Hi all,
Would anyone be interested in buying any SOTX racquets? I am thinking of importing some models for the N. American market. Pricing should be similar to what is being offered by BBEsports although it would be a little bit higher because of freight charges.

I am thinking of accepting pre-orders with 10% discount and free shipping. Racquets will not be available until 6-8 weeks.

For example,
Woven 4A - is priced at US$46.70 at BBE but will be around US$52.00 and CAD$68.65 so with pre-order it would be US$46.80 or CAD$63.22 (with 7% GST). Racquet will be unstrung and should come with a thermal bag.

Please either PM or e-mail me for prices of other models. Models includes
STB-2277, STB-5083, and STB-6280

You can see pics and specs of racquets at BBE Sports.
http://www.bbesports.com/racket_sotx.htm

WWC,

I just PMed you for some more info.

Thanks.

After going through some verification of shipping charges, I realized that I am actually going to lose $$ on the racquets.

So, I am going to amend my original post to eliminate free shipping and just opt for the 10% discount for pre-orders. Shipping within N. American is around US$10-$15 depending on destination (I am located on the West Coast). For those of you who had contacted me prior to this post, I will honour the free shipping AND the discount.

My sincere apologies about this.

This is a good opportunity to try out another good quality brand at prices comparable to what is being sold in Asia. :p

lol WWC... your first post was at 2:59 yesterday, and your second post is at 2:59 today. Conincidence? I think not! :D

Anyway, you said SOTX is a high quality racquet. How high quality is it? I have some concerns about their quality control process if the weight is +/- 4 grams. That's a 9 gram range in the window of error. For comparison purposes, my BK racquet's weight's error is under 1 gram for 95% of the racquets in a given batch. I have no idea what the weight deviation for Yonex racquets is so I can only presume it's about the same. The racquet also "looks" cheaply made. It's unfair to compare it to racquets that cost much much of course, and anyway most of us don't care about looks. It's a quality racquet we're after and there hasn't been much talk about SOTX so perhaps a little talk about what you know of the quality of their racquets would boost your potential SOTX N.A. launch?

btw, you are only releasing 3 models?

Originally posted by bigredlemon


Anyway, you said SOTX is a high quality racquet. How high quality is it? I have some concerns about their quality control process if the weight is +/- 4 grams. That's a 9 gram range in the window of error.

I think maybe +/- 4 grams represents different Us? I mean, for example, they have 2U and 3U version both available.

Just my thought...

Originally posted by LazyBuddy
I think maybe +/- 4 grams represents different Us? I mean, for example, they have 2U and 3U version both available.

Just my thought...
I doubt it. the +/- symbol is typically used to represent the margin of error. Anyways, it appears that SOTX uses a symbol after the model number to represent different weights... (i.e. A, B, +)

Originally posted by bigredlemon
Anyways, it appears that SOTX uses a symbol after the model number to represent different weights... (i.e. A, B, +)

Really?

I thought the A,B +, etc represent minor feature change on certain models. Such change could be stiffness, balance, etc.

Originally posted by LazyBuddy
Really?

I thought the A,B +, etc represent minor feature change on certain models. Such change could be stiffness, balance, etc. the stifness on all their racquets seem to be the same (9.5-10)

BRL,
No margin of errors here. The weight of the racquet is given, as an example, 90 +/- 3 g means that the model comes in 87g to 93g (so 2U, 3U) racquets. The stiffness is measured as 8.0 - 8.5 , 8.5 - 9.0 (more flex), etc.

As for quality, well, SOTX's warranty on their racquets due to defects is 400 days (over 13 months) and the recommended tension is up to 31lbs for selected models.

