I bought this racket on impulse on one of my trips to Manila. Little did I know back then that it would relegate my other rackets to inactive status! First, some vital statistics. Weight: 3U Flex: Stiff Grip Size: The sticker said G2, but it's more like a Yonex G5. String: Yonex BG80 @ 23 lbs, two-knot stringing Grip: Karakal Super PU + 2 Guide white overgrips Tech: Super Waves, Square Head Shape, Carbon-Wood, E-Titanium, Nano Tec, Diamond Section, Serial Track System, Power Frame Box. I think most of these mimic Yonex racket technology. More details here. The frame is also made of ultra high modulus graphite. The Superwaves 31 is the stiffer sibling of the racket currently used by pro Cheng Hong. This racket was combat-ready the first game I used it. Coming from using a Yonex Armortec 800 DF, which is touted as a maneuverable head heavy racket, the Superwaves 31 was more maneuverable and easy to wield. After maybe three matches with the AT800, my forearm will feel a little sore. Not so with the Superwaves. It's easier to accelerate the racket head of the Victor, plus its not too endloaded that it becomes hard to adjust shots in mid-swing, especially for defensive counters like lobs, blocks and pushes. I feel that the AT800 sacrifices some control to increase power. In contrast, the Superwaves 31 enabled me to have a decent amount of both, such that my overall gameplay has improved. Crosscourt drops, flick serves, net shots, serve replies and attacking clears go where I want them to, almost as if the racket reads my mind. Ridiculous concept, I know, but that's how it felt. Smashes and drives were fast and accurate. One of the cons of this racket is its tendency to give excessive shock to the racket hand. Carbon Wood is supposedly there to reduce stress on the handle, but unfortunately I felt the brunt of it on mishits. A couple of Guide overgrips (which suspiciously have the same feel and look of Karakal Nano 60s) alleviated this. Also, this racket is expensive @ Toby's in SM Mall of Asia. I've looked around the net, and the price hovers around 120-150 USD. I felt the need to write this review because I've bought my share of rackets and this one impressed me most by far. I've used the RSL 3200, 6800, 6900, Yonex AT800DF and Carlton Airblade 500. In summary, I believe this racket is a deadly weapon in the hands of all-rounder players. Just use a replacement grip / overgrip combo that gives good cushioning.
I agree with you having the right over grip. Got tons of power from my smashes after i added some overgrip to the stock grip. Feel is great, but i still prefer power waves 11 which was an earlier model for net play and smashes. The down side is the racket head is bigger than the superwaves. Perhaps i am still getting use to it after my powerwaves died. It is much cheaper down here i bought it at US$ 87.
Hmmm tot chen hong was using superwaves32??? any idea wat model is chan chong ming n chew choon eng using????
Cos tot of getting victor racket any recommendation for more on attacking & defending which model is more suitable
sad to say, victor rackets are either all round or offensive. for attacking, use PW11 (or PW12 if you don' like stiff rackets). all round rackets will be SW31 or 32. 32 is very easy to wield and easier on the forearm (about even to headlight balance). 31 will pack more punch(even balance) . if you don't mind a older racket, try out artery tec 99, not bad as well, just slightly head heavy. so far, i only managed to find PW11 as 3UG2, SW31 as 3UG2, SW32 as 4UG2. the G2grip is about G5 for yonex, so i usually use 2 overgrips. i'm still trying to find a 3U SW32 though, i believe it would be a great racket. since you are in singapore as well, maybe we can find a chance and i can let you try all 3 rackets.
ok tks for the info izzit some players are using superwave32 as well where they are sponsor by victor???
Nice review! I also give a thumbs up for the Super Waves 32. It's easy to swing, yet doesn't feel like it's too head light. It's my first racket in this price range so I can't really compare it to anything though.
Update: Head Hydrosorb replacement grip works really well with the Superwaves 31. It's for tennis, but absorbs shock nicely.
At S$130...what does it comes with? Any bag? grip? string? or just a bare racket? Should be cheaper by now, right?
The standard package from Gala includes strings (BG66 or equal) + grip + 3 racket bag. This may differ from store to store. Not sure about the price of the SW31 now though.
It comes with ABS, traction control, 8 air bags etc Joking, but I think S$130 is a good price as you are paying half of a Yonex top end racquet and I can assure you the performance is definitely perform more than 50% of those racquet.
