Lining Bladex 880 Shida Limited Edition Badminton Racket

The Li-Ning BladeX 880 Shida is Chiharu Shida's signature speed racket, built on a thin-wing aerodynamic frame with a T1100 carbon shaft. It is a head-light 4U frame weighing 82.5 to 83.5g, rated to 32 lbs, and available in G5 and G6. It ships in an exclusive pearl white cover carrying Shida's signature.

Specifications

The shaft is firmer than the spec card suggests

Li-Ning lists this shaft as slightly flexible. In play it sits closer to medium stiff. Clears show low shaft bend and direct feedback into the hand, which is not what you expect from a shaft described as soft.

This matters for two groups. If you were buying it expecting a forgiving, whippy shaft that generates power for you, it will feel firmer than advertised. If you already play a firm speed racket and were put off by the spec card, this is closer to what you want than the listing implies.

Not a BladeX 800 in a new paint job

The BladeX 800 Power and Speed use a slim aero frame. The 880 Shida uses a wider thin-wing aero frame with a different feel: bigger sweet spot, stronger face hold, and better forgiveness on off-centre contact.

The result is a speed racket that still presses downward with real weight in the rear court. Slices, controlled drops and reverse slices come off cleanly, and drives snap back quickly thanks to the T1100 shaft.

G5 or G6: which to choose

• G5 (3.5 inch): the more common size for adult male players in India. Choose this if you play G5 in your current racket or if you use no more than one overgrip.
• G6 (3.25 inch): the smaller handle, and Shida's own specification. Choose this if you have smaller hands, prefer more wrist mobility for net play, or like building the handle up with two or more overgrips.

If you are between the two, G6 with an overgrip is the safer choice. You can add thickness to a small handle, but you cannot take it off a large one.

Who this racket suits

• Doubles players who live at the net and win points through interception and pace
• Advanced players who want speed without giving up rear-court pressure
• Singles players with a fast, flat game who defend and counter rather than out-smash
• Players moving across from a NanoFlare-style speed frame who want a similar feel in a Li-Ning build

Who should skip it

• Pure smashers. Head-light balance means less weight arriving behind the shuttle. Look at the Axforce attack line instead.
• Beginners. A medium-stiff shaft asks you to generate your own power, which takes developed technique.
• Anyone wanting a soft, forgiving shaft. Despite the spec card, this is not that racket.
• Players who need G4 or larger. Only G5 and G6 are produced.

Stringing and tension

The racket ships unstrung. We offer professional stringing before dispatch as a paid service.

• 24 to 26 lbs: maximum repulsion and a larger effective sweet spot, useful if you are new to a speed frame.
• 26 to 28 lbs: where most advanced doubles players will settle for crisp drives and controlled net play.
• 28 to 32 lbs: flatter response with tighter control, for players with consistent centre contact.

Check the cone marking on your unit before stringing high. Li-Ning rates the 4U at 32 lbs, but some market units carry a 30 lb warranty marking. We string up to 26 lbs in-house to avoid transit shock damage. Browse badminton strings to choose a string.

Frequently asked questions

Who is the BladeX 880 Shida named after?

Chiharu Shida of the Japan national team, one of the world's leading women's doubles players. The racket carries her signature engraved on the shaft and ships in an exclusive white cover with her signature on it.

Is the Li-Ning BladeX 880 Shida head-light?

Yes. Balance measures roughly 292 to 298mm depending on the unit and whether the cap is fitted, which places it in the head-light to even range. That is what gives it its swing speed at the net.

What shaft does the BladeX 880 Shida use?

A T1100 high-modulus carbon shaft combined with ULTRA high-elastic carbon fibre and an HDF shock absorption layer. It is a step up in material from the BladeX 800 Speed and gives a crisper snap-back on drives with less vibration through the hand.

What is the maximum string tension?

32 lbs for the 4U. Check the marking on your own racket cone before stringing at the ceiling, as some units carry a 30 lb warranty marking.

Should I buy the G5 or G6?

G5 is the standard adult size in India and suits most male players. G6 is the smaller handle, matches Shida's own setup, and works well if you have smaller hands or like to build the grip up with overgrips. If unsure, take G6 and add an overgrip.

Is the BladeX 880 the same as the BladeX 800?

No. The 800 Power and Speed use a slim aero frame. The 880 Shida uses a wider thin-wing aero frame with a larger sweet spot and better face hold, plus upgraded T1100 shaft material. They play differently.

Does it come strung?

No, it ships unstrung with the exclusive Shida cover. Stringing at your chosen tension is available as a paid add-on before dispatch.

Is this a genuine Li-Ning racket?

Yes. SportsUncle has supplied genuine badminton equipment since 2016, and this racket arrives in original packaging with all markings intact. Browse the full Li-Ning range or all badminton rackets.