Recommendation please

[inu33]

Hey there. Let me start by saying that I'm not a very good badminton player, but I'm not exactly beginner either. Well I started playing a few years ago and if I had continued training at the same pace I would have become a lot better today, but I had to concentrate more on my studies back then. And now I'm pretty much worse than what I used to be after about a year of training when I first started. Anyways, I've decided to dedicate much of my upcoming summer vacation to badminton training (along with having a part time job and body building if everything goes smoothly). The reason why I post here is because I need a new racket. I have used quite a number of rackets since I started playing but I can honestly say that right now I am used to my Armortec 700 (old version). It's 3U| 20~25lbs and G5| 9.0~11.0 kg. I was wondering if any of you advanced player could recommend a similar racket or one that would be more suitable (as the old armortec 700 is discontinued here in canada and the new one does not feel the same) to me. My friend who is a great badminton player is going to attend a tournament in about two weeks and based on his experience last year, rackets (and other equipments) are sold for a cheaper price there, so I would like to know the recommendation by then. Also, he told me that the Arcsaber is pretty good, but is expensive. And I must admit that I'm really interested in this new series by Yonex. Well any help will be appreciated. Thanks.

[Optiblue]

If you were able to use that at700 decently at your level back then, then it would be okay to buy something with similar performance. That said, the closest racquet available and slightly head heavier is the AT900P. If you played decently with the at700 and enjoyed the overall weight and stiffness, you will hate the arcsabre line racquets namely the 7. The 10 might be better, but the arcsabre 7 is like playing with a racquet with no weight whipping action and any power will come mostly from swing speed. It definately did not make the list of things to buy for me anyways.

Best way is to try it out before you buy. Maybe try out some of your friend's racquets or some random people's!

[bry172]

I would recommend going with the at900p. i have this racket and the other day i tried my friends old at700 and it felt very similar. both are very powerful and since you are already used to the 700 the 900p should be no problem for you in aspect of how head heavy it is. the 900p and 700 are similar and shouldn't take long to adapt to if you end up getting it.(if you do get it go for the 3u version if it is avaliable.)

[inu33]

Hmm thanks for the help, but I'm thinking... would there be a second or maybe even third choice I should go for if the 900p is not available?

[bry172]

Hmm thanks for the help, but I'm thinking... would there be a second or maybe even third choice I should go for if the 900p is not available? if the 900p isnt available i would personally go for the new 700. but i read that you thought it didnt feel the same. would you mind explaining more? when u tried it were they the same weight and grip size as both affect how the racket feels.

[inu33]

I neglected to check if it was the same weight and grip size. But it just did not generate the same amount of power.

[Optiblue]

I neglected to check if it was the same weight and grip size. But it just did not generate the same amount of power.

it could be the string / string tensions as well as grip size and weight, but more importantly, I've heard from many long time users of the old at700 that the new one is not the same. I don't see why you can't get your hands on a 3UG4 at900P in canada, however I highly recommend the 3ug5 and that one will be harder to find since it's only available in asian countries & japan. Maybe you can also try getting your hands on a MP100 if you can find any~