Received 3 SOTX rackets (8080+, 5083, Woven 4a) today.

Only 8080+ came with string at this moment, took several swing and played against wall for about 3 min (not trying to mess up my living room). Here are my thoughts:

Spec: 3U (85-89g)

Grip: at least G3 size, but I took the orginal grip (foam grip) off, and put 2 layers of overgrip instead.

String: SOTX string (feels like Ti string .68? since looks thinner than BG65) @ 25lb

Balance: balanced

Stiffness: should be around med stiff - stiff range

Head shape: oval

Length: regular

Paint finish: amazing good

Since just took several shots, can't really determine. Seems the power is decent, and control (placement) is very accurate.

One thing is a little bit weired: This racket comes strung using 1-piece (2 knots) method. However, the frame is a little bit wider (fatter) than most of my other rackets. Therefore, about .3-.5 cm shorter in length, and .3 cm wider (fatter) in width for the head. Maybe just this racket was strung using a totally different string machine (in china?), and much higher tension (25 vs 20-22 as I do). I don't really worry about it, but I will double check after some "break in" time.

can you post the pics of the rackets? Thank you!:p

you bought three rackets for one time? :confused:

If u can read chinese, u can get the pics from www.bbesports.com. Since the rackets are brand new, so, the ones on the website have much better quality.

Yeah, I got 3 at 1 shot.

Only 8080+ pic available, no 5083 & Woven 4a.:mad:

according to the web info, 8080+ is 4u while 8080 has 3u and 4u version.

can the spec be seen on the rackets?

how much do the rackets cost?

are you directly ordered from bbe?

Thanks!:cool:

I will add up on LB's info. I recently just received my SOTX Woven 4A.
It is strung with Winex Ti-80 at 23lbs.

Weight: 89g (this racket also comes in 91g and 93g)

Grip: probably a G3 but I added another overgrip onto it.

String: Winex Ti-80 - 0.70mm, should have similar characteristics to BG-70 Pro.

Balance: with the addition of overgrip, it became a bit head-light.

Head shape: oval

Stiffness: stiff

length: regular (665mm)

Color/style: light green with silver metallic transition at shaft. Looks quite good.

As shown on the bbesports webpage, most of SOTX's line of rackets are in the 300RMB to 600RMB range, or roughly between 50 CAD and 100 CAD.

Overall, the racket felt quite robust and sturdy. I took several swings with a shuttle in house and it felt quite powerful. Control was good as well.

Definitely an alternative brand for me to look into again in the future as it's much cheaper than Yonex but still offers great value.

BTW, both LB and I obtained rackets from WWC.

Originally posted by double
Only 8080+ pic available, no 5083 & Woven 4a.:mad:

according to the web info, 8080+ is 4u while 8080 has 3u and 4u version.

can the spec be seen on the rackets?

how much do the rackets cost?

are you directly ordered from bbe?

Thanks!:cool:

1. I got my racket from "Winex West Can". Very nice person to deal with, very helpful. You can obtain more information from him, as well as price quote.

2. I believe pics are available for all 3 rackets. The links either in the big index table, or "hide" within the spec.

3. I don't think the spec being easily find on the racket. However, when I took off the original grip from 8080+, I can find the spec (a sticker) on the wooden handle.

4. I believe my 8080+ is more like a 3U version, since it should be 85-86 gram range.

Originally posted by LazyBuddy
One thing is a little bit weired: This racket comes strung using 1-piece (2 knots) method. However, the frame is a little bit wider (fatter) than most of my other rackets. Therefore, about .3-.5 cm shorter in length, and .3 cm wider (fatter) in width for the head. Maybe just this racket was strung using a totally different string machine (6 pt vs my 2pt?), and much higher tension (25 vs 20-22 as I do). I don't really worry about it, but I will double check after some "break in" time.

After thinking about this issue, I decide not to risk it.

Therefore, cut the string, and going to re-string it with either B505Ti or BG68Ti tonight around 22*24.

Hope this will solve the problem. Also noticed, even without string, 8080+ head frame still a little bit wider than other racket (SOTX models, too), however, not as sig. as stated above.

Will update this asap.

