Mizuno Altius 03 Control badminton racket Unstrung

The racket scores a solid 4.4 out of 5. While the build quality is decent, it doesn't quite measure up to models like the Felet TJ 1000. A few clashes revealed some lower-quality aspects of the frame, particularly with the paint chipping off. However, the racket's aesthetics are strikingly beautiful, making it a standout in terms of appearance.

In terms of performance, this racket excels in the front court. Its exceptional repulsion off the frame has significantly improved my ability to finish rallies, even with a backhand, in the front and mid court. The control at the net is outstanding, and the racket offers excellent speed, enabling fast reactions, particularly in overhead shots at the front court. Drives and clears are exceptional.

Defensively, the racket performs well in pushing the shuttle away, offering solid defensive capabilities in clearing shots. However, it falls short when it comes to blocking smashes with sharp, close-to-the-net returns, as it tends to push the shuttle further than intended. The racket feels light in hand, and while you can sense the head's presence if you hold it loosely, it lacks the stability found in models like the JPX series. This may make it slightly less reliable in tight defensive plays.

One of the standout features is its larger sweet spot, which I suspect is due to the 80 grommet pattern or the frame design. Unlike many modern rackets that opt for newer frame designs for speed, this model retains a traditional box frame yet doesn't feel sluggish in any way. It maintains a good balance between power and speed.

This racket pairs exceptionally well with performance strings like the 66 Ultimax or Aerobite. However, it does have its limitations in the back court. While it offers a solid smash, the shuttle tends to slow down when hitting from deep in the court, making it challenging to finish rallies from the backline. On the positive side, it offers the ability to smash multiple times continuously without making errors, unlike other rackets where you might need to switch to a drop or clear after one or two smashes due to being out of position.

This racket is excellent for both singles and doubles play. You can literally manipulate the pace of the rally in singles with this.

Overall, this racket is a formidable option for players who value control, speed, and repulsion.

One of the easiest rackets I have used in a while
Strung with exbolt 63 @ 26lbs
I'm more of a defensive and drive player not big on smashes and this helps well with creating drive and defensive pushes and setting up my partner to smash