Is my Yonex Armortec 800 Offensive broken?

[daMaster]

I recently purchased an Armortec 800 Offensive off of ebay. In another thread I posted pictures to confirm it's authenticity. It has all the signs of being authentic, and if it is a fake, it is a damn good fake. I compared it to a real Yonex MusclePower 99 and all of the characteristics are similar (fonts, shape, size, grommets, etc.). That being said, I am certain that the Armortec I have is authentic.

I got it strung with Ashaway MicroLegend XL @ 22 lbs at a local sports store (Sports Experts). The strings broke after a 10 minute warm-up and I realized it was because one of the top of my grommets was broken so it ripped the string. I took it back to Sports Experts and they re-strung it again for free, with again, Ashaway MicroLegend XL @ 22 lbs. Again tonight the strings broke, but lasted 4 games this time around. I am really frustrated! I really enjoy the racket while the strings last; clears are effortless, my smashes have improved, etc.

I never clashed the racket with anyone, and the strings broke both times on a smash, and it wasn't a mis-hit. This time when the strings broke, it looks like the top apex of my racket is broken. However, the top is still very strong and nothing seems to be broken by the feel of it. I can't bend or fold the racket as it is still solid at that point. Does it look like the racket is forever broken? Can someone please have a look and let me know if I should try to get this racket re-strung? I definitely will not be getting it strung again at Sports Experts!!!

[Pete LSD]

Yes, your racquet is broken. It suffered a fatal string job. The guy at the store didn't use padding at the head and throat: hence, you have high-noon disease ;).

[theasiandude88]

yep its gone. thats a crack right there. gosh that sucks!!!

[daMaster]

Oh man, that sucks! Please don't tell me this! :(

I haven't gotten to use the racket for more than 2 hours straight and I've played less than 5 games with it! My Isometric 75 MF Light has lasted 1.5 years and is still strong in comparison but was only strung at 18 lbs.

Is there anything I can do to get a warranty replacement from Yonex? Should I make the store (Sports Experts) give me a new racket even though I didn't buy the racket from them???

Should I try to get it re-strung somewhere else and see how long it lasts?

[forrestyung]

It should be caused by stringing with 2 points machine. But it is seldom to have this problem at 22lbs x 24lbs. I have faced this problem when I was stringing in 25lbs x 28lbs and cushion is not enough, but the debossed area is not as deep as per your picture.

You can send the picture to your seller and see the possibility to return and replacement. If it is really cannot replace a new one, you can add some glue epoxy to strengthen it, if you tension is still at 22lbs, it should be able to survival for more matches.

[malayali]

yep broken;;; Not enough padding used while stringing the mains..

[daMaster]

This is so disappointing :( I spent about $185 CAD on this racket and now I have to throw it away

[forrestyung]

This is so disappointing :( I spent about $185 CAD on this racket and now I have to throw it away

Don't throw it away, it should be able to play for a little bit longer after added Glue epoxy. If you are in Hong Kong, I can help you to re-string it at cost price to test it is still OK or not, but............................

[LazyBuddy]

I definitely will not be getting it strung again at Sports Experts!!!

Another lesson being learned the hard way. NEVER go to the big chain stores for re-string, as they have very little (if not none) knowledge about how to string a badminton racket. :(

[LazyBuddy]

Is there anything I can do to get a warranty replacement from Yonex? Should I make the store (Sports Experts) give me a new racket even though I didn't buy the racket from them???



1. I don't think Yonex US (or CAN) will honor warranty on other region's rackets.

2. Try to talk with the store, and see if they admit their fault, and can at least cover some of your lost.

Best of luck.

[Pete LSD]

I doubt it was strung by a two-point machine. The most likely cause is an electronic machine with six-point support. The dude who did the string job didn't put leather padding or Gosen type plastic insert to cushion the load. Electronic tension head pulls very hard even at 22 lbs. The head post doesn't have enough area to spread the load. As a result, the frame in that specific area collapsed!

[Break-My-String]

Although I have zero experience in stringing or stringing machines, I presume there is a recommended stringing pattern from the manufacturer for each series of racquets.

