PREVIEW: Carlton Vapour Trail Tour / Elite

[kwun]

I got pics of these two really gorgeous looking rackets. These are brand new Carltons that are being released this year.

Carlton Vapour Trail Tour
Carlton Vapour Trail Elite

Special Features

Bio-axial Dynamics - Analysis of the overhead badminton swing highlights 2 distinct aerodynamic directions evident during the swing phase. The new Bio-Axial Dynamics frame develops more efficient aerodynamics. Over 80% of players stated the new Bi-Axial frame profile delivers increased swing speed.

Pro V12 Grommets - Positioned at 3 and 9 o clock postions, these specialised grommets have been softened to allow greater string movement thereby increasing power across the hitting zone.

Stabilisor Topcap - By introducing 4 convex channels into the top cap, stiffness of the top cap is increased allowing for greater shot accuracy and control.

Optimetric Headshape - By combining the larger sweet spot size and the increased air speed and control within the same head shape, the new Optimetric head geometry delivers both power, airspeed and control in one frame.

Japanese HM Carbon - Sourced for Japan, Japanese Hi Modulus Carbon is the highest specification carbon available on the market ensuring your Carbon frame will outperform all other construction materials for frame response and stability.

Direct Fibre Transfer - Utilising a carbon inner core and PU outer costing, a direct carbon link is estabilished between shaft and handle enhancing power transfer and sensory feedback resulting from shuttle impact.

Ultra-Lite Cap - Using a matrix structure, Carlton has re-engineered the end cap to reduce its weight by 28% contributing to overall enhanced playability.

Xtreme Tension Frame - Precision engineering and the utilisation of the finest construction materials ensures your Carlton frame can accommodate 11% higher string tensions compared with competitior frames.

Hand Crafted

[Burger_King]

Wow,they've got to be some of the nicest looking carltons i have ever seen, I've never been a big fan of carlton, but now i really want to try these out.

[Athelete1234]

Kwun, how come your photos of racquets always make them look like the sexiest things ever!? Your photography is amazing.

[bluecraze07]

Kwun, how come your photos of racquets always make them look like the sexiest things ever!? Your photography is amazing.
Totally agree, he can make anything look amazing :D

[jymbalaya]

hey Kwun. Are they regular length or long length, and do they have carlton's oversize headshape they use for most of their rackets??

[kwun]

the design of these two new Carlton are indeed excellent. i was quite impressed when i first saw them.

the design are quite a departure from the Yonex-esque design. they are metallic color with black accent with clean and sharp lines and patterns.

will post more pics and info as i get them.

[issarakaya]

Nice design.......especially the silver one :D

[HaoFung]

any info on the specs? ^^

[GTAveteran]

nice banner with the picture kwun

[Jing09]

that looks really awesome

[Easy Tiger]

Okay, so now I'm paying attention :D

https://www.newitts.com/images/products/800x800/it034424.jpg

[kirbosmash]

Not cool - now I am drooling over another racket :/
do you know if i'ts head heavy?

[Easy Tiger]

Scoured the web, can't find specs anywhere. Local distro here has no info.

Ah, some more info here. Gee they're good looking rackets.

http://users.telenet.be/speedysport/Carlton.htm

[venkatesh]

So beautiful. So shiny. I like shiny. It's the type of racket I wouldn't want to clash with anyone.

[Easy Tiger]

Vapour Trail Elite
Weight: 89
Stiff
Kopzwaar
Advice sale price € 180
Our price € 144

Vapour Trail Tour
Weight: 84 grams
Medium stiffly
Medium balance
Advice sale price € 160
Our price € 128

Vapour Trail S-Lite
Weight: 85 grams
flexible
Balance handle
Advice sale price € 140
Our price € 112

Vapour Trail FX-TI
Weight: 85 grams
medium
Balance handle
Advice sale price € 100
Our price € 80

[drifit]

Vapour Trail Elite
Weight: 89
Stiff
Kopzwaar
this is good spec for me........ :D

[Zabee]

wow long time haven saw Carlton racquet , the design is quite cool... is it avilable in Malaysia ??

[jerby]

I already had a try with the tour (silver), it really was way too light if you ask me... It didn't feel stable....
but with 3 grams heavier, stiffer and headheavy, the 'elite' sounds a lot better :p

by the way... "handcrafted"? yeah sure...

[3radius]

mmm bronze/golden.. nice.

kwun, is the paint quality good? (ie. relative to yonex)

[kwun]

the Tour is indeed light. but damn what a great racket to look at. my personal preference is still heavier racket. 90g +/- is the best range for me.

i haven't received the racket yet. those are the official photos from Carlton that you see all over the web. i will have better photos when i have the rackets on hand.

[Easy Tiger]

wow long time haven saw Carlton racquet , the design is quite cool... is it avilable in Malaysia ??

It's funny how some brands just become prevalent in certain countries, and others don't. Carlton and Yonex have been the prevalent rackets down here for the past 30 years (ignoring Epsilon), yet it's only just now we're starting to see people with other brands.

One thing I do like about the Carltons is the commitment to making the frame more aerodynamic. That's one thing I can actually see as making a noticable difference to how fast the racket moves through the air when you swing it. Albeit only during smashes and overhead shots.

Anyway, I've emailled all the AU distros as well as that place in Belgium to see what they have. A friend of mine is coached by someone who is sponsored by Carlton so I might hassle her next time I see her, too.

[kwun]

if anyone have any questions about the new rackets or any question regarding Carlton in general, you can post them here or PM me. i will try to relay them to the Carlton ppl.

[Easy Tiger]

More pretty pictures please! :D

[kwun]

i also got some pics of the Air Rage S-Lite. kinda interesting color scheme.

[t3tsubo]

is that by any chance a "female" racquet like the arc 9?

[Easy Tiger]

Probably. Coz you know, women are that dumb that they need everything coated in pink to figure out if they're supposed to buy it. :rolleyes:

Which is of course why everything I own is blue. Coz you know....I'm a boy.

[jymbalaya]

Probably. Coz you know, women are that dumb that they need everything coated in pink to figure out if they're supposed to buy it. :rolleyes:

Which is of course why everything I own is blue. Coz you know....I'm a boy.

Even though Blue was originally a woman's color, and pink was a man's color. go figure.

[bippi_cp]

if anyone have any questions about the new rackets or any question regarding Carlton in general, you can post them here or PM me. i will try to relay them to the Carlton ppl.


Kwun,
All images are nice.
Do you know the official web link for carlton. I Want to look different models in web, like yonex web site. Al

[issarakaya]

@kwun
Are this Carlton new series sell at Asia region? Or just Europe like Fireblade....I dont like their (Carlton) marketing strategy, even Powerblade 9909 still cant be found in Indonesia :mad: And Fireblade Elite only in my dream since the price + shipping from Europe to Indonesia will empty my wallet very deep :crying:
Tell them my concern @kwun, send the best Carlton range to Indonesia distributor. Why Carlton not following Victor, SOTX, APACS, Li-Ning (coming soon) challange YY domination in Indonesia....So far only Powerblade 9902 and Airblade 33, 35, 37 the highest series Carlton in my country :o

[Dreamzz]

looks like they're trying to match yonex on price as well, those are some expensive racquets!

[Zabee]

perhaps i mislead you...what i'm trying to say is that if this design is availblen in Malaysia.....cos i don't see many Carlton racquets lately in KL.....

[Easy Tiger]

looks like they're trying to match yonex on price as well, those are some expensive racquets!

Everything is expensive in Europe. They won't be that much if they ever make it to SE Asia. The EU's 17.5% VAT tends to make prices look a little high for the rest of us.

I can see why many Euro brands don't bother too much with SE Asian sales. You're going up against some big SE Asian companies that have a lot of pull, and distribution in some parts of Asia must be a complete nightmare.

By concentrating on Europe, they have a customer base that pays top dollar, distribution channels that are solid and reliable, lower issues with fakes and price wars etc.

