my rackets and their fates. how about you?

[kwun]

i just got bored with work, and i thought i'd list out all the rackets that i've ever used. so here they are, in approx chronological order:


Yonex Blacken II - too long ago. disappeared after my family moved
Yonex Cab 18 - my first *real* racket. sold it to a friend back in secondary school and then his brother accidentally sat on it and broke it
Yonex Cab 21 - i have had 3 of these. broke one every term in school. no clash, just crumbled.
Yonex Cab 14 - bought it after i broke all my last Cab21. broke this on the first day on racket clash.
Yonex Cab 8dx - i bought it after all those racket breakage since this racket looked indestructable. i still have it. i lend it to beginners who doesn't have a racket.
Yonex Iso600 - i have two of these. i find them too stiff. one is in storage, the other one hangs on my cube wall at work.
Yonex Aerotus 77 - cracked at 7 o'clock. no clash, just crumbled.
Yonex Aerotus 110 - cracked at 10 o'clock.
Yonex Iso900 SR - showing signs of crack in the inner top frame. in permanent storage.
Yonex Iso900 SR - i have outgrown this racket, in storage.
Alpha dominator - cracked on clash
Winex Kevlar 999 - cracked on clash
Yonex Iso900 SS - the nicest racket. i had a friend brought one for me from Singapore. clashed and cracked it on the second day.
Yonex Muscle Power 100 - also brought in from singapore. rather nice racket, but i am using better ones.
Yonex Muscle Power 100 CP - very expensive. broke it. long story. please don't ask..
Carlton Airblade 2000 - just can't get used to such a different racket, normal length, light and traditional head. lending it to a friend.
Yonex Cab20 CN - also very nice racket. when i am used to it, it give great feel, control and power. however, i have problem switching between Iso and traditional head. i already have a buyer for it.
Yonex Ti-10 - very nice, heavy and powerful racket. only able to propel is when i am in a good strong day.
Yonex Iso900 SS CN - i have two of these. my current main racket. the best in terms of weight, balance and stiffness. very very nice.


i think that's it. the Ti-10, Iso900 SS and Cab20 are the rackets that travels with me in my racket bag these days.

that's 23 rackets that i've owned. ouch.

[Winex West Can]

Here's my lists (as much as I can remember)

a) Yonex Blacken II - I had two of these. First one broke at the "T" for no reason. I was tapping the frame against my shoe while preparing to receive. Still have the other one with lots of chips

b) Cab 18 - dents and chips, in storage

c) Yonex Cab 20 original - I also had two of these. Stolen. Loved these racquets.

d) Yonex Cab 21 - Stolen along with the Cab 20.

e) Yonex ISO 600 - in storage with chips

I then started using Winex racquets over last summer and have stuck with them since.

f) Winex SQ 800 - Still using (for smashing game)

g) Winex Ti-9 - Main racquet

That's about it although I am thinking of replacing the Ti-9 with the Winex Ti-12 with its full Ti-mesh shaft.

[Byro-Nenium]

I don't go back as far as you guys do in rackets, my 1st racket that i can remember was a Cab 8, before was some unknoun Pro-Kennex model...

Cab 8 Broke after shaft snapped.
Cab 8 (2) Lost..... :(
Cab 8 (3) Gave away.....
Cab 8 (4) Still have, but slowly decaying, don't use it anymore.
Winex Aerodynamic 200 Broke when stringing at 25lbs
Winex T-3 Someone stole it!!
Winex T-20 Still have, going good...
Fleet Ti-99 Broke and thrown away....
Ti-10 (1) Broke after just 5 days, due to my own careless mistake, don't ask!
Ti-10 (2) Still using and going well!
Ti-10 (3) Most don't know i have this 1, bought as a backup, unused.
Victor Super Ti-5 Broke whilst stringing! sob!
Slim-10 Still using and going well!!
MP100 Still have but i seldom use it anymore.
MP55 I love this racket!! Not broken yet.....

Not intending to buy any rackets. Maybe an MP80 when it hits SG but i doubt it, maybe another MP55 though.

Thats about as much as i can remember.....

[trapped-never]

Yonex B650 sold
Wilson Titanium Quad 95 (2U) - gave to my girlfriend
Babolat Satelite Synchro (3U) - 2 pieces, my regular rackets
RSL 3000/2P (4U) - offensive racket used when I'm in smashing mood

[Yogi]

First was a Silvers Pro 300 which i bought for 300Rs
2) was a Cab 8
3)Prokennex Victory
4)Prokennex 787
5)Carlton Powerflo Br I broke 3 of these
6)Carlton Aerogear 700,900, 1000 and 2000
7)Carlton Airblade 900, 2000(3 of them)
8) Yonex Isometric 100
9)Yonex Isometric 150 Light
10)yonex Isometric 60light
11)Yonex Ti 8
12)yonex iso Power 200, 600(2)
13)Yonex Iso 900Sr
14)Yonex Ti 10
15) Yonex Ti swing Power SS(still there)
16)Yonex Slim 10(2 of these and buying another one from Byro!)


Want to Buy, Iso 900SS, T1 10 3U, Iso900Sr, Iso 600(4 of these), Forza something!

shall wait for Mp 77 when i have teh money!

[cc]

aerotus 55 - my first racket. very nice balance. first one was stolen from the gym. second one broke after taking on the wall and lost.
Forza morten frost special - stringer broke it. light whippy racket
cab 15 long traded - alot of power, but wanted to keep all rackets the same length.
for cab 22 - heavy as a rock, still trying to get use to it.
Forza ti tech 500 - very flexible, light but head heavy, i like it for singles.
another Forza morten frost sp

whats with the cabs, why are they so bloody heavy. i dont know what to do with the one i have - aside from not using it.

[Phil]

Slazenger Panther Pro - I used this during the first couple months I started playing Badminton. I would say it was about 90 grams, and the shaft and frame were aluminum with an oval head.

Isometric 60 Light - My learning racket, you wouldn't believe how many clashes it went though and it still held up. About two months before the end of its life, I added some lead tape to it. It finally broke when someone I let borrow it hit their partner in the back of the head by accident, cracking the racket at the 11 and 1 o'clock positions.

Isometric 500 SS - I haven't played with it yet since my club is closed for the holidays, so the first time I'll get to play with it is at a tournament tomorrow.

Phil

[kwun]

oh. how can i forget, i have two more:

<li> Yonex Muscle Power 77 (3U) - this is a nice racket as well, but i find it a tad bit light
<li> Yonex Cab 22 - similarly, i can't get used to the oval shape anymore.

that makes 25 rackets!

[AF]

Here is my list:

-Black Knight Lance, still have, steel & heavy, use for warming up the wrist
-Yonex Carbonex 21 (1), broke during play, didn't realize till after the match
-Yonex Widebody 30, the original Aerotus racquet, didn't like the hollow feel, sold to friend who had it break the first day i sold it to him, felt bad
-Yonex Carbonex 20, hated this racquet, used a couple of times, traded it for a Pro Kennex 808, Yonex Carbonex 15, Racquet bag, 50 bucks...what a deal
-Pro Kennex 808, sold, didn't even play with it
-Yonex Carbonex 15, lent out and never got back
-Yonex Carbonex 21 (2), gave to my friend's little bro and retired
-Yonex Carbonex 21 (3), retired for a year, got this racquet after borrowing Talbot Autograph Classic for half year, eventually sold it, saw it the other day, still going
-Yonex Carbonex 8, bought it as backup for 20bucks, used it when I was too lazy to restring my 21, sold it for 30bucks
-Yonex Isometric 100, too whippy, sold it for 90bucks
-Pro Kennex Isodynamic 28, bought 2, funky shaped racquet, broke one, lent out the 2nd, waiting to get back as well
-Yonex Isometric 500 original, bought used and lent out, waiting to get back
-HiQua Slim 10, bought 4, (1) just sold it for 20bucks, (2) snapped in anger, (3) strung it up, lent it to a friend who gave it to his gf, d*mn guy.... (4) unstrung and storage
-Yonex MP77, latest racquet, can't wait to try it, still unstrung, hahaha, i have no racquets strung up right now....



AF

[Brett]

Hi everybody. Happy New Year. Hope you all had a good holiday season. Here's my list:

1) Carlton 4.1 100-105g? aluminum/steel racquet purchased in 1981 or 82. It has a beautiful metallic red finish on its aluminum head with a matching red leather grip, but I banged it against a net post and the head is warped about an inch. It's still playable, with original Carlton strings (seem to have shrunk rather than stretched and are around 20lbs) but I went graphite a month after returning to the sport two years ago.

2) Yonex Carbonex 8300. 2U/G3 basic carbon racquet. Durable as hell, doesn't suck or excel at any aspect of the game. Liked it a lot until I replaced it with a better, lighter, more powerful racquet (#3). I recently realized how heavy and clumsy it was when I went back to it as a backup after a string breakage.

