Victor Bravesword 12 Review [2019] The best all-rounder?

[@gate133]

Stillll Best racket till 2019...that i have... All around.... All mode..... Single or double. This racket is blazing fasttttt drive... Ultimate defender And awesome for Rapid tricky smash.... I have 4 pcs bravesword.4U.. 😂😂😂

[@StatementPlus]

Totally agree. I wish I had more myself.

[@gate133]

That on sale on my country... Just about 93 US$.....😂😂😂😂 awesome price....

[@mahasamuth8750]

tiger lee that’s mad in my country it’s 140++

[@jonathanlayadi]

@@gate133 what kind of string(s) is/are the best for bs 12? Usually i use 28lbs

[@senthilkumar76]

100% agreed..this is my first victor and its awesome.. the new version is bs12n (red)..its bit stiff and head heavy.. the original version (blue) is a winner for sure !

[@StatementPlus]

Totally agree. The new N red model just isn't the same. Thanks for the comment!

[@gate133]

Aggreee 1000%..... Hailll for Blue.....

[@markwan7141]

Thanks for the great review! The specs for BS12 and Li Ning TC75 seem quite similar and I noticed you’ve reviewed both. How do they compare in your opinion?

[@StatementPlus]

Personally I prefer the BS12 it seems just slightly less clumsy than the TC75 but it may hit slightly less hard. Thanks for the kind comment!

[@T0ts0420]

Great review, love this racket alot

[@levrone0075]

Hi SB! first thank you for your reviews. I find them far better quality than anything else on the internet. comparisons and opinions are excellent. most reviewers are 90% description (which we can read and is no use) I really hope you will continue to review and perhaps you can borrow other rackets from players to review?! I wish i could get the N90iii but this is gold dust in the uk! Is the N80ii a worthy replacement? what would you say would be the best replacement for the legendary n90iii? Many thanks

[@StatementPlus]

Thanks for your kind comment. The N90iii is being discontinued so it's difficult to get nowadays. Ironically it wasn't super popular when it first came out but now more and more people seem to want it. I have one and it is indeed a really good all-rounder. The N90iii is nice because it hits hard and is relatively quick enabling it to be used in both singles and, if you're got that forearm/wrist strength, doubles as well. The thing about the N90iii is that it's very flexible compared to a lot of racquets being released now. From the Li-Ning line I haven't really felt anything similar. The N90(4) feels nothing like it either. The N80 line doesn't feel like the N90 line - they are more centre weighted. Are you open to other brands like Victor?

[@levrone0075]

@@StatementPlus thanks for your reply. Yes I'm open to other brands. I'm trying to be realistic and at 40 years I don't want to use 100% power. I've used some of the yonex 88d 99 etc and I really have to work them to get the power on smashes and drives. The li ning seemed to generate power more easily although the flexibility did make it feel a little more mushy with deep lunges towards the net. I dry swung the jetspeed12s, li-ning n9ii and astrox 77 and I found the 77 quite clumsy maybe because of its boxy frame. The li ning even though heavier seemed very fast, easily as fast as the jetspeed and faster than the astrox 77. It seems very nicely made with a really aerodynamic frame. It made very little wind noise when swung without strings. Also I believe the n9ii is more flexible. My only concern is I'm a light build (180lbs, 167cm) and the 3u just doesn't seem like a good choice. But then I see guys like poison cobra on here using 3u rackets? I've been playing about 5mts and currently using a nanoray z speed which I was loaned but apparently is a very difficukt racket to use. Having played many other sports I've improved quite quickly so I was hoping to get an intermediate to advanced racket so it's something I can grow into. What are your thoughts? Thanks again for your reply

[@StatementPlus]

@@levrone0075 I did a review on the Turbocharging 75 which is the same as the N9ii. It is a good racquet and it hits quite hard, is pretty quick as well. I find Li-Ning a bit odd lately, the N9ii is supposed to be the same as the new 75 B model but the 75 felt more tingy. I prefer the N9ii, it could be a QC thing as well (which is normal but unfortunate). My friends say my swing is noticeably quicker with an N9ii but it has less margin for error cause it's bit stiff. Build doesn't really matter when it comes to the weight of your racquet. 3U is the standard. I've played with provincial players in China and both men and women and I have yet to come across anyone using a 2U (heavier) racquet. If you have formal training like Poison Cobra, regardless of weight and size you'll likely be using 3U by the time you're mid to late teens depending on your skill. But anyone who sorta of plays a lot will likely use a 3U regardless of skill unless they want a 4U for quick doubles play. If you have only been playing 5 months but have progressed quick I think a N9ii (or a 75 series) wouldn't be a bad choice. If you can find a Victor Bravesword 11 like the one in my video you should really give that a try. There's no fancy tech like angular frame or holes in the frame but it's a remarkable racquet. In fact there are professionals in China that still use it. If you played with a Yonex 88 and 99 and gel with it you could also get one of those. My advice is really to try as much as you can on court and then pick the one that feels best to you. Just make sure you know what tension and what string is on each racquet because the feel of a shot sometimes can be totally confused by how the shuttle reacts when you hit it which is mostly determined by the string and tension. What people should focus on when trying racquets is how it reacts to your motions and how it feels pre and mid swing, less so after it connects with the shuttle. Hope this helps

[@gregorsamsa2091]

Great review, i just bought this racket yesterday. But I'm kinda beginner, not that beginner tho, and i don't have enough power to produce a good smash, as my weight is just 55 kg. I usually play for double and i'm a front player. How do you think the racket would works? Thank you

[@StatementPlus]

Thank you and congrats on the new racquet. Yes I think this is a great front court racquet. If you want to train for more power, this racquet can also play back court, it really is very versatile. Enjoy it and thanks for the comment!

