u/Initialyee

I would like to introduce Planz, a new boutique Badminton company from China that has 2 releases that I got my hands on. Introducing the All Round 1.0 and Hyper Speed 1.0 (AR1 and HS1). Let me be the one of the first to tell you about the rackets, tell you what I found, and if it's worth it.

The AR1 and HS1 differ in a number of ways. As the name suggests, the AR1 is meant to be an all round racket. It's slightly HH balance and medium flex shaft, combined with 76 hole pattern is meant to be easy. I personally been liking the Purple white combo with rackets like the ZSW (which would be in this comparable except for the pricing). It does have a round box frame style shape that helps with providing a more solid hitting feel. The HS1 is the Company's fast attacking racket. Also HH balance and same 76 hole grommet style but with a more stiffer, responsive shaft. The HS1also features a widebody shape that helps with the speed. I would say this is the more louder racket in terms of design aspects and it's the cheaper one at $115CAD. The AR1.0 rings in at $120CAD.

While both are affordable, they do under perform. The AR1 did not come with a factory grip on it. Which suggested you should tune the handle how you'd like for a better playing experience. I felt the AR1 was the worst of the 2 rackets. The hitting feel just wasn't there for me. Almost every shot except nets had a numbness that I can't explain. Push the racket hard through smashes and its head lags behind enough that it created flatness. Dialing the swing down does help, but when I'm usually hitting at about 80% in games, how much slower do I need to go? I feel the worst part about this racket was the amount of vibration it gave off on impact. It wasn't just me. Everyone that tried commented on the amount of vibration it has. It was unacceptable for a wood handle. One reviewer I saw on Blibli (I don't know the name) mentioned this racket was on par with Yonex quality....maybe Game rackets....

The HS1 performed better. It felt more sharp all around in all aspects of play. Smashes were sharp. It handled itself well for drives and was overall faster on defense than the AR1, where I felt most comfortable playing at with this particular racket. It was maneuverable and I could feel the shots coming off the racket very well. I still needed to back off on the swing speeds when it came to attacks in the back court but it performed very well in the frontal attacking where I could swing as normal. Vibrations were way less than the AR1 but still present and at acceptable level.

Overall, I feel for the price point, it's only ok. All of the big 3 have rackets that exceed these 2 rackets in all aspects within the given price range. Beginner to intermediate looking for a racket that is unique and looks great I could see buying these. And to be fair, this is their first 2 rackets on the market. I am looking forward to what else they might have in store. But it would need to be a significant improvement over these 2 to get me to consider buying them again.

It looks like an absolutely clown show when I miss 😂.... But when I do make contact, it looks deadly.

After almost 6 months in the shop.... I'm almost done.... It was supposed to be done for my 50th birthday.... last year 😂

First time in the light with the front all set up. Last stretch

After some careful thoughts about my signal light for the front ) because the turn signals in the fog area were too low, here's my solution. Don't worry. I'm not using the white running light..I have an entire white strip a across the top of bumper.

Following the original post https://www.reddit.com/r/richmondbc/s/Hv9sZOQufB here are 2 other murals within the same complex. As I understand one person owns those buildings. They are amazing pieces.

Got off my ass and finished my front bumper. Now just need to do the rear lights, mount the bumpers and I can enjoy the rest of the summer. The carbon fiber overlay adds like 30hp.

While fast rackets do not offer the best power output, they make up in speed, recovery, and control; key areas for any doubles team to look at when they want to dominate the courts. Badminton, truthfully, is a very expensive sport to play. But these four rackets aren't meant to hurt the wallet. So let's take a look at my 4 choices of fast rackets that won't necessarily break the bank. Sorry ahead of time, the photos are not in order.

LiNing Bladex 700

Retail pricing $200 CAD

A lot can be said for a racket that isn't in its top tier of its series. They're more affordable but it doesn't mean there's a lack of quality to them. The BX700 (3u) has a slightly HL balance with a rounded, narrow Aero frame. Although it may not be the fastest racket in this quartet, it certainly makes up in the form of feel. Its medium stiff shaft keeps everything in check performing more like a stiffer shaft racket. Power is adequate given it's weight and balance and excels well in the flat exchanges and tighter net shots. This is the all rounder that's comfortable for back court and front court players.

