Background

If you've read my other Wilson review, you'd already know that Wilson Japan has been renewing their badminton racket lines. Our previous review focused on the Fierce, their line of 'control' oriented rackets. This PX9000 (version 9) is the flagship of their Recon line, which features their Power Breathe frame and is focused on attacking power. The PX9000, being the flagship on the revamped line, is the heaviest of the range at 3u and features Wilson's Power Rod 2 tech (carbon fibre fibre shaft penetrating to the end of the Inbata 220 foam handle). Let's take a look.

Handling

The PX9000 is not the easiest to manoeuvre, being a head-heavy 3u racket. However, it accelerates faster than most sledgehammers and is reasonably easy to play close to the body. The frame is very well cushioned, likely due to the foam handle, and it has massive vibration dampening. Shots have a padded feel, not dissimilar to Victor's FreeCore. The shaft is slightly stiff, and nods easily with proper power. Sharp angles are possible and recovery is reasonable. Shots are very stable, and has a softer feel than most flagship power sticks.

Control

This racket offers good directionality and above average precision. The heavier head guides the birdie easily. The stable and slightly stiff frame means that high precision is possible. The PX9000 is average at the net and above average defensively.

Speed

The PX9000 accelerates quite well for a 3u power stick. However, it is certainly no speed stick. It can be considered slightly fast for a head heavy racket, but slow compared with EB/HL rackets.

Power

The PX9000 offers plenty of accessible power and a reasonably tall power ceiling. When flexed well, this racket offers very sharp angles and powerful smashes. Big forehand and backhand strokes are easy. This is a power racket first and foremost, and in this domain the PX9000 does not disappoint.

However, to fully harness its power potential, the PX9000 needs to be well-flexed. The Power Rod 2 set-up lends itself to whipping, and thus the PX9000 benefits from long power release and good follow-through.

Overall

The PX9000 is very much a cushioned sledgehammer, offering an unusual combination of massive vibration dampening and a power-oriented frame. It lends itself well to singles, although a strong male player might also wield it during doubles. Not everyone will like the heavily cushioned feel of this racket (can feel hollow), and also consider that the era of 3u HH rackets is probably coming to an end. Overall, this PX9000 is a very modern-feeling power stick which might interest players who are looking for a softer feeling cannon. At around $190 AUD shipped from Japan, it's worth trying if you can find it.