How many of you guys in Indonesia or Malaysia would play with a Babolat/Wilson/Carlton over a Yonex at the same price?

[Easy Tiger]

More pretty pictures!

http://www.sportfack.se/multimedia/archive/00307/Carlton_s_307013e.jpeg

[DonnyGan]

Air Rage S-Lite looks nice.

[Zabee]

yea...anymore picts ??

[Easy Tiger]

SGB: With new ownership and new ideas, has there been any significant change in the core product line up?
MS: The racket range has been completely overhauled with a new structure that better focuses on consumer requirements for power, control or a combination of both. We've developed a number of new technologies that are brand new to the market ensuring the 2009 frames outperform anything else on the market. For example we have developed a frame with Biaxial Dynamics which focuses on frame profile and a new head shape named Optimetric head geometry. We have also developed a new type of handle constructed from carbon, replacing wooden handles which continue to be used by our competitors. Finally we have engineered grommets that provide more power, named Pro V12 Grommets, and a new end cap which is about 28 per cent lighter than the previous version. To summarise, compared to the competition we've enhanced the playability of our premium range through the use of cutting edge technology solutions. Where we had two or three technologies, we're now at a point where we have eight or nine delivering enhanced performance and consumer value for money. The 2009 range is a huge step forward for the brand, and an exciting step forward as well.

Cool, carbon handles.

[Easy Tiger]

http://www.newitts.com/images/products/800x800/it034425.jpghttp://www.newitts.com/images/products/800x800/it034428.jpghttp://www.newitts.com/images/products/800x800/it034426.jpghttp://www.newitts.com/images/products/800x800/it034427.jpg





First week in June is when they'll be available, according to some UK websites.

[Zabee]

which model is this ???

[george@chongwei]

I have to say that this racket is beautiful;)
can i ask untill when will this racket pic be on the most top of Bc Forum page?;):p

[Patrick_Lim]

Anyone know that Vapour Trail Elite and Tour will be available in Singapore? When? How much it cost?

[venkatesh]

venkatesh is salivating over these beauties

[jafffa]

nice to see some good new rackets, and to me it seemed obvious to replace the wooden handle... guess it must be expensive

[Easy Tiger]

Okay, so speedysport.be will have the rackets end of Aug / early Sept.

Shitty deal though. They want the money upfront and will only ship via DHL, but couldn't tell me how much it would be.

Vapour Trail Elite is 144EUR/286SPD/184USD.

I reckon shipping could be as much as 50 Euro.

:eek:

[olli]

Go for newitts.com - should be quite a bit cheaper.

[Easy Tiger]

Yeah, any experience with them? Newitts will probably have them sooner, too.

[phamd124]

What a beau. I love the Air-rage's color schematics.

[colekwok]

Newitts say July. I guess these Vapour Trail are for the European market only, like the Fireblades and Aeroblades. I need to get my hand on the Elite, it looks nice and heavy.

[teoky]

I saw Dunlop 4D racquets in Bangkok and the specs are pretty similar to Vapour Trail except that it doesn't have the Optimetric head. It also says Hand Made like the Carlton.

[Easy Tiger]

All racquets are handmade. Hardly a selling point, no sure why they bother. Could be handmade by a blind Chinese lepper colony for all we know.

[colekwok]

Most Taiwanese and Chinese rackets are 'hand molded'. i.e. stuff the carbonfibre and T-jounts + extras into the mold. And then hand painted. Is that what they call hand crafted? Not sure about Yonex though, but I guess it would probably be the same.

[Zabee]

can explain "hand moled ' ??

[colekwok]

can explain "hand moled ' ??


well, it is just placing the carbonfibre sheets, roll, whatever you can find inside the racket into a metal cast with the proper racket shape. Heat it up and apply high pressure, i.e. autoclave. I don't know whether this is the correct description or not, somebody has to correct me.

[Easy Tiger]

That's roughly right.

Seems like they're made in three pieces usually - head, shaft, and T-Joint. You can see that pretty clearly in the photos of the Air-Rage (which FYI looks very different to the one on newitts.com).

But anyway, that's a whole other topic. :)

[Easy Tiger]

Okay, so speedysports.be is a no-go. They want a minimum order of €500/AUD887/USD690. As for why, I have no idea.

At this rate I'll probably wait until the local distro has them in stock.

Kwun, what's the deal from your end mate? Whats the ETA in the US?

[edragon]

can anyone tell me the racket price in RM??i am going to buy it in Malaysia......

[Zabee]

oic..........:)thx

[Easy Tiger]

can anyone tell me the racket price in RM??i am going to buy it in Malaysia......

Who in Malaysia has them in stock?

[Easy Tiger]

Yay, they're now available. Who will be first to get one? ;)

[Zabee]

well need to know the prices 1'st before making further action..:)

[Sevex]

Just ordered the vapour trail s-lite on Newitts.com
My bank account may never forgive me... £80.

But I couldn't resist, head light and flexible. Ideal for a defensive doubles player.

Will try and post a review of it in a few days. Keep in mind I'm not a badminton ace!

[Easy Tiger]

Carlton Vapour Trail S Lite
GBP80.40/SGD187/USD129/AUD162
Carlton Vapour Trail Tour
93.81/219/152/189
Carlton Vapour Trail Elite
107.20/250/175/216
Carlton Vapour Trail FX Ti
53.60/125/86/108
Carlton Air Rage FX Ti
53.60/125/86/108
Carlton Vapour Trail ST
67.00/203/140/175

[Zabee]

what about the pricein MYR

[Danstevens]

what about the pricein MYR

You could use a currency conversion site to give you a rough idea.

[krisss]

what about the pricein MYR

:)


You could use a currency conversion site to give you a rough idea.

http://www.xe.com/ucc/

:p

[Zabee]

thx...but i think the price will be a bit higher than the amount shown on that conversion..

[pyrox]

any review coming soon? I'm very interested in any comments about the vapour trail tour (silver) or the air rage ST (blue)

[Easy Tiger]

Kwun is letting the side down. Clearly his contract states that he must put up a Carlton header and thread, and let us do the rest. Heck, where's our commission? I feel kinda dirty AND ripped off. ;)

[bdoel10]

Carlton Vapour Trail S Lite
GBP80.40/SGD187/USD129/AUD162
Carlton Vapour Trail Tour
93.81/219/152/189
Carlton Vapour Trail Elite
107.20/250/175/216
Carlton Vapour Trail FX Ti
53.60/125/86/108
Carlton Air Rage FX Ti
53.60/125/86/108
Carlton Vapour Trail ST
67.00/203/140/175

hi EasyTiger, d u know how they're worth nowadays?
sorry for belated inquiry...just new membering


ton of thanx:)

[Sevex]

The rackets only just came out, so price is still the same and probably will be for a while. These prices are the cheapest anyone has found (I think). Welcome to the forum.

I'm hoping Kwun is having so much fun playing with them, as they're amazing that he's forgotten all about this thread :)

My vapour trail superlite should arrive soon, was posted yesterday from Newitts. Then I shall play with it extensively and post a mini review. The joy of having finished uni finals! I have 3 weeks of uninterrupted badminton time.

[bdoel10]

My vapour trail superlite should arrive soon, was posted yesterday from Newitts. Then I shall play with it extensively and post a mini review. The joy of having finished uni finals! I have 3 weeks of uninterrupted badminton time.

alrite then...really look forward to yr reviewing:)

Actually just wud like to get a new one (that can topple the hegemony of YY in my mind...fyuuh pls help:crying:!!) :D

Let's say once CVT Elite compared to YY NS9900...wht wud u all say ?
Yr input hugely contributes:)

ps: FYI, im a double player n am strongly eager in offensive playmode


Thx

[Easy Tiger]

The VT Elite is head heavy and stiff, so it's probably closer to the ArmourTecs in theory.