I would first go back to the mega-sport store and try to snap a picture of the stringing machine, check the recommended stringing pattern, solicit opinions from experienced BC/BF stringers, and go back and speak to the store manager, armed with all your facts (ie/ clamps, pattern, etc.), as to why it was the stringers fault.

The longer you wait, the less effective your argument will be. Good luck!

Cheers!

[forrestyung]

I doubt it was strung by a two-point machine. The most likely cause is an electronic machine with six-point support. The dude who did the string job didn't put leather padding or Gosen type plastic insert to cushion the load. Electronic tension head pulls very hard even at 22 lbs. The head post doesn't have enough area to spread the load. As a result, the frame in that specific area collapsed!

I do stringing in both 2 points machine at my home and 4 points machine at my store. This is no problem for my 4 points machine with 28lbs and without cushion, so that's why I will suspect this is the problem of 2 points machine. In fact, I have never tried electronic machine.

For the 2 points machine, from my experience, because lack of supporting, the frame will become round, at this moment, the 12' and 6' positions are needed to suffer all the force from main string and lead these two locations deboss or even breakage.

If Sports Experts is a large retailer, the chance of using 2 points machine is quite know. DaMaster, do you have any idea??

[forrestyung]

I do stringing in both 2 points machine at my home and 4 points machine at my store. This is no problem for my 4 points machine with 28lbs and without cushion, so that's why I will suspect this is the problem of 2 points machine. In fact, I have never tried electronic machine.

For the 2 points machine, from my experience, because lack of supporting, the frame will become round, at this moment, the 12' and 6' positions are needed to suffer all the force from main string and lead these two locations deboss or even breakage.

If Sports Experts is a large retailer, the chance of using 2 points machine is quite know. DaMaster, do you have any idea??

Sorry for mistyped the word. :p

If Sports Experts is a large retailer, the chance of using 2 points machine is quite low. DaMaster, do you have any idea??

[DinkAlot]

Can't say how many points stringing machine it is but what I do know is the stringer pulled the 12 and 6 o'clock points way too tight (he/she elongated the racket too much), probably without any protection and that's why the racket is cracked like that.

[DinkAlot]

I do stringing in both 2 points machine at my home and 4 points machine at my store...For the 2 points machine, from my experience, because lack of supporting, the frame will become round, at this moment, the 12' and 6' positions are needed to suffer all the force from main string and lead these two locations deboss or even breakage.


Actually, if the stringer stretched the 12 and 6 o'clock positions too much, it doesn't matter if it's a 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 point machine, the racket frame is already distorted.

[DinkAlot]

yep broken;;; Not enough padding used while stringing the mains..

Actually, padding is not that big of a deal, aside from potentially scratching the frame. The key is the stringer stretched the racket too much at the 12 and 6 o'clock points.

[jerby]

at our home we have a plastic like thingy..really hard to explain, but it spread the load around the top-grommets..the top 4 really...my suplier said it is a neccesarry for every racket since the later-mp's. works like a charm..
what do you gusy mean by "padding"? like cushions?

[DinkAlot]

at our home we have a plastic like thingy..really hard to explain, but it spread the load around the top-grommets..the top 4 really...my suplier said it is a neccesarry for every racket since the later-mp's. works like a charm..
what do you gusy mean by "padding"? like cushions?

Yes, leather pads to grip the racket frame as well as pad it. I am going to try poly tubing this weekend to see if it grips better.

I have the plastic "protectors" you are talking about. They are OK but you really need more padding.

Regardless of the padding, the stringer (most likely) pulled the 12 and 6 positions way too hard and changed the shape of the racket. I knew a beginning stringer who used to do that and didn't know why he was cracking all his rackets...until I told him to stop tighting so much. :p

[jerby]

poly tubing?
could you take a picture of your leather-pads? are they on all supports? or just the 12 and 6 'o clocks?

[DinkAlot]

poly tubing?
could you take a picture of your leather-pads? are they on all supports? or just the 12 and 6 'o clocks?

The leather pads are home made, just get a leather piece, cut out and put them on all the supports, anywhere the racket makes contact with the stringing machine. It provides padding and friction. Good stuff...

