Hi all,

need some advice here. Currently I'm using the 3U G5 MP99, very happy with the defence of the MP99, but feel that I'm lacking in the power deparment, esp in smash and backhand return. Yes i know techniques play a part too. Putting technique aside, what other racket would give equivalent defence (if not better) to the MP99 but pack more power?

Was thinking Sotx Woven 8 or 9, I'm open to other options from makers like Proace etc etc too.

Keep your comments coming.

Tks

Was thinking Sotx Woven 8 or 9, I'm open to other options from makers like Proace etc etc too.

I'd give the Woven 8 and 9 a try... :)

Woven 8 or 9 would fit my requirement better? seems that 8 is a better match..

tks

I'd give the Woven 8 and 9 a try... :)

I would suggest something not as stiff as the MP99

Woven 8 or 9 would fit my requirement better? seems that 8 is a better match..

tks

People can recommend rackets until you are blue in the face. :p Best for you to try each racket if possible. If not, then try the 9, it's a bit more powerful.

You wanted more power ya? Probably you should go for the Woven 9 then...

I'd recommend you stick with your Mp99 and practise your technique.

The Mp99 is hardly a weak racket (Jonas Rasmussen has called it his "yellow power racket", or something similar).

The Mp99 (3U) is a superb racket, one of the best Yonex has ever made (no, I don't use it myself, but I have played with it).

I advise you not to chase perfection in a racket, when you already have such a good one. The next racket you buy might -- only might -- give a tiny bit more power, but it's also likely to screw up your defence. It might even reduce your power.

Stick with what you know. Seek power through technique and fitness.

Of course, you're welcome to spend some money if you feel like it ;) I just feel that you may be disappointed.

and/or get a restring, possibly at a lower tension

Have you ever tried the 2u version of the MP99 if all else fails? Otherwise, I'd go with what Gollum says.

Besides, anything you gain in the power department isn't without a cost to quickness.

Besides, anything you gain in the power department isn't without a cost to quickness.
True, if you try to get power from a heavier or more head-heavy racket.

Depending on the player, however, a lighter or more head-light racket may increase power.

I seem to hit harder with an At800-DE than with a supposedly more "powerful" racket (eg. Mp99, Mp100, or Ns9000).

I think it depends on your swing, and what kind of racket feels right -- that is, what kind of racket suits your timing.

It never works the other way round, though. A "power racket" always sacrifices a little maneuverability over a "control/defence racket".

Probably the hardest-hitting players have a stroke that works well with a "power racket". But if this isn't your natural stroke, why try to adapt? There are plenty of compensations if a "control racket" suits your smash better. And there are plenty of very hard-hitting pros who use "control rackets".

More power than an MP99??! I use them for the power. The defence in my mind isn't the greatest (but I am using 2U and I compared to 3U AT800).

The 3U is a less 'solid' racquet in my opinion, but still has power.

The problem I had with my backhand is that they were too fast - because my back is facing the opponent it got to them too quick and didn't give me enough time to recover. I needed to stop hitting hard all the time (it worked for a little while - until they got used to it) and become versatile on the backhand instead. I still hit them hard but try to place them better. A good backhand clear, smash and drop help. The drops can be particularly nasty :).

True, if you try to get power from a heavier or more head-heavy racket.

Depending on the player, however, a lighter or more head-light racket may increase power.

I seem to hit harder with an At800-DE than with a supposedly more "powerful" racket (eg. Mp99, Mp100, or Ns9000).

I think it depends on your swing, and what kind of racket feels right -- that is, what kind of racket suits your timing.

It never works the other way round, though. A "power racket" always sacrifices a little maneuverability over a "control/defence racket".

Probably the hardest-hitting players have a stroke that works well with a "power racket". But if this isn't your natural stroke, why try to adapt? There are plenty of compensations if a "control racket" suits your smash better. And there are plenty of very hard-hitting pros who use "control rackets".

What weight is your AT800-DE? It took a while for me to try the MP-99 (3U) after many reviewers said it took some adjusting to it. But, for me right from the first shot, everything was great and of the rackets I have tried so far, the 99 gives me the most power. I want to stick to the 99 for a while, but wanted to give the 800-D one try before settling down. Thx.