Hi LB & Hugo,
Good to hear that the racquet(s) all got there safely.

The SOTX Woven 4A and the STB-5083 are isometric head frame whereas the STB-8080+ is oval. I do find the SOTX oval head frame to be a little fatter than the traditional oval head frame from Yonex.

The specs of the racquets should be documented on the sticker on the plastic of the handle. It shows the exact weight and balance point (from the handle end) of the racquet.

The prices shown on BBE Sports are China domestic prices and I am told not available to customers outside of China (unless you bought them in person in China).

Originally posted by Winex West Can
I do find the SOTX oval head frame to be a little fatter than the traditional oval head frame from Yonex.



Agree. Just wonder, u compare the frame without string or the ones with string? Maybe due to different string method / machine (# of support), the ones with string might not be 100% accurate??? :D

Just re-string 8080+ with 2 piece (4knots) method with B505Ti. Even with a little bit extra tension on the cross, the frame was still a little bit wider than other oval rackets. However, not as sig. as before.

Another notice, 8080+ seems designed for 1-piece method. Why? Because if using 2-piece, I will have a hard time to find an extra big gromment to make a knot. Therefore, I have to settle down for 3 knots (1 gromment has double knots, 1 for main, 1 for cross).

Anyway, can't wait for some real action on sat.

Run this by me again, you bought three racquets, sight unseen and without testing them?

Originally posted by Pecheur
Run this by me again, you bought three racquets, sight unseen and without testing them?

I agree it's a little bit risky.

However, before spending $$$, I carefully read the spec, and asked so many questions to WWC (hope he won't refuse to do business with me anymore, :D ). Plus, the deal is amazing, with additional 10% and free shipping, I just can't resist myself to give up a potential gem.

The total I paid for all 3 rackets, are less than the price of any 2 top Yonex models. Too hard to make a choice, and let the treasure slip away.

LB,
I checked an unstrung oval-head SOTX racquet against the one that was strung at the factory and you were right, the strung racquet is fatter and a little bit pointed.

No problems with all the questions (that's good common sense and buyer's awareness). As per Pecheur's concerns, they are valid as we have seen with so make fakes for sale on eBay recently and also with the current hoopla with disillusion between some BF sellers/buyers (as evident from the sticky that Kwun put up in Market Place).

Originally posted by Winex West Can
LB,
As per Pecheur's concerns, they are valid as we have seen with so make fakes for sale on eBay recently and also with the current hoopla with disillusion between some BF sellers/buyers (as evident from the sticky that Kwun put up in Market Place).

No I wasn't concerned about them being fake, I'm just shocked that he was prepared to buy three racquets that he'd never tried before, I mean what if in the end he didn't like them? Nothing personal against SOTX, but it's not like they'd have the resale value of barely used Yonex racquets (rightly or wrongly, not getting into that :P)

Originally posted by Pecheur
No I wasn't concerned about them being fake, I'm just shocked that he was prepared to buy three racquets that he'd never tried before, I mean what if in the end he didn't like them? Nothing personal against SOTX, but it's not like they'd have the resale value of barely used Yonex racquets (rightly or wrongly, not getting into that :P)

I agree with u. And, yeah, I have to think a lot of potential "risks" before spending $$$. WWC knows how many questions I asked, before the deal went through. Many many thnx to him, for such wonderful services.

Here are my general thoughts / concern before buying racket:

1. Carefully read the spec and available reviews.

2. Ask questions to sellers: mostly focus on balance, stiffness, and weight. If these 3 fit in my range, I really don't think it could be too much a problem.

3. If possible, let the seller make a comparision with popular models (Yonex, Winex, etc)

4. See whether the price worth to take a "gamble" or not. Most time, the price for alternate brands are like 50% or even more less than Yonex models, definitely worth to take a shot, if u have several $$$.

First "real" review:

String: Gosen B505Ti (Roots Ti) @ 22*24 lb

Power: Decent power. Sorta of similar with my Babolat Satellite Synchro, but with more stiffness. Therefore, should be better "potential" (ok ok, I will train my arm strength). One big bonus is my back court clear is higher and longer.

