Reccomendations please (thank you!)

[Muckluck]

I know how annoying it can be to read these all day, so I just wanted to stat this out with a thank you for even considering

Anyways, i'm a beginner, almost intermediate, and i hate sports! that is, until i tried badminton. So, I am investing my money towards a racket that:
#1 is light
#2 a racket that can help me smash, and at the same time maintain my returns
and #3 a racket everybody here knows is good!

I was looking at these 2 rackets:

Head airflow 5 (Does it really make a difference if you are a guy using this racket?)

and Carlton powerblade superlite

I dont know any of the jargons about this sport, Most people here know better than me. I love to smash, and is my best asset. I am quick and can change positions quickly.

So comments and opinions are open, whatever helps. I dont mind if we get a bit off-topic :)

Thanks again!

[nosebleedXD]

neither of the rackets you provided do i know what they are

honestly, at first, when i played badminton, i thought the lighter the better.

i bought the lightest racket in the world, but turns out its not that great

there isnt a racket that will increase your smash severely unless you have a really bad racket atm

its all about form and technique

to start off, i'd look at some cheap yonex rackets such as armortec 150 or apacs, which i recently got and are great

[what07]

I can tell you one thing. Airflow 5 is really light. Not great for smashing IMO. Head heavy beats head light in smashing usually for me. But head heavy is harder to defend with compare to headlight.

Calton I never used. Never did like designs.

[Muckluck]

Thanks for all the replies! I really appreciate the help. I can't say thank you enough. Again, I raise the question, would the women's grip on the affect how i play because im a guy? Probably not, but just being safe so as to not get a racket that will fly across the court when i slam :D

[Fidget]

What is your budget?
Do you have lots of stores nearby to try stuff?

The SOTX Woven 8 is somewhat light, and an excellent mix of offence and defence. Probably cheaper than comparable Yonex.

[Cogarhen]

neither of the rackets you provided do i know what they are

honestly, at first, when i played badminton, i thought the lighter the better.

i bought the lightest racket in the world, but turns out its not that great

there isnt a racket that will increase your smash severely unless you have a really bad racket atm

its all about form and technique

to start off, i'd look at some cheap yonex rackets such as armortec 150 or apacs, which i recently got and are great

Total agree; lighter is not always better. You should probably pay more attention to the balance and shaft stiffness of the racket you use and find out what racket characteristics suits your play style the best.

I think it is commonly aggreed that if you are an arm-power player, a less stiff and head-heavier racket would probably gives you more power. Correct me if I am wrong.:)

[phandrew]

Try SOTX W2, W8 or W9.

[camillus]

I have the Airflow 5 and Carlton Airblade (not sure if it's the same as the Powerblade Superlite).

Both are very head light and extremely manouverable - great for net and doubles play.

However, if you're looking for generating power smashes, both will not give you that satisfaction. As what the others have mentioned, you'll need a head heavy racket for that.

Therein lies a problem - head heavy is usually heavier than head light (or feels that way), so what you will need to look for is a racket that head heavy but not so much that the overall weight of the racket makes it less manouverable.

For me, the AT600 will fit the bill though it's best that you try it out first as racket feel is always subjective.

[Muckluck]

thanks everybody, again!

My budget is set around $90.

EDIT: there are no local stores. also, cogarhen, I am in absolutely no position to correct anybody here! strike me even if im right! And what would be a good site to order off of?

[phandrew]

thanks everybody, again!

My budget is set around $90.

EDIT: there are no local stores. also, cogarhen, I am in absolutely no position to correct anybody here! strike me even if im right! And what would be a good site to order off of?

The online website depends which brand you want to buy

[Muckluck]

I hear lots of "get the SOTX" so im trusting those who know better. where can i get SOFX?

[nosebleedXD]

you should try getting like an apacs racket =] there very nice

i recently just bought a muscle power 90

[Fast_Edge]

If you are looking for a good racket website try badmitonalley or badmiton warehouse. I found a wilson Kfactor Kpower racket. It's in the medium-heavy range, but it's great for the agressive player, if you are one.

[awatz]

try the karakal mtec 75/80.

[Muckluck]

Ok, I am going to have to leave it at a poll. For those not listed, I acnowledged your advice and did thuro-ish research (about 30 mins per racket) execpt for apacs, I couldnt find anything on that :)

type 111 for wilson kfactor kpower racket
type 222 for SOTX woven 2 racket
type 333 for Apacs muscle pro 88/90/95

Thanks again everybody!

[nosebleedXD]

www.apacsusa.com

[Fidget]

The Woven 2 is lovely if you can still find it.
It was my introduction to good quality rackets and a pleasant one at that.:)

[Muckluck]

I come back from a whole weekend away from internet acsess and i only get 1 response? thank you fidget, but I've found a cheap price on the woven 8, so what do you think of that?

[Danstevens]

The Woven 8 is a fine racket. Perfectly adequate in all areas.

[Muckluck]

Viruses have been found aaaallllllllll over puppysports.com (avoid please, they get into you personal stuff) so I need yet another link on where to buy SOTX rackets for somewhat cheap and off a reliable site, thank you!

