YMMV

What I have here is the 3u g5 2022 version of the Dunlop Aero-Star Speed 86. It was tested with Exbolt 65 string at 26 lbs.

Background & Tech

Since Dunlop was acquired by Japanese corp Sumitomo a few years ago, a relaunch of their badminton gear had been in the works. Combining Dunlop's tennis know-how with the golf shaft expertise of their Miyazaki brand, Sumitomo has created a new series of flagship 3u badminton rackets under the Dunlop brand which features Miyazaki "ice" shafts, some of the very stiffest badminton shafts in current production.

The Speed 86, in addition to the Miyazaki shaft, also features "double beam core" tech, which are two supportive beams (think of load bearing columns inside buildings) which run through the head, inside the frame, making the head extremely strong.

Finally, these flagship racks feature a very dense 80-hole string bed!

Handling

The Speed 86 is indeed very fast to manoeuvre, more so than its 86 grams would suggest, given the aerodynamic head and its head-light balance. It is a very dexterous 3u racket indeed.

The frame cuts the air decisively and with ease. Though, given the extreme frame hardness, it does feel like a bat at times.

Defensively the 86 is very good - returns are quick and effortless - and the head is always stable.

The hitting feel is extremely hard, despite the Exbolt 65 string being a softer string, due to the 80-hole string bed, extremely rigid head and incredibly stiff shaft. If you manage to move the shaft, big hits produced an incredible gas-piston sound, not unlike a gunshot.

Control

The Aero-Star series was designed for the front-court specialist and playing flat or at the net is by far the Speed 86's strongest aspect. Sharp angles are easy, and guiding the birdie is generally effortless - even with an excessively bouncy string like the Exbolt. The Speed 86's.

The 86's hard string bed and head really helps with precision.

Speed

The Speed 86 is very fast for its weight...which isn't surprising. The head shape is very aerodynamic and the frame cuts through the air quickly and cleanly.

Power

This is where the Speed 86 gets very interesting. Keep in mind this is an extremely rigid, head-light and 3u racket. This means the 86 is as powerful as you are - a true measure of your own power.

The Miyazaki shaft has almost no limit to its energy storage capacity, and whatever arm power you put into your big hits will be eaten up and then released into the birdie by the unyielding "ice" shaft.

Moreso than just the shaft, the very stiff head and string bed also lends very well to power transmission rather than repulsion.

The 86 demands more than just good technique, but also absolute muscle power. The correct application of high levels of strength is the only way to master the 86.

Yet, if you can move this frame, the big hits can be absolutely incredible in terms of power, sound and speed! If you cannot move the 86, you'd think the racket is weird and lacking power.

Build Quality

This MiC rack has an average build quality considering its price and status as a flagship. The decal on the head is frail, and start to peel when my stringer accidentally bumped it. By the end of the first session the peeling was significant (see the last photo). It's weird that the decal wasn't further lacquered. The base paint is a bit dull but durable. Overall, mid-tier build quality - certainly not at the caliber of the Big 3.

Who should use this?

The Speed 86 was designed for an athletic front court specialist or a men's doubles player with both power & touch.

Who should not use this?

You should not use this racket unless you have reasonably good hitting technique and powerful musculature. The 86 is definitely not beginner friendly and is demanding of athleticism.

For:

• Speedy and solid

• Excalibur status - a true test of mettle & strength

• Massive power potential - you won't exceed the ceiling for this rack

• Excellent net and flat play

• Easy to achieve steel angles

• Very stable & strong frame

• Exhilarating sound on big hits

Against:

• Poor decal quality

• Demanding & taxing

• If you are not physically powerful, this racket will seem funky and weak

• Stiff everything - head, shaft, string bed - and you will be stiff the next day too!

• Stringer challenge - unusual 80 hole configuration

Final thoughts:

Sumitomo has done something weird and wonderful for the top-end Dunlop x Miyazaki rackets - these rackets are actually incredibly difficult to use, but rewarding if they can be moved. True Excalibur tier rackets - a test of your skill and strength - more difficult to use than the recent meme-racks (100zz, 1000z). The Aero-Star Speed 86 is an absolute baseball bat of a racket that is quite fun to use.