Hi all,
Have recently borrowed a MP88 from local dealer to demo, and am very impressed with how it plays for me. I was testing what the dealer said was the 2004 4U model of the racquet which is blue.

He has one remaining MP88 of last years model in stock which he is willing to sell to me at 25% off. He says the only difference is the colour (the old model is red) and the new one is slightly stiffer. I was at first thinking he was wrong and both were current models but the red one was the 3U version. Upon checking today I found it is infact a 4U too.

As it is his last one and I cant test it, I was wondering if anyone knows exactly to what extent the new one is stiffer, and any if there are in fact any other differences? I can't seem to find this information on Yonex's or other sites with respect to the new 2004 models.

Cheers http://www.badmintonforum.com/vb/images/smilies/wink.gif

- they come in both 3U and 4U
- no internal change between 03 and 04 models for respective weight class
- try asking for more discount ;)

They are exactly the same thing, but the color is different.

Lots of people think there are differences in stiffness just because they believe in so, there is no actual proof on paper. However, Yonex said they are the same on the paper by the stiffness numbers on the Yonex-JP catalog. So, the rumor is not correct.

If performance is different, I am sure Yonex will just rather call it a different name/series because they can always get more money on new rackets with new names and lots of consumers are biased on "newer things are better."

I've not much experience, but last I played, my '03 felt identical to my friend's '04 MP88 (both brand new, unwrapped the shrink wrap from the grip same time even)

i'd say take advantage of that 25% off deal

Thanks guys!

Will indeed try and push for more discount on the 2003 model as have seen the 2004 model on the web for the same price as the discounted 2003 one today.

Would feel a bit guity not getting one from the local dealer as I have just demoed 3 of his racquets and he only has a small business, but hey...