...I'm going to try poly tubing because it grips better.

[jerby]

The leather pads are home made, just get a leather piece, cut out and put them on all the supports, anywhere the racket makes contact with the stringing machine. It provides padding and friction. Good stuff...

...I'm going to try poly tubing because it grips better.
ah I see...that's also the only problem I've got with my plastic insert. with out the sidesupports the racket can turn a lot..

[forrestyung]

Actually, if the stringer stretched the 12 and 6 o'clock positions too much, it doesn't matter if it's a 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 point machine, the racket frame is already distorted.

I always leave spaces at 12 and 6 o'clock position in my 2 points machine, can help but not essential, deboss still can be found, but the degree will be lighter. On the other hand, I always use up all the lenght of 12 and 6 o'clock position with my store's 4 points machine and this problem never exist. When you get two stringing machine, you can make a comparision.

But would it to be the problem 12' and 6' o'clock is too tight and the electronic machine is too powerfull????

[Break-My-String]

After being re-strung, was the head of the racquet the same (oval) shape as your posted pic?

If yes, then the stringer has distorted the Iso-shape / design and caused the frame to fail.

Cheers!

[forrestyung]

The leather pads are home made, just get a leather piece, cut out and put them on all the supports, anywhere the racket makes contact with the stringing machine. It provides padding and friction. Good stuff...

...I'm going to try poly tubing because it grips better.


I am current using the remaining handle grips to be the cushion (or padding), the result is quite good, but need time to stick each thin grips to be a thick cushion. :p

[s239rt]

hey dude, no worries, you are in CANADA right? I am from Vancouver and one of my friends had an experience like that with one of the Sport Chek stores here... However, (I was with him when we pick up the racquet) we found a crack right away around the same location except it is outside instead of a instead crack. We of course stood in front of the counter and talked to the manager. But anyhow, at the end, my friend got a brand new NS8000(same as cracked racquet) except his old one is SP and this new one is CD(dis code). I presonally worked in big chain retail stores myself before. Something like that if you can prove it is the Stringer's fault or his machine(which is the same to me either way), YOU SHOULD definitely be able to get a new replacement even though they might not SELL the same item in store. In this case, the manager told us the store ended up paying for a new NS 8000 CD cause the SP wasn't qualify for claiming in Yonex Canada. Just keep in mind, this is what you have to do, argue with them that the crack is an inside crack(so is not caused by a clash) and STAND YOUR GROUND... Make a scene if you have to (get emotional if you have to). At work, I have seen customers get away with exchanging things that should not be eligible for exchange BECAUSE they just keep on fighting with the manager. AGAIN, in your case, you should feel no shame on getting a replacement as they are the ones who SCREWED it up. Hope this help. Good luck

[malayali]

Where can I buy the Gosen type plastic insert that you have mentioned here ???


I doubt it was strung by a two-point machine. The most likely cause is an electronic machine with six-point support. The dude who did the string job didn't put leather padding or Gosen type plastic insert to cushion the load. Electronic tension head pulls very hard even at 22 lbs. The head post doesn't have enough area to spread the load. As a result, the frame in that specific area collapsed!

[daMaster]

hey dude, no worries, you are in CANADA right? I am from Vancouver and one of my friends had an experience like that with one of the Sport Chek stores here... However, (I was with him when we pick up the racquet) we found a crack right away around the same location except it is outside instead of a instead crack. We of course stood in front of the counter and talked to the manager. But anyhow, at the end, my friend got a brand new NS8000(same as cracked racquet) except his old one is SP and this new one is CD(dis code). I presonally worked in big chain retail stores myself before. Something like that if you can prove it is the Stringer's fault or his machine(which is the same to me either way), YOU SHOULD definitely be able to get a new replacement even though they might not SELL the same item in store. In this case, the manager told us the store ended up paying for a new NS 8000 CD cause the SP wasn't qualify for claiming in Yonex Canada. Just keep in mind, this is what you have to do, argue with them that the crack is an inside crack(so is not caused by a clash) and STAND YOUR GROUND... Make a scene if you have to (get emotional if you have to). At work, I have seen customers get away with exchanging things that should not be eligible for exchange BECAUSE they just keep on fighting with the manager. AGAIN, in your case, you should feel no shame on getting a replacement as they are the ones who SCREWED it up. Hope this help. Good luck
Thanks for the tips. My initial plan is to go back to Sports Experts this evening and fight with them until they agree to give me a new racket. By "fight", I mean discuss and argue in a politically correct manner.