Some will disagree but, although the BX700 performs well for doubles, I find it a little uninspiring at times. At 3u It's going to be the slower one of the bunch. Something I don't mind. It's a racket I enjoy playing with when it's in my hands..... I'd just rather play with the other 3 instead.

Trueiin NQ

Retail $180 CAD shipped

Asian markets have a lot of companies that we simply don't get in North America. Enter, the Trueiin NQ, a racket company from Taiwan. The NQ is a 5u, slightly HL that features probably one of the most unique frames you'll ever see on a racket. The double ripple effect on the frame is reminiscent of the Gosen Inferno series in a more dense aero frame shape. The NQ features the stiffest shaft and most torsionally stiff racket in this trio. The double ripple frame allows the NQ to cut through the air with minimal fuss and produces a very solid hitting feel close to the NF800. Drives is where the Trueiin excels in thanks to its weight and stiffer shaft. I enjoy how precise the racket is making up for power for razor sharp control.

For this racket, you'll need better technique to get the most of it. You'll be compensating a lot otherwise if you're looking for power. Fast and controlled.... This is the Trueiin NQ

Kawasaki Speed Ultra 7

Retail Pricing $175 CAD

To say a racket is mind numbing fast is not something I take lightly. Next to the Gungnir 07R, the SU7 is just that, mind numbing. The SU7 delivers speed and control with lightning fast recovery during intense play. Thanks in part to is widebody frame, it has excellent feel when doing drives, hitting clears/smashes (some techniques required to get the maximum usage). The SU7's medium flex shaft gives some aid in shots that require more effort but make no mistake, it requires better technique within this grouping of rackets.

The SU7 also delivers a very direct feel with every shot taken as well. Confidence inspiring at the net a very good defensive. I was able to maneuver and deflect shots without hesitation of would would be placing the shuttle in or out.

Hundred Flareon 700

Retail pricing $209 CAD

Hundreds entry into fast frames. The Flareon 700 is the all rounder in this category. Blending speed with precision, the Flareon is the in-between for the Nanoflare 700P and 800P. It's the Goldilocks racket. Just right. The shaft is pretty repulsive. Giving the Flareon a very unique feel compare the the other 4 of the bunch. It's almost NF1000z repulsive but more forgiving.

Flat exchanges and nets are all handled with ease and with a direct feel. You know exactly where it'll be going. It also the powerhouse of this group. Given it's more solid feel, the Flareon displays more torsional rigidity than the others here and that makes for a more forgiving racket when you do the occasional mis-hit.

Conclusion

To say that any one of these rackets outshines the other is going to be hard. There's always give and take with fast frames. But these offer a good look at rackets that don't need to be extremely expensive. This day and age where newer = better+more expensive, things can get out of hand. One needs to remember a racket is only as good as the player holding it. It isn't a magic wand that will instantly help you win all your matches. One thing that will be winning is your wallet.

EB

72 hole design

Slim T

Medium flex

For the record, when it comess to rackets, I do have a preference. Even balanced 3u-4u weight category within 74 holes. I do live trying new rackets and Babolat has been one racket that has been side tracked for a very long time in my list (a lot of things have been these days tbh). Enter the Jetstream 78. Following on my preferences, excluding weight, the Jetstream is a classic 72 hole string pattern. Retailing at $140 CAD ($105USD), Will the Jetstream satisfy my likes?

Ok, first off, I like the amount of touches the Jetstream has in terms of what's avaible for the price. A 72 hole pattern definitely yields a better hitting surface imo. It's a frame that's simply does the job in the touch department. I didn't think I'd say this but.....the gold is really nice. I like the slim T joint they've done. The flex is fitting of the rackets weight as well.

Playing with the JS78 things do fall into place well. It's a smooth, easy swinging racket. The 72 hole frame really did give the right amount of feel for this racket. It's really a front court player racket for doubles. Net play is fantastic. The JS78 is just very easy to maneuver. The slimmer T joint I felt amplified the feel of the string bed. Overall. The racket lacks power. The light weight doesn't give the the same push as something heavier like the Kawasaki King 9ii. The flexible shaft does help. Just not to the degree you might hope for. Also, due to a more flexible shaft, more aggressive smashes came out a tad more flatter than usual. I found the need to dial back the swing a little to get the desired angles. Clears was no different. It required more effort to give a nice end to end clear. A lower string tension (-2lbs) probably would help I. That aspect of the game. It would be good to note, the backhand clears, because it is a slower swing, had no problems reaching end to end for me.

