Just received few Prototype Test Racket's. I won't mention the brand but its our favourite brand. :) . Will post the review's once the test and impression's been done.

Watch out for it soon.

Ants, you have the privilege of the few, I envy you. Do you feel like a pro (badminton player) testing out all the new gear? :D

Ants, you have the privilege of the few, I envy you. Do you feel like a pro (badminton player) testing out all the new gear? :D

Pro Tester..but not Pro as a player ;) Just joking.

Pro Tester..but not Pro as a player ;) Just joking.

You mind posting a picture of it?:D And what is (the brand) up to now?

You mind posting a picture of it?:D And what is (the brand) up to now?

I've just Sent you a Pm

I've just Sent you a Pm

Can you at least reveal when will they mass produce this?

:D

Can you at least reveal when will they mass produce this?

:D
HAHA Ants is now our spy...I mean official liason office with the "preferred brand" ;)

Do you tihnk you can send me some photos too? Im curious :)

You might hear this alot, but would you mind sending me some photos as well please?:confused:

IF and only IF you have free time... Wanna send me some too? :rolleyes:

If you don't wanna reveal the brand, scratch the brand out on the pic. That's fine with me :)

its our favourite brand. :)

You got the new Wilson!!! YESSSSSSSSSSS ;)

It must be the new wilson super hammer!

According to the current BADMINTON England (http://www.badmintonengland.co.uk/) poll, Wilson is the most popular racket brand, with 64% of the market. Yonex manages only 20%.

Hmmm..... ;)

Can you at least reveal when will they mass produce this?

:D


It may or may not be out in the market. ;)

According to the current BADMINTON England (http://www.badmintonengland.co.uk/) poll, Wilson is the most popular racket brand, with 64% of the market. Yonex manages only 20%.

Hmmm..... ;)

64% of the people who visited that site and voted ;), not of the british market

One guy at my club brings lots of racquets down. Some of them have no brand name on them. Sometimes I try them out (from curiosity).

Can't give anybody any feedback becuase I never know if the racquets go into mass production!

Hi ants, mind if sending me the pics too:confused: i wanna know wat brand isit. Thank You!!!:p

Hey Ants, Would you mind sending them to me aswell? i know this must be a burden for you and all, but you are doing great things for this BC community!!

Sorry guys no pics allowed.

So Ants, how are the rackets going?

So Ants, how are the rackets going?

Good.. will post reviews soon.

Proto A
Strung at 28cross and 26main.
String type : Gosen Pro66. I was given 2 packs of Japanese strings which was recommended with the racket. But i would prefer to do the initial testing with my fav string.

Initial First Impressions ( cosmetics ):

This racket indeed look sharp and nice. Since i cant say much about it... i will just leave it at it is.

Warmups impressions :
Maybe its the fresh strings.. but the baseline drives are easy and crisps!. Control wise is great as well. There are few times i mishit trying to get the timing. ( Sometimes i think if i test too many rackets , my game will go haywire ).

Game Time Impressions:

I was suprise that despite the racket is even balance.. more to head heavy sice.. the manuverbility is good. In terms of Smashes , the power is already there. If i do put more effort on it , it can be a killer. Netplay is just alright , reminds me of AT800. Have to put a little more effort on it. One good thing i like about this racket is the control and defence. Sometimes its hard to control the shuttle when you are retreiving smashes. But i can feel where i want the shuttle to go when i return it.


Pros : Control , Power and Feel ( FEEL can be also determined by the string i use. )
Cons : Slight vibration felt.

Suitability : Intermediate - Advance Single/Doubles players.


Proto A Impressions is still at its infant stage. Since I'm still adapting to the new NS8000. There will be plus minus in the reviews that i give.
I will add more if i have new findings about this Proto A once i'm used to it.

Next up.... Proto B

Well, I guess we can surmise that it isnt a Yonex since it stands to reason that they would recommend Yonex string to go with it had it been made by YY.

Well, I guess we can surmise that it isnt a Yonex since it stands to reason that they would recommend Yonex string to go with it had it been made by YY.

Btw Gosen Pr0 66 is my own strings. ;) . Btw YY also a Japanese strings right?
Same goes to Gosen as well. Way to go Japanese Strings.

Btw Gosen Pr0 66 is my own strings. ;) . Btw YY also a Japanese strings right?
Same goes to Gosen as well. Way to go Japanese Strings.


AHH! I stand corrected! I missed the nuance of that.

