Yonex - if you can't beat em join em!

[rosso]

Frankly I'm sick of the large volume of fake Yonex rackets making their rounds all over the world on various mediums of commerce. Specialist OEM factories have the equipment and capability now to replicate Yonex rackets to around 90% which would mean a novice such as me would find them indistinguishable from the real Mc Coy.

Surely Yonex knows this and the massive amount of sales revenue lost. This was once the case with DVD movies and I recall DVD prices came down sharply. Now here in the UK you can pick up a movie for like £8 which is so cheap that there isnt a point even getting a pirate version.

Now as we all know, Yonex rackets have a massive markup. They cost nowhere near their selling price to produce. Surely a reduction in price would be business sense for them? And then great for us the end user? Then the icing on the cake would be that those selling fake crap as Yonex would cease?

[storkbill]

Now as we all know, Yonex rackets have a massive markup. They cost nowhere near their selling price to produce. Surely a reduction in price would be business sense for them? And then great for us the end user? Then the icing on the cake would be that those selling fake crap as Yonex would cease?


(1) People are knowingly buying fake racquets because originals are so high in price. People who knowingly buy a $30 fake NS9000 probably do so because they want to keep up with the joneses and 'look good' by playing with an 'expensive' racquet. Otherwise, for a few bucks more, you can get lower end original Yonex racquets OR, better yet, 3rd party brands such as APACS / Proace. As you have mentioned, the fakes are 'crap' and are probably lousier racquets compared to a good and cheap APACs.

So my question really is, with the existence of good and cheap brands like APACs / Proace PLUS cheaper Yonex models, why are people still knowingly going for fakes Yonex high end racquets? Because they NEED to be seen with an expensive racquet?

- Leaving aside those who are genuinely fooled (yeah right, $50 for NS9000, you telling me you genuinely believed it was real - just like the time someone asked you to carry a bag of white powder through customs saying that it's just flour and giving you $100 to do it?)

[DinkAlot]

Now as we all know, Yonex rackets have a massive markup. They cost nowhere near their selling price to produce. Surely a reduction in price would be business sense for them?

Now while this is true based on raw producing, it is not overall. You have to take into consideration a few things:

1) Yonex sponsors more tournaments then anyone
2) Yonex sponsors more players then anyone
3) Yonex spends more money promoting badminton then anyone
4) Yonex spends...
5) Yonex sponsors...

That mean Yonex spends more money promoting badminton, as well as its name, then anyone else in the business. That spending needs to be taken into account.

But of course, I wish Yonex would reduce its prices too, and come back with a Cab22 type racket so I can buy them 10 at a time. :D

[Pete LSD]

Eggroll (Bob), did you hear that :D. We want Yonex's extra stiff CAB 22 back or something equivalent:D.


Now while this is true based on raw producing, it is not overall. You have to take into consideration a few things:

1) Yonex sponsors more tournaments then anyone
2) Yonex sponsors more players then anyone
3) Yonex spends more money promoting badminton then anyone
4) Yonex spends...
5) Yonex sponsors...

That mean Yonex spends more money promoting badminton, as well as its name, then anyone else in the business. That spending needs to be taken into account.

But of course, I wish Yonex would reduce its prices too, and come back with a Cab22 type racket so I can buy them 10 at a time. :D

[cooler]

rosso, fakes and look-alike equipment sellers ride the popularity wave on the back of the real brand maker who foot the $$ for sponsorship and marketing. yonex, like coke cola, toyota and sony, earned their reputation over the years and the fakes can hurt their quality reputation. From your logic, i use the analogy of parasite-host relationship. If a tapeworm live inside your gut and only suck off 1/100th of your daily nutrient intake, why do u care, it is so small amount? Then u say why don't the host cut back food intake and starve the tape worm out, and may even kill it. If u r the host, can u starve yourself long enough to kill the tape worm? If u succeed AND survive, your biography can be nominated for the economic nobel prize.

[DinkAlot]

Eggroll (Bob), did you hear that :D. We want Yonex's extra stiff CAB 22 back or something equivalent:D.

Since we're wishing, how about:

Cab Ti-100 MP (Muscle Power)
+Cab 22 stiffness
+Muscle Power Grommets
+Frame: Ultra High Modulus Graphite + Elastic Ti (as found in the NS9000)
+Shaft: 100% Ultra High Modulus Graphite (thick shaft)
+Box Shape Design
+Both 2U and 3U weight
+Cab Normal Length 674mm (for better control)
+Balance: Mild Endload (for more control)
+$120 USD Suggest Retail Price
+5 year guarantee of products :p

Peter, did I miss anything? :D

[Matt]

Oh it must be DinkAlot tested and approved!!

[DinkAlot]

Oh it must be DinkAlot tested and approved!!