If you looked at the various models, I have some "reaction" to the colour schemes ;) but the finish is very nice. Not much talk about SOTX because they are not widely available. In fact, when I contacted them, their focus was on the China market and they were nice enough to send me samples. For me, they are a good quality alternative, like Winex, to the expensive Yonex racquets. :)

Originally posted by Winex West Can
For me, they are a good quality alternative, like Winex, to the expensive Yonex racquets. :)
hmm... WWC, sounds like you gotta change your name to WSWC from now on!

ps. WSWC = Winnex SOTX West Can :p:D

Originally posted by Winex West Can
BRL,
No margin of errors here. The weight of the racquet is given, as an example, 90 +/- 3 g means that the model comes in 87g to 93g (so 2U, 3U) racquets. The stiffness is measured as 8.0 - 8.5 , 8.5 - 9.0 (more flex), etc.
That's a lot more impressive. I haven't seen such a large selection of 4u racquets in a long time. (But since I can't read chinese they all look the same to me. :o)

The chart also says the length of some racquets is, for example, 675 +/- 1 mm. Does this also mean we can select the length of 674 or 676mm? (I suspect not though their convention is unusual so who knows.)

Also, shouldn't a higher stiffness number mean stiffer? You put "(more flex)" after the higher numbers rather than lower numbers.

Btw, can you ship the racquet strung if we pay for stringing? Some of us live too far from a good stringer so it might be more convient for you to get them all strung there.

Originally posted by bigredlemon
The chart also says the length of some racquets is, for example, 675 +/- 1 mm. Does this also mean we can select the length of 674 or 676mm? (I suspect not though their convention is unusual so who knows.)

Also, shouldn't a higher stiffness number mean stiffer? You put "(more flex)" after the higher numbers rather than lower numbers.

Btw, can you ship the racquet strung if we pay for stringing? Some of us live too far from a good stringer so it might be more convient for you to get them all strung there.

The length of the racquet is fixed. As far as I know, the notation used (from my understanding) here is that it is to 675 mm (Long) or 665 mm (Regular) with small margin of error. I know, I know. why can't they be exact? Well, in the racquets that they sent me, the racquet unstrung was either 675 mm or 665 mm but after stringing, I find that some of them are a little, little bit shorter/longer (is it 1 mm? hard to tell unless I use a precise measuring device).

As for stringing, I will have to get them strung here (Vancouver) since it is not possible for me to specify specific tension for each racquet. It would be probably okay if I order 100 pieces of Woven 4 strung at 24 lbs but not if I say Woven 4, racquet 1 at 22 lbs; Woven 4 racquet 2 at 24 lbs, etc.

As for stiffness, my impression exactly that but after looking at the charts provided, you could see that 8.0-8.5 flexes less than 8.5-9.0 and this is verified by comparing two racquets with different flexes.

Oh, four models for now since it is quite impossible (financially) for me to import all the models. Each of the four models are from their four series; Silver Fox (STB-2277), Winner Kinsmen (STB-6280), Woven (4A), and Berlin Passion (STB-5083). I hope that these models will provide an idea of the kind of racquets that SOTX has available. Prices varies from US$35+ to US$102.

Originally posted by Winex West Can

Each of the four models are from their four series; Silver Fox (STB-2277), Winner Kinsmen (STB-6280), Woven (4A), and Berlin Passion (STB-5083). I hope that these models will provide an idea of the kind of racquets that SOTX has available. Prices varies from US$35+ to US$102.

So, what weight range u have for them? I mean, seems in their site, they all have 2U, 3U and even 4U (+/- 3g).

If u have 3U or 4U versions available, seriously thinking about 2277 or 5083 (or both??? ;) too hard to make a decision, since they are cheap anyway).

Originally posted by LazyBuddy
So, what weight range u have for them? I mean, seems in their site, they all have 2U, 3U and even 4U (+/- 3g).

If u have 3U or 4U versions available, seriously thinking about 2277 or 5083 (or both??? ;) too hard to make a decision, since they are cheap anyway).

LB,
I think that of the four models, the STB-2277 and the STB-5083 are in those ranges whereas the Woven 4 and STB-6280 are probably in the 2U/3U range.

You are right about the prices. :D These are the prices that you will pay when you buy direct from BBE Shop in China but one thing for sure, these prices will not stay this low for long as Sotx is currently doing a lot of sponsorship in China.

Originally posted by Winex West Can
LB,
I think that of the four models, the STB-2277 and the STB-5083 are in those ranges whereas the Woven 4 and STB-6280 are probably in the 2U/3U range.