Ants, do you know who is YY's OEM string provider?

hi ants,



when will we get your review? I'm looking forward for this.:D


:D :D

This is dated June 2005 from the other thread.
http://www.badmintoncentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=24445&highlight=prototype

ProtoType Racket Test Review ( Proto B )

Sorry for the late review of the rackets, have been busy and in a way recuperating from an injury.

To test the Proto B , i've used BG66 Sharp which was provided. Still have a 2 packs of BG65Power which i didnt manage to use.

Tension 27lbs Main and 29lbs cross.
Shuttle in use : AS-50

Technical Specs : All i can reveal is that this racket is head heavy racket, extra Stiff. Can't reveal what technology this racket has ( sorry guys ).

Warm-up Session:
The racket feels solid upon shuttle impact. Didnt really feel any vibrations.
I don't have any problem adapting to this racket. I dont have any problem controlling the directions if shuttle and the timing ( which i like very much ).

Game Time Impression:
Precision! This is what i like to call this racket. Maybe its just me since i can really feel where i want the shuttle to go. In terms of drives and smashes, this racket provide the extra edge and power. Return serve is good since you can manurver the racket comparatively easy which suprise me since its a head heavy racket. Even it is quoted as extra stiff, but i can feel its whips!
So what can i say about Power generated by this racket? I would rate it 9.5/10. The sound and the smash just put me in a state of oblivion. The power generated by it is awesome! I can sense that there will be another broken record if the Pros use this.

Sensitive! Is another word i would like to describe about this racket. Why? The swing and the touch is just so smooth that netplays and drops seems so effortless! It is sensitive to your touch. The feel and the direction is just there.

What can i say about DEFENCE? Hmmm the racket reaction is slighly slower than what i've expected. But which it also depend on the player.
However it is good enough for me. In racket terms my rating for defence is 8/10.


Pros : I like the manuverbility of this racket despite its head heavy. Power and feel!

Cons: Not much except for Defence. Hmmm i don't know about the price since this will be another high-end Racket!

Suitablility : Advance/Intermediate and Pros. Singles/Doubles racket.

I just love this racket. I'm praying for a free new one after i've done my part.

Will have of 2 protos coming in next week. Will give some impression once i try it.

This is dated June 2005 from the other thread.
http://www.badmintoncentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=24445&highlight=prototype

ProtoType Racket Test Review ( Proto B )

Sorry for the late review of the rackets, have been busy and in a way recuperating from an injury.

To test the Proto B , i've used BG66 Sharp which was provided. Still have a 2 packs of BG65Power which i didnt manage to use.

Tension 27lbs Main and 29lbs cross.
Shuttle in use : AS-50

Technical Specs : All i can reveal is that this racket is head heavy racket, extra Stiff. Can't reveal what technology this racket has ( sorry guys ).

Warm-up Session:
The racket feels solid upon shuttle impact. Didnt really feel any vibrations.
I don't have any problem adapting to this racket. I dont have any problem controlling the directions if shuttle and the timing ( which i like very much ).

Game Time Impression:
Precision! This is what i like to call this racket. Maybe its just me since i can really feel where i want the shuttle to go. In terms of drives and smashes, this racket provide the extra edge and power. Return serve is good since you can manurver the racket comparatively easy which suprise me since its a head heavy racket. Even it is quoted as extra stiff, but i can feel its whips!
So what can i say about Power generated by this racket? I would rate it 9.5/10. The sound and the smash just put me in a state of oblivion. The power generated by it is awesome! I can sense that there will be another broken record if the Pros use this.

Sensitive! Is another word i would like to describe about this racket. Why? The swing and the touch is just so smooth that netplays and drops seems so effortless! It is sensitive to your touch. The feel and the direction is just there.

What can i say about DEFENCE? Hmmm the racket reaction is slighly slower than what i've expected. But which it also depend on the player.
However it is good enough for me. In racket terms my rating for defence is 8/10.


Pros : I like the manuverbility of this racket despite its head heavy. Power and feel!

Cons: Not much except for Defence. Hmmm i don't know about the price since this will be another high-end Racket!

Suitablility : Advance/Intermediate and Pros. Singles/Doubles racket.

I just love this racket. I'm praying for a free new one after i've done my part.
u luv this racket and wanted one but u gave it a 8/10????:eek:

it could prolly a NS10000:confused:

Love the racket not nesessary have to be completely 10/10. If i do that, it means that i'm biase and the outcome of the review will be questionable to others or users if the racket does comes out one day.
I don't know weather i make sense here or not :p hehehe

Ants, thanks for the review. How would you compare Prototype B to the Ti-10 :)?

