Review - Yaoyao Invicta Beginner's Sparring Jian

The Beginner’s Sparring Jian from Yaoyao Invicta is a new product at a cheaper price for beginner’s to get started with sparring in Chinese Sword Arts, using more readily available fittings. The swords for this review were purchased as part of an initial discount promotion available for the first few purchasers.

The Specs

• Overall length: 100cm
• Blade Length: 80cm (From rear of guard)
• PoB: 17.5cm, Range: [16, 18]cm (From rear of guard)
• Weight: 617g, Range: [598, 626]g
• Flex weight: 8.08kg, Range: [6.9, 8.45] kg
• Tipping: Rounded

This review is based upon a batch of 5 jian, with the specifications given based upon the average of the batch. I have given the range of measurements, but they’re all pretty closely clustered together.

Tl;dr A very good beginner’s option. Especially at the early bird discount price. Even after the price goes up to its normal amount, a decent entry for beginner jian.

Overall Rating: 4/5

Balance and Handling:

Firstly, this sword handles well, especially for the price. While the Point of Balance looks like it is very far out, the light weight of the sword makes this still feel lively in the hand, and behave like a real sword rather than a toy. Using it for basic cuts, stirring, and taolu has this feeling lively and enjoyable to use. The small grip is pleasant in the hand and enables a light grip on the sword, while still being secure.

B&H: 4/5

Construction:

The construction of the Beginner’s Jian is where the price really shows itself. The fittings are Taobao bought wushu fittings, light brass with a silver coating on them. Thin and not made to fit the blade, and easily beaten up. However YI has filled them with silicone filling, which fills all the gaps, keeps them secure and provides extra structural support from being smashed apart without significant weight. The downside is that they’re not able to be taken apart without having to redo all the silicone glue.

The blade itself is actually very nicely made, a solid tang and larger thread on the end of the tang compared to his normal jian offering, giving better durability. With a tightly rolled tip, without narrowing the edge, the tip is going to be a durable piece of the construction with a very low risk of breaking or injuring someone. The edge of the blade is nice and thick, with a solid blade profile to allow for accurate training with the jian.

Over time, the fittings get beaten up, and will need to be replaced and fixed, but at this price point, with the silicone filling, are suitable.

Construction: 3/5

Aesthetics:

This jian definitely has an aesthetic appeal for the people who are interested in getting into practicing with sparring jian, especially with the white grip on silver fittings. Using a standard set of fittings that people are used to seeing in their wushu training swords provides a certain familiarity to people. But like all aesthetic choices, some peope will like them, others will dislike them.

Sparring Performance:

This sparring jian actually has remarkable performance in sparring for its weight. Likely due to the PoB being further out than most modern makers are brave enough to put out. With a decent blade presence, the jian holds up in parries, thrusting into opposition and engaging with the other person’s blade, while still being light and lively. The grip is a little slippery, but wasn’t an issue with my gloves having decent grip.

Sparring Rating: 4/5

Price:

This jian is priced for beginners, with a high quality sparring blade, but cheaper fittings that will degrade over time in comparison to the steel fittings on the rest of Yaoyao’s line. But at 300RMB (approximately $70 AUD/$50 USD before taxes and shipping). It is incredible value for money. Lasting a year or two before being replaced makes this a wonderful buy for a beginner who doesn’t know if they’ll be sparring long term, or doesn’t intend on sparring often (which will extend the lifespan).

Price: 4.5/5

Overall Thoughts:

An interesting entry level sparring jian, specifically designed for promotional purposes by Yaoyao Invicta, with an attractive price point (although for a limited time only). Having it on the very low end of weight for jian, it appeals to people who find period weight jian too “heavy” especially in the beginning when they haven’t learnt to utilise the waist to power the sword’s movements and are relying on arm and shoulder muscles. Having enough blade presence to make techniques viable is also a plus, so the user isn’t being bullied in sparring because the blade doesn’t have the ability to stop stronger hits.

As a starter sword, it’s quite a good sword, but if you’ve been training for a while, and know that you want to take your training seriously with steady and consistent sparring, spending the extra for a more durable sword is likely to be a better option. Like all hobbies though, it’s best to buy what is best for your budget and this jian hits a particular area in the market. Overall, it’s safe for use, and will be fine for people to use.