[SPaterson]

Thanks for the tips. My initial plan is to go back to Sports Experts this evening and fight with them until they agree to give me a new racket. By "fight", I mean discuss and argue in a politically correct manner.

Sounds like a plan, :D

In my experience, chain-stores generally end up giving in. I've had a couple of racquets previously in my earlier badminton years where I used the factory string, and the string broke, not at all damaging the racquet, but I got them to RMA the racquet for me and give me a brand new one straight away (as they didn't have re-stringing services at their store), - And it was because Factory string Isn't really meant to break on most brands' racquets. (e.g. it's high strength, 0.75 to 0.9mm usually, but not for all brands at all, nor higher end racquets usually).

You should be able to get it replaced, just be firm and state you've got other stringers' opinions on the matters Etc., but be respectful at the same time remembering they won't just replace the racquet straight away if you walk in there being plain rude :)

Good luck!

[MING PARIS]

If they don't give you a new one ,don't go back to this shop ,but sand it to paris or anyone come to paris ,I can repair with epoxy glue and glass fiber!
MING good luck!
Thanks for the tips. My initial plan is to go back to Sports Experts this evening and fight with them until they agree to give me a new racket. By "fight", I mean discuss and argue in a politically correct manner.

[Pete LSD]

http://www.gosen.co.jp/racket_sports/string/tool/index.html

The item number is GMHAB - head and throat support.

They are available from shuttle-house.com

http://shuttle-house.com/page_top_JAPANESE/Service/String_guidance.html


Where can I buy the Gosen type plastic insert that you have mentioned here ???

[malayali]

Thanks a lot Peter, but i dont know how to read from that website or how to order it.... Is there a translation for this or can someone order it for me.....:)


http://www.gosen.co.jp/racket_sports/string/tool/index.html


The item number is GMHAB - head and throat support.

They are available from shuttle-house.com

http://shuttle-house.com/page_top_JAPANESE/Service/String_guidance.html

[DinkAlot]

I am current using the remaining handle grips to be the cushion (or padding), the result is quite good, but need time to stick each thin grips to be a thick cushion. :p

That's a witty use of the grip. I may try that, thanks! :D

[cooler]

Sorry for mistyped the word. :p

If Sports Experts is a large retailer, the chance of using 2 points machine is quite low. DaMaster, do you have any idea??

sportchek and sport experts are sport chain stores here.

if one is lucky, their stringing will just warp your racket, missing grommets, wrong tension and other laughable mishaps (one job i saw a ti6 that look almost like a perfect circle)

if ur unlucky, u get inflicted with some kind of kiss of death diseased string job like in this case

[DinkAlot]

sportchek and sport experts are sport chain stores here...if ur unlucky, u get inflicted with some kind of kiss of death diseased string job like in this case

Remind me to bring my stringing machine if I ever visit the Great White North to play Bad. :p

[Pete LSD]

No need! I will torture your racquet with my machine ;).


Remind me to bring my stringing machine if I ever visit the Great White North to play Bad. :p

[DinkAlot]

No need! I will torture your racquet with my machine ;).

My rackets can take your string jobs of 30x33lbs. :eek: but I cannot... :p

...at least I never tried 30x33...maybe I should just for fun. :D :D :D

Back on topic: I hope DaMaster gets a replacement/refund and I sincerely hope the stringer does a better job.

[forrestyung]

No need! I will torture your racquet with my machine ;).

I always think you are located in HK. :)

[Pete LSD]

I probably forgot to update my profile :D . . . but I do appear in HK from time to time :cool:.


I always think you are located in HK. :)

[taneepak]

I recently purchased an Armortec 800 Offensive off of ebay. In another thread I posted pictures to confirm it's authenticity. It has all the signs of being authentic, and if it is a fake, it is a damn good fake. I compared it to a real Yonex MusclePower 99 and all of the characteristics are similar (fonts, shape, size, grommets, etc.). That being said, I am certain that the Armortec I have is authentic.