3) Carlton Airblade 900. 89g Damn powerful, very fun racquet to use for both singles and doubles. Not much touch at first until spending several months to get used to it and finding the right strings (I've got a cheap set of Babolat strings on it that give good power and great control that I really like). I doubt there are any/many racquets I would like better than this one; however, I just got a new toy to try out next week, so I may be updating this opinion :)

4) Yonex MP77UK. 2U/G3. Factory strung with BG-65Ti around 19lbs. My brand new Christmas present from my sister (sneaky little sis - she waited about 20 minutes after we opened up all the other presents before she suddenly announced that I might have one more present - I had already given up on getting a new racquet this holidays by that point). First impressions - it's definitely heavier than my AB900 and I think it will be somewhat challenging to get used to a 95g racquet (not to mention a long isometric) after using my Carlton for eight months now. I wasn't particularly looking to replace the AB900, I just wanted to see what all the fuss was about with everyone praising and switching to this racquet, plus its price has dropped so much lately in the UK (64 pounds [US$92], less a league discount, less 15% VAT) that I thought it wouldn't be unreasonable to ask my sister to pick one up for me while she was there on a business trip.

Looking at all of your collections, I don't even feel slightly guilty for seeking to acquire my new Yonex. However, unless I break a racquet (knock on wood it doesn't happen) or can argue I need one more AB900 or MP77 as a backup, my fiance isn't likely to allow me another racquet for several years. Of course, I can always sit by quietly when she buys three unneccessary pairs of shoes and then remind her of that expense when the next hot Carlton or Yonex comes out. ;)

[kwun]

oh. and noticed, i have had 25 rackets. 11 of them broken, one missing, and one is showing signs of cracks.

sigh.

[Marky, Rmd. BC]

Dear Byro-Nenium:

Did you miss out a Cab 21 special?

[Yogi]

I had a Rasmussen which served me faithfully for a long while!

[Kelvin]

Ok, well let's see... I dont think I have quite the extensive/expensive list as the rest of you guys do, except maybe Brett, lucky guy gets racquets as gifts. ;)
*NOTE: I AM ONLY LISTING MODELS I PERSONALLY PURCHASED FOR MYSELF, NOT THE ONES I HAD SOLD*

Anyways, I'll start with what I can remember...


1.) Wooden racquet from a badminton set when I was young. Wooden head steel shaft. very loose strings, but it went ok with my poor skils when I was younger. I had 2 of these to use. One got severely bent out of shape, because I tripped when I played before, and the other well it's gone somewhere, disappeared. Possibly taken by some gnomes.


2.) Yonex aluminum racquet. B something or other... cant remember, didn't care back then really. Didnt know any better. haha. was green in color, with a green yonex cover, silver stripe down the middle. had a steel shaft. Only had the one. got severely bent out of shape, from one of my friend stepping on it!!! but I still used it.


3.) Carlton tapered steel shaft racquet... someone might know which one, it has a blue, white, and red head cover for the racquet. I think it was some special anniversary model, not sure. Aluminum head, had these really cool multi-colored strings!! :p Loved that racquet, but again, bent out of shape, when it was restrung with *cough* BG43.


4.) Yonex Blacken 8100. Probably the best racquet I had tried, or owned to that date. Nice, strong racquet. Never broke, but had tons of paint chips... I think most of you can attribute to this same fact. Lost it somewhere... just remember everyday during the summer going with a couple of friends to play badminton every morning at 6am arriving before the facility opened, and just played until our little hearts couldn't play any longer. haha. those were really fun times. Having so much fun didn't notice someone walking away with it, or leaving it in the locker room.


5.) Yonex graphlex 150. Now this was a heavy racquet! Compared to the carlton racquet I listed above... I could barely pick it up to swing properly! Eventually it busted in the shaft due to many racquet clashes when I was young. :(


6.) Pro-Kennex 8 something... cant remember the model, came from Hong Kong. Very nice product, was built strong too. had some weird strings on it, didn't really care back then. It just played really well for me. Dull silver color, with a bit of a purplish undertone. Eventually broke in a racquet clash with a cab8!


7.) Yonex Cab8 Aluminum frame. loved this racquet. had many great games, and experiences, but lost it due to excessive warpage in the frame due to stringing :p


8.) Carlton Aerogear 30? not sure if that's the correct number, cant remember. Didn't like it as much as the Cab8, or the Carlton whatever model listed above #2, but it was only $25 for the racquet, and that's all I could afford at the time. Overall very decent racquet for my skill at that time. Restrung with ugly bg65s, then just sold it to a friend for $15 I think.


9.) Carlton Boron Powerflo. Hmm... what can I say... the store made a mistake in charging me... instead of $120, they charged me a miniscule $50+ tax Canadian! 7% to be exactly. and I got the cover for the racquet, which they usually wont give... strung it with black BG65's, at about 21lbs, looked awesome! eventually gave it away to a friend, because the next few models cluttered up my life.


10.) Aerotus 110sp. Purchased in Hong Kong for some weirdly expensive price. Eventually broke in the frame, not due to clashes or anything, just hit the frame to much with the shuttle... poor skils + expensive nice racquet = broken racquet.


11.) Aerotus 66. Purchased in Canada. about $180 at the time. Nice racquet, hollow feeling on impact, but decent play. Eventually cracked in the frame once again, due to too many mishits.


12.) Prince Axis 60. I know... I know... a step backwards?? I believe this was a steel frame racquet, as it was a bit too heavy to be graphite. Anyways, my first experience with a racquet with a larger sweetspot. Had to be strung excessively tight to get a good consistent tension, eventually the frame bent when I lent it out to a friend to use. still have fairly fond memories of it.


13.) Prince Axis 75. An all graphite frame, with widebodyish head. Very nice product again. Greenish colored case... broken into a couple pieces while swinging... racquet shaft snapped when on the down swing, nearly hitting my partner!. I was aware a lot of people were "flexing" my racquet. so that's the only cause i can think of.


14.) Carbonex 8. Partial sponsorship. Payed a small price for this, but had 2 of them. Again, warping in the frame due to a poor stringer... then finally switched to someone who I could trust, and actually was a badminton enthusiast. I still have one, and it remains part of my collection (the first piece I can say that I collected)


15.) Carbonex 10. Reddish color. nice piece of equipment... but the shaft snapped on me. Still under warranty at the time, I moved up to the next one.


16.) Isometric 200. The original black, and purple writing one. Shaft snapped, and replaced again with a newer model.


17.) Isometric 300. This was probably the racquet I could never get used to... eventually it snapped again at the shaft, and hit the ground with a loud noise, so again, a replacement. (I broke one of these previously, by using a friend's racquet, and nearly taking somebody's head off when I went for a forehand drive... tennis style. and the shaft snapped and flew back and smashed up against a wall next to someone, and scared them, but that was not my own racquet... :p )


18.) Cab20tour. Stiff racquet. Very strong frame, strung at my highest tension (when I was under partial sponsorship, and in training) yet. 22x24lbs. Eventually sold it to a friend, and then it broke on him when he clashed it on the ground. what a waste!!!


19.) Boron 200. No longer under partial sponsorship, as I asked to see if this racquet could be purchased in Hong Kong by one of my relatives. By far my favorite, probably because I'd never had so many of one racquet at the same time. I had 3 purchased in Hong Kong, and 2 purchased from remaining inventory clearance by Yonex Canada. Loved this racquet, and played with this up until I stopped my competitive career (not a really successful one at at that either haha). Everyone broke in the frame! except for one! which I also still have, and it remains in my collection. so a total 5 of these, but only 1 remains intact, the others are in the landfill somewhere.


20.) Black Knight 68 TiXL something or other... cant remember... Upon my return to more consistent play. I dont consider once a month play consistent during post secondary. I needed something cheap... I saw a titanium racquet and snatched it up. for $50 Canadian. Something about that $50 price point... Eventually the shaft completely snapped at the cone. The second one busted at the T joint (all within 2 months)


21.) Yonex Ti10. Wow, what a huge step forward from the Black Knight!!! 3U, I purchased 2 of them. I was being stupid, and sold the two racquets for $150 each... that's ok, I only payed $180 after shipping, taxes, and conversion from the US haha.


22.) Karakal SL70. Wow again... too light though. sold it.


23.) Forza Morten Frost Special. one of the last ones I could find. Put it in my collection. very nice triple taper design.


24.) Forza Super Giant 25000 Slim. one word... STIFF. couldn't play with it well enough, so I sold it to a friend instead of collecting it. kinda wished I had one left at least.


25.) Forza Morten Frost Legend. Found it to be very weak in design. Sold it.


26.) Forza Ti Tech 900. Looks nice. Snapped in the shaft. dont ask. :(


27.) Forza Star Power 10000. Liked it, but had a change of heart, and sold ALL of them. I had 3 of these.


I recently acquired a few mp80 racquets, I have not strung all of them yet, but am looking forward to play testing. Along with that I purchased 3 ti10's for myself, and will be adding at least 1 to my collection, because it is indeed a work of art.
As for my current weapon of choice, I am using an MP55. It was both affordable, and durable. I really dont care what I use now. Mainly just strings, and the way I play, which there's always room for improvement. I also have 1 cab20 original which I added to my collection a while ago, but was too lazy to list it in the proper order.
I'm looking forward to actually owning my very own MP100 & MP70/77 one day, when I can afford to... not counting them as actual expenses of course. :p
Anyways, lots of stuff out there, and this is all that I can remember right now. If you made it this far, you're a true badminton freak!

[Kelvin]

oh yeah... I purchased a cab22, and 23 in between all the hub-bub, last year I believe, but I sold them before I could play with them. :P pretty stupid of me, considering that it's really hard to find the cab22 now, and I'm sure I would have been using it even today. oh well.

[cc]

kelvin, check my post above. i will sell you my cab22.