You are right about the prices. :D These are the prices that you will pay when you buy direct from BBE Shop in China but one thing for sure, these prices will not stay this low for long as Sotx is currently doing a lot of sponsorship in China.

I see i see... As a 3U and 4U "collector", I don't think I will really into the 2U versions.

However, as for Woven 4, the weight is around 91+/- 2, so, the 3U version is 89+, which is kinda high for a 3U... Or, it's actually 2U and U? I mean, seems besides Yonex, most other manufactures' 3U are well below 87g.

By the way, when u r going to taking orders?

Originally posted by LazyBuddy
By the way, when u r going to taking orders?

Right now :D Once the stuff arrive (est. 6 - 8 weeks), no more discount but prices are still very reasonable.

Originally posted by Winex West Can
Right now :D Once the stuff arrive (est. 6 - 8 weeks), no more discount but prices are still very reasonable.

Cool... Just sent another PM regarding to some final question (sorry, asked too much these days)...

Trying to trim down my order list now... damn... this is hard... ;)

As of this point forward, I would not be able to take any orders outside of Canada (i.e. USA). For those of you in the States who has contacted me before then, your request(s) will still be honoured. My sincere apologies.

I have been told that BBE Shop/Sports will no longer be able to sell the SOTX product line outside of China unless the customer bought it within China. As such, a side effect of this is the prices listed on BBE website will no longer be valid outside of China. Instead, a consistent International pricing guide has been published and will be adhered to by all authorized agents of SOTX outside of China. Again, those of you in Canada who has contacted me prior to this posting, the prices quoted you will be honoured.

Thank you and my apologies again. Please PM or email for new prices for Canada.

The prices can't be published here :confused:

Originally posted by bigredlemon
The prices can't be published here :confused:

Sorry but will put up a link to the website that I am currently constructing to allow folks to buy online and pay via PayPal.

WWC,

Sorry I did not read your post about the amendments before I sent you that PM. You can ignore it for now. But if you have anything left (Woven 4A) from your consignment then maybe I can buy one from you as a 'used' racquet. You can swing it a few times before I buy it :p

Murali

Hi,
Just wanted to let folks know that I have been informed by SOTX China that I am allow to sell to the US only until they get the US representative up and running (no definite timeframe at this time).

The racquets are in as is evident from Hugo's and LazyBuddy's postings. The models available are: STB-2277, STB-6280, STB-5083 and Woven 4A. I also have the SOTX Sichaun Provincial team shirts (XL) available.

Please PM me for more info. The online website is still in the works.

WWC,
This is confusing. First they won't let you sell in US and now they will only let you sell in US? Why would they not approach a U.S. resident to sell locally rather than go through Canada? Anyhow, looks like there's some interest in this brand. Too bad I find them a little bit strange in the coloring of the racquets, otherwise, I'd be tempted to try one.

Originally posted by wunderbar
WWC,
This is confusing. First they won't let you sell in US and now they will only let you sell in US? Why would they not approach a U.S. resident to sell locally rather than go through Canada? Anyhow, looks like there's some interest in this brand. Too bad I find them a little bit strange in the coloring of the racquets, otherwise, I'd be tempted to try one.

Wunderbar,
SOTX China is in the process of getting their US rep set up (they had originally planned for this rep to be operational earlier hence the original request that I sell only to Canada) but since it might be a while, they have kindly allow me to sell to the US as well.

The colour scheme of the racquets will be changed for the N. Am. market (don't what the time frame is for this to happen).

Originally posted by LazyBuddy
I see i see... As a 3U and 4U "collector", I don't think I will really into the 2U versions.



Mental note, if I make it out to the east coast next time I'm in America must vist LB to try his collection of light and flexy racquets ;)

On a more serious note, as people get better (fitter, stronger, better technique, etc) they tend towards heavier, stiffer racquets, have you ever been concerned that you might start liking 2U stiff racquets and then what would you do with all the lighter, flexy ones?

I mean even I went through that phase though currently with a much reduced playng schedule and various injuries I'm back to the light racquets.

