I was thinking that places online have great discounts for carlton rackets, I have an older carlton one and was thinking the top end carlton racket is very affordable but i wouldn't buy it without trying it?

As such I can only try out forza ones I am going to get a forza kevlar 15 maybe at start of january. www.forzabadminton.co.uk (http://www.forzabadminton.co.uk)

How many of you buy without trying, and has anyone not liked a racket they have bought because of this?

I have only once gotten racquets without trying them, and they were sent to me by the company and my pro shop didn't have them, or else I would've tried them. One I really liked, one I really hated. I'd like to exchange the one I hate for the one I like, but they were free, so I can't really complain.

theres only a few times you should ever buy without trying out the actual racquet you want.

if you can try something that you know is darned well similar. or if you know someone who knows your tastes extremely well (long term club members, doubles partners, etc), and has tried it extensively.

another time is only if its a VERY popular racquet in which you know for a fact you won't have any trouble getting rid of it... but you should expect to get hit with not being getting back what you initially paid.
stuff like ns8000, 9000, mp88, mp99, mp100, at800's are racquets that hold a decent amount of attention to allow you to sell it off easily enough

carlton isn't a good choice for this as its not popular at all (well, it is, but not even close to matching that of yonex). unfortunately in most places, carlton is viewed as a low end brand because of the vastly spread population of intitutional carlton racquets.

I used to buy and then try. :p

But that's when I didn't now much about equipment. Now I have more experience and know what I prefer. So now I will usually try before I buy, unless that option is not available. Then I resort back to buying before trying...if I really want that item. :p

In Hong Kong, there's no chance to try before buying.

The only occasion of trial was meeting the dealer of Kimoni in a small, local tournament. He lend me 3 different models to try on court, no take-away:(

I have been paying a lot for trying some relatively unpopular brands, like Gosen, Mizuno, Kimoni. Bridgestone, Wilson..... It is very painful to my purse!!

Even for the popular brands and models, there are still very slightly different between each individual rackets of the same model.

So I really wish I can try before buying :)

I think the people in my club who have decent rackets are the good players, they are certainly hesitant to letting lower level players like me try out their rackets.. I think. Sucks.

So train more to the point they want to play with you.

I'll be hesitant to lend expensive rackets to someone who may hit the frame, clash rackets or hit the floor. On the other hand, I've borrowed AT500, MP99 for a quick try-out from people I play with, since they have seen me play & know none of these would happen.

I have avoided buying rackets unsuitable for me several times by trying out. I buy online only for rackets I've tried before.

If you really can't try first, get a popular racket that you can resell easily.

Trying before buying is overrated, and often an advice given to beginners by beginners.

First of all, trying won't help you much. You won't know how you will like the racket until you lived with it for sometime. Occasionally, problems won't show up until much later on, when your this or that muscles/joints start nagging at you.

Secondly, there aren't really any places where you can try. Even if you find a place, they are unlikely to have the racket you want to try, with the right configuration.

Lastly, go to the "what rackets you have" threads ON BC. Locate the posts by individuals giving you the try-before-you-buy advises, and ask youself why these people have so many different types of rackets when they have tried before they bought ?

Buying the right racket is an expensive business, and shortcuts are not usually possible unless you get lucky and run into the right one early on. The best you can do is just to buy one, and spend time playing with it to see its strength and weakness. Then once you have decided you can't live with weakness, buy another racket with less of the weakness and more of the strength.

lol...totAlly agree with cooldoo6!

First of all, trying won't help you much. You won't know how you will like the racket until you lived with it for sometime. Occasionally, problems won't show up until much later on, when your this or that muscles/joints start nagging at you.

Secondly, there aren't really any places where you can try. Even if you find a place, they are unlikely to have the racket you want to try, with the right configuration.

Lastly, go to the "what rackets you have" threads ON BC. Locate the posts by individuals giving you the try-before-you-buy advises, and ask youself why these people have so many different types of rackets when they have tried before they bought ?



