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|---|---|---|
| Specification | Li-Ning BladeX 900 New | Yonex Nanoflare 500 |
| Flex | stiff | medium |
| Balance | Head Light | Head Light |
| Weight / Grip | 3U / G5 4U / G6 | 4U / G4,G5 5U / G4,G5 |
| Max Tension | 3U: 31 lbs 4U: 30 lbs | 4U: 27 lbs 5U: 26 lbs |
The flex rating of a racket influences how power is generated and how the shuttle responds at contact. It plays a major role in playability, especially during smashes, drives, and defensive lifts.
BladeX 900 New features a stiff shaft, while Nanoflare 500 uses a medium shaft. Stiff shafts suit players who already generate power with strong technique. They offer cleaner shuttle response, better directional accuracy on drives, and enable tighter placement during attacking play. However, they demand more physical input, so beginners may find them less forgiving if contact timing is late. By comparison, Medium flex rackets provide a balance between accuracy and repulsion. They are well-suited for intermediate players transitioning to higher levels or those who want a racket that works for both power and control without specializing too strongly in one direction..
Players who hit with full-body rotation and strong wrist snap may benefit more from the characteristics of BladeX 900 New, while those who prefer rallies, longer games and effortless depth will appreciate the support offered by Nanoflare 500.
| Flexible | Medium | Stiff | |
|---|---|---|---|
| BladeX 900 New | |||
| Nanoflare 500 |
Balance affects swing sensation, shot recovery, and how easily power transfers into the shuttle. Even a similar weight racket can feel completely different depending on where the mass is distributed.
Both rackets share a head light balance profile, meaning their weight distribution philosophy is similar. Head-light rackets are faster to maneuver and excel in quick exchanges, drive battles and defensive reactions. They support front-court play, fast interceptions, and doubles reflex shots - ideal for players who rely on speed instead of raw smash power.. In this case, differences in performance will rely more on flex, weight class, and tension settings rather than balance alone.
| Head Light | Even | Head Heavy | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Li-Ning BladeX 900 New | |||
| Yonex Nanoflare 500 |
The weight class determines how quickly a racket moves during defense and how much stability it has during smashes. Lighter frames accelerate faster, while heavier ones provide more impact stability.
BladeX 900 New is available in 3U, 4U while Nanoflare 500 comes in 4U, 5U. A player choosing between them may decide based on whether they prioritize fast exchanges and net interceptions or power-focused shooting from the backcourt.
Lighter variants like 5U/6U emphasize maneuverability, especially valuable in doubles, defence and drive rallies. Meanwhile, 3U/4U variants carry more swing momentum, benefiting aggressive singles players who rely on steep smashes.
| 2U | 3U | 4U | 5U | 6U | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Li-Ning BladeX 900 New | |||||
| Yonex Nanoflare 500 |
String tension capacity affects how the shuttle feels on contact. Higher tension enhances precision but requires strength, while lower tension increases repulsion and shuttle height support.
BladeX 900 New is rated up to 31 lbs, while Nanoflare 500 supports 27 lbs. A higher tension range suggests better control headroom for advanced setups, whereas lower tension limits may feel more user-friendly for newer players.
If you want sharper control and more direct response, the stiffer racket is preferable. If you prefer effortless power production during clears and rallies, the flexible option is easier to use over longer matches.
No. Yonex Nanoflare 500 is more flexible with a medium flex rating, while Li-Ning BladeX 900 New is stiff.
No. Both Li-Ning BladeX 900 New and Yonex Nanoflare 500 have the same head light balance rating.
Both rackets offer 4U weight class options. Li-Ning BladeX 900 New also comes in 3U, which Yonex Nanoflare 500 does not. Yonex Nanoflare 500 also comes in 5U, which Li-Ning BladeX 900 New does not. Overall, Li-Ning BladeX 900 New offers the heaviest available option (3U), while Yonex Nanoflare 500's heaviest variant is 4U.