[Kelvin]

forgot about a Yang Yang tactic 9000 I had purchased, and didn't use, as it's sitting in my house back home. :p
still have it, probably give it to my fiance, so she can use.

[Howard]

WOW you guys got alot. I'm still waiting for shauns lol.

Heres my little list.

My first racket ever was a steel one that i got from sport check , but i was like 7 at the time.

Then when i started playing in grade 6 i had a YY Graphlex 150-still got it but its deformed.

Then in grade 8 i got a Yonex ISO95vf.Broke it clashing.
Then a CAB 14
Then a Karakal sl-70 in GR 9 Sold it.TOO LIGHT
after i got a Ti-10 sold it cause i was stupid.
Then i got A Forza ti tech 900 and Morten frost legend.Sold then cause once again i was stupid.
Then got a cab 21 traded with my friend for a MD player.
I got a Ti-10 again but i broke from loss of temper.
Now using a TI SP SX
And froza Star power.

T is fo what i remeber.I sure there was about 2 more.

[cooler]

cc, where do you live? is the cab22 SP?

[cc]

vancouver. its a regular cab22, not sp.

[Mag]

OK, not that I think anybody will bother to read yet another of these lists but here's mine:

* Yonex B-650 -- heavy steel/alu racquet. Probably indestructible, which was an important factor at the time... In storage.

* Yonex Isometric 99 -- graphite shaft, alu head. The most head heavy racquet I've ever seen! The balance point is at 315 mm... WITH overgrip! Beat that if you can. In storage.

* Prince Response -- first all-graphite racquet. Still going strong, in fact it's in better shape than many of my newer racquets... good build!

* Carlton Aerogear 1000FX. Broke in the handle, but had it repaired... almost as good as new! Still use it.

* Carlton Aeogear 900. Broke in the handle, was repaired but never fully recovered... in storage.

* Carlton Airblade Rasmussen. Had 2 of these... one was replaced due to a frame defect, the other broke in handle.

* Carlton Airblade 900. Shaft broke.

* Carlton Yong Hock Kin. Shaft broke on 1st session.

* Yonex MP-100 (2U). I was very dissatisfied with this racquet when I got it just over a year ago. Well... during this autumn I've played a lot of singles with it and I've finally understood what all the fuss is about... but it took so long that I nearly gave up! I simply think I didn't have the strength to make it come alive before, but I do now... :)

* Forza Ti Tech 1100. Had 2, both replaced due to factory defects... finally replaced it with a...

* Forza Ti Tech 1600. It's 3U but it just rocks. Along with the MP100, this is my current #1.

[Mag]

oops... forgot two:

* Babolat PowerLite XL: still ok, I usually lend it out. Surprisingly good stiff iso racquet.

* Carlton Airblade 1000: quite battered, but has no structural damage so it's still holding up. My girlfiend uses it.

[cooler]

cc, do u have an email address that potential buyers can contact you?

[Josh]

Wow all you guys have a long list!! I guess that is because I am only an intermediate, soon-to-be-advanced player!! hehe Here's my small list:

1. Steel racquet from a backyard set. I used it the very first day I tried badminton and I immediately got in to the sport. Used this racquet for only a few days until it bent in ONE clash with the fence. Threw out.

2. Steel Carlton called the Carlton 313! Only $15 but I just got that to use for a couple of weeks after my unexpected clash with my steel racquet. Threw out.

3. Carlton Airblade Flex: Bought this from my my friend as he was a bit better than me (and still is) and it was his beginner racquet. It bent severely in anger when I went to smash and instead of hitting the bird, I hit my hand! LOL! I threw it to the ground with all my might so that's how it got bent. In storage.

4. Carlton Airblade 450: A big step from the Airblade Flex!! I got this racquet and I still love it. I use it for warm up. I used this racquet for Grade 6 & 7 badminton. In racquet bag.

5. Black Knight Aero Pro: My favourite racquet out of all the ones I have gotten! It was my racquet for all of Grade 8 badminton! I still used it for doubles games also when I joined my club. In the middle of Grade 8, I found that the manufactured strings were basically flat so I re strung it with Ashaway Microlegend! Sadly, just a few days ago, the strings broke after weeks of fraying so I have just the frame right now sitting in my collection. Might string it later on down the road. In storage.

6. Yonex Isometric 76 VF: I got this racquet while still using my Black Knight. I wanted to try Yonex for a change and I quite like it. It was $100 regular and I managed to get it for $45. I still use it for singles games sometimes. In racquet bag.

7. Yonex Isometric 800 Tour: My current/main racquet. I love it more than my Black Knight which tells me I think I will put my Black Knight into storage since it is of know use unless I can sell it. Just got this racquet recently for a great deal at $120. In racquet bag.

I am planning to buy the Muscle Power 77 some time down the road when I can afford it. It's the racquet that I've wanted after the Isometric 800 Tour.

[jon]

my list is short..cuz i've only played for a year...


2 yonex t-joint classics... lost them both
1 yonex cab-8 t-joint... stolen
1 yonex iso500... will break soon... maybe 2 or 3 more clashes... give it another 3months.

[AMRaider]

1.) Yonex B-5x0. I remember it was red in color with a steel shaft and aluminum fame. This was my very first badminton racquet which I got in junior year in highschool. Unfortunately it is no longer in my possession. The racquet served me well from fall 1996 until spring 1998 when it met an untimely end after hitting the ground when I was playing outside.

2.) Yonex B-950. Very similar to the red B-5x0 but was black and silver with a graphite shaft instead of steel. I originally got this racquet as a substitute for the B-5x0 which was a little too heavy for me, but I didn't really use it much because I got a better racquet soon afterwards (see #3). Purchased in the fall of 1996, I still have this one today. Although the aluminum frame is a little warped, it's still somewhat playable. I don't use it anymore, but my friends use it when we play.

3.) Yonex Cab20 Power US (2U-G4). Dark blue with black on the frame. This was my first all graphite racquet. When I got this racquet in the fall of 1996, I really didn't know much about racquets or how to play well. I pretty much got it because I thought it looked good and I wanted an all graphite racquet like so many of my teamates had :rolleyes: . I still use this racquet today with BG-75TI@22lbs, and despite the fact that it has many battle scars, it is showing no signs of warping or cracking. This is my favorite racquet mainly because it brings back pleasant memories from highschool and it has obviously withstood the test of time :D .

4.) Yonex Isometric 20. Gold and blue with an aluminum frame and steel shaft. I got this racquet in the spring of 2003 just as an extra one my friends could use while we play.

5.) Yonex Cab20 Muscle US (2U-G4). Black with green on the frame. This is my newest racquet which I purchased just a few weeks ago. I got this racquet because I wanted to see if there was much difference between Yonex's newest Cab20 and my old Cab20 Power. I ended up stringing it with BG-75TI@20lbs instead of 22lbs so I guess a true comparison is difficult. The Cab20 Muscle seems to be a little more flexible than the Cab20 Power and seems to weigh a little less (or maybe it's just more head light in terms of balance). So far anyway, I can get more smash power out of my Cab20 Power, but I have to work harder to get it. For drives, clears, and drops, the Cab20 Muscle has more repulsion but this could be because of the difference in string tension rather than the racquets themselves.

Anyway, there's my short list. For the future, I hope to get a Cab23. From what I hear, it is a little stiffer than the Cab20 Muscle. I wonder how the Cab23 compares to the Cab20 Muscle and Cab20 Power.... If I ever do a comparison, I'll be sure to post it here.

[JChen99]

1. 2X some old BK racket. Steel. Both died in clashes against the shoe ^^"

2. 1 X BK OS Flex. 2 Huge cracks that extends from the T to the 8 and 4 o'clock position due to BAD STRING JOB BY SPORTCHECK!!!! Died when a basketball rolled over it -.-"

[hend]

Here’s my list,

1. Yonex steel shaft with aluminium frame- can’t remember the model –durable
2. Yonex Blacken- heavy duty and very heavy compare to today’s standard. Got hold on one of my friend recently and amazed how heavy it is.
3. Pro Kennex- forgot the model – light head and broke after a clash with partner
4. Bedini – very light and flexible, not much power, broken too
5. Antelope- flexible and quite a nice racket but not much power
6. Yonex Carbonex 8 SP- blue colour and still owned it, heavy duty and very very durable. Love it and use it the longest so far until I got my MP 55 and Carbonex 9
7. Yonex MP55- very nice racket that can generate great power
8. Yonex Carbonex 9 T -joint with aluminium frame- My dream racket. Just bought it a week ago in Sarawak after searching the whole Kuala Lumpur for the original version Made in Japan, which has a stronger frame. Great for smashing and drive.

[chin_stanley]

hello..i've been playing badminton for 11 yrs..like many of you, I do own a respectable list of rackets from the past till now:

1. my first raket, dunno what brand was that, dad bought one each for my brother and me, think it cost SG4 that time=p, lost it somehow...

2. Cab 20(original)- given to me by my dad, that was the best rackets i've ever used that time, broke it when i accidentally hit the fence while playing with my brother outside the house.

3. YONEX Cab 21 SP(original)- pass down to me from my brother, a very nice rackets..won some tournaments with it. Eventually broke it when i left it with my dad after i stopped playing badminton for some time.

4. A few WINEX rackets- i can't remember their models but i quite liked them. Like the rest, they broke eventually and one of them actually had its shaft broken into 2!

