VS woven70x

Karry September 21, 2024 0

“WOVEN” means weaving in English and originated in Japan. It became popular in China around 2010, marking a significant breakthrough in racket technology. Utilizing advanced manufacturing techniques, it combines high carbon fiber and fiberglass weaving, enhancing the frame’s stability and torsional resistance. Additionally, its understated yet sophisticated woven surface gives the racket a striking three-dimensional and layered appearance, showcasing exquisite craftsmanship.

Although rackets with tungsten weaving are now rare due to manufacturing costs and complexity, the “WOVEN 70X” is crafted with this technology by Weichen.

In the past two years, Weichen has continuously released new models, starting with the elegant designs like the “Hummingbird” and “Qilin,” followed by the collaboration with Xue Song on the “Dragon Shadow,” which has made me even more eager to try the 70X, boasting “1K carbon fiber + WOVEN weaving technology.”

I. Appearance

Opening the cardboard box, the racket cover immediately captured my heart with its departure from the conventional long shape and logo, showing thoughtful design.

Specifications:

Weight: 83g
Balance Point: 295mm
Medium shaft hardness, capable of up to 30lbs tension (I strung it with the included Weichen V5 string at 28/26lbs).

These parameters are important, but first, I had to admire the colors and stickers. The overall finish is vibrant, with a turquoise as the main color, giving a cool and fresh feel (I’m not sure how to describe it). Beneath the glossy surface, there are many golden sparkles.

The shaft, 12 o’clock, 5 o’clock, and 7 o’clock positions have a gradient transition, highlighting the woven tungsten pattern, which is neatly arranged and distinctly visible. The diamond interweave creates a subtle yet powerful presence.

The frame features a hexagonal aerodynamic design that appears slightly robust. With a weight of 4U, it offers relatively quick swing speeds; after removing the cap, the weight drops to 79g, and the balance point shifts to about 306mm.

II. Performance

In practice, what stood out most was its performance in the mid-court.

The moderately stiff shaft ensures that the shuttlecock doesn’t stick during flat exchanges, allowing for faster shot speeds. The increased elasticity of the shaft enhances the continuity of play, enabling high-quality escapes even in passive situations or when chasing shots.

In front-court play and net exchanges, the larger head and sweet spot increase the margin for error, while the aerodynamic frame improves speed, allowing for higher striking points. Coupled with the stability of the carbon fiber weave and good elasticity of the string, both push shots and net drops perform well. The racket excels at high clears, drops, and lifts, thanks to the factors mentioned above regarding the shaft, frame, and materials.

In my opinion, this ability to perform consistently is key in evaluating whether a racket suits the majority of users—after all, not everyone is a power player.

However, the racket’s performance in rear-court attacks is somewhat lacking. I’m unsure if it’s due to my familiarity with 3U weight or the aerodynamic frame design, but the feel during heavy smashes is noticeably weaker. Unless the conditions are optimal, achieving a powerful, decisive smash is challenging; instead, it’s better for maintaining continuity with downward strokes. In contrast, the racket excels during quick attacks, where the swing speed is fast, and the shaft’s elasticity is fully utilized, ensuring consistent action and increasing the chances of scoring through pinpoint strikes.

III. Summary

Overall, this racket is geared toward quick attacks in the mid-front court and continuous scoring in the back court. Beyond the shaft tuning and frame design, the overall paintwork and sticker design reflect careful thought. Many subtle details only become apparent upon close inspection, much like the tungsten weaving itself—there’s nothing special at a distance, but up close, one can appreciate its exquisite craftsmanship and understated elegance. This serves as a soulful dialogue between the designer and the user.

Through such attention to detail, the longevity of the tungsten weaving technology signifies a conversation with the times. Weichen’s recent rackets have received positive feedback, and I look forward to the rise of domestic brands, offering consumers more advanced, high-quality, and cost-effective options.