Racquet Recommendation

[changturkey]

Skill: Intermediate/Expert
Past Racquets: Wilson TiSmash (Did not like), Wilson V14, Victor (I forget model name), currently using Black Knight TF-90 Turboflex

After using a really heavy and really light racquet, I find that I am looking for something more moderate. The Turboflex was really light and flexible, but lacked weight at the head, and my coached noticed that I would swing too early. I tried out a Black Knight PC-20 and it was pretty good, tried out a friend's NS 8000, did not really like it, and tried out a Carbonex 8400 just for fun, and it was actually quite good. So what I am looking for is a slightly heavier racket (frame and head), still fairly flexible, and a decent price. I live in Toronto, so I can go to Lee's, Yo's, or Winning Cycle to buy a racquet. A friend suggested I look at Victors again, because they are cheaper, and some other brands (SOTX? Kimoni?) I generally play doubles, net, and like to smash, drop, and clear, not much of a flat shotter. I occasionally play singles. I think I am more of a defensive player, though I am slowly progressing towards a more even type of play. Any other details, if requested, I am happy to give. Sorry if my terminology for stuff is not right, not exactly in to the whole badminton lingo.

[bry172]

Skill: Intermediate/Expert
Past Racquets: Wilson TiSmash (Did not like), Wilson V14, Victor (I forget model name), currently using Black Knight TF-90 Turboflex

After using a really heavy and really light racquet, I find that I am looking for something more moderate. The Turboflex was really light and flexible, but lacked weight at the head, and my coached noticed that I would swing too early. I tried out a Black Knight PC-20 and it was pretty good, tried out a friend's NS 8000, did not really like it, and tried out a Carbonex 8400 just for fun, and it was actually quite good. So what I am looking for is a slightly heavier racket (frame and head), still fairly flexible, and a decent price. I live in Toronto, so I can go to Lee's, Yo's, or Winning Cycle to buy a racquet. A friend suggested I look at Victors again, because they are cheaper, and some other brands (SOTX? Kimoni?) I generally play doubles, net, and like to smash, drop, and clear, not much of a flat shotter. I occasionally play singles. I think I am more of a defensive player, though I am slowly progressing towards a more even type of play. Any other details, if requested, I am happy to give. Sorry if my terminology for stuff is not right, not exactly in to the whole badminton lingo. take a look at the armortec 900t it a moderately head heavy racket but it is suitable for any type of play its smashes, drops and clears are all decent with this racket. The long handle is also good for doubles for the fast drives u can choke up if it ever over occur. Eventhough u said u dont do this often a long handle never hurts. I suggest you get a 3u racket as well since you said you want a heavier racket.

[changturkey]

Is there anything similar to a Armotec 900T but cheaper?

[bry172]

Is there anything similar to a Armotec 900T but cheaper? what price range are you looking at? the armoertec 500 is a pretty common racket and from experience it isnt bad. and the nanospeed 7000 is also cheaper. The armortec 500 is heavier than the nanospeed 7000 and the 500 has more power, but the 7000 is better at netplay and is quicker beacuse of the light headbut clears may take a bit more effort than it would with the head heavier 500. The 500 compared to the 7000 is head heavier but its head heaviness is similar to the 900 t. i suggest you try out these rackets first

[changturkey]

I am looking for something in the 100-150$ CAD range. I have read about some of these lesser known brands, like Kimoni and SOTX, can you recommend me one of those? Also, I would something that is more all-around/defensive.

[pedro22]

Also, I would something that is more all-around/defensive.

SOTX Woven-8 fits that bill. Do a search here for this model and you will find tons of feedback.

[changturkey]

How about the newer Wovens or Diamond Fighters?

[bry172]

Im not familiar with the other brands but the armortec 500 after stating your price range. Lee's sells it for 148 dollars try calling in and ask if you can test out the racket. If not i think yo's lends rackets for 10 dollars for you to try and if u like it they will just subtract that from ur purchasing price. So go ahead and give them both a call and see if you can get your hands on one before you buy anything.

[pedro22]

How about the newer Wovens or Diamond Fighters?

The newer Wovens are more offense oriented. In the DF series, the D500 would be the best bet. Between the W8 and the D500, I'd pick the D500.

[changturkey]

I was perusing the forums, and came upon two other brands, APACS and RSL. I think APACS is like a Yonex Cloner, but what opinions can you give me on these two manufacturers, and where would I get a APACS or RSL racquet?

[drifit]

I was perusing the forums, and came upon two other brands, APACS and RSL. I think APACS is like a Yonex Cloner, but what opinions can you give me on these two manufacturers, and where would I get a APACS or RSL racquet?

for RSL racquets, you may pm rslcanada for advices.
www.badmintoncentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=32158&page=49
as for apacs..... guess it will be hard for you to find it in Canada.

[bry172]

for RSL racquets, you may pm rslcanada for advices.
www.badmintoncentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=32158&page=49 (http://www.badmintoncentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=32158&page=49)
as for apacs..... guess it will be hard for you to find it in Canada.i live in toronto as well and looking at lees website they dont sell apacs or rsl and im pretty sure yo's or other stores carry these brands. good luck find it if you decide to go with these brands

[changturkey]

Going to Yo's this afternoon, may check out Winning Cycle too.

[changturkey]

So I went to Yo's and the guy seemed kinda annoyed that I was there, all I asked was what he would recommend, and gave him a short description of my play style, and he suggested the Armortec 300, which is what I got..Not too pleased about the guy though like jeez, I just asked for a opinion..

[bry172]

So I went to Yo's and the guy seemed kinda annoyed that I was there, all I asked was what he would recommend, and gave him a short description of my play style, and he suggested the Armortec 300, which is what I got..Not too pleased about the guy though like jeez, I just asked for a opinion.. I think this has happend before. have you tried out your new at300 or does it have to be strung first and stuff? Aside from that they do a pretty good stringing job and there prices are pretty much the same as lee's. Hope you enjoy your new racket.

[changturkey]

No, I held it and swung it a few times, but no playing. And yes, he strings it for you. It was 150$ with tax and BG65s.