I got it strung with Ashaway MicroLegend XL @ 22 lbs at a local sports store (Sports Experts). The strings broke after a 10 minute warm-up and I realized it was because one of the top of my grommets was broken so it ripped the string. I took it back to Sports Experts and they re-strung it again for free, with again, Ashaway MicroLegend XL @ 22 lbs. Again tonight the strings broke, but lasted 4 games this time around. I am really frustrated! I really enjoy the racket while the strings last; clears are effortless, my smashes have improved, etc.

I never clashed the racket with anyone, and the strings broke both times on a smash, and it wasn't a mis-hit. This time when the strings broke, it looks like the top apex of my racket is broken. However, the top is still very strong and nothing seems to be broken by the feel of it. I can't bend or fold the racket as it is still solid at that point. Does it look like the racket is forever broken? Can someone please have a look and let me know if I should try to get this racket re-strung? I definitely will not be getting it strung again at Sports Experts!!!

This is a typical example of a poor stringer, using a suspension system stringing machine, overstretching the two posts at the 12 and 6 o'clock. In a suspension system the two top and throat posts must not be stretched too much. The racquet frame should be mounted in such a way that it is held down firmly but no stretching. A good test is to try to remove the mounted racquet on a suspension system, and if it comes off easily then it is too lose but if doesn't come off even with some effort then you have overstretched it. It may surprise you that leaving the mounted frame slightly tight is safer than having it very tight. This is especially so if you string to 33lbs or above. Also the two top and throat posts are silicone padded, and you shouldn't add additional pads. In fact adding pads at the posts may be even dangerous at very high tensions because there is too much 'give' (similar to mounting the frame too loose) at both ends when stringing the middle main strings at 30lbs+.

[jeepu]

Dear daMaster,

What a coincident, I broke my newly restrung Armortec-800(of) today too. Honestly it is quite heart-breaking to break a pricey racquet like that, cosidering its only 3-4 months old, bought it from HK and hand-carried it back to Vancouver like a precious baby. :(:crying::crying::crying::crying:

This happened when I was playing game with friends at Cleartwo tonight, after it's 1st restrung from Clearone. The rim cracked at 2:00 and 10:00 position, tristed, cramped as if I just smashed it at a concrete wall.

This is the 1st restringing of the racquet, putting BG65-Ti at 24 lbs to it. This racquet surely is designed to hold this amount of tension without any problem. I'm not sure if I've just missed anything.

Maybe it's a good idea for me to stay away from those pricey new racquets for a while, since I really cannot affort another one yet. That AT800 costed me $1140 HKD (about $170 CAD), where the same thing sells at $250-300 CAD in Vancouver. I'll go back to my oldest Ti-7, which happens to survive the longest time. After this incident, I finally started to realize, that no matter how much technology advanced, how much science has been applied to racquet manufacturing, and how much people trying to push the limit of physic further, sometimes those older classic racquets are simply the best. As recommended by some expert players, perhaps the old-school Carbonex series is the best line of product ever; or, if you are a truely good player, racquet should no longer be a concern to you anymore.

This is totally a big lesson for me :o

[s239rt]

could jeepu's exp seems a BAD string job to all you exp stringers out there? Or would it be coincident that it was damaged before the string job(tiny crack was developing before it was strung). Just curious...... thx.

[daMaster]

So now Sports Experts is telling me they will replace the racket, but Yonex needs to see the racket first to confirm that it is not a fake. Yonex says there are a lot of Armortec 800 counterfeits out there, but mine doesn't have any signs of being a fake, and if it is a fake then it's the best fake I've seen ever.

[s239rt]

Is a good sign(start) at least! If yours is totally real, then should be okie... I mean don't try to give me BS about how fake racquet is much easier to break and stuff(at least seem like the sports experts might be hinting such a possibility), to my experience, Yonex's original isn't THAT long lasting either. Good luck.