Yes, I will test and test and R&D this sucker until it's Panda Dink proof. :D

[cooler]

Since we're wishing, how about:

Cab Ti-100 MP (Muscle Power)
+Cab 22 stiffness
+Muscle Power Grommets
+Frame: Ultra High Modulus Graphite + Elastic Ti (as found in the NS9000)
+100% Ultra High Moduluss Graphite
+Box Shape Design
+Both 2U and 3U weight
+Cab Normal Length 674mm (for better control)
+Mild Endload (for more control)
+$120 USD Suggest Retail Price
+5 year guarantee of products :p

Peter, did I miss anything? :D

-foam core to reduce vibration
-ti strip for that metallic impact sound (i have the detail on where to put it on the frame). For extra armor, i have more idea:D
- make 2 versions, balanced and mild end load like 800de
- to keep cost down, no multi color scheme.

[DinkAlot]

-solid core to reduce vibration
-ti strip for that metallic impact sound (i have the detail on where to put it on the frame). For extra armor, i have more idea:D
- make 2 versions, balanced and mild end load like 800de
- to keep cost down, no multi color scheme.

Agreed. In addition:

+No crazy color schemes, just black on...blue or red or something.

[cooler]

Agreed. In addition:

+No crazy color schemes, just black on...blue or red or something.
an all gloss black. Never seen this color from yonex before.

[Pete LSD]

Besides the frame, add nano resin in the shaft as well!!! Add a U version too!!!

[DinkAlot]

an all gloss black. Never seen this color from yonex before.

Sounds good to me, with silver or white writing.

[DinkAlot]

Besides the frame, add nano resin in the shaft as well!!! Add a U version too!!!

No way, no nano resin to the shaft, there must be a reason why Yonex doesn't add it to the shaft on the 9000...probably too flexy. :p

[cooler]

Sounds good to me, with silver or white writing.

chrome or gold writing for limited edition, 10-20 USD extra;)

[Pete LSD]

Make sure the frame can take Jens Erikson's 35 lbs :D or more.

[DinkAlot]

Make sure the frame can get Jens Erikson's 35 lbs :D or more.

On an oval that's like 38lbs.! :eek:

[Pete LSD]

Ahhhhhh, that makes sense.


No way, no nano resin to the shaft, there must be a reason why Yonex doesn't add it to the shaft on the 9000...probably too flexy. :p

[cooler]

On an oval that's like 38lbs.! :eek:
but the sweetspot will be pinhead size tho:p

[DinkAlot]

but the sweetspot will be pinhead size tho:p

I'm not the psycho...I mean sicko....I mean sucker...I mean silly person stringing an oval at 35lbs. It'll be more like 25/27.5lbs. to 26/28.5lbs. for me. :D

[Quasimodo]

665mm (standard) length.
Extra stiff shaft.
weight <= 82g.
Max. tension 40 lbs.
As headlight as possible.
Retail price <= $80.
12-month warranty.
If YY come up with such a racquet, I'll buy a dozen to start and switch back.

[eggroll]

I am listening/watching. Keep er comin lads.

BTW I have samples of new rackets!!! AT 700 new colour, very nice, Nano 6000 new colour, very nice, Nano 7700, nice feel but not sure about new cone look/colour, will wait for your feedback. Still can't say anything about the new AT model but I think you will approve if you like the AT 800. The new shoe looks really nice. A combo of the 89, 98, and 99 and a new support for the forefoot. White/silver and white/red for men and I really didn't pay much attention to the ladies, sorry. Nano 95 in 200 metre reels.

I'll have the new AT sample in early January. By then the pictures will most likely be on the net as by the time the samples arrive the Asian market gets the info and the racket first. I said in an earlier thread the new clothing looks awesome. More funky colours like Asian teams and some new twists on fabrics.

Look for the new Yonex shower sandal in January at your shops! I can hear your humourous comments already!

[Matt]

Eggroll, if you're listening. Get Yonex Canada to bring this VERYCool polo shirt here in this picture here (http://www.bbeshop.com/star/2006/chn_zhangjun_gaoling_13_cbm06.jpg). I know the white one is here why why isn't the Cyan.

I supposingly hear that Yonex was going to bring it in and they decided not to.

[Pete LSD]

Bring back the old Ti-10 :D but with a longer handle :D and even stiffer shaft :D.

[musky hunter]

hm...why do ppl buy BMW or Mercedes when a Hyundai is cheaper? You pay for added features and safety.

[Pete LSD]

Personal choice and source :D


hm...why do ppl buy BMW or Mercedes when a Hyundai is cheaper? You pay for added features and safety.

[storkbill]

hm...why do ppl buy BMW or Mercedes when a Hyundai is cheaper? You pay for added features and safety.