[bdoel10]

The VT Elite is head heavy and stiff, so it's probably closer to the ArmourTecs in theory.

that's what im sorry about, the stiffness...since my typical is offnsv, id rather hesitate to pick the stiff one...1 thing i know that flexibilty enhances the power of smash, rite?...albeit it's heavier on head/frame.
what about NS9900 ?? any of u hv had a try on it? (i cant read Japanese when taking deeper look at its YY Jpn website):(

[twobeer]

that's what im sorry about, the stiffness...since my typical is offnsv, id rather hesitate to pick the stiff one...1 thing i know that flexibilty enhances the power of smash, rite?

No, lots of flexibilty increases the power of a weak smash, and decreases the power from a harder smash..
(just as loose strings makes weak or off-center smashes harder, and strong sweetspot-smashes slower)


...albeit it's heavier on head/frame.
what about NS9900 ?? any of u hv had a try on it? (i cant read Japanese when taking deeper look at its YY Jpn website):(
NS9900 is stiff...
/Twobeer

[Kinderbijbel]

can i buy it anywhere else, i don't have a credit card just paypal. I can't buy it in holland. does somebody have a solution?

[Easy Tiger]

www.speedysport.be has them. If you stand on your roof, you should be able to see their shop ;)

[Kinderbijbel]

thanks easytiger

[Sevex]

My vapour trail superlite arrived in the post this morning so here is a quick initial impression.

The first thing I noticed was the length of the handle, it's very long! 25mm longer than my airblade superlite and 20mm longer than SOTX woven 7. I would measure it but have lost all my rulers... Over 150mm though. It feels solid. More so than a wooden handle although this may be caused by the thinner grip.

As a result of the very long handle the racket shaft is short. This is made to look shorter by the long top cap.

As for "optimetric" head shape, it seems quite a lot like an oval to me... Albeit one that is ever so slightly wider at the top and the sides. This is not a complaint, there aren't enough ovals on the market today and I personally prefer them.

The paint job is fine, I'm not one to judge this though, I prefer function over looks in a racket, quite orange with plenty of words over the frame. If anything it looks a bit "busy" with the racket specs written on the shaft and marketing spiel written all over the place.

One minor point of irritation was the plastic cover on the handle. On it were the words, to optimise performance restring only with Carlton xelerate x67 string and use Carlton aerogear grips (that's roughly the words used). While the xelerate strings may have been developed on these rackets (?) that doesn't mean others won't work. Same for grips.

For a carlton string they actually look ok, a bit loosely strung though (no surprise there, it's factory strung, I was curious about the new Carlton strings). The ink used for the carlton logo is far to thick however and as with previous Carltons will probably affect playability. Why not use Yonex style light spray on paint rather than wall emulsion!

Pro v-12 grommetes simply means clear slightly rubberised grommets at the 3 and 9 o'clock positions (6 on each side). Will see how they affect things later.

I am playing later today so will post initial playing impressions either this evening or tomorrow.

[Easy Tiger]

Which is why nobody uses factory strings.

[Gemcat]

Which is why nobody uses factory strings.

Hey! I used factory strings before!:D

[Easy Tiger]

*cough*loser*cough*

;)



Hey! I used factory strings before!:D

[SORROWTULIP]

Dear KWUN,

How lovely are they? Where I can buy it? Do you know where the Carlton made from?

Thanks for your prompt reply.

TULIP


I got pics of these two really gorgeous looking rackets. These are brand new Carltons that are being released this year.

Carlton Vapour Trail Tour
Carlton Vapour Trail Elite

Special Features

Bio-axial Dynamics - Analysis of the overhead badminton swing highlights 2 distinct aerodynamic directions evident during the swing phase. The new Bio-Axial Dynamics frame develops more efficient aerodynamics. Over 80% of players stated the new Bi-Axial frame profile delivers increased swing speed.

Pro V12 Grommets - Positioned at 3 and 9 o clock postions, these specialised grommets have been softened to allow greater string movement thereby increasing power across the hitting zone.

Stabilisor Topcap - By introducing 4 convex channels into the top cap, stiffness of the top cap is increased allowing for greater shot accuracy and control.

Optimetric Headshape - By combining the larger sweet spot size and the increased air speed and control within the same head shape, the new Optimetric head geometry delivers both power, airspeed and control in one frame.

Japanese HM Carbon - Sourced for Japan, Japanese Hi Modulus Carbon is the highest specification carbon available on the market ensuring your Carbon frame will outperform all other construction materials for frame response and stability.

Direct Fibre Transfer - Utilising a carbon inner core and PU outer costing, a direct carbon link is estabilished between shaft and handle enhancing power transfer and sensory feedback resulting from shuttle impact.

Ultra-Lite Cap - Using a matrix structure, Carlton has re-engineered the end cap to reduce its weight by 28% contributing to overall enhanced playability.

Xtreme Tension Frame - Precision engineering and the utilisation of the finest construction materials ensures your Carlton frame can accommodate 11% higher string tensions compared with competitior frames.

Hand Crafted

[pyrox]

Does optimetric head seems smaller than isometric to you??

[Zabee]

what so special about isometric ??

[Sevex]

Optimetric seems to be about the same maximum width as isometric but then tapers to a slightly narrower frame at the tip of the rackets. Isometric increases the size of the sweet spot supposedly. This means off centre shots still have power. I personally can't feel much difference, maybe because when I miss the shuttle it comes off the frame... All of nothing!

[mannyfresssh]

hmmm interested. how much in american dollars. which you recommend? I would overall balanced racquet great for smashes and defense also. thanks

[Easy Tiger]

See those numbers 12345, right next to where it says 'Page 5 of 5'?

[jymbalaya]

See those numbers 12345, right next to where it says 'Page 5 of 5'?
why are we posting seeming gibberish?

sorry to sound so insulting. i am just wondering, who are you talking to?

[Easy Tiger]

I'm replying to the poster previous, just like I am now.

The dude asked for the specs, so I showed him. It's amazing what you can find when you have a look ON THE OTHER PAGES OF A THREAD.

[Kinderbijbel]

hey easytiger speedysports doesn't have them till august

[Easy Tiger]

Ah well, newitts looks like the best bet. They have them now.

[GTAveteran]

whens the banner being removed? it looked nice at first but now its getting quite boring lol

[Easy Tiger]

Dunno. You'll have to ask Kwun what it says in his contract ;)

[kwun]

according to Carlton, the Vapour Trail will only be available in Europe and America. it maybe available in Asia in the future, but for the time being it won't be.

Asia will continue to have different product lines than other parts of the world.

sorry for the bad news. i will post a review once i finish testing them...

[Zabee]

oh man.....this is a piss off...

[colekwok]

I am starting to wonder that they are different companies. Maybe someone bought the right of Carlton in Asia. Carlton Europe is definitely run by the Sports Direct Plc.

[Easy Tiger]

That's possible.

Anyway, so what if it's just available in Europe/UK. Just buy it there! Heck, the rest of the world buys their other brands mail order from SE Asia....you'll just be doing the opposite.

Welcome to our world!

[kwun]

I am starting to wonder that they are different companies. Maybe someone bought the right of Carlton in Asia. Carlton Europe is definitely run by the Sports Direct Plc.

something like that. the Carlton rights in Asia was licensed out to another party. that's why they have different lines.

[issarakaya]

^
now i'm really upset :( First Fireblade and now Vapour too.......i'm so jealous :crying:

[twobeer]

something like that. the Carlton rights in Asia was licensed out to another party. that's why they have different lines.

Isnt it only fair that we non-asians sometimes get special treatment as well.. Usually the rule is the opposite.. all goodies are available first and often exlusive in Asia :-)

/Twobeeer

[kirbosmash]

according to Carlton, the Vapour Trail will only be available in Europe and America. it maybe available in Asia in the future, but for the time being it won't be.



by 'America', do you mean the United States? now I"m getting excited. I'm falling in love with the Vapour Trail Tour. Even balanced... medium flex... Silver.... Silver.... did I mention silver?

[venkatesh]

by 'America', do you mean the United States? now I"m getting excited. I'm falling in love with the Vapour Trail Tour. Even balanced... medium flex... Silver.... Silver.... did I mention silver?

