There are rackets that deliver power—and then there’s the Victor Thruster Ryuga II, a racket that feels like it was forged in the heart of a volcano and wielded by warriors chosen by the badminton gods themselves.
I’ve played with countless rackets over the years—Astroxes, Nanoflares, Arcsabers, and even older-generation Victors—but nothing prepared me for what the Ryuga II brought to my game. This isn’t just a weapon. It’s an extension of aggression, forged for domination.
Design & First Impressions: Beast Badminton Mode Activated
Before I even swung it, I just stared at the thing.
The Ryuga II has this bold, aggressive aesthetic—a deep, almost blood-red finish with razor-like detailing. The second you take it out of the case, you feel like you’re about to step into battle. It’s not “elegant”—it’s intimidating. And I love it.
In your hand, it feels weighty—but not bulky. The balance is unmistakably head-heavy, but thanks to Victor’s engineering magic, it never feels clumsy. It feels like it’s just waiting for you to unleash it.
Badminton Power: The Smash Monster
Let’s not beat around the bush—the Ryuga II was built to SMASH. And smash it does.
The first full jump smash I hit with it was like a revelation. The shuttle left my strings with such force and dip, my opponent didn’t react until it was too late. I looked at him, stunned, and he just said, “Dude… what the hell was that?”
The power transfer is phenomenal. The Anti-Torsion System, hard shaft, and the reinforced frame create this crazy feeling of snap at the top of your swing. If you’ve got proper technique and explosive wrist action, the Ryuga II rewards you with jaw-dropping power. It’s made for rear-court dominance. If you’re the kind of player who wants to dictate rallies from the back, this racket will turn you into a menace.
Control & Stability: Surprisingly Refined for Badminton
Now here’s the shocker: despite being a beast of a power racket, the Ryuga II handles control shots like a dream.
Drops are tight and sharp. Net play? Crisp and confident. Defensive lifts? Stable and easy to guide. The racket doesn’t wobble or vibrate, even on slightly off-center hits. And that’s where Victor nailed it—this isn’t a one-dimensional power tool. It’s power with control, like a dragon with surgical precision.
Honestly, it gave me the confidence to go for more risky net shots and deceptive flicks because it just felt that stable.
Defense: Manageable, But Not Effortless
Let’s be real—this is a head-heavy, stiff badminton racket, so defense isn’t its primary superpower.
In fast-paced doubles, you need to be dialed in. Reacting to rapid smashes or close-body drives takes effort. But if your footwork and timing are good, you can turn even defense into counter-attacks. I had a few rallies where I blocked a smash and turned it into a deadly cross-court counter with minimal delay. It’s not as whippy as a Nanoflare or Jetspeed, but it’s not sluggish either.
Think of it as a battle axe that can parry when needed.
Sweet Spot & Stringing Notes
I strung mine at 27 lbs with Yonex BG80 Power, and the sweet spot is massive. Off-center hits still feel stable, and the frame doesn’t punish you too harshly for small errors—unless you really misfire.
That said, this racket LOVES tension and high-rep stringing. The power and control become even more precise when strung tight, but make sure your arm is up to the task. This thing has bite.
Who Should Use the Ryuga II?
- Aggressive singles players who live off the backcourt
- Doubles players who dominate from the rear and love jump smashes
- Advanced and high-intermediate players with strong technique and arm strength
Final Verdict: 9.6/10 – Unleash the Dragon
The Victor Thruster Ryuga II is a devastatingly powerful, beautifully stable, and surprisingly refined racket that rewards bold, aggressive play. It demands strength, commitment, and sharp technique—but in return, it gives you unrelenting power and laser-like control.
For me, it’s been a game-changer. It made me fall in love with jump smashes again. It made me train harder to match its intensity. And above all, it made me feel unstoppable when I’m in the zone.
If you’re ready to go full offensive and want a racket that can burn holes in the court and break your opponent’s will, the Ryuga II is calling your name.
