiff shaft provides a softer feel for receiving smashes, making it easier to block close to the net. The return on slower shots allows for noticeable leveraging thanks to the shaft’s flexibility.

From my experience, this racket seems more suited for singles play, focusing on drops and aggressive strikes. In doubles, however, the heavier design might be a disadvantage. If you find yourself in a low defensive position, it can put a strain on the wrist. When the pace picks up, the heavy head and moderate stiffness can slow down returns a bit. For doubles, I’d recommend holding the racket more forward to take advantage of its fast swing speed.

To summarize, this racket is designed more for singles, emphasizing drops and quick strikes. Its feel is moderately balanced, but it is quite heavy, which requires good strength to fully utilize its capabilities. The entry threshold is relatively high. In doubles, the heavier design may present some challenges, so I’d recommend this racket for players with good strength who enjoy innovative designs and favor singles play focused on drops and quick attacks.

Lastly, I want to highlight VS’s innovation. Their bold and creative design philosophy represents a fresh breakthrough. From the frame to the T-head, and even the cone cover, it showcases their pursuit of innovation, which is commendable. This is a significant step for domestic brands, paving their own path in the market.