I thought all vapor trails are head heavy?

[Easy Tiger]

Page one, post #15, Einstein.

Hrm....should I get an VT Elite or a AT900T as my next acquisition.

Hrm....

[colekwok]

I thought all vapor trails are head heavy?

The vapour trail series follow the line of Powerblade/Aeroblade/Fireblade series, Elite, Tour and Lite.

Elite = Head Heavy, single, attacking racket
Tour = Even balanced
Lite = Head light, especially good for doubles and female players

[jymbalaya]

Page one, post #15, Einstein.

Hrm....should I get an VT Elite or a AT900T as my next acquisition.

Hrm....

VT elite FTW!

plus, you will look so much cooler, because everyone will have an at-900T

[Easy Tiger]

Carlton is probably more popular here than Yonex, but yeah, you make a good point.

:D

[Sevex]

Here’s my review of the vapour trail superlite, just thought some people may want an opinion on it.

Sorry for the 1 week lateness, I forgot it would need restringing. Used bg80 at 24lbs. I’m a defensive doubles player who does enjoy singles. I usually use head light rackets so am used to them.

Summary
Material high modulus carbon, novel “optimetric” head shape. Not quite as large surface area as isometric but not far off. Very similar to wide body oval. Amazingly head light, it’s like swinging air. The “bi-axial dynamics” does make a difference in my opinion. The racket could be swung very fast and made a very aggressive sound through the air.
Flexibility
This racket is flexible, as in very flexible, if you always hit hard, have a fast compact swing action stay away! On the other hand if you play doubles need a fast whippy racket it may be for you, just don’t expect rallies to end quickly, definitely a case of placement over power.
Head balance
Head light, one of the most headlight rackets I’ve tried which does help with the flex a little.
Performance
As long as the technique is there then clears, drops etc should be fine. If you have a poor technique then clears will be weak. This racket excels in control and deception. Vibrations weren’t a problem for me but I use head light rackets all the time for singles and doubles. Shots felt very stable compared to other headlight rackets. Attacking at the net is amazing and so are net shots. Drives were reasonable but the flex did remove some of their power.
Conclusion
This is probably not a racket for a large majority of people on this forum who seem to love head heavy stiff rackets. I really like this racket and am now using it as my go to racket, every time I play with it, it gets better. It really is for doubles players or those who like to get every shot back and turn any situation into attack.

If you have any questions feel free to ask.

[jymbalaya]

Here’s my review of the vapour trail superlite, just thought some people may want an opinion on it.

Sorry for the 1 week lateness, I forgot it would need restringing. Used bg80 at 24lbs. I’m a defensive doubles player who does enjoy singles. I usually use head light rackets so am used to them.

Summary
Material high modulus carbon, novel “optimetric” head shape. Not quite as large surface area as isometric but not far off. Very similar to wide body oval. Amazingly head light, it’s like swinging air. The “bi-axial dynamics” does make a difference in my opinion. The racket could be swung very fast and made a very aggressive sound through the air.
Flexibility
This racket is flexible, as in very flexible, if you always hit hard, have a fast compact swing action stay away! On the other hand if you play doubles need a fast whippy racket it may be for you, just don’t expect rallies to end quickly, definitely a case of placement over power.
Head balance
Head light, one of the most headlight rackets I’ve tried which does help with the flex a little.
Performance
As long as the technique is there then clears, drops etc should be fine. If you have a poor technique then clears will be weak. This racket excels in control and deception. Vibrations weren’t a problem for me but I use head light rackets all the time for singles and doubles. Shots felt very stable compared to other headlight rackets. Attacking at the net is amazing and so are net shots. Drives were reasonable but the flex did remove some of their power.
Conclusion
This is probably not a racket for a large majority of people on this forum who seem to love head heavy stiff rackets. I really like this racket and am now using it as my go to racket, every time I play with it, it gets better. It really is for doubles players or those who like to get every shot back and turn any situation into attack.

If you have any questions feel free to ask.

thanks dude. this kinda just set my heart out for the Elite/ tour

[kwun]

i have played with the Elite and Tour.

firstly, they are very very shiny. the Elite shimmers in metallic gold color. it will be noticeable from miles away. the Tour is slightly better though still very shiny metallic silver.

the Elite feels more solid than the Tour. even though the Elite is head heavy and the Tour is even balanced, both have similar swing weight as the Tour is almost 1cm longer than the Elite. both are quite manuverable.

both samples i received from Carlton were prestrung. they were prestrung with the new Exelerate string. however, unfortunately they were strung at really low tension, probably in the region of 18lbs.

as a result, the feel of the racket was totally inaccurate. i will have them restrung and test them again later on in the week.

[venkatesh]

i have played with the Elite and Tour.

firstly, they are very very shiny. the Elite shimmers in metallic gold color. it will be noticeable from miles away. the Tour is slightly better though still very shiny metallic silver.

the Elite feels more solid than the Tour. even though the Elite is head heavy and the Tour is even balanced, both have similar swing weight as the Tour is almost 1cm longer than the Elite. both are quite manuverable.

both samples i received from Carlton were prestrung. they were prestrung with the new Exelerate string. however, unfortunately they were strung at really low tension, probably in the region of 18lbs.

as a result, the feel of the racket was totally inaccurate. i will have them restrung and test them again later on in the week.

Ooooooh! Shiny. I like shiny!!!! Keep us posted once you've strung it with a more suitable tension. Thanks.

[purple-marauder]

Vapour Trail Tour (strung with Yonex Nanogy 95 Gold strings @ 23lbs)

I’d never have previously considered a Carlton racket using generally Karkal's and Yonex in the past. But I saw this new range displayed at the All England Championships earlier in the year and decided to give one a go. For the record I'm not a pro but am a good club player.

My initial reaction (aside from wow that's shiny!) was that the racket is exceedingly well balanced and feels very light. It's got a longer handle than I've been used to with my previous Yonex's which took a little getting used to. It was also slightly stiffer than I was expecting.

Net shots - absolutely fantastic! This is far from the strongest point of my game but found myself feeling utterly confident around the net such was the control that I’m getting with the VT and playing some lovely tight net shots.

Clears and smashes – took a little while to get used to the timing on these. The racket seems to move through the air very fast so I often found myself hitting high up the head and not quite finding the sweet spot. Additionally it's about an inch longer than my previous racket. However after a couple of hours play I began to tune in to it and it can hit some very satisfying smashes when you connect. And again that speed through the air means your taking the shuttle nice and early.

Defence – like the net shots the VT tour really excels here. The combination of lightening speed and great control had me pulling off some outrageous smash returns.

In summary I’m very, very pleased with the Tour. If the rest of the range are as good then Carlton are certainly on to a winner :)

PM

[Easy Tiger]

Cool, thanks for the review. Did you get it from Newitts?

[purple-marauder]

I got it from CentralSports in the end. Bit more expensive (£109), but got the grip and restring thrown in for free. And amazingly quick service too. :)

PM

[Easy Tiger]

Yeah, that deal sounds better than Newitts when you factor in you can have whatever strings you like. Good to hear that they're quick, too.

Hey, does anyone know what the difference is between the Air Rage and the Vapour Trail lines?

[Easy Tiger]

Actually Central Sports is a massively good deal. The more you order the bigger the discount, plus overseas orders are VAT free which is a double sweetener!

