Li Ning Bladex 900 New Review
As badminton tactics evolve, speed has become as critical as power and offence. To meet that trend, Li-Ning built the Bladex 900 New to merge speed and power an…
Overview
As badminton tactics evolve, speed has become as critical as power and offence. To meet that trend, Li-Ning built the Bladex 900 New to merge speed and power and address the Bladex line's weaker attack profile. This review tested 3U and 4U specs. Both feel somewhat head-heavy, with 3U stronger. Swing speed ranks at the top of the Bladex line, and hardness is similar between specs. The upper section uses a sharp full wind-cut frame; the lower section resembles the Bladex series. The small frame with full groove gives a firm hit feel and fast, stable shuttles. The shaft is officially rated medium but feels medium-stiff with some drive difficulty. The 3U borrows power average; the 4U is harder to borrow from; the 3U has stronger downward press. The shaft is not overly stiff; the 3U's head weight adds shaft bend and slows rebound versus the 4U—fine in singles but may miss the high point in fast doubles. The 4U is light and nimble in doubles—fast drives, pushes, and splits come easier, with slightly less power than the 3U. Speed threat is clear; power is a step below. Each spec fits different scenes. Like most speed rackets, contact is instant-off—but the extreme frame design demands skill. Ultra swing speed needs very short power; the full-groove small frame needs even shorter effort. At first my power was not finished when the shuttle left, limiting threat; after several matches I learned its gather burst and came to praise it. Both rank among the Bladex line's top attackers. Unlike the 800's stiff straight attack, the 900 NEW feels like a true attack racket transferring force from fingers to head to whip the shuttle. Entry difficulty ranks in the top five of Li-Ning's new big three—overall firm but the shaft is relatively drivable, fitting more advanced amateurs. Weak hold but enough wrap for slice and reverse slice; fast shot speed plus clear head weight raises slice speed, threat, and chop attack variety. The 4U is a relatively pure doubles racket—fast and light with slightly weaker attack—recommended for advanced doubles players of both genders. The 3U fits singles and doubles but is head-heavy; strong attack may feel sluggish in doubles and demands power—recommended for strong high-level male players.
Appearance
Li-Ning paint rarely disappoints. Inspired by a speeding car, hub graphics merge with the frame—large fluorescent berry red on black, trailing lines, and orange-gold patterns that add texture and a strong sense of speed. A green flash on the frame reads like a warning lamp. The lower frame flows into the shaft and returns to berry red at the centre, forming a unified whole.
Official Technology
The new frame structure lowers drag and raises swing speed for an edge in fast exchanges. The 6.8 mm agile control speed-spring shaft combined with high-density damping material improves shock absorption, faster shaft recovery, and more rebound. Frame material is M46+ULTRA high-elasticity carbon; shaft material is ULTRA high-elasticity carbon plus high-density damping material.
On-Court Testing
First Feel
Front-Mid Court Speed
Speed racket reviews start with flat drives—and the 900 NEW's wind-cut design gives top Bladex swing speed. Small-frame concentration plus full-groove anti-torsion produces fast chains with fast, stable shuttles. Both 3U and 4U feel smooth, but the 3U's stronger attack costs some chain difficulty while the 4U is lighter and freer.
Control
Frame hardness leads the Bladex line; the small frame means a smaller sweet spot, requiring skill and adaptation time. Versus other small frames the sweet spot is still acceptable—high frame stability gives crisp, accurate shots, and clear feedback helps brush, spin, push, and drop. Weak hold is a common speed weakness—tight net touch is harder—but slice and reverse slice wrap is decent.
Defence Forgiveness
A hard, small frame means low forgiveness—most obvious under pressure defence. The not-too-stiff shaft gives room; low shots borrow well. The 3U lifts deeper; the 4U redirects and soft-blocks more easily. Ultra swing speed speeds the next shot after defence and helps apply pressure for counterattack.
Rear Attack Detail
3U and 4U attack differently. The 3U's concentrated head and easy-bending shaft press more easily with stronger whip and deeper smash threat—it can break a line—but is heavier and harder, demanding strength. The 4U is easier to start with some head weight but less press; spot kills and fast kills feel better with faster chains and precise placement—an accuracy focus.
L67 QUICK String
L67Q is the first domestic upgrade of L67—keeping the hard crisp feel with clearer elasticity, fixing occasional L67 power leak, and slightly faster shots. Smooth coating and low hold make chop and slice smooth; net spin is average. Strong attack with crisp metallic sound. L67Q is a fast attack string—a strong pairing with the 900 NEW.
Recommendation Summary
Overall the Bladex 900 New is a high-entry speed racket—the first full wind-cut Bladex model built for extreme speed. Full-groove small frame raises speed and power; frame feedback is hard and clear; hold is weak and net touch is difficult; rear slice and reverse slice are easy. Fast rhythm, strong chains, low forgiveness; defence borrows well—3U deeper, 4U faster redirect. Big attack power, but press angle varies by spec—3U for heavy smash, 4U for spot kill.