5. PROACE racket- can't remember the model as well,selom used but i lost it when i left it on a public bus...

6. FORCE 1 racket- i think many of u have never heard of this brand, i won it in a tournament. This racket was once endorsed by the now singapore ladies coach,, Zhang Qing Wu...anyway i used it for many of my competitions but eventually it was lost when i lent it to my neighbour at my hostel.Too bad..

7. CROCODILE Jupiter I, II, III and IV- won these rackets from a tournaments, they are nice rackets but jupiter III and II tend to break easily..now I'm left with only jupiter I and it was given to my brother.

8. YONEX CAB8(ORIGINAL)- got from my sister when her friend left it with her and never got it back...

9. YONEX ISO 97VF- This is a very light racket which i bought from a warehouse sale in singapore, great for control but eventually i gave it to my girlfriend when i bought other rackets.

10. YONEX MP55 SP- bought it last dec in m'sia, I loved this racket..it was great for smashing and gives you the solid feel when you hit the shuttle, very easy to control...I sold it when i decided to get a mp77

11. ASHAWAY TITANIUM TM400- got it from my brother, thknk it was a really lousy racket( that's why my brother didn't want it anymore)..I sold it eventually..

12. YONEX MP77 SP- It was the best racket I have for now, don't think I'm going to sell it to anyone..it's a great racket for control and driving...I never really did a hard smash with it...haha, actually i was afraid i might break it if i hit my doubles partner's racket when i smash=p

13. YONEX CAB8 TI POWER - Haven't use yet, just bought it last week..actually wanted to buy another MP55 but eventually chose this as i wanted something different from a muscle power racket(preferrably a Titanium racket=P)

Now I'm basically left with 3 rackets in my bag..all of them yonex, The MP77, Cab 8 ti power and the old Cab8...

[mlvezina]

Originally posted by hend
Here’s my list,

1. Yonex steel shaft with aluminium frame- can’t remember the model –durable
2. Yonex Blacken- heavy duty and very heavy compare to today’s standard. Got hold on one of my friend recently and amazed how heavy it is.
<snip>


And yet, if memory serves right, the Blacken was very light at the time compared to its predecessors (and the Yonex rackets in general were "ultra-light" compared to the Carltons :D ).

I still have mine from circa the late 70s, as well as its predecessor, the 8000 or 8100 or something like that (steel shaft with greenish aluminum frame). At least we didn't have to worry about frames cracking like today, only with racket heads flying during a smash (it happened to me once...I almost knocked down my opponent :eek:).

Cheers,

Mike

[flipinese_azn]

hm...wow thats alot...i havent used that many but here r mine :p

Wilson attacker - all broken up..
Yonex Isometric 60 MF light - sold to a friend
Yonex Isometric 60 light - its my friends....but its an awesome racket...too bad i cant find another one...*sigh*
Yonex Isometric 97 VF - this one was good...didnt get enuff feel of "titanium mesh"...
Yonex Muscle Power 77 - this one i still own, its too head heavy for me....i cant do it :o
Yonex Isometric TI SP SR - this one is an awesome racket..my current baby bahaha....yep i love it
Yonex TI - 10 - wow this racket is amazing...too bad i dont own it...and they discontinued it
Yonex 77 VF - this one...meh...i dont really like it

[Ay33]

Yonex TI - 10 - wow this racket is amazing...too bad i dont own it...and they discontinued it



Where did you get that Ti-10? Who's did you use? lol:D :D :D

[evylgrynn]

Wow, I had to think about this one.....

Yonex Carbonex 8-great racquet, broke it on the floor after about a year
Prince Axis 70-another good one, broke and repaired 3 times, then sold it
Victor Columbia 2-broke 3 of these, within 6 months
Yonex Isometric 500-broke the head clean off, Yonex replaced it with....
Yonex Isometric Tour 800-ultimate racquet, had 3 of these and broke all of them, used them for 2.5 years
ProAce something...dont remember the model, but pretty decent racquet, my partner broke one and I sold the other
Forza Titanium Tech 600 great racquets, I had 3 of these and they were my hardest smash racquet but I broke all three in just over a year and they stopped making them, so I turned to..
Forza Kevlar 600-another good racquet, I currently have 2 of them and they feel really good, similar to the Ti 600

See a pattern here? I seem to be cursed by the breaking fairy, about half of these racquets were broken by me, and half broken by others

[ryosuke]

i've been playing for nearly 6 years now and i've still only used 3 racquets.

1 - YY isometric 90 light: very good beginners racquet and won many battles with this racquet. Later got phased out into a loaners racquet after getting a new racquet. Eventually sold it for $50 to the girl who always asked to borrow it.

2 - YY MP77 2U G4: asked my parents to pick it up in HK for me, and bought it with my first pay cheque. never really got used to it, couldnt harness the power that this racquet is so reputable for. Currently sitting unstrung in my racquet bag waiting for a new owner.

3 - YY Ti10 2u g4: bought used from a member on this forum and still loving this racquet. thundering smashes and great control. currently searching for one or two more backups.

i'm still a university student right now and i would love the chance to be able to try out the other high end racquets (mp99, 100, at700, etc) but i'll just have to wait till i do coop or after grad.

[Cengsc]

Hi kwun,

Since you have experience of rackets crumbled, can you tell me why the rackets are easily crumbled.?




i just got bored with work, and i thought i'd list out all the rackets that i've ever used. so here they are, in approx chronological order:

Yonex Blacken II - too long ago. disappeared after my family moved
Yonex Cab 18 - my first *real* racket. sold it to a friend back in secondary school and then his brother accidentally sat on it and broke it
Yonex Cab 21 - i have had 3 of these. broke one every term in school. no clash, just crumbled.
Yonex Cab 14 - bought it after i broke all my last Cab21. broke this on the first day on racket clash.
Yonex Cab 8dx - i bought it after all those racket breakage since this racket looked indestructable. i still have it. i lend it to beginners who doesn't have a racket.
Yonex Iso600 - i have two of these. i find them too stiff. one is in storage, the other one hangs on my cube wall at work.
Yonex Aerotus 77 - cracked at 7 o'clock. no clash, just crumbled.
Yonex Aerotus 110 - cracked at 10 o'clock.
Yonex Iso900 SR - showing signs of crack in the inner top frame. in permanent storage.
Yonex Iso900 SR - i have outgrown this racket, in storage.
Alpha dominator - cracked on clash
Winex Kevlar 999 - cracked on clash
Yonex Iso900 SS - the nicest racket. i had a friend brought one for me from Singapore. clashed and cracked it on the second day.
Yonex Muscle Power 100 - also brought in from singapore. rather nice racket, but i am using better ones.
Yonex Muscle Power 100 CP - very expensive. broke it. long story. please don't ask..
Carlton Airblade 2000 - just can't get used to such a different racket, normal length, light and traditional head. lending it to a friend.
Yonex Cab20 CN - also very nice racket. when i am used to it, it give great feel, control and power. however, i have problem switching between Iso and traditional head. i already have a buyer for it.
Yonex Ti-10 - very nice, heavy and powerful racket. only able to propel is when i am in a good strong day.
Yonex Iso900 SS CN - i have two of these. my current main racket. the best in terms of weight, balance and stiffness. very very nice.

i think that's it. the Ti-10, Iso900 SS and Cab20 are the rackets that travels with me in my racket bag these days.

that's 23 rackets that i've owned. ouch.

[bluejeff]

Hi kwun,

Since you have experience of rackets crumbled, can you tell me why the rackets are easily crumbled.?
You gotta understand things just don't last forever; if rackets can last forever, we would only need to buy one racket in our life :p

I need to think about my list.....will post later :)

[jamesshieh88]

You gotta understand things just don't last forever; if rackets can last forever, we would only need to buy one racket in our life :p

I need to think about my list.....will post later :)
oh man.... your list would like take forever to go through

[bluejeff]

oh man.... your list would like take forever to go through
I went through several rackets when I was young....now I need to search through some internet sites and to see their model numbers....(I hope I can find them:p)

Numbers should be around 50-60 rackets (estimated) :D

[aerotus70]

1) Yonex blacken (SP???) - 1st racket, damn durable and heavy, used to throw it around like a javelin(was a kid then) currently lost.

2) Aerotus 70 SP (2U G4) - 2nd racket, a present from my mother, lots of paint chips due to clashes.

3)Ti10 SP long (3U G4)- 3rd racket, just bought it 2 wk ago, still learning how to use it. All my overhead clears land further using it. My conclusion after using it for 2wks.

[outlah]

-Black Knight Victor series (blue, CBA), 10+ years service, cracked at 3 & 9 o'clock.
-Yonex Cab15 CD (purple), 10+ years service, given away.
-Yonex Aerotus100 SP (original), 7 years service, shaft broke at cone.
-Yonex Cab15 SP (used, blue), 4 years service, given away.
-Black Knight Victor Plus (black), 3 years service, frame wraped @19lb.
-Yonex Ti-6 Long SP (original), 4 years service, went against a wall, and lost.
-Black Knight Canadian (red), 2 years service, challenge the floor, and lost.
-Yonex AT700 SP, 1 year service, cracked at 12 o'clock.
-Yonex B560DF (red), 4 months service, reassign to "birdie saver" duties.
-Yonex ISO900SX SP (used), 3 months Active service.
-Yonex Cabonex 6000DF CD (blue), 2 months, Active service.
-Yonex Cabonex 6000DF CD (blue), 2 months, Backup storage.
-Yonex ISO900SX SP (used, thx herovc!), 2 months, Backup service.