[kwun]

i restrung the Elite with bg80 @ 23x25.5 with 10% pre-strung on my WISE.

went for training + some games today.

i think Carlton has a winner here.

the balance of the racket while is rated head heavy, it is a standard length 670mm racket. as a result, the actual swing weight is not particularly heavy. in fact, the balance is excellent, enough mass in the racket to be heavy, but not particular long to make it too heavy.

the power is absolutely awesome. the racket head is very stable and has enough mass to gain a lot of momentum, the shaft is lively enough to give back all the power that you put into it. it does not generate any extra power, but if you hit hard enough, it will put every pound that you give it and concentrate it into the shuttlecock. so put as much as you have and you will be rewarded. some rackets no matter how much effort you give, it will take all of it away, not the VT Elite. smashing with this racket actually make smashing fun. in fact, i wonder why they don't call it the Power Trail instead. maybe they think it has so much of it, all there is left is a trail of vapourized feather?

for touch shots like block, push and net, the racket do have decent feedback, it doesn't attempt to damp out all feel yet do not vibrate unnecessarily. the racket head is very stable so no deflection at all.

defense and drives is also great due to the excellent balance, it seems to get the best of the 3U weight, stable and maneuverable.

as for the liveliness of the racket, it is not the best but very good.

overall, the Vapour Trail Elite is definitely a winner to me. suitable for the more powerful player.

[kwun]

Hey, does anyone know what the difference is between the Air Rage and the Vapour Trail lines?

The basic difference is Vapour Trail is a control/power racket with the optimetric headshape/bi-axial dynamics and Air Rage is the power racket with the isometric headshape / aero slim frame profile.

[Easy Tiger]

So...I couldn't wait until the Tours came back in stock, so I bought a AT900T to try out while I wait! :D

My first Yonex in 18 years. Should be interesting. Hurry up and get here, Sunday!

[Easy Tiger]

Okay, time for some of you VT owners to post up some pix.

[Daylightkiller]

anyone interested in buying the elite on central sports with me to get the bonus price discount?

[Easy Tiger]

Try get them to return emails. I've been waiting nearly two weeks. :mad:

Hey Kwun, anyone reputable and who knows how to use email in the US who has them?

The Poms are pissing me off.

[colekwok]

Thinking about whether I should get the Elite or the Tour.

I already have the Firebalde Elite, so I may actually want to try the Tour since I play more and more doubles these days.

[Easy Tiger]

Alrighty, so I called up centralsports.co.uk and got some guy on the other end of the phone that seemed to not be aware that it says on their website (or anything else for that matter):

"We are currently only processing online orders for delivery to the UK & Channel Islands but we do deliver internationally so please call or email for a quote."

Which I thought was funny because I've emailled them 4 times in the past 13 days asking for a quote.The guy was completely clueless, so I just went online and placed an order anyway, with shipping to my Aunty in the UK. He said that wasn't possible because the Mail-To and Bill-To addresses have to be the same, but their online card processing system didn't seem to care about that.

So, If it all works out, in a couple of weeks I will have scored a couple of Vapour Trail Tours with BG80 and Karakal PU grips for AUD190/USD155/SGD223 a pop.....and if not I'll probably spend the next year of my life getting my money back!

Watch this space....

[jiehan]

according to Carlton, the Vapour Trail will only be available in Europe and America. it maybe available in Asia in the future, but for the time being it won't be.

Asia will continue to have different product lines than other parts of the world.

sorry for the bad news. i will post a review once i finish testing them...

Does you know when they will be available in America?

[jymbalaya]

So, If it all works out, in a couple of weeks I will have scored a couple of Vapour Trail Tours with BG80 and Karakal PU grips for AUD190/USD155/SGD223 a pop.....and if not I'll probably spend the next year of my life getting my money back!

Watch this space....

well, i wish you good luck with that. you got a pretty good deal on it i believe, considering that the Fireblade Elite retails for about $199 here where i live.

[Easy Tiger]

48hrs......no confirmation email. I'd be surprised if my order even gets processed.

[Easy Tiger]

5 days now.....nuthin'

[Easy Tiger]

Okay, we have an email!

So, be warned - CentralSports CANNOT process credit cards not from the UK, so if you live outside the UK, the only way to order from them is to get a relative or friend who does live in the UK to send them to you.

So I cancelled my order...

....and bought two VT Tours from a powerseller on eBay instead! :D

Price is a smidge higher, but they will ship globally via DHL, and hey, at least you can actually buy from them!

I'll report back again once they arrive. Quoted time is 4 days....

[JukUx]

*drools* its pink

[waiwai8]

Hi

I'm really curious as to how this racket feels. I've always been a Yonex fan and bought many top of the range YY rackets. But recently I bought Carlton Fireblade Elite (oval head) and fell in love with it instantly. It feels so light and powerful yet controllable I've abandoned my Arc 10, NS9900, Cab 21s and bought 3 Fireblade Elites.

Now this optimetric head shape seems to me like an in between isometric and oval head shape. Isometrics have a 33% bigger sweetspot whilst in my opinion oval head shapes have much less drag and a smaller BUT more powerful sweetspot. Does this mean that the optimetric headshape represent the best of both shapes?

If anyone has this racket please can you post your review??

Many thanks

Wai

[Easy Tiger]

There's reviews on the previous pages

[waiwai8]

Vapour Trail Tour (strung with Yonex Nanogy 95 Gold strings @ 23lbs)

I’d never have previously considered a Carlton racket using generally Karkal's and Yonex in the past. But I saw this new range displayed at the All England Championships earlier in the year and decided to give one a go. For the record I'm not a pro but am a good club player.

My initial reaction (aside from wow that's shiny!) was that the racket is exceedingly well balanced and feels very light. It's got a longer handle than I've been used to with my previous Yonex's which took a little getting used to. It was also slightly stiffer than I was expecting.

Net shots - absolutely fantastic! This is far from the strongest point of my game but found myself feeling utterly confident around the net such was the control that I’m getting with the VT and playing some lovely tight net shots.

Clears and smashes – took a little while to get used to the timing on these. The racket seems to move through the air very fast so I often found myself hitting high up the head and not quite finding the sweet spot. Additionally it's about an inch longer than my previous racket. However after a couple of hours play I began to tune in to it and it can hit some very satisfying smashes when you connect. And again that speed through the air means your taking the shuttle nice and early.

Defence – like the net shots the VT tour really excels here. The combination of lightening speed and great control had me pulling off some outrageous smash returns.

In summary I’m very, very pleased with the Tour. If the rest of the range are as good then Carlton are certainly on to a winner :)

PM

Thanks for the comprehensive review. I have the Carlton Fireblade Elite (oval head) would you know how the Vapour Trail Tour compares against the Elite?

Thanks

wai

[Easy Tiger]

FFS, there's comparos on the previous pages.

[waiwai8]

FFS, there's comparos on the previous pages.

What does FFS mean?
Hope it doesn't mean what I think it does.

I would like to know how the VT Tour felt like in comparison to the Fireblade Elite, NOT the VP Elite, unless I've missed something, I don't it's on previous pages.

If you genuinely want to help you can kindly direct me to the page if not, you need not get yourself irrate and be disrespectful, it'll only reflect badly on yourself.

[Easy Tiger]

Respect is earned, and ah well, you need to be more accurate in your product descriptions. :D "would you know how the Vapour Trail Tour compares against the Elite?" can be easily 'misinterpreted'. There is a VT Elite too you know. Be more succinct.

I'd recommend you look at the VT Elite specs back on page 2 I think, and see how that compares to the FB Elite. Good place to start eh?

[waiwai8]

Respect is earned, and ah well, you need to be more accurate in your product descriptions. :D "would you know how the Vapour Trail Tour compares against the Elite?" can be easily 'misinterpreted'. There is a VT Elite too you know. Be more succinct.

I'd recommend you look at the VT Elite specs back on page 2 I think, and see how that compares to the FB Elite. Good place to start eh?

If you read my previous post properly you'll see that I did state I have the Fireblade Elite, hence why would I want to compare a racket which I didn't say I have (ie VT Elite) with the VT Tour? I think you just need to switch your dimmer switch up a bit from dark (ie no clue) to dim, then you might've got it.

Also, why you recommending me to compare VT Elite with FB Elite? I don't care about the VT Elite. I've read on the specs of the VT Elite and its nothing like the FB Elite in any case, so it's pointless. A good place to start is on your head, get it checked out for any remote chance of the capacity to show logical reasoning.

You know you really are more than you're worth.

[Easy Tiger]

"why would I want to compare a racket which I didn't say I have....with the VT Tour?"