The Jetstream 78 is going to be a racket that's very specialized. If you're a player looking for something light weight and balanced and you're not into high tension, this is a racket I'd be suggesting. It's more within the beginner to intermediate realm of play which is not necessarily a bad thing. It doesn't hurt the bank, it is enjoyable to use, and it looks great. But sometimes, players yearn forr more than just that.

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Model: TRUEIIN Forever V

Weight: 4U HH balance

Holes: 76

Strung: VBS61 @ 26m-28c

Cost: $140 CAD ($105 USD) including shipping

There's no doubt that I love Frame designs and the TRUEIIN Forever V is one of those frames. It's wave frame is reminiscent of the Gosen Inferno series. This HH, 4u, medium flex racket looks incredible at every angle. Does the good looks and functionality go hand in hand like the Inferno?

First off, I'll admit that you're not going to find another Forever V like this one. Take away the flashly Green/blue Chameleon paint, and Bumper assist of the 88D (all additional from me) and you have a Matte Gray racket with all the same lettering. I used 74 of the 76 holes. It's something I've been doing for a while because I feel the top cross is not necessary on most of these rackets. I wrote the review before I posted and took the photos. So, my thoughts are based on the original racket as I received it.

The Forever V plays very well as a singles and doubles racket. It's widebody, wave frame design makes for a very smooth and fast swinging racket. Flat exchanges at the net are handled beautifully and with any fuss. I found the net shots and lighter drops to feel a little muted at times. More often the stop drop from the back end usually fell either short of the net or too far past it. It's the struggles of 0switching balance points many times. Especially when the balance differs by 15mm from my norm (305bp vs 290s).

It's without doubt the Forever V is built for Power hitters. Even with a medium stiff shaft, it's widebody frame pushes the feel to a stiff flex. Smashes are simply Incredible. The power delivery with the angles provided made it a satisfying and more additive thing to do. Smashing full out, the Forever V delivers a solid punch. Clears are effortless to say the least. Again, the Widebody wave frame gives the racket a solid, confidence inspiring shots. Very little twist during off centered hits. I'm just going to say it. I love using this racket for it power.

There is one problem with the Forever V that doesn't affect many but affect me. I feel the handle is too small at G6. I can make do with a G5 and and I er grip but building to that G4 size I love so much means rounding the edges of the racket. This also means you'll sometime get lost in racket positions when things get get fast. The fingers simply don't have the same feel to where the racket head is when the edges aren't as pronounced. A small gripe? I mean.....not really. The racket is and extension of your hand. The handle itself numbs the experience that i need to make a paragraph about it. I wish it came in a G5.

Despite this, the Forever V from TRUEIIN (a Taiwanese company btw) is a very good racket for the money. It is currently tied with my favorite HH racket for doubles, The Gosen Inferno Raid. Sharp, fast, powerful, agile all wrapped in a very special package that is now unique to my collection. Those are some big shoes to fill. It's simply amazing that a racket company so small has created a racket so good. Well done TRUEIIN.

OGKILS LD99

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HOLES: 76

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WEIGHT: 4U, HH

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FLEX:STIFF

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STRING: RYZ65xZ58 @26mx28c

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COST: $140 CAD ($105 USD)

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Simply put, the LD99 is a copy of the original Astrox 99, a racket that has long been gone from sales. OGKILS has made a name for themselves in replicating the classic favorites from Victor and Yonex for a fraction of their original prices. I personally love the black and orange contrast of the racket. There's raised embossing that add subtle touches that catch the eyes. Priced at the very affordable price of $140CAD, will the OGKILS LD99 be a good replacement over the OG Astrox 99?

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From dry swings, it's a very solid feeling racket for anyone looking for a replacement of their beloved Yonex. I did find it feels stiffer than the previous OG99. But after hitting with it for a few games, I can report that it is not. The feeling is about 85% there. The overall hitting feel is there and HH balance doesn't feel exaggerated. Making it easy for both singles and doubles. Even defensively, the LD99 is easy to maneuver.

