just bought one... it is the alpha version different from the customedge... after i try it then i will write a short review.
initial impression: 1) very beautiful racket.. nice paint work and details. it retain some of the feature from victor and fleet rackets as you already may know that fleet also assist victor to made their first batch of rackets. this is a combination of gosen, fleet and victor technology and craftmanship. 2) this is a 4U racket but the red bottom cap suggest that Gosen classified it as an attacking racket. the frame is not so big but the shaft and handle contribute to the overall length 680mm. 3) due to the longer shaft and frame design, i believe this racket has better smashing power than shiden or arc 10. 4) my string is BG66UM and tensioned at 26lbs (53 DT) using haribito string method. the actual tension maybe 2lbs more than what you get from normal shop, therefore i specified the Dynamic tension 53. different string will give different DT using the same tension. so for consistent performance, my stringer has to track my DT preference for all my different racket/string. this racket give me a sharp sound when tested. love the high pitch sound. 5) for actual performance, i have to test it. i'm a double attacking player.. i like to smash and drive...therefore this is my key performance area for this racket. lastly this racket hold the design/material of victor & fleet frame and have the M30 gosen/seiko shaft therefore i don't think it will disappoint me too much. can't wait to test!
Interesting to mention also that the handle on the Gungnir's are wooden instead of carbonfibre like it is on the Customedge's.
User's please be super duper careful of the paint work. It scratches real easy. Is sort of a matt coating with no clear coat on it.
ya... very user friendly. definitely gungnir alpha is built for attacking despite only 4U rating. 1) smash is sharp and fast 2) drive is decent 3) light and agile (good for double) need to play more to adjust to the light head/fast swing.
after few hours of play... I would not recommend Alpha for more advance player. i would still recommend the beloved shiden! 1) the more flexible shaft is good for smashing but it affect my accuracy. 2) although alpha maybe very repulsive as compared to other light headed racket but the control is not as good as i expect from Gosen rackets. 3) this racket is only fun to play with if you are tired. Maybe i will recommend Beta more...
I second juventus on the Gungnir Alpha. I tried a fellow club member's Gungnir while I was in Hamamatsu JP, and it is indeed more flexier than my Shiden, and even my Tenryu... Still prefer to sticking to the Ryoga series, and my Trivista 800 and Aermet Zeus
Dear All, Not to be confuse by my reviews.. everyone has different preference. it is just my preference for very stiff racket only! Alpha is still a good racket! Fast and Loud sharp smash.... still worth the buy.... the more you play it, the more you like it. I'm ordering the Gtone 5 string 0.65mm... it claim to have the loudest sound!!!
I got the black, Hong Kong-only (according to MBS) version of the Beta - it's a great looking racquet. Looking forward to testing it at some point soon.
Got the Alpha, on Gosen R4X 110 string, 25 lbs. First impression, not good. It's light, which I like, but it's not friendly in the power generation department. The flex is strange. Dry swing feels awesome, but actual hitting a shuttlecock is another story. Repulsion is good but control is all over the place. Need more time .....
Took the decision to cut the 25lbs and restring to BG80 @ 28lbs. Control was so much better. Interestingly, the high tension improves power generation on this racquet. I don't know why. I lack technique in power and control, but I dare say every aspects of the game become effortless. I'd definitely suggest those interested to try a responsive string at high tension.
Both of my Gungnirs are strung at 26lbs, but the Beta does have maximum of 30lbs, which tempted me to get a higher tension. I've yet to try them out though (sadly due to an elbow injury). Maybe next time...
Now there's a black version of Beta http://www.e78.com.hk/Content/Product/ProductDetails.aspx?product_id=5179&product_id_location=2 I thought it was a pity that the Beta came in that weird army green color.....but black!