You're asking me to exhibit logic? You were not clear which "Elite" you wanted to compare, and now you're trying to tell me that people only want comparisons between a racket they own and one they don't? Like people never ask for comparisons between two rackets both of which they don't own?

Anyway, despite being that you live in a city where you can actually go into a shop and buy the ****in' things and the rest of us don't, I'll do your homework for you. You know, because I'm a caring, generous individual -

Vapour Trail Tour
Weight (unstrung): 84 grams
Flex: Medium stiff
Balance: Medium balance

Vapour Trail Elite
Weight (unstrung): 89 grams
Flex: Stiff
Balance: Head Heavy

FireBlade Elite
Weight (unstrung): 84grams
Balance: Head Heavy
Flex: Extra Stiff
Length: 670mm

So buggered if I know where you get the idea that the VT Elites are "nothing like the FB Elite" because they look on paper to be the same concept - head heavy, stiff singles biased rackets. colekwok on page 7 of this thread suggests the naming regimen of the 'Blades' is continued in the 'Vapour Trails' and this seems the case.

Kwun has played with both the VT Elite and Tour - scroll back a few pages and read what he reckons.

[waiwai8]

Thinking about whether I should get the Elite or the Tour.

I already have the Firebalde Elite, so I may actually want to try the Tour since I play more and more doubles these days.

This is what I was thinking too since the VT Elite is, in my opinion, a little on the heavy side at 89g. I think lighter rackets are better for faster swing speed albeit that it might differ most to the FB Elite in terms of the Tour's flexibility.

[Easy Tiger]

Ah cool, my rackets are here. Looks like they'll be delivered Monday. Sweeeeet.

[Easy Tiger]

Okay Carlton lovers, my racquets just arrived! Here's my initial reactions. I won't get to play with them til Wednesday, so these are just visual and first impressions.

Opimetric
Don't be fooled, 'Optimetric' is NOT something inbetween Oval and ISO. It's simply a short-head ISO. What it looks like they've done is moved the sweetspot up the racket, which is pretty clever because it means you'll have more swing leverage and a more usable stringbed, because let's face it, who ever hits the shuttle down near the T-Joint? So what that means to me in theory is that the head area is smaller than ISO, but I think it will have the same amount of usable area. We'll see when I have a hit.

Stock Strings
Strung at about 20-22lbs I reckon. Strings are thin and heavily textured. They'll probably have good feel and adequate power but I'll change them out pretty soon for my stadard BG80 at 24lbs.

Graphics.
If you're shy, this is not the racquet for you. Previous photos were a bit deceptive - this thing is 90% mirror finish silver. In some photos the inner surface of the head looks black, but it's not. The graphics generally are okay. The mostly get lost in reflections anyway so they're not too offensive. Generally I would've liked to have seen more contrast, but overall it looks quality like a top shelf racquet should. Having the inside surface of the head black would make the VAPOUR TRAIL graphics punch which is what they should be doing yet aren't.
It also has all the specs neatly on the shaft which is good.

Build Quality - B+
It's not too bad. The problem with really shiny things is that they pick up every single minute anomaly so if you look really close there are ripples in the finish, but the only way there wouldn't be is if the thing has hand sanded and polished which of course it isn't. All-in-all there's no mistaking it for a top echelon racquet, but it's hiding behind the shine a bit which stops me from giving it top billing.


Pictures and a first impression hit this Wednesday! :thumbsup:

[venkatesh]

Okay Carlton lovers, my racquets just arrived! Here's my initial reactions. I won't get to play with them til Wednesday, so these are just visual and first impressions.
...
Pictures and a first impression hit this Wednesday! :thumbsup:

Thanks for the initial review Easy Tiger. Will wait for the pictures and the final review. :)

[jiehan]

Good stuff Easy Tiger. I'm looking forward to your review of the racket as I'm considering buying a pair too.

[Easy Tiger]

FYI I ended up getting them from Wisdens of Hastings, which is a sports shop in the UK. They're on ebay.co.uk and their service is excellent. From the UK to Australia in 5 working days!

The price isn't the cheapest out there, but seriously, they're the only place that can actually sell to overseas customers. Newitts and Central are utter rubbish.

[Lucozade]

Hi guys, my Vapour Trail Elite Just Arrived !!! :D

It looks AMAZING !!!
I cant wait to testi it out tonight !
I will give a review about it tommorrow :)
I am a county player, so i will try and give an honest (semi-professional) review.

[george@chongwei]

can i know where can i buy this racket in malaysia? vapour trail?;)
looks nice and gorgeous though.

[Easy Tiger]

Okay, had a chance to put in two hours on the VT Elite. To sum up, it's a nice feeling and fast racket! Fast to the point that initially I was striking the top of the frame regularly because my timing was out being now used to my Armortec 900T, which feels a little like a battleaxe compared to the VT!

It's a very well balanced racket being very light in the hand and very maneuverable. I'd say it was headlight- in feel. I adapted to playing with it pretty quickly as it seems to have a similar balance and speed to my Head M8kT.

One thing that baffles me though is the stock strings, which at about 22lbs (if that) would be good for beginners, but the ink that Carlton uses for their stencil literally glues the strings together and leaves for a very mixed feeling racket. You can actually tell when you hit the ink (or should I say paint) and it's very disconcerting. Just a tad ironic considering the Carlton marketing spiel on the V12 Grommets is all about the strings being able to move. My fault really for not dumping the stock strings straight away and replacing them with my regulars.

Anyway, difficult to say what I think until I replace the strings. It's really a very well balanced, light and fast racket that would probably suit doubles players and those with more finesse than power because I didn't find it particularly powerful although new strings could transform it.

From an 'establishment' perspective, being even to headlight it's probably more like a Nanospeed or ArcSaber in feel, so if you like those sort of speedy, light in feel rackets (although I didn't find the 9900 as fast as they say it is) then I'd say the VT Tour is well worth looking at.

I'll refrain from saying any more until I've had it restrung, but at this stage "highly promising" would be the keyword.

[ct_23]

Hi Easy Tiger,

I am currently using "Carlton Powerblade Titanium"....Its kinda heavy-head thus stiff but the feeling is somewhat better than T1-10....

Can you comment about this racquet?

[Easy Tiger]

Sorry, I haven't played with a Powerblade Titanium. The VT Tour is even to slightly headlight and has medium flexibility, so I'm guessing it would feel nothing like the Powerblade. If you're keen to try a VT I'd maybe look at the Elite?

[Easy Tiger]

Okay, played with it some more and I'm not sure head-light rackets suit my style. Been playing with my AT900T and I just seem to fit with that racket. Still trying to decide whether I should persist with the VT Tour or not....

[ralph_14]

no offense guys but have you seen the carlton airblade 33 specs....hahahaha...
weight : 78 grams
maximum

[ralph_14]

no offense guys but have you seen the carlton airblade 33 specs....hahahaha...
weight : 78 grams
maximum tension : 28lbs
balance : 285-290 mm:p

[Easy Tiger]

And you've played with the new rackets from Carlton?

[ralph_14]

And you've played with the new rackets from Carlton?
nope...not yet...but...uhmm:rolleyes:...i based my judgement from the specs that u gave...wahahaha...but if ever u tried the airblade 33..please correct me if i'm wrong:confused:...'cause i still think that the specs of airblade 33 is better than the new ones...i'll be waiting for your reply..thanks!!:):D:)

[Easy Tiger]

78g rackets are for girls.

[Sealman]

Interestingly Dunlop (same company as Carlton) have a new series - Aerogel4D Tour and Elite models:

http://item.taobao.com/auction/item_detail-0db2-793197ac30a87358f8385e5165098177.jhtml?cm_cat=5002 3628&pm2=1

http://item.taobao.com/auction/item_detail-0db2-770c6c8523e88d4dd23d71cad0b120d5.jhtml?cm_cat=5002 3628&pm2=2

[teoky]

Yes, I have seen the Dunlop range in Bangkok, it looks similar to the Carlton Vapour trail but doesn't seem to have the Optimetric head.