I can't believe they labelled the 6000DF as a Cabonex when its got steel shaft and aluminum head. But for some strange reason, it feels and plays like a 0U(if there's such a thing) version of the 900SX. Maybe it's just me.

Racquet I hated were the B560DF and the AT700. I just never got use to them, and when I was just getting the feel for the AT700, it died on me.

Racquets I loved were the BK Victor (blue, CBA) and AR110. BK being my first and the most used racquet, and the 110 being a surprise from my mommy, I LOVE YOU MOMMY!

The only broken racquet I kept is my beloved BK Victor (Blue, CBA), so many fond memories, happy and sad.

p.s.
If anyone in GTA have seen or know someone to have a bright blue with red accent Black Knight racquet with the old CBA logo, let me know please. :)

[hongyi_2000]

my list is....


1.b-1000- out of shape chllenging the floor....
2.Cab8Sp- sold to my friend after it serve me for around 1 yr
3.Iso 20- dunno wad i doing...take out all grommet and threw the racket after it was dent
4.Iso 60light-Crack at 2o'clock position after serve me for about 3yrs...my fav racket...
5.Ashaway Tp990-giving to my friend tomorrow
6.MP-100-Sold it away now regreting
7.Cab30Ms-Also sold away...regret also
8.Iso Slim 10(old logo)- Strung and wanting to keep it now
9.Cab 21-My main racket now...haha wanna buy a few more


thats my list...quite little racket compare to others:rolleyes:

[stantan]

Interesting thread...

Prince Thunder - My first "real" racket. My friend had a Lightning (which she used for almost forever) which was quite good and the Thunder was a great performer. This was a powerful racket and had a nice sweetspot (great for the pre-isometric days) It broke though, validating the then-popular view that Y-shaped frames were not durable. Tell that to my friend's lightning. She still uses it cause the replacement for it wasnt so hot.

Yonex ISO Tour 800 SP 3U - What a hitter! Looking back I dont think I was ready for this racket yet. Still, I loved the sweet spot and durability. Mine broke way back but I was able to borrow (read:steal) my cousin's 2U and its currently being used by my brother when he tries to take chicks to play.

Yonex ISO 900 SA SP - A fun racket to have. Fast and maneuverable too. I actually enjoyed returning smashes with this racket. Backhands were easier to do as well. If this wasnt a 4U it was damn close. I eventually sold this to a good friend after a long while.

Yonex ISO 900 SS SP - This was a great racket. Good feel, great balance. LONG. Just a little bit on the heavy side after the 900 SA. Lasted me until the ISO Ti series came. I lent it to my brother and he had better take care of it!

Yonex ISO Ti SR SP - Just didn't feel right. I quickly realized I made a mistake and bought a.... (I donated this to one of the sons of a fellow club-member who is training for our national team)

Yonex ISO Ti SS SP - Loved this racket. Simply loved it. If it came in 4U I would probably still be using it. Fair to say I used this racket the longest of my entire collection.

Yonex MP99 CN 2U - Impulse buy. I was in Shanghai back when the MP99 was first released there. Totally unsuited to me. I'd been using 3U rackets too long and the shaft was too short. Sigh. Sold this one to a friend. Back to ISO Ti SS until...

Yonex MP99 TH 3U - Better than my 2U but still too slow, coupled with the fact that its shaft was shorter than what Im used to, I sold it and went back to my ISO Ti SS.

RSL Millenium 3200 - Essentially an ISO Ti SS. It just felt so natural in my hands that I bought it (specially considering the price!). I was concerned at the time that I would break my ISO Ti SS and have no backup. Still in my bag.

Yonex Armortech 700 SP 4U - Finally! An Improvement over my ISO Ti!! Brother bought this in HK for me only a few months after it was released.Used this until the 800DE came out.

Yonex Armortech 800DE GR 3U - Bought in HK by my brother ( I asked for a 4U. Luckily, I was able to trade this for a 4U TH from a fellow Filipino on this forum)

Yonex Armortech 800DE TH 4U - Am currently using right now. Breaking tons of string!!

Yonex Armortech 800OF TH 4U - Arriving from Bangkok on 1/8/05! :)

[wood_22_chuck]

Great post, stantan! Interesting read on the "behind-the-scenes" stories. :D

-dave

[kwun]

what a old thread! brings back a lot of memories. exactly 3 yrs has passed since my started the thread. i have acquired many more and broken quite a few rackets since then. both my Iso900 SS broke as well the 900SR and 900SX. that was 2 yrs ago. since then, i have switched to using cabs almost exclusively. the rackets that i am now using the most are:

cab20 - still a classic and still the best racket i have used. i have played my best badminton using the racket. it is a no frills rackets. a solid performer.

cab22 - a heavier and stiffer version of the cab20 with similar balance. a very unforgiving racket but will get rewarded if played on a good day. not as lively as the cab20 though.

cab21 - a head heavy and slight lighter cab20. i am still trying to master this racket.

Iso600 - a surprising iso shape racket in kwun's bag. i dig them out to use when i broke all the strings in my other racket. surprisingly i have regained new love for the pair of Iso600 i have. i haven't left them out of my bag since. i use them for warming up and for the real bad days when every shot seems to be off. a very stiff racket like the cab22 but much more forgiving. lacks the magic of cabs.

[frameasser]

1)mp100 cp?
2)u guys have so many rackets...i think the player should adapt to the racket and not the racket adapting to the player...thats what i think?
2)why dont you guys just donate some rackets for the tsunami disaster

[bluejeff]

0. some no name iron (or steel) rackets:
My mom bought them (a pair) for me when I was in primary school, and I had been using them for 4 years. Still in my home in taiwan as I like to keep them as good memories.

1. Kawasaki BG9800F:
My first serious racket bought more than 12 years ago, it has been with me ever since and now, it is still in my badminton cabinet. It is an old racket now so I have already retired it, but sometimes I still take it out and play with it in my apartment.

2. Some Hi-Qua rackets: bought them and sold them very quickly.

3. Yonex ISO-TIS-SR and MP88: Generally good rackets, and I had been using them for half of a year before switching.

4. MP99, 100: I liked the MP99 when I first got it in Taiwan. It's so easy to swing. MP100 was also good as well, but since it's a little too stiff for me, I sold it afterwards.

5. Yonex Carbonex rackets: I missed oval rackets (like my kawasaki), so I started buying lots of Cabs, and so far so good, I have retain some of my good memories back. However, I have yet to find a cab that is close to my kawasaki. The best one so far is Cab30MS.

6. Yonex old rackets: I started to like old rackets after acquiring some Carbonex. So, I started to hunt down several old ones, including Slim10,...etc.

7. Yonex NS7000: Since I never really tried new stuff, I thought it might be fun to just order something I completely don't know about. So, along with one of my oversea order, I included the NS7000 on my list. So far, I have not yet been using it often since I already have many rackets in my hand. It is now being a very good toy to my gf as she is in need of some practicing rackets.

[stantan]

Hey, Kwun!

I've still got my ISO 900 SS in storage (not in the best shape though). Let me know if you're ever in Manila, maybe we can work something out!

[jump_smash]

Past
1. Dunlop SuperMax (Wooden head, steel shaft) - don't know what happend
First racquet inherited from parents was in high school, was about 1979/80

2. Carlton Aluminum - don't know what happend
My very first own racquet (had a yellow cover, how freakish, ended up restring one for a client a few months ago)

3. Variuos Carlton, including Boron Classic PowerFlow, Morten Frost special etc - broke, sold or missing
Was on the Carlton kick - but looking back all were very stiff racquets

4. Fleet FT2100 - sold
Best racquet at the time, value for money.

5. Fleet titaniumex - gave to a friend - he still using
Bought on impusive after seeing in at Australain U17 Championships in Bendigo, 1997.
6. Fleet Diamond80 - broke
Bought to replace previous, was a great racquet light and thin a rival for Slim 10!

7. Yang Yang Swingpower 900SX - broke
8. Yang Yang TIT8 - sold
Bought later as helping out with Yang Yanbg dealership, was first few in country.
TIT8 was first widebody I had seen.

9. Yonex SwingPower 900SX - sold
Bought after liking Yang Yang Swingpower 900 at a tournement, and especially as TIT8 always seem to big.
10. Yonex Ti-10 - sold
Great alround racquet, was originally looking for another 900SX, but couldn't find one.

11. Yonex MP100 - sold
Bought on impuse, and scratched the first time I used it! Almost bullet proof, but heavy and stiff!

12. Yonex MP99 - sold
Great racquet, love it - seem so light and flexible, but was that forgiving, shots had to use precise technique.
Present

13. Apacs Armor Power 700
Was a gift from friend in Melbourne, good racuqet, but didn't seem to quite gel, gave it to my girlfriend.

14. Yonex Armortec 800 OF - backup
15. Yonex Armortec 800 DE - in use
Both purchased as part of tournament deal, used the OF first time was great, but now prefer to use DE.

