Mandarin Club in Toronto Feedback

[RSX]

Hello everyone,

The previous thread (New Club in TO) is getting quite long, and since the club has been open for a while now, thought I would start a new one focussing on feedback.

I am contemplating joining with a friend of mine, but before I put out that kind of $$, I want to ensure I will make use of the club. I dropped in over the w/end to check out the facilities and they definately seem quite impressive. Can't say for certain as I didn't play there, but I'm not really concerened about the facility itself.

I do have a few questions for anyone who plays there:

--> What is the atmosphere like ? I would generally be going weekday evenings, and my friend and I are intermediate level players. Do people come in groups to play, or do they just mix up with the players there (like a drop-in format)?

--> Is it crowded in the evenings ?

--> I had considered joining Lee's in the past, but found it too cliquey. Is there a good mix of members at Mandarin ?

--> Do people play with feather birds only or nylon as well ?

--> Is the dress code (I believe I was told 70 or 80% white clothing) enforced ?

--> Do they have a trial membership where those considering joining could try it out for a week or two before deciding ?

--> Finally, just wondering how many people on BF are members or are considering joining.

Any info is much appreciated ... THANKS !!!

[wukenne]

--> What is the atmosphere like ? I would generally be going weekday evenings, and my friend and I are intermediate level players. Do people come in groups to play, or do they just mix up with the players there (like a drop-in format)?

More like drop in format...although people tend to play in groups. Similiar to the Rosemount crowd. Although there is a 20 minute time limit on court during busy hours (7pm till close)

--> Is it crowded in the evenings ?

As far as I can tell, Tuesday and Friday evenings are pretty busy. Although there is training on Tuesday until 8 PM which might help explain why it's busier on Tuesday night.

--> I had considered joining Lee's in the past, but found it too cliquey. Is there a good mix of members at Mandarin ?

Pretty good mix so far. Although u should recognize most of the people that play there currently....mostly ex-SBA players from Bethune, Agincourt, L'Amor, etc.

--> Do people play with feather birds only or nylon as well ?

100% feather so far. Yet to see any nylon around although I'm sure people will play if you ask, but I don't think there's any rules on this.

--> Is the dress code (I believe I was told 70 or 80% white clothing) enforced ?

Yes. Enforced.

--> Do they have a trial membership where those considering joining could try it out for a week or two before deciding ?

Not that I know of...although you can use the guest fee twice a month to try it out.

--> Finally, just wondering how many people on BF are members or are considering joining.

Well I'm not sure of the BF players, but like I said previously, you'll know a least 5-6 people there...we're all ex-Agincourters. :)

[n_0163]

--> What is the atmosphere like ? I would generally be going weekday evenings, and my friend and I are intermediate level players. Do people come in groups to play, or do they just mix up with the players there (like a drop-in format)?

Most people play drop in They;ll come in groups of 3 or 4 and will rotate with anyone avalible to get the best possible game. There are generallly alot of intermediate players so I think youre ok.

--> Is it crowded in the evenings ?
Like wukenne said Tuedays and Fridays are always extra busy but almost everyday theyll be someone to play with if you drop in.

--> I had considered joining Lee's in the past, but found it too cliquey. Is there a good mix of members at Mandarin ?

Mandarin has an excellent mix of players who will basiclaly play with anyone. THere are generally no cliques and all people are fairly open to everyone else.

--> What is the atmosphere like ? I would generally be going weekday evenings, and my friend and I are intermediate level players. Do people come in groups to play, or do they just mix up with the players there (like a drop-in format)?

More like drop in format...although people tend to play in groups. Similiar to the Rosemount crowd. Although there is a 20 minute time limit on court during busy hours (7pm till close)

--> Is it crowded in the evenings ?

As far as I can tell, Tuesday and Friday evenings are pretty busy. Although there is training on Tuesday until 8 PM which might help explain why it's busier on Tuesday night.

--> I had considered joining Lee's in the past, but found it too cliquey. Is there a good mix of members at Mandarin ?

Pretty good mix so far. Although u should recognize most of the people that play there currently....mostly ex-SBA players from Bethune, Agincourt, L'Amor, etc.

--> Do people play with feather birds only or nylon as well ?

Feather is the name of the game. Almost 100% feather tho i have seen about a dozen times, people playing with nylon

--> Is the dress code (I believe I was told 70 or 80% white clothing) enforced ?

Strictly Enforced. The Dress Code just to verify is 85% White Shirt, with Solid COloured Shorts (some strips down the side are acceptalble)

--> Do they have a trial membership where those considering joining could try it out for a week or two before deciding ?

No. Best Choice would be to get a member to bring you in on a Guest Fee.

--> Finally, just wondering how many people on BF are members or are considering joining.

I dont know whos considering?..but for sure there are Nsmash, me, reaper, Nanashi, jechan, jus_anothr_grl, and some others I cant think of the top of my head.

[RSX]

Thanks for the responses. Good to know some ex-Agincourters are there ... I'll probably join in September.