Li-Ning Halbertec 9000 Power Badminton Racket Review: The Racket That Is Changing Li-Ning Badminton
- Fee Teng Liew
- 36 minutes ago
- 3 min read
Li-Ning badminton is changing, starting with the Li-Ning Halbertec 9000 Power badminton racket!
This is a significant change because I don’t think Li-Ning have ever done a global launch before for any of their badminton equipment. This is important for badminton consumers and fans alike.
For the first time, players and fans can purchase a flagship Li-Ning racket on launch day, globally. That means you no longer have to source it from Asia or China first, you can buy it immediately in Europe and the UK on day one of the launch!
Previously, only Yonex as a major badminton brand has managed full global launches for flagship rackets. Victor, Li-Ning, and Hundred are other big players in the market, but most launches still happen first in China, which makes sense given the market size. Still, this is a huge step forward for fans worldwide!
I really hope this isn’t a one-off and that we see this continue with future racket launches, not just from Li-Ning, but from other brands too. Now let's get into the racket itself!
Li-Ning Halbertec 9000 Power: First Look
The Halbertec 9000 Power is an upgraded version of the Halbertec 9000, which I never had the chance to test, because I couldn't get my hands on it being in the UK! I have, however, tested the Halbertec 8000, so I’ll be making comparisons between the two.
Visually, the design philosophy is almost identical. The shaft length, cone cap, handle length, and frame size are all the same as the 8000. The frame retains the fully recessed, standard profile.
The main visual difference is the power assist bumper-style grommet strip at the top of the frame. This likely adds a bit of weight and power while helping distribute grommet stress, especially during stringing. Personally, I like this style, although it does add weight and makes precise tuning of weight distribution more challenging.
Despite this, the racket doesn’t feel head-heavy. Halbertec rackets generally feel even-balanced, sometimes slightly towards head-light. This one feels completely even-balanced, very quick to swing, and very fast in air swings. It does have a hollow feel, but that’s characteristic of the Halbertec design!
Li-Ning Halbertec 9000 Power: String Tension Rating
The Halbertec 9000 Power comes in 3U and 4U versions. I tested the 4U model with my usual string setup of Yonex Aerobite (UK here, US here) at 27 lbs x 29 lbs.
String tension rating:
4U: up to 30 lbs
3U: up to 31 lbs
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Li-Ning Halbertec 9000 Power: On-Court Feel & Comparison To The Halbertec 8000
When I first reviewed the Halbertec 8000, it felt hollow compared to my usual rackets at the time, which were the Yonex Astrox 88D Pro (UK here, US here) and now I've moved onto the Yonex Nanoflare 700 Pro (UK here, US here). Generally, I've found that Yonex rackets retain a solid hitting feel, whereas the Halbertec 8000 felt fast but hollow.
The Halbertec 9000 Power feels even more hollow, though not in a bad way, it's just very different and might take some getting used to. It also feels more damped, meaning less sharp shuttle feedback through the handle. If you like a very crisp, solid feel, this may take some adjustment.
This damped feeling appears to be intentional, likely due to materials inside the frame and shaft. Compared to the 8000, this racket also feels slightly more head-light, making it extremely fast.
Li-Ning Halbertec 9000 Power: Performance, Speed & Sweet Spot
What surprised me most is how easy it is to play with.
Despite the hollow feel, the racket flows really nicely. Defence and counterattacks feel excellent due to the head-light balance. Raw power is slightly reduced in the 4U version, but if you hit the sweet spot, the shuttle absolutely flies.
If you miss the sweet spot, the shuttle does tend to die quickly. This isn’t vibration in the traditional sense, but more of a gentle wobble - a low-frequency movement rather than sharp vibration. People often say that vibrations from the racket cause aches and pains in your elbow or arm, but this one doesn’t feel harsh on the arm.
Overall, it just feels very natural. With your usual strings and tensions, you’ll adapt quickly, like a duck to water!
Final Thoughts
Despite the added power assist bumper, the racket still feels even-balanced to slightly head-light. It’s fast, easy to play, and extremely enjoyable!
If you get the chance, go try it out for yourself and let me know what you think!
Don't forget to use my code 'CKYEW' for extra discounts, and I’ll see you in the next one!