[BTC2004]

This one is probably not seen by many of you:
1.Dunlop and Yamaha wooden racquets c/w the spring clip to keep them from warping (very early 70s :p )

2. Calton 3.1 (broken)
3. Calton 3.9 (in storage)
4. Yonex B8100 Blacken, SS shaft (still have them, good condition)
5. Yonex B8100 Blacken, SS shaft (still have them, good condition)
6. Yonex Boron 200
7. Carbonex 10 (2 piece unit-still have it)
8. Carbonex 10 (2 piece unit-broken)
9. Carbonex 10 (newer 1 piece-still have it)
10. Iso Swing Power 900 SR (broken :crying: ) Love these racquets.
11. Iso Swing Power 900 SA (broken :crying: )
12. Iso Swing Power 900 SA (broken :crying: )
13. Ti Swing Power SA (broken :crying: , but repaired, wife uses it now:D )
14. Kason Glory 98 (spare)
15. AT700 (currently in use)
16. AT800DE (currently in use)
17. Another AT800DE in the future?

Hey Kwun, we have something in common, Swing Power Racquet user. Love these racquets, the AT800DE is the next best thing after the Swing Power.

[daboob]

1. racket: some noname steel racket
fate: got replaced when I started playing in a club at the age of 8
(I surely have it still somewhere in the basement) ;)

2. racket: some tecno alu racket
fate: got replaced when I started playing tournaments at the age of 11
(This one surely survived too)

3. Oliver ??? racket
fate: I crushed it by hitting it on the floor out of anger :o

4. racket: Oliver ??? racket
fate: Didn't survive the accident with the net bar :crying:

5. racket: Oliver ??? racket
fate: cracked at 11 o'clock :eek:

6. Yonex Carbonex X10
fate: sold it to my Dad, he still has it :)

7. Carlton Aerogear 700FX
fate: destroyed by a misshit :crying:

8. Yonex Muscle Power 100 (5x)
fate1: clash with some noob idiot (don't ask) :mad:
fate2: cracked at 10 o'clock. no clash, just crumbled :confused:
fate3: sold to my Dad, but he already cracked it :D
fate4: sold to my teammate, it still lives
fate5: sold to my club mate, still alive
(sold them because of my change to MP99)

9. Yonex Muscle Power 99 (2x)
Both with a lot of scratches, but still alive. My favorite and standard
rackets. I use them in trainings, season games and singels tournaments.
:p

10. Yonex Armortec 800 Offensive
Still alive, only one little scratch. I only use it for doubles and mixed
tournaments or just for fun. :cool:

[fishmilk]

1. Very very weird Yonex racquet that's around 20 years old. My dad gave it to me...it has leather grip, a deformed head. It has the old yonex logo, (obviously) It has a white cone, a chrome shaft, and a gold head. Have no clue what it is though... I still keep this because people are always amused at this "antique" and it's sort of an omen to me.

2. Carlton Airblade. Bought this racquet mainly for doubles that have a high chance of clashing. Still running, mostly used to lend to people I don't trust.

3. AT500 3UG5. Strung it first with BG65Ti, then cut it for BG88Ti at 24lb. Originally wanted AT700, but somehow the 500 felt more natural in my hand. I regret deeply now. Played with it the day I got home from Hong Kong...jet lag wasn't a very good thing for me. I tried to execute a smash, but somehow I just threw it against the floor REALLY hard... cracked at 11 'o clock position...might try to send it back to Yonex but I highly doubt it'll be replaced...My very first "good" racquet.

4. MP100 3UG5. Currently using... Strung with BG68Ti at 23lb. It's great, but now I've put it a little on reserve. It's quite difficult to use it's full potential, and it's not that forgiving. I still love it though.

5. CAB30MS 2UG5. Main racquet nowadays. Also strung with BG68Ti at 23lb. The very first time I started a serve with it, I knew it was the racquet for me...Love it.

[Joseph]

1. Cab 23 : My first racquet. I somehow misplaced it which was pretty stupid of me.

2. Ti-10 : I bought this to replace my Cab 23 from a friend who had stopped playing badminton. Will be retired soon due to the twisting of the shaft unless I can figure out a way to repair it.

3. Airblade 900 : Unstrung. I used it for some time then switched to my Ti-10.

4. Cab 23 : Yes I bought another one because I wanted one. I sold it a year or two later to a friend because he really wanted it.

5. Iso Swing Power Ti SX : Used this for some time while my other racquets were unstrung. Strings broke and was sold a year later.

6. Muscle Power 100 : Bought from a friend, used it for a while but wanted an Armortec 700 so I sold it. I'm starting to regret that decision.

7. Armortec 700 : Was my main racquet for some time until my old coach, which no one likes, broke it with his bad stringing. I told him to string it at 25lbs but he strung it at 28lbs. He handed the racquet to me, I checked the tension and it snapped in two points. He said he'd replace it for me, but he still hasn't replaced it and probably never will. :crying:


I'm looking for a new racquet now to replace my Ti-10. I'm not sure what to get. I might go with something a bit more head light and flexible.

[cressidaracer]

**** u guys have a lot of racquets.... and so many of u have broken ones too.... how do u break these things? they look pretty durable in general...

i only have 2 racquets... both still work

HL 4000 - my first racquet.. $20 at Big5(noob store)... liked it when i first got it b/c i didnt know **** and thought wow its light.... but after playing a while... found out the grip was way too small and the strings arent that great.... now its my beater racquet

Carlton Powerflo tt900 - just got it a few days ago... its my baby... hope nothing happens to it... grip is much better than my HL one.. still testing it out... but so far so good...

[ahhs_1980]

MP-100, broke
MP-100 broke
Mp-100 broke
MP-100 broke
isometric 75, somewhere in closet
MP-100, using ( hope it doesnt break):(

[cressidaracer]

how exactly do u guys break so much racquets? do u slam them against the floor or something? smash into ur partner playing doubles?

[ahhs_1980]

2 broke from collision :mad: (stupid newbies)one, a car ran over (long story):(
and the other broke, because i guess it was used too often, and too many times restrung. im taking real good care of this one :D

[black man]

2 year old ProAce 950 and ProAce 318 traded off for MP23 Power (01 week old)
Mp88 in use for 1/2 month
Mp44 in use for 1 month

in the testing period for all three above, feeling confused and worse performance since then.:crying:

[jerby]

1 Yonex b-650...in storage..if an 8 year old can wreck it..thats saying soemthing..
2: cab-20..missing...
3: my dad ti-6 from my 10-13th year..very nice
4: mp77 13-15..played a lot. wrecked two. 1 in clash, other in clear.
5: at500 very very nice...suddnely got 3 inches more in clearing
6: recently got an ns8k, was half teh rpice, worth the risk...
gonna try mastering it tonight :)

[Caloy]

I am a newbie here and this is my first post. I started playing badminton a year ago and here are my rackets:

1. Prince 307 - Broke in my second game, cracked at 3"o'clock.
2. Wilson Hyper Carbon 2.5 - Wrong choice of racket as a beginner. I did not appreciate the racket and put into storage for 2 months. Used a Chao Pai JC 201 for two months before i became familiar with my Wilson Hyper Carbon Racket. Broke in one my training sessions (executing a jump smash), cracked at 10 o'clock and crumpled.
3. Chao Pai JC 201 - This is my substitute racket for my Wilson Hyper Carbon. Helped me improve my game. Sold to a friend.
4. Chao Pai JC 8000 - Used only for one game, gave to my girlfriend. Too light for me.
5. Yonex Muscle Power 24 - My first Yonex racket. Intermediate level racket for power players. Never left my bag since then.
6. Yonex Muscle Power 99 - This is my main and tournament racket. I have a spare MP99 in my bag together with my MP24. All strung with BG65 @ 24 tension. Excellent racket.
7. Armortec 700 - Not yet used, unstrung and waiting to be discovered.

;)

[fadeaway]

Carlton Powerflo 85g -- My first "real" racquet. I got it back in '92 and used it for about six years. Then, one day I smashed it against my leg in anger after screwing up a shot and snapped the frame at the 8 o'clock position. I sent it off to some racquet repair shop in BC and got it back several weeks later. It is a few grams heavier on the repaired side, but it still works well. I use this racquet as my primary backup.

Yonex Isometric 96 VF -- After I broke my PowerFlo, I decided to order a brand new racquet from the San Diego badminton supply website. However, I needed something to play with while waiting for that one to arrive, so I picked up this Yonex Isometric 96 VF at a local Sport Chek store. It was on sale for like 50% off or something. I find it has good touch around the net, but I have a hard time getting any power whatsoever from this racquet.

Victor Pegasus SQ20 -- This was the racquet I ordered from the San Diego badminton supply website. It is my primary singles racquet and a great piece of equipment. I can get some great power with this racquet and good accuracy too. It is currently unstrung (I broke a string several months ago and haven't bothered to restring it yet) but I will get it ready to go for an upcoming badminton tournament in a few weeks.

Carlton PowerFlo TT900 -- When I discovered that Carlton was coming out with a new PowerFlo, I decided that I had to have one. I broke the strings in this one a few days after I got it, so I haven't had all that much experience with this racquet yet. It will probably end up being my primary doubles racquet, though, once I get it restrung.

I've been playing with the original PowerFlo and the VariFrame96 these days. Once I get my other two racquets restrung, they will become backups.

The next racquet I buy for myself will probably be a Black Knight. Some of their racquets are really great and I like trying new brands (unlike most people on here, who are strict Yonex warriors).

[Matt]

Prince 810 (I think its' called)
First racket I used as a beginner. Sort of gotten used to it but not quite. This racket had to retire because it developped a crack where the shaft meets the head.