Once our CD6 joining a thread, seems there are always some "bad blood" flowing. :p Ok, here's me again:

1. Trying before buying, is not intend to "give u the best possible in the world". Sometimes, it can't give u the best choice, due to limited availability. However, it certainly can "Eliminate the bad ones". Surely, u can't masterize a racket in a short session. However, if a racket is just way too stiff, too heavy too head heavy for you, you can just throw it away right away. Remember, a quick demo can't gurantee u have the "Best", only help u to not waste $$$ on "worst".

2. Maybe you don't have the right access to try, but you can't say that for everyone. Personally, I play in various clubs, having quite a few buddies around, and some of the club managers are dealers. They carry Yonex, Gosen, SOTX, Wilson, and some other equipment. They always bring demo rackets around, and welcome ppl to try right on the spot. I got my cab30ms by demo the racket, once it first available in US. Again, a short session might not be very helpful on "close calls", but it's definitely more useful than "reading spec".

3. Personally, I found such statement is a bit harsh. The many many rackets that we bought, are NOT really have to be the ones help us to win the champions. People buy rackets with different reasons (i.e. collection), and as our strength/skill progress or product availability changes, we have different needs. The key thing is, you know what u r doing, and no regret. Personally, I have quaite a few different rackets, and by looking at them, I can see my progress, and I don't consider it's a waste of $$$. Many ppl on the board simply collect rackets. Some of them are rare, and never used (or to be used). It's like ppl collecting coins, stamps, wine...

Buying the right racket is an expensive business, and shortcuts are not usually possible unless you get lucky and run into the right one early on. The best you can do is just to buy one, and spend time playing with it to see its strength and weakness. Then once you have decided you can't live with weakness, buy another racket with less of the weakness and more of the strength.

So, if you buy a car, you don't want to test-drive it, even if the dealer offers so. If you buy a house, just try to convience yourself to believe whatever the agent told you through the phone, never even bother to really get an on-site visit.

If that's the way you purchase things, I will try to be your dealer, and that might be the easiest business i can ever get. And of course, your things could be "very expensive" in a long run. :p

Cooldoob,
did you demo your ns8k before you bought it? (with 28lbs tension?)

On-topic,
Yes, I tried before I bought. once out of 4 times...though so far I've been lucky. my first racket (mp77) was ok for me at that time. my second even better (at500), but the ns8k wasn't for me...
then, we bought a ****-load of wovens and started wacking away. so far I haven't regretted my choice...

just on more note for cooldoob,
unless you get lucky and run into the right one early on
(I hope I didn't tore it compeltly out of context)...now here's the dillemma:
-If you've only tried 2 rackets, how do you know it is the best there is?

It would be incorrect to convince beginners that if they hold a racket in their hand, somehow, magically, they would turn into a racket expert instantly. Perhaps it makes them feel good, but you would be deceiving them.

As for people being willing racket collectors: I would say some are and most are not.

Like houses, rackets should be bought and lived with. Then you can decide if you need something better.

Cooldoob,
did you demo your ns8k before you bought it? (with 28lbs tension?)


Nope. Had I tried it, I would still have bought it based on my beginner's instincts at the time. Nevertheless, those instincts were wrong.



If you've only tried 2 rackets, how do you know it is the best there is?

I know what I have is best for now because I am not looking for anything else.

It would be incorrect to convince beginners that if they hold a racket in their hand, somehow, magically, they would turn into a racket expert instantly. Perhaps it makes them feel good, but you would be deceiving them.
you do realise that with 'trying' they mean playign with it, not just holding it in their hand...

the yonex/forza seller at my club lets people demo his rackets. some peopel just with a brand new racket+stock strign with the plastic on the grip...try 8 rackets, pick one to buy...

"you know it's best because you stopped looking"? If racket manufacturers had that kind of attitude we'd be playign wooden rackets..."what I have now is fine, why make steel?"
A question for you: you seemed interested in the DHS TopVs3000. but you haven't tried it, how do you know it's not more suited for you than your ti-10? If you try it (before you buy it) you'll know...


