VICTOR Thruster Ryuga III: Is This the Best Ryuga Yet?

Preorders are now open at racketshop.co.nz: $389, very limited stock

If you play an attacking game, the Ryuga line is probably already on your radar. The Ryuga III is the fifth generation of the Thruster Ryuga family, and VICTOR has made some changes that go beyond a new paint job. We've been through what's new and how it compares with the Ryuga II Pro.

What's new in the Ryuga III

Free Core 2.0 handle. VICTOR's non-wood handle technology has been upgraded. The aim is smoother power transfer from your hand through the frame, so the racket feels more connected when you swing.

Dynamic Box frame with spiral structure. The box-shaped frame the Ryuga family is known for now has a spiral structure built in. VICTOR says this delivers faster shuttle release and keeps the frame stable on hard, repeated smashes.

WES 3.0 metallic carbon fibre shaft. The Ryuga II Pro used WES 2.0. This new version adds metallic carbon fibre to the shaft, aimed at sharper power delivery and better stability.

A thinner shaft. The Ryuga III has a 6.5 shaft, down from the 6.8mm shaft on the Ryuga II Pro. One early review calls it the thinnest shaft in the Ryuga lineup so far. A slimmer shaft generally cuts through the air with less resistance, which helps with swing speed and racket-head control.

Extra materials. The frame also uses 46T Pyrofil, Nano Fortify TR+ and Nano Aerogel. Paired with the Anti-Torsion System and Rebound Shield, these are designed to keep the racket stable when you hit off-centre.

How it feels: head-heavy and built to attack

The Ryuga III is a stiff, head-heavy racket. One early tester measured a balance point of 331mm on the bare handle, which they say is the highest of any VICTOR racket so far. If you like your smashes to carry real weight, that's good news.

VICTOR's own description promises “razor-sharp” power smashes with stable control, and it's clearly built for players who want to dominate from the back court.

There's a nice design touch too. At the T-joint, the logo shifts between the VICTOR mark and the Ryuga mark depending on the angle you look at it. The black frame has magenta, purple and teal dragon-scale graphics, and a full cover comes with it.

Ryuga III vs Ryuga II Pro

The Ryuga II Pro earned its reputation as a serious attacking racket. It added Power Ring Pro and Hard Cored technology to the Ryuga II, giving extra swing weight for players who want maximum power. The trade-off is that it rewards good timing and is less forgiving when your technique slips.

The Ryuga III keeps that attacking DNA but takes a more refined approach. On paper it's fairly close to the Ryuga II Pro, and the changes are evolutionary rather than a complete reinvention. But the thinner shaft, the WES 3.0 upgrade and the new frame structure are all aimed at making the power feel smoother and easier to deliver. One reviewer called it a genuine step forward for the Ryuga line.

Who is it for?

Choose the Ryuga III if you:

• Play an aggressive, smash-heavy game, in singles or doubles

• Want a head-heavy racket with a stiff shaft

• Already love the Ryuga II Pro and want the latest technology

• Are an intermediate-to-advanced player with solid technique

It might not suit you if you:

• Prefer a fast, flat, defensive doubles racket

• Are still developing your clears and smash technique

• Want a very light, head-light racket

Available weights

The Ryuga III comes in 4U (80–85g) and 5U (75–80g). Most players choose 4U for the extra stability behind their smash, while 5U suits those who want slightly easier handling.

Preorder yours today

The Ryuga III is available to preorder now at www.racketshop.co.nz for $389. Stock is very limited, so if you want to be among the first to get your hands on it, don't wait. Preordering secures your racket as soon as stock lands, so you can start smashing with the latest Ryuga before everyone else on court.

Have questions? Get in touch with the team and we'll help you pick.