Victor Drivex 12 Zsw Vs Original Comparison
My DriveX 12 ZSW version is Nanjing-made. Stickers on the handle differ clearly from Taiwan-made original DriveX 12. Both are domestic versions, but ZSW says Na…
Overview
My DriveX 12 ZSW version is Nanjing-made. Stickers on the handle differ clearly from Taiwan-made original DriveX 12. Both are domestic versions, but ZSW says Nanjing origin while original says Taiwan. ZSW uses new anti-counterfeit and warranty registration; original still uses old sticker on handle back. My ZSW bare weight 78.8 g, bare balance 312 mm; strung with overgrip play weight 88.8 g, balance 305 mm. New original bare 79 g, bare balance 316 mm; strung play weight 88.5 g, balance 308 mm. My previous domestic Taiwan original play weight 89.2 g, balance 311 mm — same model still has individual variation. Both strung 26–28 lbs Yonex N65. This original vs last one: head-heavy feel weaker, continuity better, still offensive feel. Vs AxForce 90 New, swing speed still disadvantaged but not obvious.
ZSW vs original — feel differs
ZSW swing clearly faster; head-heavy feel not obvious. From strung weight and balance, ZSW with stock cap likely default balance 298–300 mm — still balance-racket range; swing weight close to new-colour Astrox 88S Pro. My 88S Pro new colour play weight 91.1 g, balance 297 mm. ZSW with extra base wrap should match 88S Pro weight and balance closely. Original DriveX 12 I love most for control — head weight plus fairly hard elastic shaft and stout frame with slight hold feel. Control very precise and stable; rear clears and drops feel solid. Control and stability better than Astrox 88D Pro new colour and AxForce 90 New. ZSW head lighter, shaft softer, shot speed slower — control less comfortable than original. Clear leverage, drop net closeness, placement precision all below original. But front-mid court: lighter head, faster swing, softer shaft, lower entry — easier deformation; flat drives faster and easier to add power — better front-mid in doubles, defence and passive escape easier — suits fast doubles more than original.
Vs AxForce 90 New
For whip-style offence I'd pick 90 New. Frame relatively thin, small head plus connected grommets — fast swing with solid feel, obvious head weight, long moderate shaft like a long whip — light to swing but destructive. Swing weight among offence rackets not huge — easier converting swing to shuttle speed. Rear-court drive feel is my favourite — extremely fast and powerful. ZSW marketed as better for whip than original; whether from removing Power Ring Pro, logic is same — softer shaft suits whip, easier deformation. ZSW shaft hardness close to 90 New — both approachable, low entry. But types differ: ZSW more balance, large head, high forgiveness, weak head-heavy feel. Vs 90 New crisp bounce, ZSW slightly slower with some hold; control better than 90 New. Shorter shaft than 90 New — front-mid flat drive, grab, push, intercept all better than 90 New. But 90 New rear burst far stronger than ZSW. Vs original: strong head weight helps heavy smash with downward inertia — heavier, sharper kills. 90 New head weight below original — smash not heaviest but faster, better continuity. ZSW continuity similar to or faster than 90 New — not as heavy/sharp as original, not as fast as 90 New. Balance racket trait: balanced, less standout features, broader audience.
Vs Astrox 88S Pro new colour
Swing weight and balance similar — both slightly high-balance balance rackets. 88S Pro default balance 298 mm; ZSW with stock cap estimated 298–300 mm. 88S Pro trait: elastic shaft, fine control, high forgiveness, among balance rackets almost strongest attack. ZSW shaft hardness below 88S Pro, hold slightly weaker. Both not very fast output; 88S Pro harder more elastic shaft — better directionality and burst; defence and passive placement slightly higher than ZSW. ZSW swing slightly faster, softer shaft, lower entry, easier deformation — better for whip or flick power. Similar function and positioning; 88S Pro ceiling higher. If 88S Pro feels too much, ZSW is a good alternative.