Personally, the racket I play with si the one that suits me most/best...If I find another one that suits me better, I'll change...why I keep looking? because testing rackets is fun...

maybe that's why people end upw ith 20+ rackets:o :D

Actually, I lied. I just ordered an Ashaway Ti130 for try outs. Of course if the racket turns out wrong, I will just throw it away and forget about it rather than to pretend I am a racket collector. Based on my recent experience of a remarkable fake Ti10 that is fast, light, flexible and powerful, I am hopeful that the Ashaway will have similar characteristics.

Actually, I lied. I just ordered an Ashaway Ti130 for try outs. Of course if the racket turns out wrong, I will just throw it away and forget about it rather than to pretend I am a racket collector. Based on my recent experience of a remarkable fake Ti10 that is fast, light, flexible and powerful, I am hopeful that the Ashaway will have similar characteristics.
out of all of ashaways collection, why pick the ti130?

what kind of rackets do your friends play with? did you try any of them?

you do realise that with 'trying' they mean playign with it, not just holding it in their hand...


That doesn't change the fact that beginners still wouldn't know they have the right racket even if they hold it, play it, or produce interesting musical notes from it. It takes an experienced eye to determine if the racket is right. So why convinve people that they have a magical ability, when in reality they don't ?

That doesn't change the fact that beginners still wouldn't know they have the right racket even if they hold it, play it, or produce interesting musical notes from it. It takes an experienced eye to determine if the racket is right. So why convinve people that they have a magical ability, when in reality they don't ?
if a beginner wants a 'good' racket they're not looking for the bloody holy grail of rackets: if they have 5 to try out, and find one that they say "hey, I like playign with that" it's all good...

in any way, it''ll be a lot better than just buying a random racket...

of all my racquets (Cab20/21, Aerotus 70, and now AT700), i didn't try them. been lucky enough to find the right racquet the first time

out of all of ashaways collection, why pick the ti130?


I am exploring the flex and lightness.


what kind of rackets do your friends play with? did you try any of them?

They play with all types. I find none of their racket interesting as these produced nothing beyond the expected capabilities of the players. Althought there were a couple of girls using fake NS8k that produced disproportionate power which I thought was very interesting. But there's is no reliable way of finding fakes with consistent manufacture. So fakes are not a route I could take. Though, I am more than gleeful of the fake Ti-10 I have. It survived clash after clash, and recently destroyed a calton. But sooner or later it will go and I will have nothing to replace it with. So the ashaway is a plan B.

in any way, it''ll be a lot better than just buying a random racket...

Random racket is better as then people get to try all kinds. If you ask them to rely on their beginner's prejudices, they are likely to exclude other perfectly good rackets.

Random racket is better as then people get to try all kinds. If you ask them to rely on their beginner's prejudices, they are likely to exclude other perfectly good rackets.
perfectly good arckets...like a ns9X, or at800off, or ti10-2U...nothgin wrong with them...btu they aren't for beginner, waay to stiff/demanding...

so if you let them by their own "instincts" they won't always end up with a "perfectly good" racket, but at least a racket that suits them

Personally I would try before I buy if posibble. The place I get my rackets from in the UK offer a 2 week trial of certain rackets in their range. So far I have tried the Tactic rackets (Armortic 800, Namiblade 8K and Namiblade 9K), which are Clonexes. Didn't like the Armortic 800 as, like the yonex AT800 was too head heavy for my liking. Loved the other two though and promptly bought them.

I have also tried various other rackets from friends, the one that I remember most was the yonex Ti10, which was one of a few rackets I was interested in - but it was unbelievably stiff and I knew it wasn't one for me.

Anyway, off topic - Jerby, are you the guy running sotxsport.nl ??

yes I am, why do you ask?
wich racket do you play with now? you seem to have demo'ed a lot...

EDIT: well, not just me...it's a family buisness :D

perfectly good arckets...like a ns9X, or at800off, or ti10-2U...nothgin wrong with them...btu they aren't for beginner, waay to stiff/demanding...