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Clears and smashes are where the LD99 feels most at home. Delivering effortless power transfer. I really felt connected with the racket in the sense that the string bed was very easy to read. I could feel shots that weren't going to be great and the steady effortlessness when I hit the sweet spot. Although easy to maneuver, it is slower than most rackets during flats exchanges and fast defensive play. I ended up resorting to more block placement when things were going into flat and fast because one really needs to shorten the strokes to keep the speed going. Net play is pretty good. The HH balance allows for just poking at the shuttle to bring it over the net. I found that there were no times playing that the LD99 really went wrong. Torsional rigidity is really nice. There wasn't any time where I hit a bad shit and it was amplified to go wider by a lot or short. My string choice could've been better. Choosing aesthetics over feel. It felt good. It could've felt better.

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Overall, those players looking for something close without paying the price for the newer 4u Astrox 99Pro can look to the LD99 without much worries. At $140 CAD, there really isn't much to complain about. It's definitely not a 95% exact copy like the LD800Pro is. But it offers a resolve for those that are budget conscious, looking for a great HH racket that is well built. Yes, there are many other companies that are probably doing the copy for cheaper. But, I feel that OGKILS has become reputable enough that their quality should speak volumes of what they are doing.

I've come to the realization that my rating system is not perfect. So it's starting to delay a lot of reviews that I have. I'll perfect it and get better. In the meantime here's my review of the Kriss Sword XP Pro by Venson.

Weight: 4u

Balance: 305 +/- 3 HH

Shaft stiffness: Stiff

Frame type: Sword/Aero

Max Tension: 38lbs

I feel that you've seen one racket, you've pretty much seen them all. But then, Venson comes out with something so unique that it's got you wondering "what's the deal with this?" At $140 CAD ($100 USD) The Kriss Sword XP PRO (XP) is one racket that combines stunning looks and performance to boot.

The XP is very much a looker. It's frame design is all serving a purpose, creating more flex where is needed and more rigidity through the head frame. It's 78 hole string bed handles an astounding 38lbs.... And it does it without even breaking a sweat. That T Joint? Yeah.....Venson claims it's a second kickpoint to the racket and gives the XP an added boost in power from traditional stiif shafts and frame types. Speaking of frame types, the XP combines a Sword and Aero frame design to help with torsional rigidity and head speed. Everyone that has looked at this racket almost all say the same thing "what is this?"

The XP excels mainly in the power department, making clears and smashes one of the easier shots in the game. I really don't know if the T joint acts as it Venson claims, but swing and transfer of power happens smoothly and without the traditional crispiness of regular T joints. It's not numb, just a little different. Ok this is going to sound really stupid BUT it felt there was shuttle hold at 27lbs.....and that went away quickly once I strung it to 34 lbs and Aerosonic string. I also strung the XP to 35m-37c and that was just way too hard for me...but the sound was just heavenly. Note to anyone interested, ego stringing does exist. Don't over do it just because the racket is more than willing.

Being HH balance doesn't always mean it's slow. The XP shows this with its general ease of usage for defensive play. Recovery is just fluid and fast. At no point through defensive shots did the thought of slowness come. It's ability to recover quickly on fast pace exchanges made it a great defensive racket. The stiffness and aero frame design of the XP Pro made it excel in the flat exchanges. I really enjoyed how I was able to change shuttle directions very quickly. Those shots also came with so much control and feel. It's probably more to do with the tension I was playing at than the racket itself, but I always do find that head heavy rackets at the net are quite effortless and predictable.

One item that I would change with this racket is the grommet design. 78 hole is simply too much for a racket that holds so much tension. I do understand that a lot of rackets nowadays have the crosses going all the way up to the top of the frame. Part of the reason for this is to avoid string breakage during mis-hits. I feel in this case, having a string back go that high up will probably result in more frame breakage/collapsing than anything else. This is pretty much the reason why, you'll see that most rackets that I do string for my personal use, the top string is left out.

For $140 CAD, the Kriss Sword XP Pro is a great racket for the price. It's within the realm for those looking at an all round racket at is capable that singles as well as fully deadly doubles play. It falls into line with such rackets as the 100zz VA, AURASPEED 99, JPX 10.3 and it's more than half their prices. I think for me that's quite the win.

We lost to the #1 seeds of the MD50 in the YONEX Canadian Masters. We had a great strategy but unfortunately they were hitting like so hard we had to break to lifting at times. Chalk up a few errors in key moments we lost 16-21, 17-21

Hope you enjoy

You know you're in for a long game when the first rally is like this. MD50

We won 21-17, 19-21 21-10.