The Iso Ti SP SX is supposed to be for offensive singles players. However, I find the Ti-10 better for singles. I tried out the SX for doubles the other day and it was just perfect! Didn't lose a single game (or did I just have a lucky day?).

Also, a not so popular model Aerotus 110SP is also recommended for singles, but I find it better for doubles. Further, there are some racket models where the variations between them are hardly noticeable.

I know different people have different preferences for rackets (and everything else in life I guess), but is it just me or are all these racket designations just a marketting strategy?

To me, there is only 1 way to chose a racket. Forget what the market says about their Titanium and Muscle Power and whatever other tactics they have and chose a racket with a weight, head shape and grip size etc that suits you and you'll play better with it than any other racket. ;)

I've had the same problem with others' singles vs. doubles racquet distinctions. If you read a dozen or two of the reviews in the Equipment Reviews sections, you will see that for the same racquet, some of the reviewers will call it a doubles racquet and some will call the same item a singles racquet. See the MP-100 reviews in particular.

Some people say that a doubles racquet should be lighter, quicker and better on defense (e.g. Ti-SP SR or SA; AB 1000) to counter the quicker drives and net play in doubles games, whereas a singles racquet should be heavier, stiffer and more powerful for clears and smashes and need not be so quick (e.g. Ti-10; AB 900). On the other hand, some people seem to think that a heavier and head heavy offensive racquet is better for doubles so they can have good rear court smashes. I don't think any of these people have every articulated why a lighter, less offensive racquet would suit them better in singles, though and I can't really imagine one unless a person plays an offensive game in double and a defensive one in singles.

If I used separate racquets for singles and doubles, I would favor the first interpretation more than the second. In doubles, there are often times when I am not quick enough with my racquet on rallies, whereas it is generally my feet, not my racquet, that are not quick enough in singles. However, since I haven't yet mastered my new-ish AB 900 and my fiance appreciates a frugal approach to new toy acquisitions (although that philosphy apparently doesn't apply to her shoe and clothing purchases ;) ), I will be sticking with my one racquet for the next year or so.

Anyway, when I read a review that describes a racquet as as "singles racquet" or a "doubles racquet," unless it contains an explanation why the reviewer feels it is more suited to that sort of game, I just ignore it as being an useless opinion.

Quite agree. In fact, different people have difference play style. Just take double as an example, some people may prefer to smash more in the rear court (like myself), but some people may prefer to do more quick drives and net play (like most of my female partners do).

I personally do prefer a faster and lighter racquet for single. Honest speaking, my single is quite poor. I've exactly the same feeling as Brett - I found that it is my feet not quick enough, but not the racquet. However, I found that if I'm not quick enough to move to the best position to hit the shuttle, a faster and lighter racquet can help me return the shuttle more easily. For example, if the shuttle is a little bit behind me, I can't just hit it with sufficient power if I use a heavy racquet (like Ti-10 or MP100), but I can still hit it very hard and swing my arm very fast in such a poor position with a light racquet (like Mizuno MP100). This definitely helps my single games.

If you know your play style, it shouldn't be too difficult to choose a racquet for yourself. However, the best solution is to try the racquet yourself ! :)