[venkatesh]

I use Carlton Powerblade Tour. It's great for doubles. If you're gonna choose a racket, go for the specs instead of the brand. They have different technologies, but the specs is what's gonna help you with your play.

Here are some guidelines in choosing a racket:

Flex = generates more power especially if you have a weak arm. The idea here is that the shaft bends at point of impact (like a sling shot), thus, adding force

Stiff = gives more control. You'll be able to place the shuttle where you want to place it. This is advantageous for those with strong arm and wrist movement, as they don't need the shaft to flex for more power


Even balance = easy maneuverability. Great for defense and fast exchanges

Head heavy = great for power (smash and clear) but not good for quick movements (eg, net kills, fast drives, defense)

Light weight = fast racket but weaker power (depending how strong your arm/wrist is)

Heavy weight = adds power to your shots, but it's hard to maneuver (I'd recommend 87 g. For me, this is the ideal racket weight)

High tension = offers great control (less bouncy), but it may cause muscle pain for those with weak arms as the arm absorbs the impact

Low tension = offers less effort in hitting the shuttle cock (bouncy). The idea here is that it gives more "trampoline" effect, thus making the shuttle bounce faster.

Isometric frame = larger sweet spot. Quality of shots will still be retained even if the shuttle hits the non-middle part of the frame (I recommend this for beginners)

Oval/classic frame = smaller but more concentrated sweet spot. Once the shuttle hits this spot, the quality is maximized. Good for advanced players with precise and accurate hitting style.

There you go. I hope this helps. :)

[Fidget]

I come back from a whole weekend away from internet acsess and i only get 1 response? thank you fidget, but I've found a cheap price on the woven 8, so what do you think of that?

Congratulations on making your decision! :)
BTW choose the Woven 8A. It's the same racket but prettier paint job.

There has been quite a bit about puppysports and their insecure site. Scary stuff. However you could simply email them (info@puppysports.com) to communicate about any fears you have paying them online.

Ibuysports are sold out. But I guess you could always email and ask.

How about three very good Canadian options? They all have a good reputation and they all carry SOTX Woven 8.
1) www.Maxsports (http://www.%3Cb%3EMaxsports%3C/b%3E).ca
2) www.MJstrings (http://www.%3Cb%3EMJstrings%3C/b%3E).ca
3) www.racketsportsmontreal (http://www.%3Cb%3Eracketsportsmontreal%3C/b%3E).ca

Good luck

[LD rules!]

I have a freind who has a head metalix 2000 I haven't tried it but it's reasnoable priced and is only 88 grams I reckon it's great value

[Muckluck]

On the canadian sites, are they posting the woven 8 at $150 in canadian currency, or is it in the dollar, becuase it uses the $ sign on the 3 sites. Just wondering, because $150 is a complete ripoff on the woven 8

[Fidget]

On the canadian sites, are they posting the woven 8 at $150 in canadian currency, or is it in the dollar, becuase it uses the $ sign on the 3 sites. Just wondering, because $150 is a complete ripoff on the woven 8

1) Maxsports and MJStrings sites both state that their prices are in Canadian funds. This is not clearly expressed on the Racketsportsmontreal site.

2)The $130 at MJStrings, and the $150 at Maxsports include stringing. The $125 at Racketsports does not.

3) Maxsports is the most expensive, but he is a licensed Yonex/SOTX dealer and gives a good warranty compared to the other two.

These are all mom&pop type operations in two heavily taxed cities in Canada---far away from where the rackets are made in Asia. Of course they can't compete price-wise with Hong Kong. I don't think that they are ripping anyone off. :(

If selling badminton stuff in North America was a lucrative trade you would see a Yonex aisle in Walmart.;)

[Muckluck]

And I have made a descision: SOTX is the buy!:rolleyes:

But, just a question, is there a profound difference between the woven 8 and the woven 2? Just wondering, becuase airsoft is an extremely exspensive sport, so I am haulting all airsoft investments for my first racket, which tears me up, ive had some nerdy plans put out for my money over the months ahead :D

[Fidget]

And I have made a descision: SOTX is the buy!:rolleyes:

But, just a question, is there a profound difference between the woven 8 and the woven 2? Just wondering, becuase airsoft is an extremely exspensive sport, so I am haulting all airsoft investments for my first racket, which tears me up, ive had some nerdy plans put out for my money over the months ahead :D

Recently rescued my w2 from 'permanant loan' and can't wait to use it again. It is definitely heavier and head-heavier than the w8. Good if you like the weight to help your clears, or like that solid feeling.
But the w8 sure is quick and versatile. Rewards a quick strong wrist.
I think either is a fine choice. You could grow to love either.

I'll have to Google "airsoft".:confused: ("haulting" too;))

[Muckluck]

Well, if you DO goggle it, youll get this crap about $20 airsoft guns. type in for the web adress this:
www.stlouisairsoftplayers.com (http://www.stlouisairsoftplayers.com)
dont make an acc though, they will get mad at me. We do REAL airsoft, not cheapo backyard airsoft. I have so far invested over $1,000 in airsoft, and im only 14!:eek: