Sotx Woven 11

[HKChua]

Hi Everyone,

I had just bought my SOTX 11, but... could not derive as much power as my YONEX ARMOTEC 700.

With ARMOTEC 700, BG-66 @ 26LBS x 26LBS, I am very happy with the feel and smashes were enlightening. I enjoyed each and every game.

With SOTX 11, BG-66 @ 26LBS x 26LBS, I could feel the birdie much better; especially when it touched my strings. But... smashes lack power, though the feel is there.

The qualities of the SOTX 11 are excellent, looks and feel. What irks me is the grip, YUCK! I simply think that it is the grip that is causing the lack of power. I may replace it with PACIFIC PowerGrip.

Wonder if any SOTX users could comment on this?

Thanks.

[jerby]

sotx grips are indeed not good, here's some way to solve it:

-grips with ribs: get it of the racket and grab a pair siccors (or somethign to cut small threads with). at the back of the grip there's a web if smal wires: cut them all out. rewrap the grip: good as new, and flat!

-wobbly-grip: my w11 had a messy grip, there was a thick line of EVA making it wobble. remove the grip, peel of EVA, rewrap...done...

or just buy a replacement grip:p

powerwise: maybe drop a bit in tension, the w11 is a lot stiffer than the at700...

good luck! it's a brilliant racket!:D

[HKChua]

sotx grips are indeed not good, here's some way to solve it:

or just buy a replacement grip:p

powerwise: maybe drop a bit in tension, the w11 is a lot stiffer than the at700...

good luck! it's a brilliant racket!:D

Hi Jerby,

Thanks for responding, most probably will heed your advice and get the grip replace completely. I used to play at 28 x 26LBS, had already dropped the tension. Basically, I am 82Kg x 1.76M, waist 32cm...

I love the racket at its first look, hope I am not wrong.

Thanks.

[jerby]

give it some time...it's a different racket than you're used to...it's heavier, long, stiffer and headlighter,

and even if you don't like it (can't imagine;) ) you'll be a step closer to knowing what you really want in a racket..

PS: body-mass rarely says anything about power...I'm 1.98M, 75kg, and waist (circumference) is 75cm, good luck figuring that out:p :D
It's all in the technique, and if you say you can handle 28lbs, I guess everythign is fine:rolleyes:.

[HKChua]

give it some time...it's a different racket than you're used to...it's heavier, long, stiffer and headlighter,

and even if you don't like it (can't imagine;) ) you'll be a step closer to knowing what you really want in a racket..

PS: body-mass rarely says anything about power...I'm 1.98M, 75kg, and waist (circumference) is 75cm, good luck figuring that out:p :D
It's all in the technique, and if you say you can handle 28lbs, I guess everythign is fine:rolleyes:.

WOW! 75cm!!!:eek::eek::eek: But, how nice if I could have your height.

Thanks again.

[HKChua]

Hi Jerby,

Sorry, typo. My waist is 32 inches, not cm....

Have been playing with wooden rackets before the arrival of metal frame rackets... wooden rackets were much heavier.

I am an old man... 43 years old...

Thanks.

[DinkAlot]

It's possible you cannot effectively flex the racket. It is significantly heavier than your AT700. Good luck and best wishes. :)

[Dummey]

give it some time...it's a different racket than you're used to...it's heavier, long, stiffer and headlighter,

and even if you don't like it (can't imagine;) ) you'll be a step closer to knowing what you really want in a racket..

PS: body-mass rarely says anything about power...I'm 1.98M, 75kg, and waist (circumference) is 75cm, good luck figuring that out:p :D
It's all in the technique, and if you say you can handle 28lbs, I guess everythign is fine:rolleyes:.

OTing a lot, but geez did you just hit a growth spurt? Thats a pretty low body mass to height ratio. The jerby in my mind was always so much smaller :D

[HKChua]

It's possible you cannot effectively flex the racket. It is significantly heavier than your AT700. Good luck and best wishes. :)

Well... I replaced the grip with a base grip and a Pacific Supreme Grip... managed to smash better with it compared to Armotec 700. Both are good rackets, but... quality wise... I still think SOTX WOVEN 11 is better.

Thanks.

[jerby]

OTing a lot, but geez did you just hit a growth spurt? Thats a pretty low body mass to height ratio. The jerby in my mind was always so much smaller :D well, it's actually over, I've been growing a lot, but now I'm (finally!) done.
this was me, 2 years back http://images.alphen.nu/gebruikers/profielfotos/gebruiker_161.jpg.
now I'm a foot taller, and have calves:p, and a bit more shoulders and legs and a sotx racket:D

Bakc on topic:
HKChua,
How do you find the stiffness difference between the at700 and w11? what kind of grip was origianlly on the w11?

[HKChua]

well, it's actually over, I've been growing a lot, but now I'm (finally!) done.
this was me, 2 years back http://images.alphen.nu/gebruikers/profielfotos/gebruiker_161.jpg.
now I'm a foot taller, and have calves:p, and a bit more shoulders and legs and a sotx racket:D

Bakc on topic:
HKChua,
How do you find the stiffness difference between the at700 and w11? what kind of grip was origianlly on the w11?

Hi Jerby,

It was similar to this one:

http://www.ibuysports.com/sitebuilder/images/Woven_11A-600x323.jpg

Well... frankly speaking, I feel that the AT700 is more flexible. The main difference between the two rackets is that when the birdie hits the string, you can clearly feel the impact with W11 and less with AT700. As such, net play is much better.

I started my game with W11 and changed to AT700 for my 4th game...

When I switched back to AT700, the feedback from my opponents was that my smashes were much better then before...

So... there are advantages....:D

Thanks.

[Dummey]

well, it's actually over, I've been growing a lot, but now I'm (finally!) done.
this was me, 2 years back http://images.alphen.nu/gebruikers/profielfotos/gebruiker_161.jpg.
now I'm a foot taller, and have calves:p, and a bit more shoulders and legs and a sotx racket:D

Bakc on topic:
HKChua,
How do you find the stiffness difference between the at700 and w11? what kind of grip was origianlly on the w11?

OTing: chicken legs! (pats jerby on the back)

on topic: I thought the at700 was stiffer then the w-11 when i tried it. The at700 at that time was new though so that might be a factor. It might just require some breaking in before you get that feel.

[jerby]

OTing: chicken legs! (pats jerby on the back)

on topic: I thought the at700 was stiffer then the w-11 when i tried it. The at700 at that time was new though so that might be a factor. It might just require some breaking in before you get that feel.
yeah, still got those...maybe a bit bigger now:o and bought some calves..

the at700 keeps confusing me. very stiff, not very stiff, very flexy, very stiff...everybody has an other opinion, very weird...
maybe the shaft loossens up so fast, who knows?

[DinkAlot]

yeah, still got those...maybe a bit bigger now:o and bought some calves..

the at700 keeps confusing me. very stiff, not very stiff, very flexy, very stiff...everybody has an other opinion, very weird...
maybe the shaft loossens up so fast, who knows?

It's misleading because the AT700 is so light (4U) yet swings heavier.

Same with the Woven 11, it's stiff but doesn't feel too much so because of the extra long shaft.

It's all relative.

[Sealman]

HKChua, is your AT700 a 3u or 4u?

[HKChua]

HKChua, is your AT700 a 3u or 4u?

There seems to be only 4U and 5U available.

Altogether I bought 16 pcs of the AT700 4U, 2 pcs are of the new Japan Red. Properties of the old and new AT700 seems to be the same.

Thanks.

[jerby]

you have 16 (SIXTEEN!) AT700? and you like your 1 (ONE!) woven 11?;)

yikes...maybe there's a store in for a trade?:D

[HKChua]

you have 16 (SIXTEEN!) AT700? and you like your 1 (ONE!) woven 11?;)

yikes...maybe there's a store in for a trade?:D

Sorry friends,

My AT700 were 3U instead of 4U. Just went for a game tonight.

I was using the WOVEN 11 for the entire night! It is really a masterpiece; especially if you like to smash.

Well... I have 22 members in my team, I own 2 X AT700 3U, the rest belongs to 7 other members, 2 pcs each. I was the one who purchased all these rackets, decide their string tension and grips...

Thanks.

[DinkAlot]

I was using the WOVEN 11 for the entire night! It is really a masterpiece; especially if you like to smash.

I don't think anyone has described the Woven 11 better. In fact, I know. :D

[roller]

have not played with 680mm rackets before. just wondering if the w11 and d600 swings slower than say the d900.

[DinkAlot]

have not played with 680mm rackets before. just wondering if the w11 and d600 swings slower than say the d900.

It's all relative. I don't know what happens in the process, I just know I hit significantly harder with the D600 and even more so with the Woven 11.

For me, to date, the D600 is probably the best offensive as well as defensive racket. From 1 to 10, 10 being best, all relative:

O(ffense): 9.90 (10 being the Woven 11)
D(efense): 9.00 (10 being the Woven 8, AT800DE)

Very few rackets can come close to the D600.

2U Cab 20 Tour SP
O: 9.50
D: 8.25

3U Cab 30MS
O: 8.50
D: 9.25

2U Cab 30MS
O: 9.75 (but not consistent)
D: 4.00 :(

Woven 11
O: 10.00! :eek: :D :D
D: 8.00

Heck, I should do a racket review... :p

[450450]

My Woven 11 cracked in half :(

Went for a side step forehead clear and some how it got caught between my legs and I scisccored snapped it! :O

I noticed it had a string tied inside to prevent it from flying off into people! Lucky I got a spare Woven 11. I may get another one from puppysports.com or get a Diamond Fighter D-600.

[bertbrainz]

hey dudes...wads the difference between woven11 and woven11A?

[450450]

Just the colour dude :)

[450450]

Does anyone know for SOTX, whether G3 is bigger then G4 grip size or vice versa? I'm a bit confused as different brands have their own grip measurements.

[Dummey]

Does anyone know for SOTX, whether G3 is bigger then G4 grip size or vice versa? I'm a bit confused as different brands have their own grip measurements.

I believe all their grip sizes are the same. For me it feels slightly smaller then G4 but bigger then a G5.

[bertbrainz]

hey wads the price of woven11 in singapore?where can i get it?very interested in 1...which is more popular?woven 11 or 11A?

[HKChua]

hey wads the price of woven11 in singapore?where can i get it?very interested in 1...which is more popular?woven 11 or 11A?

I got it at S$195/- form Classic Sports, if I don't remember the price wrongly.

Woven 11 and 11A is only different in price.

Thanks.

[HKChua]

I got it at S$195/- form Classic Sports, if I don't remember the price wrongly.

Woven 11 and 11A is only different in price.

Thanks.

Sorry, I mean different in colour, typed too fast! :D

Thanks.

[Simeon]

This thread is old but because the w11 is still being sold I will tell my experience.

The racket does not feel very stiff. And not very head heavy.But heavy it is.
If you have good technique and strong healthy arm you can perform fast smashes.

w11 comes very near an all round racket, but only near. If your opponent is weaker than you why not show him some hard smashes with w11. But..if he is weaker why not beat him with any other racket that doesn't stress your arm.

I doubt if you can name any elite/pro player who uses w11. Because you can not keep fast playing speed.
Watch any badminton video and notice how often the pro is hanging his racket by the lower leg level. And then up again quickly. Can you do that with w11,the next whole hour?

[jerby]

the first few times you get a sore shoulder/arm because the weight upsets your usual "feel".
You get used to it, and you don't get a tired arm....

But it'll never be featherlight ;)

I doubt I can name more than 5 elite/pro players that use a sotx racket ;) let alone a w11:p :o

[niteeshs]

I have been playing with W11i for last 6 months. I play 3-4 times a week, atleast 3 hrs each day. I do not feel getting tired that much now. It takes time for the body to get used to heavier weight, but you will notice your muscles developing on your arm and shoulder with time.

I believe that Pros can play with any good racket. They have the technique and power to handle all these rackets. They use the particular rackets because they get it free.

[Simeon]

I have been playing with W11i for last 6 months. I play 3-4 times a week, atleast 3 hrs each day. I do not feel getting tired that much now. It takes time for the body to get used to heavier weight, but you will notice your muscles developing on your arm and shoulder with time.

I believe that Pros can play with any good racket. They have the technique and power to handle all these rackets. They use the particular rackets because they get it free.

Sorry, but it is not fair if you bring W11i into this discussion even if it is close to W11. You just confuse newcomers.

[niteeshs]

I just wanted to point out W11i version and my experience with it as there has been discussions on 11 and 11a as well in this thread.

[jerby]

it's not just "close to the w11"

I'd be hard pressed to find the differences :p

[Simeon]

When mister sotx speaks i'll raise my hands up..

[jerby]

well, I haven't played wiht both rackets back-to-back (same string/tension/grip)
but the only difference I couldn't think of is that the 11i is slightly stiffer.. But onyl slightly (not like the 10i, which is a whole lot stiffer than the original 10)

also, the 11i's I got in are slightly lighter (a gram tops) but that might be the batch..

All in all, pick the colour you like ;)

[Simeon]

well, I haven't played wiht both rackets back-to-back (same string/tension/grip)
but the only difference I couldn't think of is that the 11i is slightly stiffer.. But onyl slightly (not like the 10i, which is a whole lot stiffer than the original 10)

also, the 11i's I got in are slightly lighter (a gram tops) but that might be the batch..

All in all, pick the colour you like ;)

Hm..I like that answer more.
If Sotx would like to change only color again they would name it W11B,logically.:rolleyes:

[jerby]

Eventually, sotx's entire range will be 6 or 7 different specifications, and you can customize your own colour/colourscheme/name ;)
Like allstars :p

(and just a side note, your parcel is underway ;))

It is kinda weird though, the w10 and 10i are worlds apart (and in my opinion the 10i is a big improvement, more solid) the 7i is also a different racket...
but the 11's...well, I guess they just couldn't make it any heavier :p

[Fengwei]

I have been playing with W11i for last 6 months. I play 3-4 times a week, atleast 3 hrs each day. I do not feel getting tired that much now. It takes time for the body to get used to heavier weight, but you will notice your muscles developing on your arm and shoulder with time.

I believe that Pros can play with any good racket. They have the technique and power to handle all these rackets. They use the particular rackets because they get it free.

A bit off topic, but it's some feedback for people who still aren't sure of buying the W11.
I played with the Yonex Nanospeed 7700 for a few months, and found it to be much to defensive. I therefore bought the SOTX Woven 4A from Sir Dinks, and it was way too heavy for me. Still, I saw the possibilities the W4A could give me, and kept training with it. After a few weeks/months, it wasn't heavy at all anymore. My muscles had built up and slowly gotten use to the weight. Now, I can use any racket, even the W11 without getting a tired arm. So, just train hard with a heavy racket, and you'll discover a new world called "hammering". :D

[jerby]

glad you eventually did test it? :p

[Fengwei]

Hmm... bow to Master Jerby :D Very glad!