Cab 22
This is my second racket which I've used to still learn badminton, I was more intermediate player at the time. It took time to get used to the stiffness since I wasn't able to produce power at the time. This racket isn't used anymore and sitting in the closet.

Swing Power 900 SA
This is ended up being my primary racket since it feels right for me. It's light, maneuverable and able to produce power with fast swing speeds. I sold this racket 5 years ago and recently gotten a 2004 production model of it which I'm happy to use again. I decided to get another one which should arrive on Monday.

Swing Power 900 SR
This was my secondary racket which I used for fun whenever I'm in a mood to use this one besides the SA. I the consistance consistancy of the racket due to the feeling of the racket was mode toward the head. This racket was also sold when I sold my SA.

Ti Swing Power SA
This racket was used as a primary when I didn't have the 900 anymore at the time. I thought it was better for me because it's Ti. That didn't quite turn out to be the case it didn't suit my style of play. I still have the racket now, but it's no longer being use as I have my 900 back.

Cab 20
I just bought this because my local store at a CP one in the shelf so I just took it. It is a good racket but didn't quite suit my gameplay so it's sitting in the closet.

[AMRaider]

Been so long since I visited your forum Kwun. Glad to see that it's still around.
Anyway, here's an update of my racket history in the order that I acquired them.

1. Yonex B-5x0, Fall 1996 - Spring 1998. My very first racket. Red in color. steel shaft and Aluminum frame I think. It met an untimely end after hitting the ground while I was playing outside.

2. Yonex B-950, Fall 1996 - Spring 2003. Black and silver with a graphite shaft and aluminum frame. Frame got a little warped along the way but was still playable. Eventually gave it away to a friend.

3. Yonex Cab20 Power US (2U-G4), Fall 1996 - Present. Dark blue with black on the frame. My first full graphite racket. I pretty much got it because I thought it looked good and I wanted an all graphite racquet like so many of my teamates had :rolleyes: . This racket turned out to be a good find. Very durable and definitely my favorite. Whenever I use this racket, it brings back fond memories of highschool. Currently strung with BG70@22lbs.

4. Yonex Iso20 (U-G4), Spring 2003 - Spring 2003. Gold and blue, aluminum frame and steel shaft. Picked this up as an extra racket my friends could use while playing. Eventually gave it away.

5. Yonex Cab20 Muscle US (2U-G4), Spring 2003 - Spring 2003. Black and green. It would have been nice if this racket had played like my Cab20 Power but it wasn't as stiff or as head heavy. After a month or two I ended up selling it.

6. Yonex Cab23 US (2U-G4), Spring 2003 - Present. Black and red. My main racket. Stiffer than the Cab20 Muscle but not quite as stiff as my Cab20 Power. Very nice racket, but it could have been a little more head heavy. Currently strung with BG80@22lbs.

7. Yonex AT700 US (4U-G4), Spring 2006 - Present. Black, red, and silver. My newest racket. After using oval rackets for so many years, I finally decided to try an Iso racket. I wanted to get a 3U, but all I could find was a 4U. Can't wait to try it out. Currently strung with BG80@22lbs.

[Stijn]

Since this old post has come back alive, I'll add my (very) short racquet list to it.

1)Yonex Isometric 25: It all started 8 years ago with this racket. When the string tension was getting very, very low, I switched to my brother's Iso 25. Used them both for 6 years. Quite heavy but not bad and undestructable.

2)Yonex Muscle Power 25: Again a nr.25, coincidence? :) Got this racquet about a year ago, much lighter but the flex thing didn't work out.. I wasn't able to produce a lot power with it in the beginning. However, I've learned a lot with this racket... It played a lot better with an overgrip on it.

3)Yonex Armortec 800 De: This one will arrive in a few days. I already know I will certainly like this racket: stiff, head-heavy and aero frame for defense..

[SPaterson]

In chronological order, but not sure on the dates so won't post when I got each of them from:

1. Wilson Ti Comp (110g), First racquet of my own. Smashed on the floor.

2. Wilson Ti Comp, as above.

3. Slazenger Pro Carbon Ti - Used and abused for a year and a half, great racquet. Loved every minute I played with it. Eventually it's string broke, and it was badly enough damaged not to be restrung

4. Slazenger Pro Carbon Ti - Bought, left unused, felt I needed to move on to improve significantly

5. Forza Asia Amour 20,000 - Great racquet but the head heavy really didn't suit me, very powerful smash but Very poor net play etc. End up selling to a friend

6. Slazenger Xcel S1 - Got one, played with for a week, started to like at the end of the week, then it's string broke (factory strings), returned to shop

7 to 10. 3 * Slazenger Xcel S1 saw them in a sale for £18 a piece (down from rrp £60 to £30 to £18). 1 Unused, one sold to a friend who lost his racquet for a tenner, one partially still in use.

11. Karakal SLTi-80 - good racquet, it's default strings meant I changed racquet. Then I eventually got this restrung, I've had it about 6 months but the frame itself is a few years old. Still use it, probably my favourite racquet at the moment.

12. Karakal SL-80 - bought pre-strung in my preference but disliked the frame, it's just left in storage atm.

I think that's them all so far! :)

[Double_Player]

well, this is my 1st year playing at a proper badminton club (I play at the Y and school team before)... this is my list

1. Carlton Airblade--extra flex shaft
Aluminium racquet, still have it. It's a lender to ppl, backup of my backup of my backup (basically last resort)

2. Yonex MP22 2uG3
original string, backup too. paint is peeling off, esp on the shaft; on a semi-retired condition

3. 2 Black Knight BAi920 (main)
one is strung at 23 lbs with bg65 Ti, Karakal contact grip over original. Main racquet. few paint chip from the stringer...

the next is strung at unknown tension with unknown string. Used to be BK demo racquet. got it at heavily discounted price (doesn't even come with racquet cover). lots of paint chips, looks ugly but play very well. 2 overgrip on wood.

I don't plan to acquire more racquets what ever the ads told me. It's enough for me, and I like the oval better compare to my MP 22. more concentrated sweet spot.

[forrestyung]

I owned too many rackets and I just talk about my rackets' dead........

Carlton Boron Classic - It is a nice racket and as good as Cab 20, broken in crash.

Kawasaki BMG-500 - Another classic, broke naturally on 2', 5', 7' and 11' location.

Carlton Aerogear 05 - Broken at first hit with shuttlecork, I brought back to Rose for exchange, but the owner refused and said I must crashed with hard material........... Oh my god!!!

Kawasaki BMG-999 - Cannot support tension at 22lbs and cut inside grommets.

Yonex Cab 20 Power - broken because of too much hard hitting.

Yonex Boron 2 - broken inside the cover without reason.

Yonex Cab 20 Original - broken because of crashed on floor.

Bridgestone SV Ti 3000 - broken with crashing in a competition.

Fischer Offensive - very very good racket, broken between cone and shaft after too much hard hitting.

Fischer Defensive - same case with Offensive

.......... Should be more, but I can only remember them in my office.

[Paritos]

Yonex Isometric 52VF - My first ever racket. Still have it.
Black Knight Matrix 8 - My dad still uses it from time to time.
Black Knight Rapier (3) - Broke two of them in 15 smashes ... Last one a bit later.
Yonex Nanospeed 5000 - My return to Yonex. Current racket, but possible switch to something more powerful in the next weeks.

[K4mu1]

Wow... How could this years old thread comes up xD... Just realizing how old his forum could be xD...

1. Carbonex 8, the 1980's model. (†)
Well, I learned badminton with my dad's racket. Since he has 2 of these, he give the other one to me.

2. Pro Kennex Boron 815 about 2000 (†)
Replacing the old Carbonex 8, after broken on the shaft. This racket surely feel a lot lighter as a 3U rather than 2U Carbonex. Ended up broken on the shaft too.

3. RSL Aerometric 550 Power, about 2003
My motivation got higher on light racket xD... this one also has isometric head. Stiff shaft, so pack some power with speed of light xD... My first balanced racket for defense and offense. Some people hate this racket, for the "strange" feeling.

4. Carbonex 8, the 2000's model. About 2004
Got a gift, so gotta keep em. As a 2U of course it packs more power than my RSL which is 4U. But, being slow for defense... Don't really used to. Ended up becoming my Sister's training racket. And still live down here xD...

5. Arcsaber 10, just now xD... 2008
Got another gift. Strung them, use them, clash em T_T (actually take a good point, clashed racket means you use them xD... So, practically the one who give will have themself relieved).

[InDoDoNkZ]

Blacken II - (Left it in Singapore)

Carbonex 8 - (Still Intact in SF)

Carbonex 15 - (Cracked Frame and Cone SF)

Carbonex 20 - (Original, Gave to a Friend)

Carbonex 21 - (Sold)

Carbonex 21 - (Stolen in Indo)

Boron 2 - (Cracked Frame, Missing in Indo)

Aerotus 100 SP - (Small Crack in Frame SF)

Carlton Aerogear 110 - (Gave it to a friend Singapore)

Nanospeed 8000 - (Black, Cracked Frame SF)

[Timbuctoo]

Reinforce Speed - Caved it at high tension
Yonex Cab 8 - Impossible to break
APACS AP800 - Handle came loose, glued it up & gave it to my student
Hi-Qua NP8000 - Unbreakable, my son smashes it on everything (it's his)
RSL X2 AP - Strong racket, still ok
ASTEC Pro 900 X 2 - Both had manufacturing faults (crack @ 9 o'clock)

No new Yonex yet (Cab 8 is old), maybe next time!!