If a beginner had the money, he will more than likely to buy NS9kX. Hence I believe some good guidence is better than asking them to rely on their instincts.

If a beginner had the money, he will more than likely to buy NS9kX. Hence I believe some good guidence is better than asking them to rely on their instincts.
you mean you think an ns9X is good for beginners? because I wholeheartedly disagree...
guidance is always important, but if they have a racket in their hands that they hit harder with/feel very comfortable with...what would be the problem?
"no you can't buy the racket you like, here, take this one"

you mean you think an ns9X is good for beginners? because I wholeheartedly disagree...
guidance is always important, but if they have a racket in their hands that they hit harder with/feel very comfortable with...what would be the problem?
"no you can't buy the racket you like, here, take this one"

Beginner says: I am buying NS9kX cos it is best racket on Yonex's chart, and look how light this is. It's almost like an extension of my arm. Besides, it says on the website it has 5% more speed, and I like speed. This nano stuff sounds really, really cool.

We should say: No, it's a mistake !

Beginner says: I am buying NS9kX cos it is best racket on Yonex's chart, and look how light this is. It's almost like an extension of my arm. Besides, it says on the website it has 5% more speed, and I like speed. This nano stuff sounds really, really cool.

We should say: No, it's a mistake !
yes, indeed...
so where does it say demo-ing is wrong?

if they do play with it(read: demo it) "hey, It's got no power" or the smarter one "hey, it's too stiff"...
and then pick a more flexible mp66/88...because they do hit harder with that...but they don't know it until they try..

yes I am, why do you ask?
wich racket do you play with now? you seem to have demo'ed a lot...

EDIT: well, not just me...it's a family buisness :D

Just pmed you with a reply.

It so happened that I brought my friend's racket for restringing at the shop, and saw the ATic800 and NB8K. I tried both of them and liked the NB8K better - think its more flexible than the Yonex NS8K, but otherwise I quite like the feel of it.

Then some months later, my AT500 developed a "clicking noise" at the shaft/nose cone, think I broke it somehow! So went racket shopping and found Tactic came out with the 9K - tried and and like it so I got one.

So to sum it up, I now play with the NB8K and NB9K, both of which are head light, and am looking for a similar racket to the AT500, but with a cheaper price tag. :)

If the reason for beginner's not to try before buy is because they have poor judgement, then they could find a qualified coach to observe them playing with demo racket and ask their opinion. As a bonus, the coach can tell them what to focus on with the new racket to speed up the learning/adjustment process.

That doesn't change the fact that beginners still wouldn't know they have the right racket even if they hold it, play it, or produce interesting musical notes from it. It takes an experienced eye to determine if the racket is right. So why convinve people that they have a magical ability, when in reality they don't ?

1. The "try and buy" suggestion not necessarily apply only beginners. Even an expert in cars, still would like to test drive a new model, before writing the check, right? Who said only beginners need to get their hand on the rackets?

2. Like I metioned in my previous post, demo rackets do NOT gurantee you get the best deal in the world. However, it can more or less help you to eliminate the ones definitely NOT suitable for you. If it's too heavy, too stiff, too head heavy etc, it's not going to change over time. So, if you immediately think somethign is wrong, no need to even bother.

3. "Try and buy" does not always end up doing the magic for everyone. However, it's proven to be a better method than just jump into a pool blindly. It's like, even if you tried hard, you did not get A in the course. However, can you say, since I did not get A, there's no need to study? :cool:

Ive bought blind before and adapted to what you get, but if possible try before you buy.

Hence I believe some good guidence is better than asking them to rely on their instincts.

Guidence and demonstration are not conflict with each other. You can gather some information, and eliminate some choices right on the spot. Now, with a smaller pool of candidates, then get your hand on and demo.

Overall, you should not trust every single word the spec or a sales person try to tell you. On the other hand, just picking up all the rackets in the world w/o listen to any other suggestions might not be too smart, either. How to balance these 2, it's down to you.

Here is my respond to CD. Take it as an advice for your life in the future.
1) You should try the racquet before you buy IF you can get your hand on a demo or borrow it from friend or some kind player.