Originally posted by Pecheur
Mental note, if I make it out to the east coast next time I'm in America must vist LB to try his collection of light and flexy racquets ;)

On a more serious note, as people get better (fitter, stronger, better technique, etc) they tend towards heavier, stiffer racquets, have you ever been concerned that you might start liking 2U stiff racquets and then what would you do with all the lighter, flexy ones?

I mean even I went through that phase though currently with a much reduced playng schedule and various injuries I'm back to the light racquets.

Hmmm... maybe I improved a little bit on stiffness, acutally, most of my collections are not "flex" but more like "med stiff". Just not as stiff as others' stiff or ultra stiff.
Lighter or heavier, I consider should be more like personal preference? I mean, GZC using TISP SR (81g), but we can't say she's a rookie. hehehhehe... good excuse for me.

Don't want to be too much off topic. If u want more info about my rackets (including 3 SOTX), feel free to pm or email me.

Hello all, I am a new member of BF. I hope some one here could help me select a Sotx raq (or any other brand). Thanks in advancehttp://www.badmintonforum.com/vb/images/icons/icon7.gif

I want a very flexible shaft raquet that is head light and light weight as well. I am 6 foot tall and have loads of power, so i can generate enuf power even with light weight head light racquet. Please sugguest one even if it is from other brands. looking for one under $100 and one under $200. I have used carlton superlite, wilson n6 and head nano power 700, karakal sl 70 before. These racquets are headlight, had very flexible shaft(except Carlton, karakal) and vey light weight. But the downside is they all break even after 1 clash, and most of the times by just hitting the bird in the rim(cos i smash really really hard). I have broken about 7 carlton racquets, 5 wilson and 1 head nano 700 and my quest for a durable racquet with above mentioned qualities continues.

So I want something that is very durable, very flexible shaft which is head light and the whole racquet light weight as well. If the racquet is shorter in length than normal ones, that is ok (cos i have long arms). The only thing i can compromise is overall racquet weight. Even if it heavier but headlight, flexible and durable, that is ok.

Plz help! Thnks again http://www.badmintonforum.com/vb/images/icons/icon7.gif

Hello all, I am a new member of BF. I hope some one here could help me select a Sotx raq (or any other brand). Thanks in advancehttp://www.badmintonforum.com/vb/images/icons/icon7.gif

I want a very flexible shaft raquet that is head light and light weight as well. I am 6 foot tall and have loads of power, so i can generate enuf power even with light weight head light racquet. Please sugguest one even if it is from other brands. looking for one under $100 and one under $200. I have used carlton superlite, wilson n6 and head nano power 700, karakal sl 70 before. These racquets are headlight, had very flexible shaft(except Carlton, karakal) and vey light weight. But the downside is they all break even after 1 clash, and most of the times by just hitting the bird in the rim(cos i smash really really hard). I have broken about 7 carlton racquets, 5 wilson and 1 head nano 700 and my quest for a durable racquet with above mentioned qualities continues.

So I want something that is very durable, very flexible shaft which is head light and the whole racquet light weight as well. If the racquet is shorter in length than normal ones, that is ok (cos i have long arms). The only thing i can compromise is overall racquet weight. Even if it heavier but headlight, flexible and durable, that is ok.

Plz help! Thnks again http://www.badmintonforum.com/vb/images/icons/icon7.gif


HI, If I may recommend, I would recommend SOTX Woven-5L/woven-8A/CP1000/CP3000
to you.
ModelString TensionLengthBalance PointWeightShaft Stiffness
WOVEN-5L≤28lbs675mm285-295mm82-86g8.0-8.5
WOVEN-8A≤31lbs670±1mm290±5mm86±2g8.5-9.0

CP1000≤28lbs670mm285-295mm83-89g8.0-8.5CP3000≤28lbs670mm283-293mm82-88g8.5-9.0

Thanks everyone for your replies. which one is more flexible?
8.0 - 8.5 or 8.5 to 9?

Thanks everyone for your replies. which one is more flexible?
8.0 - 8.5 or 8.5 to 9?

8.5 to 9 will be more flexible...