[davidcheng]

don't blame stringer because yonex's racket is not good enough and can't support high tension. so for me, i don't like yonex's racket that's waste money and bad service. change brand! victor, mmoa, proace and rsl.

[daMaster]

don't blame stringer because yonex's racket is not good enough and can't support high tension. so for me, i don't like yonex's racket that's waste money and bad service. change brand! victor, mmoa, proace and rsl.davidcheng, my Yonex Isometric 75 MF Light has lasted me 2 years and has been re-strung twice already. I don't think Yonex is the problem, but more likely the stringer in this case. A Yonex Armortec 800 Offensive is not a weak or cheap racket unless abused by bad stringing.

[LazyBuddy]

don't blame stringer because yonex's racket is not good enough and can't support high tension.

Most breakage are due to mis-usage (i.e. clash, bump, etc), mis-storage (i.e. high/low temperature), and bad string job. Remember, the pros are using yonex which could hold up to 30+lb with intensive rallies... :rolleyes:

Very few (but of course, not none) are due to actual manufacture defects.

[LongReach]

Ohhh that makes me mad!:mad: :mad:


Dodgy stringers......I once had a racket break like that from a dodgey stringer who did not admit fault!......I was only 13 and my parents blamed me saying I hit my racket on the ground.......when it was not my fault:( .

Longreach is now a very angry and resentfull man when it comes to bad stringers!:mad:

If only The Arms of Longreach were Long enough to reach Canada.........I would ring his neck till his eyes go like this:eek: and make him cry:crying: so next time they will be more carefull with someones pride and joy and take the neccesary precautions.:mad:

[neo_Rabbit]

don't blame stringer because yonex's racket is not good enough and can't support high tension. so for me, i don't like yonex's racket that's waste money and bad service. change brand! victor, mmoa, proace and rsl.

1/ I don't think daMaster's tension of 22lbs can be classified as high tension. and even IF they can't, the tension that a racket can take isn't a good indicator of its performance. not everyone has to play at 30lbs, and of course each person has their own perferences on their rackets, even if they know the racket will not live long. it's not excatly fair to say that all yonex's rackets are not "good enough", does it mean yonex users are all using rackets that are under par?

2/ If you don't think yonex rackets are worth its price, then don't buy it. Each racket has its feel, and some people like that feel, so they think it's worth it.

3/ how can you justify that other brands are "good enough" and can support high tension? if it breaks then are the rackets not good enough as well?

Sorry that i had 2 point all that out... jus felt that davidcheng's post wasn't fair on yonex's rackets :)

[Linus]

This thread actually brings out a valid point - that besides production/material fault from factory and unfrotunate crashes during the play - stringing (or rather poor stringing) is a major cause of broken rackets.

But being purely a player such as myself (and I believe many others) have no or limited knowledge of stringing technic. Very often we have to leave this entirely in the hand of the stringer. And as far as I know in this part of the world, there is no certified stringer (i.e. the stringer has passed a specific competence test) or authorised stringer (i.e. they are authorise to string by a specific brand) from any badminton brand. I only know such thing exist for tennis, e.g. Wilson.

The badminton owner will either have to try by error or rely of reputation. Neitehr of this is foolproof.

As the equipment is getting more sophiscated and therefore more expensive, the stringing, which is an important factor in badminton playing, does not seem to catch up fast enough to offer the racket owners a peace of mind whenever the rackets are sent for re-string. (with the excetion to the few BC members who do this themselves!:p )

I just wonder if there is anything the general badminton playing public can do about this?

[Slacker]

This thread actually brings out a valid point - that besides production/material fault from factory and unfrotunate crashes during the play - stringing (or rather poor stringing) is a major cause of broken rackets.

But being purely a player such as myself (and I believe many others) have no or limited knowledge of stringing technic. Very often we have to leave this entirely in the hand of the stringer. And as far as I know in this part of the world, there is no certified stringer (i.e. the stringer has passed a specific competence test) or authorised stringer (i.e. they are authorise to string by a specific brand) from any badminton brand. I only know such thing exist for tennis, e.g. Wilson.

The badminton owner will either have to try by error or rely of reputation. Neitehr of this is foolproof.