[@camillez.7535]

Great review. New to the sport (and a little older) , looking for a good racquet that I can grow with. Prefer older brands that have proven themselves. Are you in Canada? If so, just wondering where you can find the racquets on sale. Thanks.

[@StatementPlus]

Hi Camille, unfortunately the BS12 is nearly impossible to find these days, it's a classic favourite that also stopped production. I am between Canada and China. I have since switched to using Li-Ning racquets and in Canada I buy direct from the Li-Ning headquarters/distribution which is in Burlington Ontario. I now use the Aeronaut 7000b which is similar to the BS12 but actually find it a step better.

[@T0ts0420]

you can get the Bravesword 12 at Smash Nation at Saskatoon Canada

[@nicolaschallenor1120]

Good job, have you tried many variations of strings yet and if so which ones do you like/use? I have heard towel grips are always very slippy early on, but eventually become very grippy. Some people will wet it and then put grip powder on too.

[@StatementPlus]

I have been using LiNing No.1 string basically since I began to play. I've played with YY 66 and quite like that string as well. I've tried some others but quickly disregarded them (Some YY, some other brands not well known). Towel is good if your palms sweat a lot or if you're playing in a super humid region. My hands never sweat when I play badminton so a towel grip doesn't work so well. Having said that when I'm in China it's so humid where I am I can get away with using towel grip but it's still not ideal. I used to like the feel of towel over rubber so it's interesting to hear that people wet the towel with water to imitate a sweaty hand. The grip powder (which is just chalk, same stuff used for rock climbing or weight lifting) is used to actually dry it back out from being over wet from sweat and to get the grip back.

[@StatementPlus]

I have to thank you for the wetting the towel comment. I gave that a try and really like it. It's almost to bad I like it because towel grips are more maintenance haha! But I definitely like the wetted towel grip feel. It changes the balance substantially but it still worked well for me. Thanks

[@falsecatalyst3936]

What should i string this racket with though? Is vbs68 good? I prefer harder feeling strings

[@StatementPlus]

Hi never tried that string. But for harder feeling I can recommend LiNing No 5

[@ad34rt]

Great review thank you! I'm enjoying the racket but having trouble getting the grip right, it's g5 which feels too small. May I ask what you use (as you mention you don't usually use towel grips) and do you keep the original grip?

[@StatementPlus]

Thanks! I never use the original grip. First thing I do is throw that away and regrip. I use a rubber grip usually that has this softish fuzzy top layer. It's not super sticky glossy type rubber grip. I will also put the styrofoam base layer when regripping. G5 will be small but if you want you can wrap several layers of foam base layer OR You can keep the original grip and regrip on top of that to make it thicker. All the best!

[@ad34rt]

@@StatementPlus Thanks for replying. I've got the cushion grip and it's really good for building the grip without adding weight, but I found when i wrap the rubber grip over it feel too squishy which I don't like. Could you tell me the name of the rubber grip you use? If not that's fine, you've been very helpful thank you!

[@immisterRJ]

Where did you buy your BS12? I want to buy at a discounted price. That was my favorite racket year, 2012/2013.

[@StatementPlus]

I got mine in China while I was living there. They are very difficult to get now.

[@iimiboy]

Really good review my man, you covered everything very well. I have a fantastic player at my club here in England, the guy is originally from Hong Kong and uses the brave sword 12L and boy can be play good and hits like a monster. Always thought hh rackets produce the biggest smash but guys who can use these headlight rackets can hit very hard. Another guy plays with the nanoflare 170 light and he also hits hard and it confused me when he showed me his racket and told me it's light and head light. Have you used the 12L if so what's the difference thanks

[@StatementPlus]

I haven't used the BS12L before. Unfortunately my BS12 has long been broken and I am using the LN racquets now as seen in my other reviews. My N90III being my main racquet (which is very old now itself)

[@iimiboy]

@@StatementPlus i see, thanks for the information. I didn't realise you were the same guy who done the felet z force 2 review a while ago, after watching your video i bought 4 of them and they are actually very good rackets

[@theforgotten8081]

so 12L is basically BS12 but with a smaller grip size

[@iimiboy]

@@theforgotten8081 yes but they also look different, bs12L is very rare

[@theforgotten8081]

@@iimiboy True, i own both..prefer a smaller grip size for better control..unfortunately BS 12L in 3U is no longer stocked anywhere i have searched. The 4U is still around in a couple places..but not sure that is worth the buy when the racket is too fast with no feeling.