Control: just run out of word, but amazing. The stiffness is right in my range (med. stiff), and I think the control is like Yangyang Tactic 8500 or Cab20MS (3u), but I don't need to sacrifies the power.

Speed: With weight of 3u (86g), and med. stiff shaft, the swing speed is just a little bit slower than Synchro, but not too much. Still provide way enough characters to let my net game stands.

Overall: It's a combo of good things of Synchro and cab20ms (ok ok, don't know too much other models), with much cheaper price against either one of them. Totally worth the $$$. And it will be my #1 choice for at least a while.

LB, was that review of the 8080+?

I played with the Woven 4A for several hours and here's what I came away from it:

STRING: Winex Ti-80 @ 23lbs.

POWER: It felt very powerful after I got my timing correct and was able to hit the shuttle square on. Several times, I blew the shuttle right past my dad's defense (he has a good defense BTW). However, I had to exert more force and emphasize a greater swing to generate the power smashes as this racket is getting in the 90g+ range with grips and strings (it is 89g concrete weight). Clears were quite easy to do also.
Overall, it has great power if hit correctly and is more powerful than my Forza Ti-Tech 500 (Yeah, I don't have too many useful rackets aside from these two).

CONTROL: It offers good control but I would definitely say the racket is geared more towards power than control. I didn't focus too much on control cuz was too busy smashing away!

SPEED/MANEUVERABILITY: Once again, this racket is getting in the 2U range with everything applied. It required great force to generate fast swing speed maneuverability was modest.

OVERALL: It's more geared towards Singles Players and offers more power than control. I would definitely go with SOTX in the future due to their lower prices and high value. Also, this racket had a 400 days guarantee. I'd recommend buying them.

Originally posted by Hugo
LB, was that review of the 8080+?



Yeah. The review is for 8080+. Sorry about the confusion.

Just re-strung th Woven 4a, too, and will post review after try it out in next week.

Originally posted by Hugo

POWER: It felt very powerful after I got my timing correct and was able to hit the shuttle square on. Several times, I blew the shuttle right past my dad's defense (he has a good defense BTW). However, I had to exert more force and emphasize a greater swing to generate the power smashes as this racket is getting in the 90g+ range with grips and strings (it is 89g concrete weight). Clears were quite easy to do also.
Overall, it has great power if hit correctly and is more powerful than my Forza Ti-Tech 500 (Yeah, I don't have too many useful rackets aside from these two).

CONTROL: It offers good control but I would definitely say the racket is geared more towards power than control. I didn't focus too much on control cuz was too busy smashing away!

SPEED/MANEUVERABILITY: Once again, this racket is getting in the 2U range with everything applied. It required great force to generate fast swing speed maneuverability was modest.

OVERALL: It's more geared towards Singles Players and offers more power than control. I would definitely go with SOTX in the future due to their lower prices and high value. Also, this racket had a 400 days guarantee. I'd recommend buying them.

Tried my Woven 4A last night. 88gram, long shaft, B505Ti @21*23. Generally agree with Hugo's review. Here is mine:

Power: Definitely a powerful racket. With ISO head, med stiff ---> stiff shaft, and a littel bit head heaviness, this racket can generate such a lot of power. I was not known for power in my club, but the 1st 2 games, several players including myself have noticed the change in my smash and clear.

Control: Control is decent. Drop are still accurate, when I hold the racket more upward, almost to the cone area.

Speed: Compare to my balanced / head light collections, this is the major draw back. With it's head heaviness, quick swing could not be attempted as easily as before. However, once I got used to it, the speed is still reasonable enough to get the necessary blocks. Just tired out my wrist easier and faster.

Overall: Agree with Hugo. This is more like a single racket to me. Or, if I have to play the back role for doubles. Definitely fit for ppl who prefer power over control. It's a head heavy version of Cab20ms for me.

Note: Switched back to 8080+ after 2 hrs. With the huge difference between these 2 rackets, my next 2 games with 8080+ became nightmare. Tons of off center hit, and unforced errors. After another 2 games, finally got my feeling back... Therefore, strongly recommand, never switch between 8080+ and Woven 4A within games.