As the equipment is getting more sophiscated and therefore more expensive, the stringing, which is an important factor in badminton playing, does not seem to catch up fast enough to offer the racket owners a peace of mind whenever the rackets are sent for re-string. (with the excetion to the few BC members who do this themselves!:p )

I just wonder if there is anything the general badminton playing public can do about this?


Hmm linus...but i tink the Classic Sports boss Mr Soh (tpy safra) did have some stringing certificates but dun tink its from yonex. I seen them pasted there since the many times i been to the shop but always cannot remember the exact words and certs...maybe somebody who got took note can clarify. :p I myself is also not very sure. :confused:

[taneepak]

Some manufacturers, especially those with very wide marketing reach, try to avoid this breakage problem by specifying very low tensions. Yonex is very good at this. To be frank, there are all sorts of stringing machines and types of stringers out there, from the ancient to the beginners who use your racquets for their first stringing job. High tensions will only have a multiplying adverse result with such sub-standard machines and/or stringers. This is reality. Of course the majority are good to very good.
Another important point to understand is that modern racquets have very high youngs modulus, which means they are also very strong but not tough (hard and brittle). It is this high youngs modulus that gives your racquet that extra punch from a lighter frame than say an ancient aluminium racquet. It has a very high threshold against the enormous forces of a very powerful shot that an aluminium racquet cannot come close, the latter behaving more 'jelly-like' and losing or wasting power. But bang your racquet on another racquet, and if the impact is very high, your modern racquet will kaput. Or it may survive, except for some paint chips, and is still as good as new. Not so the aluminium racquet, which may show a slight dent even from the slightest of clashes. The aluminium racquet will not shatter because it is tough but not strong.

[DinkAlot]

The aluminium racquet will not shatter because it is tough but not strong.

I just strung my double partner's Cab 9 at 25/28lbs. with no problems. :p

I think the Cab 9 is pretty tough and strong.

[davidcheng]

different brand's rackets have different warranty tension
yonex ns7000 3u main(18-22lbs)*cross(21-24lbs)
yonex armotec 3u main(20-23lbs)*cross(21-24lbs)
yonex musle power 3u main(17-20lbs)*cross(20-23lbs)
victor super nano 3u main(25-28lbs)*cross(27-30lbs)
victor artery ti99 3u main(25-28lbs)*cross(27-30lbs)
victor artery ti98 3u main(25-28lbs)*cross(27-30lbs)
mmoa power atb system 502 26lbs
proace support 32lbs
rsl heat ti-5900 28lbs

so when i received a different racket i must take care what the racket can support how much pounds especially for yonex and tell customers you can't pull tension over the racket's brand recommandation's tension, otherwize the racket is out of warranty.
i know "yonex is no:1" that is no doubt, but yonex's campany too clever put the racket tension's recommandation is very low to protect their rackets safety.

[SPaterson]

different brand's rackets have different warranty tension
yonex ns7000 3u main(18-22lbs)*cross(21-24lbs)
yonex armotec 3u main(20-23lbs)*cross(21-24lbs)
yonex musle power 3u main(17-20lbs)*cross(20-23lbs)
victor super nano 3u main(25-28lbs)*cross(27-30lbs)
victor artery ti99 3u main(25-28lbs)*cross(27-30lbs)
victor artery ti98 3u main(25-28lbs)*cross(27-30lbs)
mmoa power atb system 502 26lbs
proace support 32lbs
rsl heat ti-5900 28lbs

so when i received a different racket i must take care what the racket can support how much pounds especially for yonex and tell customers you can't pull tension over the racket's brand recommandation's tension, otherwize the racket is out of warranty.
i know "yonex is no:1" that is no doubt, but yonex's campany too clever put the racket tension's recommandation is very low to protect their rackets safety.

I see your point but I think your first statement was a little biased/unfair, and I dont use a Yonex personally.

It's conceivable that being Yonex the number one brand, it has the highest percentage of people who Require high level performance and therefore generally, although not necessarily, more people string Their racquets at these 'high tensions'; and because More people use More of their racquets at Higher tensions, more breakages generally occur than any other brand, therefore they reccomend lower tensions to ensure the cost of replacing racquets is low.