[issarakaya]

Carbonex 8 (1986 - 1992)--- broken in shaft when my nephew use it like a blade and hit it to my racket below
Carbonex 8 DX (1987 - 1992) --- no need explain :D
Carbonex 15 (1989-1990) --- broken in the frame when hit the floor

[jwu42]

Victor Discovery III - Still Intact and in the bag for nostalgic reason
Yonex Cab20 Original - Same as above, both racquets aren't really used
Yonex MP99 - Mysteriously broke at the 2 o'clock position after a smash.
Black Knight Insignia 960 - Love the paint job for it, broke after a bad clash, shall not speak of again.
Yonex MP88 - Mainly use it during doubles only when the level of competition will be subpar.
Yonex Armortec 700 - My main now, have two of them and loving it.

[krisss]

lol i broke my mp88 :O , by trying a trick shot , ran around and hit a through the legs shot and hit the fllor by accident and it broke:o

[krisss]

Oh yeah and i broke my mp99 when my brother did an amazing drop shot :O , i stupidly went for it and hit my amazing racket on the pole lollllllllllllllllllllllllllllll:):eek::cool::D oh well when a rackets gone , its gone :P

[Danstevens]

Update: My Arc10 is no more. I hit a smash, it found the strings but the racket frame just collapsed. I'm upset because it was an Arc10 but kind of happy in some sort of sadistic way because I broke a racket with my smash and I have a couple of Karakals on the way.

[TechKXL]

My days, you guys have so many rackets, I'm gonna make it up, but including those that I have borrowed from my friend (who is my flatmate) so I've used them A LOT, until I finally decided to get my own haha!

Yonex Isometric 53 MF (2004 onwards) 2U: Decent racket, however it had a peculiar twisted frame, so have to constantly re-adjust. So if meant to aim for center line, it'll go to the right about 2-3 inches from line, if I turn the racket other way, it'll go 2-3 inches the other side of the line, anyhow, not mine, borrowed racket. I'd say 6/10

Wilson Titanium Comp (2004 onwards) U? (105g): Good beginners' racket, very heavy, very solid, it has broken 2 other Yonex rackets by clashing, and this aluminum frame is the ultimate racket killer. Also borrowed from friend. I'd say 5/10

Wilson Titanium Power (2005-2008 RIP) 2U (90g): Good step up, quicker, graphite shaft, medium flex, good racket. I actually don't know where it is now, I think I might have left it in my office and they cleared it out. haha! Anyhow, that one cracked at 7 o'clock due to old age maybe. 6.5/10

Wilson 'Vision' V12 (2006 - present) 4U (82g): Very good defense and net play racket. Power is decent, sometimes too light, swing too fast, and miss the birdie. Medium-stiff flex. Even balanced. 7.5/10

Wilson 'Vision' V4 (2007 - present) 3U (89g): Very good power racket, tiring to use though, as very head heavy, and shaft is stiffest I've seen (sorry, flexed) to date! Difficult to control though, but when hit properly with fast swing, the birdie's not coming back, nicknamed by club members as 'the cannon & hyper hammer' 7.5/10

Wilson 'Ncode' N3 (2008 - present) 3U (87g): Best all-round racket I've used to date, good in everything. Wasn't good when paired with 68TI or stock Wilson string (subjective of course). Paired it with Ash Micro power, and it because my favorite racket. Stiff shaft, with slight head heavy balance. Ideal for LONG games, very easy to use and maneuver. 9/10 (with Micropower) otherwise 7.5/10.

Yonex 'Armortec' 900P (2008 - present) 4U (84g?): Smasher's dream. Very good control, most powerful racket I've used so far. Excellent swing weight. However, due to head heaviness, I get very tired for long matches. One drawback, for me at least, slower to maneuver than N3&V12. Eg. it's all good if I smash and it doesn't come back, against good players, slow to defend, but maybe just me. 8.5/10.

Future rackets?: Perhaps Karakal M-Tec 80 Tattoo, 900 Technique, ArcSaber 7 (and their clones).

[issarakaya]

*update*
My beloved Mizuno Tetracross 700 RIP +++
http://i421.photobucket.com/albums/pp291/issarakaya/DSC00066.jpg

[Danstevens]

*update*
My beloved Mizuno Tetracross 700 RIP +++
http://i421.photobucket.com/albums/pp291/issarakaya/DSC00066.jpg

Similar to what happened to my Arc10, except mine broke lower down. How did your breakage occur?

[jjlow]

3 of my at900p broke when i did not cut the string after the strings burst

[jymbalaya]

3 of my at900p broke when i did not cut the string after the strings burst


like, you waited a day to cut, or more like an hour?

unless you string at 29+ it should break instantaneously or within 10 minutes.

[Badmintan]

AT900T x 2 - sold
AT700 - sold
Cab 21 - sold
cab 21 special - sold
NS9900-sold
NS9000X - sold
NS8000 -sold
NS5000 - sold
MP99 - sold
Ti-10 2nd Gen -sold
Kumpoo Power Shot 2300 X 2 - sold
Gosen 6900 - sold
Gosen 2700 - sold
Mizuno tetracross 700 - sold
Apacs lethal 25- cracked/thrown in dustbin
Apacs 125g training - sold
Wilson K-Lite,Tour/Pro - sold
Protech 8800 - sold
AT900P- (2 collection)
Ti-10 (3rd gen) x 2 Current doubles racquet + 1 collection
Gosen 6900 X 2 Current doubles racquet + 1 collection
Arc8DX-for warmup/singles/competition only
MP99-mint (1 collection)
Gosen Grapower 490 X 2 - for playing with begginers or clash-happy players with cheap racquets

[Sevex]

I have owned:

1 Yonex isometric 65 lt -my first racket, still intact, despite a lot of clashes, smashes and scrapes, plus accidentally stringing it at 28lbs (the first time I ever strung a racket!) Still use it occasionally. For £25 a bargain!

1 Carlton isoblade superlite- The racket of champions, it cost £20 (reduced) and was the first racket I picked up and though wow! I would probably still be using it if it were not for a certain disaster by a beginner at my old uni club... It's breakage led to a bit of a racket collection phase.

3 Carlton Airblade superlite- Very good double racket. 2 are still with me although no longer used as I can't seem to get anything from them these days. One broke 3 weeks ago, the shaft cracked after a clear after I had to use it after breaking the strings or the racket on the Panda Power....

1 Carlton powerblade lite- Purchased in case I couldn't get the hang of the oval airblades. Definitely not the racket for me, far too head heavy despite the name. Heaviest and head heaviest racket I own in fact...

1 SOTX Woven 7- Used for mixed and singles before I purchased 2 panda power trinity. Clears and smashes decent, currently a spare but needs restringing. Moderately indestructible.

1 Carlton vapour trail s-lite- Purchased it but don't use it too much as I mainly play singles now and it is a little light for that, still good when level doubles though.

2 Panda power trinity 1's- Current "go to" racket. Unfortunately one broke after a clash (well the frame cracked, it broke a month later) and I'm currently awaiting a replacement from Dinkalot. I also clashed the other one though far harder a week later, hope it doesn't break :( I really like these rackets for both singles and doubles but am slightly concerned by my constant hitting them against the floor, net post other peoples rackets and my knee/hand.

I also broke 1 Karakal something or other which belonged to Bristol uni, after a beginner clashed it with another Karakal something or other. It was then replaced by the mysterious appearance of a load of other rackets, so didn't need replacing.

This has all happened in 3 1/2 years of badminton, admittedly I probably shouldn't have purchased the vapour trail s-lite (too similar to the airblades, still a good racket though) or the Carlton head heavy monster but the others have all seen constant use and abuse!

[gsloh]

Here's my racket history harking back to the days of being a kid!

Steel Racket – Can’t remember the brand, but my very first racket which was used at playgrounds and driveways, deformed head due to the abuse!
Pro-Kennex racket – graphite shaft with steel/aluminium frame – my 2nd racket – broke after using it to hit a big fly (don’t ask :o:p:p)
Yonex Iso 65 lt – 1st proper graphite racket – broke after a clash with my knee.
2x MP 23 – 1 broke after clash, 1 sold to friend who then clashed it with me years later and snapped at the shaft
AT500 – broke by stepping on in chasing after a shot :p
Tactic NB 8000 – sold
Tactic NB9000 - sold
Woven 9 – died in a floor clash
Woven 10 – Sold
Cab 15 – clash with floor
PW12 – died in a clash
2x AT700 Old – broke in clashes,1 didn’t break immediately, but went when string broke and now repaired and lead taped up as training racket
AT300 – broke during smash
IsoTi Swing Power - sold
Cab15 Long - sold
2x Woven 7 – sold
AMP 95 – sold
AMP 88 - sold
Visible hollow 1300 - sold
Lethal 25 - sold
Karakal Mtec 80 tattoo – sold
Victor Superwaves 32 – traded for a Trinity 1

Cab 20SP – in bag not seen much use recently
2x Apacs Nanopro 9900 – 1 current, 1 broke between the legs chasing down smash
3x Trinity1 – 2x current, 1 held in reserve
T10 3rd gen – held in reserve
At900P JP - in bag not seen much use recently – singles only!
At900T JP - in bag not seen much use recently – singles only!
Fusion hotshots 009 – new acquisition, being tested.