[Easy Tiger]

That's really interesting in the same way as Fiats' relationship to Ferrari is interesting. :D

[colekwok]

That's really interesting in the same way as Fiats' relationship to Ferrari is interesting. :D

It is very likely that they are produced in the same factory in China. Dunlop/Carlton Europe are the same company anyway.

[Easy Tiger]

Nathan Robertson is sponsored by Carlton so it's very likely he sleeps on a Dunlopilo.

[george@chongwei]

the shirt wore by Nathan Robertson was sponsored by Carlton too?;)
i saw high-tech there.

[gendruw]

78g rackets are for girls.hahaha that's quite a funny statements to me as I'm playing with powerblade 9902 and airblade 33 :)

too bad, i couldn't find europe series around here :(

[Easy Tiger]

Anyway, enough of the bollocks, here's a review after 6 weeks of playing with a VT Tour.

I'm gunna fess up and say I was hard on this racket. When I bought a Yonex AT900T earlier in the year, it literally transformed my game, so I expected the VTT to do the same. When it didn't do so as radically as the AT900T, I was bummed so I shelved it for a week and grumbled a lot. A lot of that came from the fact that a) It's very shiny, so it must be awesome, and b) It took a lot of effort just to get one. The bar was impossibly high even before the first hit.

So this week, in a compassionate mood I decided to drag it out again and give it a fair shot.

The reason for this was simple. A week ago I was playing socially and at the end of the night, I dragged the VTT out to play a game of singles against a guy who's probably a little bit better than me. After about what seemed like 30 seconds I was down 0-6 and he was smashing me all over the court like I was a hack.

Don't get me wrong - I am a hack - but absolutely nothing was working for me and at this rate, It'd be 0-21 and walking off the court with my tail in between my legs. So to counter this, I did something drastic -

I forgot about the racket.

That's all. I stopped thinking about "Is this racket better than the Yonex? Was that drop shot as good? Do these strings need replacing?" and just played.

And my opponent stopped the game at 15-11, panting like a dog.

So, I guess if you've bothered reading this far you're thinking "Where's the frikken review already!?!" so I better get a move-on. In essence, I really like the VTT. I don't know if it's that different to other medium balance racket out there, but once you get the hang of it it's a nice, quick and speedy racket. It feels a little different to similar Yonex (ARC10, NS9000) rackets, but I can't quite put my finger on what it is. It's not better or worse, just different. I actually think it's faster around the court than a NS9900.

The stock strings are let down by the ridiculous ink (or more aptly, paint) that Carlton use to apply their logo. It literally glues the strings together making the string bed mildly unpredictable - you can actually feel when you hit the paint and when you don't. I'm looking forward to restringing this racket because I think it will come alive even more, improve the feel, and with a bit of tension, improve the smashes which are a little bit down compared to other similar rackets. I think the Optimetric head will work better with better strings too.

All-in-all, I think this racket is well worth your money. It's easily on par with any Yonex you may care to bring it up against, and if you can stand everyone asking you what that incredibly shiny weapon is you were just playing with - and you replace the strings - I think very quickly it will become your 'go-to' racket.

[colekwok]

Anyway, enough of the bollocks, here's a review after 6 weeks of playing with a VT Tour.

I'm gunna fess up and say ............


Easy Tiger, are you still playing with the stock string?

Sometimes when you restring your racket, it will feel complete different.

I had my Fireblade Elite with the stock string, it felt absolutely rubbish and I started to think it was crap. But then when I restrung it at 26lb, it now feels very different. But I must say I still prefer my Ti10 for power, the Elite is just too stiff of a racket.

But I do want to try the VP Tour, as Robertson is using it now.:D

[Easy Tiger]

Just waiting for my Ashaway strings to arrive, then I'll restring.

[Easy Tiger]

Kewl, strings arrived. Hopefully I'll be able to have a hit Sunday.

[andy nade]

VP elite is one of the worst racket i ever used, i bought it brand new n jus used it 2 times, its up for sale if any1s interested...

[Easy Tiger]

Send it to Dinky Panda so he can say how cool it is.

[colekwok]

VP elite is one of the worst racket i ever used, i bought it brand new n jus used it 2 times, its up for sale if any1s interested...

Are you using it with stock string? Haha, how much are you selling it?:cool:

[andy nade]

i havnt change the string on it, i bought it for £130 n i would be happy to sell it for £80

[rhodri m]

Just had this Carlton Vapour Trail Tour from UK Rackets http://www.ukrackets.com/shop/n (http://www.ukrackets.com/shop/n) and it was only £99 plus the £5 shipping. The Racket arrived the next day thats if you order before 12 Noon. First thing I notice with this racket That it is so light and Its one of the lightest rackets i've had and this racket is so shiny that it feel like it has a high *** appeal. I think that the racket is strung to 28lbs. The play with this racket is so easy and easy to control and the forehand and backhand clears are so easy to do the smashes are so powerful and the maneuverability (http://www.google.co.uk/search?hl=en&ei=TEahSt-OH4bSjAeS_JXCDg&sa=X&oi=spell&resnum=0&ct=result&cd=1&q=maneuverability&spell=1) is good aswell. I do believe that this new carlton range is most probably the best and most classy of the whole range. Widely proud to use this racket and telling you to try it

[Iaaan]

allright..looking for some advice. I've been playing with a megaflex f1ti now for about 4 years or so - and im getting a new racket before i go 2 uni (as a spare or main if its any better). I was going to buy the fireblade elite but they are now sold out at £60. My choices are either: Fireblade tour (classic head) at £60 - vapour trail fxti at £53 or vapour trail ST at £66. I'm just wondering which is the better racket. I play both doubles and singles, but more in favour of singles. Thanks for any replies.

[rhodri m]

Carlton Vapour Trail ST Badminton Racket
PRODUCT DESCRIPTION:

Vapour Trail - engineering to combine both power and control specifications.

Combines medium levels of power, control and manoeuvrability - ideal for good club players.

BI-AXIAL DYNAMICS
A new frame which delivers increased efficiency through a head cross sectional frame profile leading to increased swing speed.

OPTIMETRIC HEADSHAPE
By combining a larger sweet spot size and increased air speed and control within the same head shape, the new Optimetric head geometry delivers both power, airspeed and control in one frame.

JAPANESE HM CARBON CONSTRUCTION
Sourced from Japan, Japanese Hi Modulus Carbon is the highest specification carbon available on the market, ensuring your Carlton frame will outperform all other construction materials for frame response and stability.

PRO V12 GROMMETS
Positioned at 3 and 9 o'clock positions, these specialised grommets have been softened to allow greater string movement thereby increasing power across the hitting zone.

:Probably my best adive is that if you are not to sure about which rackets to get for a range of them you should (If you can) is go to a local sports shop which do sells these and to get a feel and know the weight but the description above should fit most of the others you have said because some of the rackets you have mentioned are farely recent..

Have a look at the Carlton Vapour Trail S-Lite Badminton Racket (http://www.ukrackets.com/shop/product.php/8912/carlton-vapour-trail-s-lite-badminton-racket)

A light weight racket for great manoeuvrability. At http://www.ukrackets.com/shop/section.php/296/1/carlton-badminton-rackets

Thanks Rod

[nexos]

guys, where can i buy this racket on the net for international shipping?

[rhodri m]

Carlton Vapour Trail ST Badminton Racket can be bought at amazon http://www.amazon.co.uk/CARLTON-VAPOUR-TRAIL-BADMINTON-RACKET/dp/B002FACREU

[bippi_cp]

I think ashaway has released same viper series. Any one have this racket with u?

http://www.ashaway.co.uk/index.php?category=12&page=detail&pid=164&brand=


file:///C:/DOCUME%7E1/cpb/LOCALS%7E1/Temp/moz-screenshot.pngfile:///C:/DOCUME%7E1/cpb/LOCALS%7E1/Temp/moz-screenshot-1.png

[nexos]

i think it is made the same factory.

