Victor Auraspeed 100 X Ultra Badminton Racket Review - Even More Power?
- CKYew
- 11 hours ago
- 5 min read
The Auraspeed 100 X Ultra is Victor's second 5.8 mm shaft badminton racket and like the other ultra racket, the Thruster F Ultra, the 100 X Ultra is also an upgraded version of its previous generation. But this upgrade went a lot better than the Thruster F Ultra, which you can check out in my review here!
But first, remember to go check out the Average Not Average Podcast that I have with Viktor Axelsen here - have a listen and let us know what you think!
Some of the headline professional badminton players are playing with this 100 X Ultra racket, including Malaysia’s Goh Sze Fei, Indonesian ladies singles player Gregoria Mariska Tunjung, and Frenchman Thom Gicquel. The previous generation’s most famous player was Mohammed Ahsan, one-half of the recently retired legends.
Review Of Appearance, Materials, Measurements & Specifications Of Victor Auraspeed 100 X Ultra Badminton Racket
The Auraspeed series is traditionally designed as a headlight badminton racket series for Victor, and it has some of my favourite Victor badminton rackets - the Auraspeed 90K first-generation racket (review here) and, more recently, the Auraspeed 90K Metallic (review here). So Victor does know how to do a good upgrade process across their rackets!
But this version of the 100 X isn't really headlight, which is not too surprising. Here are some swing weight measurements for the 100 X Ultra compared to its previous generation:
Looking at the numbers here, the Auraspeed 100 X Ultra has a swing weight similar to the recently released Thruster F Ultra. The Thruster series rackets are traditionally Victor's head-heavy racket series, so having both rackets have around the same swing weights means that this racket is not exactly headlight. We can also understand why it is not exactly fully headlight as some weight in the racket head frame would also help with power generation as well as a certain amount of stability in the frame too.
In terms of specs compared to the previous generation, it looks like nothing much has changed except for the major difference in the shaft diameter. But first, let's start with the frames. In terms of frame thickness, the new 100 X Ultra has a frame thickness of 10 mm in comparison to 10.1 mm from the previous generation.
The frame shape and design also looks identical to the new 100 X Ultra, coming in with a frame height of 23.7 cm and a frame width of 18.6 cm. For the recess frame area, it retains the 40% top half recessed area as per the previous generation.
We now move down onto the shaft area, and you can see a big difference in terms of shaft diameter. The previous generation had a diameter of 7.1 mm, but this generation has an advertised diameter of 5.8 mm, but actually, I measured mostly at 6.1 mm and in certain areas, 6.0 mm. So let’s call it a 6.0mm shaft, and it is the thinnest shaft that I have ever measured, which is in line with the recently updated Thruster F Ultra too.
In terms of shaft length, both generations carry a 21 cm shaft length, which is then connected to Victor’s proprietary free core handle. The free core handle is Victor's innovative plastic handle, which I generally like because it helps promote a more user-friendly racket response. However, there is a slight change in the handle length. This 100 X Ultra has a 17.5 cm handle length compared to the previous generation’s 17 cm.
The frame design for the 100 X Ultra has also been retained, with the dynamic sword design showing different types of frame shapes in specific areas of the racket frame. If we look closer at the 100 X’s decals, you can also see and feel some dimpled sections on the shaft as well as all over the frame. This is quite nice, and it feels unique to the racket.
In terms of stringing, this is a 4U model, and it is rated to 30 lbs in tension. For testing, I strung it with my usual string setup of Yonex Aerobite (UK here) at 27 by 29 lbs.
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Playing Feel & Performance Of Victor Auraspeed 100 X Ultra Badminton Racket
In terms of playing experience, the 100 X Ultra feels slightly stiffer when I’m air swinging the racket compared to the previous generation. The previous generation 100 X is a fast racket with easy power if you connect well. On the other hand, this version certainly has a lot more power, but that comes from the additional head weight.
Because of the super thin shaft, I certainly feel that it has a little bit of flex in the racket when you are hitting with the 100 X Ultra. This is not a problem because speed-wise, it swings fast and is easy through the air, and I felt touch shots were very crisp and had a very predictable response. The frame feels stiff and crisp, with only a slight flex in the shaft, but it's not an issue whatsoever.
If you are coming from the previous generation racket, there will be a slight difference in hitting timing, so there is a slight learning curve. However, once you've got the timing down correctly, the racket's response is very nice and stable, which is what you look for in a high-end racket.
In terms of feel, I thought the previous generation had a slightly hollow hitting feel, but this 100 X Ultra doesn't really have that, and I think it feels somewhat better than the previous generation. A more solid feel and a good thing in my books.
Whilst both the Thruster F Ultra and this Auraspeed 100 X Ultra have the same advertised shaft, the response from the 100 X is significantly better and more predictable than the Thruster F Ultra, which I appreciate.
If you're directly comparing it to the Thruster F Ultra, this 100 X Ultra feels stiffer, more responsive, and easier to play with. If you've read my reviews before, you will know that I really appreciate easy, user-friendly rackets, and this one is certainly much better than the Thruster F Ultra.
If you're completely new to Victor badminton rackets, you'll certainly want to keep this one on your list! This racket has good power, speed, stability, and a great predictable racket response - which many of us will appreciate!
As always, if you have any questions, please drop them in the comments section and I'll do my best to answer them! Don't forget to use my code 'CKYEW' for extra discounts, and in the meantime, remember to enjoy your badminton, and I will see you in the next one!