[@legendsmoments7930]

Thanks for the review! Btw, does the racquet having grommet sink issue?

[@StatementPlus]

Hi from what I have experienced so far no. Both the racquets are strung at 28lbs by a very good stringer (China provincial team stringer).

[@legendsmoments7930]

@@StatementPlus Thanks for the reply ! =D

[@Condemakoto]

I love this racket

[@wenpinglaw7140]

I pretty sure what you mean was the bravesword 12N where it is grey and red right?

[@johntejada7532]

Have you compared this to the astrox 88s (lyd's current racket)

[@StatementPlus]

I haven't had the chance to play with the astrox 88s yet. Hopefully I can soon as it seems to be THE hot doubles racquet now since Kevin Sanjaya also uses it.

[@vikassrinivasan4702]

Nice review, Is this a 4u or a 3u racket?

[@StatementPlus]

Thanks, this one is 3U

[@lokivariants]

Why you use to 3u ?

[@akshayks1862]

Hi SB, Can you put a court video on using this racquet? and btw what string are you using on this racquet?

[@StatementPlus]

Hi there, I will try to get on court. I string with Lining No.1 at 30lbs

[@Matthew-wo3zm]

Hi SB, I'm an intermediate player and considering this victor Bravesword 12 and the Li Ning n90iii. Which one is better in your opinion? Thanks.

[@StatementPlus]

Hi Matthew, I would definitely recommend the BS12 over the N90iii for you. It is a much easier racquet to use, faster, and hits basically just as hard as this level of play. GL!

[@gate133]

Different choice... BS12 is for all around. U can play single or doble. For offens or deff. Easy use... Very user friendly. But if u want powerfullll for smash and strong offens. U take n90iii for sure... I have both of them. I have. N9ii. Razor 95. Too. For smashing.

[@StatementPlus]

@@gate133 Yes but he's an intermediate player, it takes an advance player to make the most out of a racquet like N90iii. The BS12 is we all agree the better all around by far and the BS12 can smash insanely hard as well. It's more down to form than the racquet. I played with a N90iii from day one (haven't played that long) and as comfortable as I got with it, the moment I began using a BS12 I played way better cause it's an easier racquet to use while still packing major punch. And now that I'm better player I still prefer the BS12.

[@gate133]

@@StatementPlus agreeee wit u 😎👍👍👍

[@lokivariants]

3u or 4u better ?

[@relentless3199]

hi thanks for the review, how would this compare to jet speed 11? near my store the js11 is having a big discount which is cheaper than the brave sword 12. I like my racket to be head heavy, which would be the better choice?

[@StatementPlus]

Hi thank you for watching! Unfortunately I don't have much experience with a JS11 to compare the two directly but if you like a head heavy racquet the BS12 may not be for you as it is not very head heavy, but rather a very balanced weight throughout. Good luck!!

[@relentless3199]

@@StatementPlus thanks for the reply, i will think about it for now!

[@sohosterable]

Is your review based on the 3u or 4u version?

[@StatementPlus]

3u

[@roffimuhammad3417]

i have this one, 3ug5 👌👌

[@janoblak2884]

Hi what's the best string to go with bs12

[@lokivariants]

Exbolt 65 25lbs

[@johnli8831]

which is better 4u or 3u version?

[@StatementPlus]

generally that's personal preference. but I'd go 3u

[@garin3157]

Are 4U bs 12 is bad compared to the 3U version?

[@StatementPlus]

I don't think it'll be "bad", but most people that like this racquet are using the 3U from what I understand. If you prefer a lighter racquet I think the 4U version will still be good, at the end of the day a racquet's properties are more about balance, flex and "feel" than it is weight. But I also believe racquets are intended for a certain weight from the design period. Having said that I think most racquets are designed for 3U from the drawing board so it's not specific to this racquet. One thing for sure is you won't be disappointed in a 4U BS12 if it's a lighter racquet you want, but there maybe other racquets that were intended for speed and are lighter/easier to use to begin with, even at the designated 3U.

[@garin3157]

@@StatementPlus thanks for your brief response 😊 yeah i just got my 4U BS12 (it imposible to find new 3U racket and i dont want to buy used racket). The weight with string and replacement grip and cushion wrap is 90gr with BP 298. The feel in my hand is perfect! From here I know that I like 4U rather than 3U because of my injury and my playstyle 😊

[@StatementPlus]

@@garin3157 Awesome! glad you're happy with the decision, I know it's never an easy one. Also I know how you feel about impossible to find a 3U, I also cannot find one anymore and I broke the one I was using (the one in the video). It's like a golden racquet. Then I went on to purchase a bunch of Li-Ning racquets that never really felt the same but is what it is! Cheers

[@garin3157]

@@StatementPlus what lining racket do you use now? Maybe turbocharging series who is more like bravesword in term of shape?

[@StatementPlus]

@@garin3157 I use the Aeronaut 7000b, after trying a few racquets I think this is very similar to the BS12 but actually better. I've learned to like it, it's just as fast but seems to hit harder. I also have a Turbocharging 75 but don't really like it.