Please help in choosing a racket

[manabu]

Hi all, I'm new 2 this page and has currently broke 2 of my rackets, now looking forward to get something new from Yonex/Winex to improve my gameplay. I'm preparing to buy a "couple" during my trip to HK in 10 days time and would be grateful if any of you pros out there that can give me a nice "hand"in choosing my *ideal* racket, I have in my mind MP100, MP99, Ti 10 (another one!?) AT700, AT500 and any Winex rackets that you guys recommend.

I play about ~12 hrs a week and consider myself to be a "weak" smasher so it usually takes me a while 2 "grind off" my opponent although I do play aggressively... Therefore in pursuit of a new racket which can improve my smashes. I'm currently using a Ti 10 (~20lbs BG 65), snapped a couple slim 10s (~22lbs BG66) and just snapped a Winex Ti 8 (~21lbs Microlegend).

Thanks in advance to you all helping out~

Manabu

[wunderbar]

I think it really depends on your own preference and it would easier for you to decide if you know of anyone that would have an AT500 or AT700..etc. What exactly did you mean when you said you have a weak smash? Did you mean weak wrist or arm? I myself get tired of smashing so I generally go for a lighter racquet and avoid the heavier heads like Ti-10. This allows me to play a longer rally. I would suggest trying out the Yonex Ti-7 Light or even the Winex MP-100 (Mp-200 was kinda of heavier at the head and didn't suite my play). I use a JooBong T-Jeibee 700(Muscle) as my main racquet now. Its light as well and gives me decent power and control. Like I said, I think the best would be if you could try out the racquet. I bought a few in the past and ended up selling one and keeping one as a backup. I don't like paying a lot for a racquet so I would suggest getting a mid-range racquet (i.e. no real need for the latest and greatest..probably better to spend that money on membership or training).

[wunderbar]

Oops..I meant Winex MM-100 ..MM-200. Hope WWC doesn't see this post..haaa..

[manabu]

What exactly did you mean when you said you have a weak smash? Did you mean weak wrist or arm?

yeah, weaker wrist ... so I was thinking about changing my racket to something like head heavy ones but my coach said not everybody can play with 23+lbs using those rackets, so I'm now looking for some alternatives so a badminton player (like me!) without a lot of strenth can improve their games simply by having some decent stronger smashes.

Sorry about the confusing statement Wunderbar~

manabu

[LazyBuddy]

Originally posted by manabu
yeah, weaker wrist ... so I was thinking about changing my racket to something like head heavy ones

I am not really sure. If u have weak wrist, don't u think the head heavy racket might be more trouble for u to generate decent swing?

Personally, if u have weak wrist / arm, I prefer going to take a shot at a balanced racket rather than head heavy ones. Also, the stiffness of the racket (shaft) should not be too high. Med stiff or med flex should be easier to generate power.

[wunderbar]

I agree. You should get something that is balanced or head light. Especially if you play more doubles games then you really don't need all that much power. Its better to have the quick swing speed. The only way you will get a harder smash is to work on strenghtening your wrist/forearm. You can get one of those exercise things (kind of in the shape of a can opener) and just squeeze it while you have spare time like when you are watching TV. You'll probably get tired too quickly trying to use a head heavy racquet and your reaction time will be slow as it takes more strength to swing a head heavy racquet. I would worry too much about having a hard smash...you could also work on defense to counter your weakness.

[Winex West Can]

Manabu,
Wow! How did you managed to break your racquets?? In my years of playing, I have only managed to break one racquet.

Anyhow, for Winex racquets, there are several choices:
a) Mighty Muscle 90 (head light)
b) Mighty Muscle 100 (even balanced)
c) Ti Swing Power SS (even) or SA (light)
d) Mighty Muscle 99 (actually I don't know if this one is even or head light)

There are more models and I suspect that the HK retailers will probably have more Winex models.

[manabu]

How did you managed to break your racquets??

Oh... I think the tension (~21lbs Microlengend) was too much for my winex Ti-8 to handle when I smashed it dead right in the sweet spot, my racket actually broke into 3 pieces. Making the matter worse was that the racket has just been restrung for a week.

Too bad I've dumped it straight away or I could've done some little experiments to my Ti-8 n see if Winex really did put in some titanium or not...

[manabu]

Thx Lazybuddy, hey u r not lazy at all !!! at least u could be bothered to give me a nice and useful reply~

Should I choose a Winex or Yonex or both b'cause I will be getting a couple this time allowing a few back ups (I suppose HK badminton retailers are more generous on price!?) I assume one can get 3 Winex rackets for the price of 2 Yonex rackets... but the quality of the finishes for Winex rackets (based on my only Ti-8 of winex) is kinda a little bit rough in my opinion... awwww~~ I dunno wat to get...

[Winex West Can]

Originally posted by manabu
Oh... I think the tension (~21lbs Microlengend) was too much for my winex Ti-8 to handle when I smashed it dead right in the sweet spot, my racket actually broke into 3 pieces. Making the matter worse was that the racket has just been restrung for a week.

Too bad I've dumped it straight away or I could've done some little experiments to my Ti-8 n see if Winex really did put in some titanium or not...

Interesting...I have MM200, MM100, MM90, Ti Swing Power SS, SQ-600 all strung at 25 lbs with no problems at all.

[manabu]

yeah... it was true and I was so surprised when it snapped... My friends saw it and thought I hit it against a wall~

[manabu]

btw... there were already cracks (or missing first surface layer of graphite size of a finger nail to be precise...) previously after surviving a few clashes of rackets in doubles...

so to be fair I can't blame Winex for this...

[LazyBuddy]

Originally posted by manabu
btw... there were already cracks (or missing first surface layer of graphite size of a finger nail to be precise...) previously after surviving a few clashes of rackets in doubles...


I assume this should be the major reason. Once a racket gets a pretty bad "interal" crack, its ability of handling high tension will be greatly decreased.

Agree with WWC, I have a MM90 strung with 22*24 lb. After half a yr of purchasing, still rocks. The quality of Winex is not anywhere worse than Yonex according to my own experience (as well as several other users in my club).

Personally, I will take a shot at Winex racket rather than Yonex. Seems u can get into clashes in double games quite often, never want to risk a higher price racket in such situations.

btw, for the "lazy vs not lazy" issue, well, I get this nickname not because of badminton, but for most other activities besides this... heheheheh... :D

[cooler]

thanks for clearing this up lazybud. I always wonder who would play MD or XD with a guy called lazybuddy.;)

[wunderbar]

B]but the quality of the finishes for Winex rackets (based on my only Ti-8 of winex) is kinda a little bit rough in my opinion..[/B]
Actually, the MM100 and MM200 has a better finish than the MM90 IMO. You should check it out.

[LazyBuddy]

Originally posted by cooler
I always wonder who would play MD or XD with a guy called lazybuddy.;)

Lol...

1st, politely ask for a game. If they refuse, I will force them to get onto court...

j/k... sorry to be a little bit off topic.