Ti-10 may perform better interms of defense compare to Proto-B. However i would say that this Proto-B is really durable and quicker. More user friendly than ti-10. I mean many people will have hard time initially when using ti-10 even for me, but when i tried this compare to ti-10.. i find it easier to use.

u luv this racket and wanted one but u gave it a 8/10????:eek:

it could prolly a NS10000:confused:

Unfortunately, reviewers will have to say they love it or they will cease to be a reviewer the next time round.

The S in NS means a head heavy racket can never be an NS racket. So the racket has to be an AT900 off/x/xp(eXtraPower).

The racket sounds like it has power. But the mere mention of power is enough to give me fits just now as I only came back from 3 hours of hitting the shuttle out. Head heavy and too much power, definitely not my cup of tea.

Ants,

I´ve read your proto tests with great interest, but would it be OK for you in retrospect share when an what protos made it to the "real" world... and also if they dont (for example the N9000S is not one of the Protos X,YZ in review so on so forth)

If you don´t share this information on the forum, the reviews are pretty pointless, for anyone but yourself, imhop, right?

/Twobeer

Ti-10 may perform better interms of defense compare to Proto-B. However i would say that this Proto-B is really durable and quicker. More user friendly than ti-10. I mean many people will have hard time initially when using ti-10 even for me, but when i tried this compare to ti-10.. i find it easier to use.

It never ceases to amuse me that Ti-10 gets wheeled out whenever a new racket is discussed. Not that I mind it, as I rather like Ti-10. Can't say I understand why Ti-10 is considered hard to use. When I first got the Ti-10, I had neither the skill nor the strength to use it properly. What I did accidently have was the right string and tension. I took to the racket as a noob like fish to water.

So Prototype B has softer shaft than Ti-10? What scale out of 10 would you Ti-10 Vs. Prototype B? You said Prototype B is 9.5 out of 10. Have you strung Prototype B to 32 lbs X 35.2 lbs yet?

Ti-10 may perform better interms of defense compare to Proto-B. However i would say that this Proto-B is really durable and quicker. More user friendly than ti-10. I mean many people will have hard time initially when using ti-10 even for me, but when i tried this compare to ti-10.. i find it easier to use.

It never ceases to amuse me that Ti-10 gets wheeled out whenever a new racket is discussed. Not that I mind it, as I rather like Ti-10. Can't say I understand why Ti-10 is considered hard to use. When I first got the Ti-10, I had neither the skill nor the strength to use it properly. What I did accidently have was the right string and tension. I took to the racket as a noob like fish to water.
then why did u mod your ti-10:confused:

In my opinion its a new addition to the Armortec series or possibly the MusclePower series...:confused: ...obviously not a new nanospeed...hopefully not a new armortec....my 800 wouldn't feel all that special anymore:crying: then again i would have a new armortec to try out:D

Ahhh, to look cool will do the duude :confused:?

then why did u mod your ti-10:confused:

then why did u mod your ti-10:confused:

I ran out of things to do after finishing experimenting with string tensions. So i modded the rackets to prove to myself that racket characteristics alone can increase power irrespective of my skills. Like lots people, I kept wanting more power. Now, I no longer look for more power from my rackets or from any other rackets - new technology or not, as I probably have the fastest Ti-10 anywhere. The racket has great power in its factory state. Add on the speed, and you have something very curious.

So Prototype B has softer shaft than Ti-10? What scale out of 10 would you Ti-10 Vs. Prototype B? You said Prototype B is 9.5 out of 10. Have you strung Prototype B to 32 lbs X 35.2 lbs yet?
I have not tried stringing it to 32lbsX35lbs. But i've tried 1 piece 32lbs. You can feel the difference when you are pulling the strings. The frame does not move much. Same goes to the latest NS9000. I feel that its much more durable than the AT700 frame.

Is the prototype 2U?

I have not tried stringing it to 32lbsX35lbs. But i've tried 1 piece 32lbs. You can feel the difference when you are pulling the strings. The frame does not move much. Same goes to the latest NS9000. I feel that its much more durable than the AT700 frame.

....................i wanna know more......:(

Will have of 2 protos coming in next week. Will give some impression once i try it.

So I guess it is Prototype C and D then ?

Prototybe B is dated June 2005 and if this prototype is in mass production now could you please tell us which racket it is by now ? :)

So I guess it is Prototype C and D then ?