After about 50 hrs of playing time on 8080+, here's my 2nd review on this racket:

Recently re-string with Winex Ti80 (similar as BG65Ti) @ 23*25 lb.

Power: Seems the power dept. gets a bonus. Could be the string, or plus getting more used to this racket. I was not known as a powerful smash, but now days, can give a little bit trouble for others in "power play" as well.

Control: Still good feeling. Angel are sharp, and net play are decent. Right after re-string, the drive is a little bit too powerful. However, after adjust to it, the line drive is nice and accurate again.

Speed: Still same as before. Quick enough for double games (net).

Overall: Feel even more confident than 1.5 months ago. Currently, my #1 choice in bag. The only bad thing is, several paint chip due to minor clashes. :(

Totally worth the $$$ I spent. Will try to recommend WWC to get this one on his "import list". :D

Hi, guys

had anyone used Woven-6 before ?

it seems quite like 8080+ in parameters,
and the technical support of sotx told me
that 8080+ has more power whereas
Woven-6 has better feelings( dind't say
what kind of feelings).

any one has experience?

Woven-6 is very light and quite flexible, it has very good defensive capabilities and control in placements of drops and net play, however it is difficult to control attack with a light flexible racket. By the way the sotx 65ti string is a superb string, made my net play more control straight away. it also has very good power, howeever the durability, alledgedly is not good although mine shows no sign of wear yet.

Originally posted by jamesd20
By the way the sotx 65ti string is a superb string, made my net play more control straight away. it also has very good power, howeever the durability, alledgedly is not good although mine shows no sign of wear yet.

James,

Are u talking about the 0.65mm string? I was really worried about its durability when I was reading its spec. Yonex BG66 (0.66mm) strings could snaps within a week or two, and that happens quite often in my club.

Wondering how long the SOTX 0.65 ones can last. Please keep me updated, if u have such a chance.

Ye, I am talking about that string, strung it at 24lbs, 2 weeks ago, play around 12hours a week. Think about it 24hours a day:D They say that for there professionals, it will last around 40 hours therefore I believe for me hitting with less ferocity or slicing, and less tension it should last around 100 hours, maybe two months, for the pleasure it gives to play with it, and the cheap price (around 4-5GBP or 8-9 dollars) and the fact i string it myself, it is ebough for my needs, will let you know about further developments, eg creep, breaking, as an when it occurs.

Thanks alot

the sotx ti65string is too weak i think,
i had only played with it for 12hours
before it got broken.

Originally posted by jamesd20
Woven-6 is very light and quite flexible, it has very good defensive capabilities and control in placements of drops and net play, however it is difficult to control attack with a light flexible racket.

Woven 6 is flex??? I thought according the spec, Woven 6 and 8080+ are in the same range for stiffness.

Woven series of Sotx are all quite flexible in shaft,
maybe because of the material -- the most stiff ones
are still less stiff than normal rackets.

i think the fact that weaving carbon makes it stronger (more durable) but less stiff (more flexible) is what's affecting that.

Actually, the specifications of SOTX rackets published on their Web site are very confusing imo, because they have so many series and each series has racket with similar characteristics as others.

Fortunately, I've the chance to actually tried some of these rackets "physically". I've bought the Woven 7 endup and feel very satisfied about this racket. In fact, after playing it for few times, I've switched to this racket from my old favorite MP90 3U (at least in last few weeks, will decide rather to switch away from MP90 'permanently' after a few more weeks).

Woven 7 is a light racket. There is no label about its weight but I would say it is somewhat in between 3U and 2U (towards more the 3U side). It is a stiff racket and designed for offensive racket. The racket gives very good manuverability and control, but at the same time, is very powerful as well. Imo, it is very well balance racket and it may suit you if you are an offensive player and is looking a well balanced racket. In compare with MP90 3U, MP90 is probably even more manuverable and it is not powerful enough.

isn't there a 5u version of the 8080?

Originally posted by LazyBuddy
After thinking about this issue, I decide not to risk it.

Therefore, cut the string, and going to re-string it with either B505Ti or BG68Ti tonight around 22*24.

Hope this will solve the problem. Also noticed, even without string, 8080+ head frame still a little bit wider than other racket (SOTX models, too), however, not as sig. as stated above.