I do not consider that to be 'underhand' by Yonex. It's simply a company making a living, whether it's doing well or not. If they warrantied up to Very high tensions their cost of recovery+replacing+and everything else to handle these matters May increase dramatically, possibly pushing up the price for other consumers who don't require high tensions.

Also, I believe a lot of Yonex racquets are replaced/RMA'd when they have broken above the stated tensions, please correct me if I am wrong, though.

It's even possible companies such as Karakal for example, who warranty up to and including 30lbs string tension on All their highest end racquets and most mid-range, could be doing so at their own cost which is good, but maybe to gain popularity? Maybe if Millions of people bought Their racquets, their cost of replacing them / covering those warranties would be a Lot bigger, as would their income, but I'm generally of the opinion if you wish to string your racquet at a very high tension you should be prepared for the consequences. If you can't afford it breaking, use a brand that warranties up to your required tension. If you don't want to switch brand or anything, try lowering your tension. People see tension often sometimes as a Lot more important than it is. Some also underestimate it's importance, but this is getting waaay bit off topic so, I'll stop :p

These kind of discussions as above, have a lot of complex issues / factors / variables.

SGP.

[taneepak]

Pls don't underestimate the strength of your modern racquet, including imitation brands and fakes. They are many times stronger than steel or aluminium by a factor of 5 to 30. But they are just not as tough enough to be abused. You can clash your steel racquets and they will not shatter like graphite racquets although steel is not as strong as graphite. But steel is tougher; it bends but you can put it right and use it again. Alas not so for graphite, which achieves superior strength at the expense of toughness.

[daMaster]

Well, turned out my ebay purchased AT-800 OFF was completely authentic based on Yonex checking it out. Sports Experts had to get Yonex to send in a brand new one since they don't carry that model and since they broke it during stringing. I now have a brand new AT-800 OFF, Canadian model so it's a 3U instead of my original 4U. I actually prefer 3U so I'm happy :D

[General Foo]

congratulations. im very happy for you.

Could you specify who the ebay seller was?

:D

[Matt]

daMaster:

Which coded racket did you have? Yonex Canada only brings in the 3U - it's a popular version too. The 4U has the tendency to overswing for the Armortec 800s.

[Lin Dan-Fan]

Hey man, if you bought ur racket at a local store you should have warranty on it. Bring it to where u bought it and ask for a replacement. I broke my AT800 Of recently due to mishit on the frame, too bad i bought it on Ebay and I didnt have any warranty :crying:

[daMaster]

congratulations. im very happy for you.

Could you specify who the ebay seller was?

:D
tohani210 is the ebay seller's ID. he sells only authentic yonex products, verified by yonex themselves.

[daMaster]

daMaster:

Which coded racket did you have? Yonex Canada only brings in the 3U - it's a popular version too. The 4U has the tendency to overswing for the Armortec 800s.
The ebay one I had was a US model 4U. Yonex Canada replaced it with a 3U. I actually prefer the 3U.

[daMaster]

Hey man, if you bought ur racket at a local store you should have warranty on it. Bring it to where u bought it and ask for a replacement. I broke my AT800 Of recently due to mishit on the frame, too bad i bought it on Ebay and I didnt have any warranty :crying:Mine was bought off of ebay and was replaced by Yonex Canada, since my ebay model was an authentic US model racket.

[Matt]

DaMaster, are you going to get a G5 from Yonex Canada? - Since US only carries G4 only.

[daMaster]

DaMaster, are you going to get a G5 from Yonex Canada? - Since US only carries G4 only.
No, I already got a replacement (as I said in a previous post). I got a 3U/G4 from Yonex Canada.

[Matt]

Nice! Sorry I didn't keep up with this read, but it's good to hear!

[alex1210]

just follow up here, one the racket broken and the agent willing to exchange a new one for it if the damaged is cause problem of the racket??? where's the standard from they suspect???

previously my mp99 is broken on head site of internal string area!!! finally sunrise singapore is exchange for me which i brough it from brunei!!!

anyone here try b4 exchange the racket from the agent!!! off course not purposely damage it and change a new one lar!!! accidently too!!!!!!!!!!