Prototybe B is dated June 2005 and if this prototype is in mass production now could you please tell us which racket it is by now ? :)

I would also like to know..

It seems pretty meaningless with review of something "secret".. If no info to correlate the proto with the comersial released versions..

It is to me like reviewing a "secret" movie, that no one else will ever be allowed to watch (and not disclose any info about the plot :) ), just provide info about how good, exciting or boring it was.. Not very usefeul :D

/Twobeer

It does mean though that there are potentially new rackets coming out, so its nice to know :)

It does mean though that there are potentially new rackets coming out, so its nice to know :)
yes, there are new rackets every year, potentially:)

It does mean though that there are potentially new rackets coming out, so its nice to know :)

So you are saying that without these protos the WOULD NOT be any pontial of new rackets ???

I dont see much meaning with a review, if you cant disclose technology, cant disclose any info on possibility of general availability, or not even in retrospect disclose if it is one of the actual commersial models (or what parts are the same or different to the "real" ones compared to the protos..)

/T

So you are saying that without these protos the WOULD NOT be any pontial of new rackets ???

I dont see much meaning with a review, if you cant disclose technology, cant disclose any info on possibility of general availability, or not even in retrospect disclose if it is one of the actual commersial models (or what parts are the same or different to the "real" ones compared to the protos..)

/T
Twobeer, I do understand that you are very curious about the new models but what I rather intended to say is that it would be very interesting if Ants could say that prototype X actually is model X, after the official commercial release of the racket.
But however I do understand Ants if he is not allowed and dont want to give in any technical information and specs about the prototype before any official release. It is same thing as in the car industry, playing hide & seek during the cold winters with the prototypes.
Any new information about upcoming rackets could possibly harm the current market sales.

I agree with twobeer.

If Ants is never able to disclose which racket matches which review, then these prototype test threads are entirely pointless--except to remind us of Ants's privileged position ;)

Is the prototype 2U?

The racket is a 3U. :)

I do know how twobeer feels. The prototypes reviews that i publish have not come out in the market yet. Even though after reviews and inspection... there might be changes in the technical and technological side from the factory/company once i submit the reports. So i cannot tell u which proto is for which racket. But i can tell u that the protos that i've mentioned above has "NOT BEEN RELEASE" in the market yet. Not forgetting sometimes these protos may not come out the next following month or year. It might take 2 years to do all the R&D etc before the real thing come out.
Of course even when the protos are confirmed to be for the next release, i still can't divulge any information like colors,technology etc due to many counterfeits and copy cats. I have my own reason for not doing so.
But from the past reviews on the released YONEX rackets that i did. I posted them even before anyone have seen or used them. And i do humbly say that so far the reviews has been almost agreeable with the users of each respective rackets. Which i think i've done my part and i'm happy with it due to the respond of the Bcfers and other non forum members.
However if twobeer or other thinks that my proto reviews are useless in any form. Then i shall not give any reviews on the protos anymore. Just tell me and i know what to do.
Just remember that i'm doing this for the love of badminton and i don't get a single $ for it (except free rackets once in a while) and at least i can contribute something to you guys out there. :)

Ants, are you able to divulge the identity of a prototype racket after it has been released to the consumer market? That way people could use learn from your prototype reviews once the racket is available.

Ants,

As long as you inform the rest of us when/if the protos you test makes it to "the real world", and or similarities/differences with your protos compared to realease models. I would love to read your proto reviews..

Just the info that PROTO A and B is not released yet, is good info to me (otherwise i wouldn´t even know if proto A,B where for example protos of NS9000X and S... ). As long as I have information (or the prospect of getting information) to correlate the info you provide on the protos to commersial products availbale to me, I am greatful for all the review and info you have..

But if its not possible for you to disclose enough information (even at a later stage when new models arrive with similiarites or completely based on the protos tested) to make it possible to correlete the reviews to actual released models, then...

/Twobeer

I've actually tried some protos of the NSs But didnt post any reviews since i was occupied at other things. Anyway it was a year or so before the NS came out.

Ants,

Do you ´know if AT900T and P (if that is the final names) are "realted" to Proto A and B ??

/T

Twobeer, I think Ants can't answer your questions right now. And I think we all know the reasons. As to your question, IMO, the answer is predictable.

Ants, are these racket's using NS9000's stringing patterns or NS8000's ?

just a little thread-revive for us to go "Hmmmmm";)
hint:
http://www.badmintoncentral.com/forums/showthread.php?p=508383#post508383

wait..it's not a revive..the last post was two days ago..sorry..