I mean, do you really, really believe that? People who buy BMW and Mercedes do so because BMW and Mercedes have added features and are safer? This seems to be some kind of alternate reality to me... :p

[cooler]

Bring back the old Ti-10 :D but with a longer handle :D and even stiffer shaft :D.
they did, it's the ns9000X:p

[Pete LSD]

need a a heavier 2U :D like 94 grams unstrung and ungrapped.


they did, it's the ns9000X:p

[bluejeff]

Since we're wishing, how about:

Cab Ti-100 MP (Muscle Power)
+Cab 22 stiffness
+Muscle Power Grommets
+Frame: Ultra High Modulus Graphite + Elastic Ti (as found in the NS9000)
+Shaft: 100% Ultra High Modulus Graphite (thick shaft)
+Box Shape Design
+Both 2U and 3U weight
+Cab Normal Length 674mm (for better control)
+Balance: Mild Endload (for more control)
+$120 USD Suggest Retail Price
+5 year guarantee of products :p

Peter, did I miss anything? :D

if with simple blue color, I will be opening my business account with Yonex immediately. :D

[DinkAlot]

if with simple blue color, I will be opening my business account with Yonex immediately. :D

LOL! I forgot to mention, a cool blue...Jeff limited edition version. :D

[DinkAlot]

Bring back the old Ti-10 :D but with a longer handle :D and even stiffer shaft :D.

Actually, that's a great idea! Longer handle for more control! :eek:

Pete you're a guiness! I mean genius! :D

[rosso]

rosso, fakes and look-alike equipment sellers ride the popularity wave on the back of the real brand maker who foot the $$ for sponsorship and marketing. yonex, like coke cola, toyota and sony, earned their reputation over the years and the fakes can hurt their quality reputation. From your logic, i use the analogy of parasite-host relationship. If a tapeworm live inside your gut and only suck off 1/100th of your daily nutrient intake, why do u care, it is so small amount? Then u say why don't the host cut back food intake and starve the tape worm out, and may even kill it. If u r the host, can u starve yourself long enough to kill the tape worm? If u succeed AND survive, your biography can be nominated for the economic nobel prize.

Deep man just Deep! :eek:

[jerby]

Since we're wishing, how about:

Cab Ti-100 MP (Muscle Power)
+Cab 22 stiffness
+Muscle Power Grommets
+Frame: Ultra High Modulus Graphite + Elastic Ti (as found in the NS9000)
+Shaft: 100% Ultra High Modulus Graphite (thick shaft)
+Box Shape Design
+Both 2U and 3U weight
+Cab Normal Length 674mm (for better control)
+Balance: Mild Endload (for more control)
+$120 USD Suggest Retail Price
+5 year guarantee of products :p

Peter, did I miss anything? :D
If they made a 2U at500, I'd buy it....

nothing more to ask:o

[Dummey]

Lol, they need to start a "mae your own racket" company like you see those make your own cups and stuff at the mall.

[MusclePower100]

I am listening/watching. Keep er comin lads.

BTW I have samples of new rackets!!! AT 700 new colour, very nice, Nano 6000 new colour, very nice, Nano 7700, nice feel but not sure about new cone look/colour, will wait for your feedback. Still can't say anything about the new AT model but I think you will approve if you like the AT 800. The new shoe looks really nice. A combo of the 89, 98, and 99 and a new support for the forefoot. White/silver and white/red for men and I really didn't pay much attention to the ladies, sorry. Nano 95 in 200 metre reels.

I'll have the new AT sample in early January. By then the pictures will most likely be on the net as by the time the samples arrive the Asian market gets the info and the racket first. I said in an earlier thread the new clothing looks awesome. More funky colours like Asian teams and some new twists on fabrics.

Look for the new Yonex shower sandal in January at your shops! I can hear your humourous comments already!

hey eggroll,

are the nanogy 95's coming out to canada next year?

[eggroll]

????Nanogy 95 has been here since early fall!!!

[MusclePower100]

oh really, i called what's your racquet, racquet central and emailed yonex if they have any and they said they weren't getting any.

[LazyBuddy]

Frankly I'm sick of the large volume of fake Yonex rackets making their rounds all over the world on various mediums of commerce. Specialist OEM factories have the equipment and capability now to replicate Yonex rackets to around 90% which would mean a novice such as me would find them indistinguishable from the real Mc Coy.

Surely Yonex knows this and the massive amount of sales revenue lost. This was once the case with DVD movies and I recall DVD prices came down sharply. Now here in the UK you can pick up a movie for like £8 which is so cheap that there isnt a point even getting a pirate version.

Now as we all know, Yonex rackets have a massive markup. They cost nowhere near their selling price to produce. Surely a reduction in price would be business sense for them? And then great for us the end user? Then the icing on the cake would be that those selling fake crap as Yonex would cease?

Well, no one want to pay more $$$. However, we should keep the business in a healthy way. A positive way to reduce the price is to promote the sport, and get more major manufactures to join the force and compete. Encouraging fake production is like "drink poison to stop thirst", which is a lose-lose situation for both sides in a long run. :eek: