Jayce
Lee Zii Jia’s Performance in 2022
Lee Zii Jia’s 2022 season can be described as a rollercoaster. After leaving the national team and making a big comeback, he won the Asian Championships and Thailand Open early in the year. However, he was knocked out in the Round of 16 at the World Championships by Zhao Junpeng and lost to Lu Guangzu, Sissar, Shi Yuqi, and Srikanth later in the year.
5. THRUSTER RYUGA Ⅱ PRO
Despite this, his sponsors still favor him. Victor launched the Dragon Blade 2 racket for him this year. The main technology in this racket is the Whip Boost System 2.0, which features a new carbon fiber layer design. This increases the racket’s resistance to twisting and makes it more responsive, improving attack angles. However, Lee Zii Jia wasn’t impressed and quickly switched back to the original Dragon Blade, causing the price of the Dragon Blade 2 to drop significantly online.
4. Li-Ning Battle Axe 8000
After introducing the Thunder and Windstorm series, Li-Ning released the versatile Battle Axe series in the latter half of the year, with the Battle Axe 8000 being a standout. It features a 6.8mm high-density shock-absorbing shaft, full-line groove design, and an oval box frame. The racket provides a firm feel with a stable playstyle. Its lighter weight and flexible shaft make it agile in play, though it’s not as fast as the Windstorm series. It’s easy to handle, making it a great choice for amateur players with very good reviews.
3. Yonex ArcSaber 7 PRO
The Yonex ArcSaber 7 PRO is a favorite of mine for doubles play. Its bright yellow color is eye-catching. It has a light head, a slightly stiff shaft, and great elasticity. The feel is similar to the speed-focused Astrox 800 but offers better stability. This racket is excellent for the fast pace of doubles games. Mixed doubles Olympic champion Huang Dongping also uses the ArcSaber 7 PRO.
2. Yonex ArcSaber 11 PRO
Since its release, the ArcSaber 11 PRO has been well-regarded among amateur players. It features a dark red and gray color scheme, giving it a sleek appearance. The racket’s head has 8 grommet holes, making it more durable for high tension. It has a slightly head-heavy balance and a medium-stiff shaft, making it an offensive racket. Personally, I find the ArcSaber 11 PRO even more attacking than the Astrox 100ZZ.
1. Yonex Astrox 77 PRO
The Astrox 77 PRO is used by players like Huang Yaqiong and Chen Yufei and is known as the “All-Round Axe” among badminton enthusiasts. This racket is well-balanced, featuring a 76-hole design, a box-shaped frame, a slightly stiff shaft, and a 6.8mm diameter, making it neither too thin nor too thick. It is versatile and easy to use, with strong attacking abilities and a solid feel. It’s considered the most balanced racket in the Astrox PRO series.