What weight is your AT800-DE? It took a while for me to try the MP-99 (3U) after many reviewers said it took some adjusting to it. But, for me right from the first shot, everything was great and of the rackets I have tried so far, the 99 gives me the most power. I want to stick to the 99 for a while, but wanted to give the 800-D one try before settling down. Thx.
Mine is a 4U.

If I had to choose a different racket, it would be the Mp99 (3U).

When I last changed rackets (I was using a Karakal SL-70), I had a difficult time choosing between the At800-De and the Mp99. Both suited me very well.

More recently, I tried the Mp99 again. I still liked it, but it didn't suit me as well as before. My timing has become optimised for the At800-De, and any other racket now feels too sluggish through the air.

I'm not saying that the At800-De is "the ultimate racket", but it is the fastest racket I've ever used. For me, it works well.

If you like the Mp99, then you might also like the At800-De. I was hooked by its maneuverability -- it seems to have no drag -- and that decided me in favour of it. But I had a hard, hard time deciding. They are both great rackets.

hi all,

thanks for all the replies/advices.

just back from a game. I manage to dig out my old Carbonex 15 (yes!!) which is like more than 15 yr old. it is a 2U G4! compared to my MP99 (3UG5).. the Carb 15 really weighs a tonne!

on with the game, the Carb 15 is like a hammer, lift and smash are great which is lacking in the MP99. but when it comes to receiving smashes...sigh.. the Carb 15 is just too slow.. i have problems returning normal/usual smash....

ok.. now i'm like a little clearer in my need. think i will settle for a light but head heavy racket like the Sotx Woven 9... am i rite?

how abt the AT800OFF? MP100? or the new TI10??

thanks

As you have correctly pointed out, changing to a new racquet will not improve your game. One of two things will happen with the new racquet:

(1) You gain 'power' but lose in 'defensive speed'
(2) You gain 'defensive speed' but lose 'power'.

I doubt that there is a racquet that is better in both defensive speed and power than the MP99, otherwise why are pros still using the MP99?

I think you might want to give the Armortec 700 a try.

As you have correctly pointed out, changing to a new racquet will not improve your game. One of two things will happen with the new racquet:

(1) You gain 'power' but lose in 'defensive speed'
(2) You gain 'defensive speed' but lose 'power'.

I doubt that there is a racquet that is better in both defensive speed and power than the MP99, otherwise why are pros still using the MP99?

I think you are missing the fact that pros have more trained forearms and higher swing-speeds, so stiffness may be a big factor.. Lenght, flex ets are also factors (apart from overall weight and balance point)..

It most likely that a player can gain both power and defensive speed by choosing a more flexible shaft, lower tension or length/weight/balance combinations imhop...

Not many pros still use MP99 btw, most pros that used it has switched.. If nothing else because Yonex is "outphasing" the MP series...

/Twobeer

hi,

thanks for the suggestion... read that the 700 is more on the head heavy (maybe too heavy for my preference), and i only play doubles. think AT800DE looks good from all reviews but kinda expensive...........


I think you might want to give the Armortec 700 a try.

hi,

thanks for the suggestion... read that the 700 is more on the head heavy (maybe too heavy for my preference), and i only play doubles. think AT800DE looks good from all reviews but kinda expensive...........

I would suggest for you to try to test the NS7000, its ultra headlight but for some players the extra flex combined with the headlightness makes it easier to generate power than more heavy alternatives..

/Twobeer

are they really phasing out the muscle power series???
but i was planning to buy mp-99's... in replacement to my AT700...
i guess the lack of power of mp-99 would be my problem...

It most likely that a player can gain both power and defensive speed by choosing a more flexible shaft, lower tension or length/weight/balance combinations imhop...
/Twobeer

yup, i agree, if the MP99 is unsuitable for Plinius, he would certainly get an improvement by switching.

But reading in between the lines, it seems that Plinius has been playing badminton for more than 15 years (since he has a 15 year old Cab 15 - a high end model at that time...), so i assume he's an advanced player by Singapore standards and fully able to utilise the stiffness of the MP99.

Whereas I've seen younger 16-18 year old players (probably 2nd-tier school player) with extra-stiff racquets like MP99/ AT700 with not much power in their smash who would might benefit from a racquet/tension change...