Will update this asap.

Is there any danger to cut string at 25 lbs? or is there some method to cut it safely?
I never know about B505Ti. Can you give a short spec about it?
Thx in advance.

Marc

Originally posted by MarcRafles
Is there any danger to cut string at 25 lbs? or is there some method to cut it safely?
I never know about B505Ti. Can you give a short spec about it?
Thx in advance.

Marc

Hey Marc,

http://www.badmintonforum.com/vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=8334&highlight=how+to+cut+strings

Originally posted by MarcRafles
Is there any danger to cut string at 25 lbs? or is there some method to cut it safely?
I never know about B505Ti. Can you give a short spec about it?


1. Personally, I will cut the string right after it snaps. Generally, I start in the middle and move to the sides (alternately). If possible, cut on the "intesection" points of main and cross, this way, u release force more evenly. At least, I think so. ;)

2. As for B505Ti. It's Gosen B505Ti, I think the name is Gosen Roots Ti. It's 0.68mm and tend to a little bit slippery due to the Ti "coating". I think this string has different feeling vs any other Yonex strings. Hard to describ, not say any better or worse, just different. Power is good, and control might give u a little bit trouble as "different feeling", but once u get used to it, it's decent. Not an outstanding string in performance, but an excellent alternate choice, as I can get it for fairly cheap price. (US $3.5 vs BG 65 - US$5, BG65TI - US$6.5, BG68Ti - US$7, BG85 - US$8+, etc)

ok i know this is and old thread but i am looking for an oval head racket . and this racket sound very promising ,

i found one in china and one in US they price is 50 % diffrence but i am worry that china one is a fake racket....

so i go with the one in the US ?

by the way is the pre strung string any good ?

Thanks alot

Hi Alexkho, I live in Europe. I got informed from the reseller of SOTX, that the SOTX price in Europe is much higher than in China (SOTX), because the import tax and delivery cost are high (about 30%). The reseller has to get profit as well. So the price in Europe is about 50% higher than in China.

If you can get the racket directly from SOTX manufacturer with lower price than in your country, you do not need to be worry. If you get from other (re)seller in China, it could be fake.

Marc

thanks for the advice .. i will save up some money and get the SOTX 8080+ later .... i just bought a CAB30M for 119 dollar ....... so this 8080+ just will be a backup racket ... if i really buy it ....




Alex

SOTX is getting popular, but not to a point of having tons of fakes yet. ;) Therefore, if you can purchase it from a reputable shop in China, you indeed save some $$$. However, whether worth it after all the S/H, waiting and possible duty tax, it's your call.

8080+ is a very good racket, but I am not sure how easily you can switch in between 8080+ with cab30ms. Cab30ms is stiffer and longer, therefore, you might need some adjusting period if you want to switch. ;)

kind of off topic here...

but do you think i should get the SOTX 8080+

I have a CAB30MS , TI10 and CAB8TI Limited in my bag now.

I bought it ... ... 49.99 ..... i guess it would be nice to have spare for a guest to use in my bag ..... i sure know how to spend money ~:(

ok after 11 days the racket arrive ... 8080+ !!!! and it' useless ...... the prestrung string was no where near 23lb stated on the webapage ..... the string sound like the string on a cheap steel racket you buy form walmart ......

now i have to find a stringer to help me string it ..... i think i need to wait for another 2 weeks till i can get someone to string it for me ... how sad is that .....

look like my carbonex 8TI SP but with a bigger T joint . how i wish i can test it .. soon........

Here some photo of it ! Question Should i string this baby at 25lbs with BG65 ?
Or there is other string that is more suited for this racket?

If you don't like the string comes with it, cut it and re-string it. For brand new ones, I think 25lb should be no problem. However, the same approach (my own preference) is no more than 23lb on the 1st try, unless you are very used to 25lb tension previously.

Other string I recommend is BG80. ;)

well the string it come with have no tention at all ....
i was thinking of stringing it at 25 because there is not stringer here...
i have to wait for a friend that come down to my place in order to string it
25lb string might be 23 by the time i get to play it ...

well ask if he has bg80

Nice English .... for the US Market :P

Damae dur .....