People usually date before they get marry. Yes, there are love in first sight, but no one propose on the first date.

2) If you don't have option to try, do research on the spec, get opinions from other (here at BCBF) then buy with the idea that you need to play with it and get use to it for a very long time.

Yes, there are still arranged marriage in this world. That is why they need match maker (the more experienced player) or the parents to do the initial scoping and nosing around for you. I was lucky that my parents were arranged and my mom got use to my dad. As I say, you have to get to knowand get use to the other to make the marrage work.

3) People try and buy racquet for different reasons. I can not cover all of them. I have 1 NS9k-x, 1 NS8k, 1 Cab30ms (getting another one for back up) and 2 Cab20ms (selling them because I don't use them any more). Collecting racquets, skill improvement, has money to burn or bought a WRONG racquet are legit reason to have a lot of racquets in 1 bag. (sentemental value for my AR80 which I retired last year)

That is why people get into a relationship (or relationships), many does not work out and broke up later. (keep the good memory with you and leave the bad memory to somewhere else and NOT someone else) Even after long term relationship (or marriage), people grow apart and end the happily ever after story. It happens. So go on with your life and don't make others life a living hell afterward.

I firmly believe that there is a perfect mate for me on the little rock called Earth. However, the chance for me to meet that person is equal to 0. (Believe me, I know. I have a MS in Stat and this is what I do for living) So I look for the best person and ask her to be my mate. (Some people only ask for GOOD ENOUGH) I expect to have a longer than average marriage and hope for the "till death do us apart". (Often time, the "good enough" people will find something better later and switch)

PS, there is no morral of the story here!

Guidence and demonstration are not conflict with each other. You can gather some information, and eliminate some choices right on the spot. Now, with a smaller pool of candidates, then get your hand on and demo.

Overall, you should not trust every single word the spec or a sales person try to tell you. On the other hand, just picking up all the rackets in the world w/o listen to any other suggestions might not be too smart, either. How to balance these 2, it's down to you.

Totally agree. What is best for you is not necessary foy me or him/her. Use the guidence and experience it yourself is the best way to do it. One or the other alone is better than none. That is why they are guidence, not rule. That is why it is experience, not law. Generally, they are good to follow, once a while you will get a bad one.

I would never even consider buying a racket without trying it.

I don't trust the judgement of other people, because they have their own ideas about what makes a good racket. I know what I like, and the best way for me to see if a racket fits is to play with it.

This is somewhat a moot point now, however, because I've found my perfect racket and have no intention to switch anytime soon :D

That is why they are guidence, not rule.

Well, one rule is certainly emerging. That people should try before they buy. If that doesn't work, they should become a collector.

I just feel that the people asking for advice should be made aware of the fact that they might have to become a collector, bearing in mind that the whole point of asking for advice in the first place was to save money and not becoming a collector.

As for experienced racketeers, by all means they should try before they buy since they know what they are looking for. Unlike most who need advice, they know what stiffness is, what head heavy is, etc, etc.

Well, one rule is certainly emerging. That people should try before they buy. If that doesn't work, they should become a collector.

I just feel that the people asking for advice should be made aware of the fact that they might have to become a collector, bearing in mind that the whole point of asking for advice in the first place was to save money and not becoming a collector.



Isn't this kinda against your own statement?

If you don't try, then you should more be a collector (i.e. get 1, don't like it, get another one blindly again, and might still dont like it, then another 1)... :rolleyes: If youdo try, you have a better chance to avoid it, right? :cool:

Hi CD6,

Am I missing something here? Just like badminton game, if you break the rule, you lost the point. So, if you don't follow the rule, it is bad for you. Just like law, if you break it, you are wrong and you pay. However, guildence is a general direction. That means there are exceptions where guildence may not work. Also, experience is a collection of pass events which tell you what works and what does not. It does not gaurantee the success next time.

I know you are in Englend and my English is not as good as yours. I hope I made my point clear with you.

Happy New Year.