[bippi_cp]

Ashaway:
Viper Weave technology integrates a Meta-Composite into a Viper Skin Weave with Ultra High Modulus Graphite and Nano Carbon. This produces an X-Treme Tension Frame with low torque and virtually no lateral movement on impact, even with miss hits.

The X-Treme Tension Frame makes the Viper rackets capable of taking higher string tensions than the market standard, higher string tensions give greater control and less string movement, this further increases shot accuracy.

The Viper XT900 has a stiff shaft for increased power for players with quick arm speed. Also added on the XT900 is an 88 hole stringing pattern which gives more stability to the string bed and an integrated Aramid compound into the Viper Skin Weave which adds further strength.

Weight : 85gm
Balance : 295 mm (Towards Head)
Flexibility : Med/Stiff

Frame : Ultra Hi Modulus Graphite with Reinforced with Viper Weave and integrated Aramid

Recommended Stringing Tension - Main - 22lbs to 26 lbs
- Cross - 22lbs to 26 lbs
String: MicroPower
Good for Power & Control
Suitable for Attacking Play

Carlton:
Bio-axial Dynamics - Analysis of the overhead badminton swing highlights 2 distinct aerodynamic directions evident during the swing phase. The new Bio-Axial Dynamics frame develops more efficient aerodynamics. Over 80% of players stated the new Bi-Axial frame profile delivers increased swing speed.
Pro V12 Grommets - Positioned at 3 and 9 o clock postions, these specialised grommets have been softened to allow greater string movement thereby increasing power across the hitting zone.
Stabilisor Topcap - By introducing 4 convex channels into the top cap, stiffness of the top cap is increased allowing for greater shot accuracy and control.
Optimetric Headshape - By combining the larger sweet spot size and the increased air speed and control within the same head shape, the new Optimetric head geometry delivers both power, airspeed and control in one frame.
Japanese HM Carbon - Sourced for Japan, Japanese Hi Modulus Carbon is the highest specification carbon available on the market ensuring your Carbon frame will outperform all other construction materials for frame response and stability.
Direct Fibre Transfer - Utilising a carbon inner core and PU outer costing, a direct carbon link is estabilished between shaft and handle enhancing power transfer and sensory feedback resulting from shuttle impact.
Ultra-Lite Cap - Using a matrix structure, Carlton has re-engineered the end cap to reduce its weight by 28% contributing to overall enhanced playability.
Xtreme Tension Frame - Precision engineering and the utilisation of the finest construction materials ensures your Carlton frame can accommodate 11% higher string tensions compared with competitior frames.
Hand Crafted

[Easy Tiger]

Okay, I've had some proper court time now on my restrung VT Tour, strung 24/23lbs with Ashaway PG65.

I really dig this racket now, and just think that it's a good all-round solid headlight-to-medium balanced racket. It did take some adjusting too after using a bunch of head-heavy rackets because it just swings so fast through the air that I was actually getting to the shuttle too early!

I reckon if you want something a bit different and you can handle the blinginess of the mirror finish - and you like the spec - you could do much worse than the VT Tour. It's biggest weakness if you can call it that is that it has no real strengths. This IMHO makes it a good all-round racket that's just as home playing a power game of singles as it is dicing around the court and mixing it up in doubles. Power is more than adequate and it's quick for those reflexy shots, defending at the net and deceptive drops.

Now for the meaningless numbers -

Feel: 8/10
Control: 8.5/10
Power: 8/10
Defense: 8.5/10
Maneuverability: 9/10

OVERALL: 8.5/10

Oh yeah, there is one thing to look out for. I don't know if it's the optimetric head or what the deal is, but if you catch a shuttle at the very top of the racket (ie: above the 'tradtional' sweetspot), the thing feels like butter and the shuttle just flies off the stringbed. This is sort of 'normal' with most rackets, but it's more pronounced on the VT Tour.Not an issue if you can actually hit properly, but I can't so there ya go. :D

[Aerotus]

I tired one of my colleagues' VT Tour, it feels a bit strange to me. On that same day, I also played with the YY AT700, my Fireblade Elite, Powerblade Lite and Ti-10 gII.

The VT Tour feels even lighter than my good old battered Powerblade Lite. I was planning to get it, but I actually feel a bit disappointed with it. I am not sure if the VT Elite's head heaviness would be better. I just have this hollow feel when I hit the shuttle.

Saying that, the racket is very flashy and stock string comes in a reasonably stiff tension. If anyone is still tempted to get one, I would suggest that you wait till the price drops a little bit later on. For 100quids, I would go for the Cab35 or the ArcZ Slash.

[Easy Tiger]

Yeah it is a light racket, but it's not pingy or hollow. The AT700 and Ti10 are very, very different rackets and feel like swinging a brick compared to the VT Tour.

The stock strings just don't work either. Could you actually feel when you hit the painted on logo compared to any other part of the racket? It was weird. I was going to sell off my VT until I got it restrung, and now it's totally transformed.

The Cab35 and ZS do look great, but if you don't want to tow the YY line, the VT Tour is a viable weapon I reckon.

Not that that's gunna stop me giving the ZS a go eventually ;)

[colekwok]

By the way, Aerotus = me....... :p

I don't know why I have logged into this very old account.....

I would stick with my Fireblade at the moment. It seems to be that, at least the VT Tour, is not my cup of tea. I would hope that somebody here will get the VT Elite soon so that I can compare. I am an old timer, so heavy rackets do not deter me a lot. I have been looking for a 2U Arc10 for a long time, but failed. Probably now I have the excuse of getting a 2U Cab35. But if money allows, I would give the VT Elite a try.

[Easy Tiger]

Yeah I wanted to get the Elite initially, but was scared off by the head heaviness. Ironically my next racket was a AT900T, which I could wield just fine, so turns out I wouldn've been just fine with the Elite!

Man the Cab35 is a handsome looking racket. Where's it being sold at the moment?

The VT Elite you can get at Wisdens of Hastings in the UK.

[Sevex]

If you think the tour is light, try the vt superlite! That is possibly the only racket I've ever found that is too head light, took a long time to stop me swinging thin air. (About 3 weeks, playing 3 times a week for 2 hours.) Defence is ridiculous though.

I agree they don't play like any existing rackets, which is good, no point in having a new racket that's identical as an existing one, unless you were aiming for that.

The stock strings are no good whatsoever, loose and that paint just ruins everything.

[Dancestar]

Carlton Rackets are sweet. Top notch and a great status symbol as you travel along the pacific rim where people always only seem to have Yonnex

[Matt]

Anyone have a comparison experience with Arc7 to Z Slash?

[Easy Tiger]

I've only had two hours on the ZS so I can't compare as yet, but the Carlton VT Tour is still my current go-to racket (Ashaway PG65 @ 24lbs ;) ). It just does nothing badly.

[Matt]

Anyone have a comparison experience with Arc7 to Z Slash?

opps ignore that. Some how I clicked on the wrong thread and typed the question in there.

[razerremix]

This looks so beautiful!

[Easy Tiger]

It's a fantastic racket. A bit hard to get, but I got mine through Wisdens of Hastings in the UK - they've got an eBay account (ebay.co.uk) and shipping is very quick and very reasonable.

[Jolliber]

Im jolliber new member in badminton central im from Balaklava about 45mins drive from Adelaide...just want to know some badminton happenings in Adelaide if any...im a level D player back in the Philippines...

Thanks....

[District9//]

You should continue driving about your inquiry on Places to Play/Local Events! It is just located above this Equipment thread in the Main/Home page. ;)

[gavinloh]

We should have more reviews on these babies and please send them to Asia :)

[super daloydoy]

where to buy carlton in the philippines?
any store that sells carlton rackets?

[Easy Tiger]

Scroll up. You have the internet and a postal address, right

[super daloydoy]

Scroll up. You have the internet and a postal address, right

seems that they abolish carlton products and replace with slazenger

[Easy Tiger]

What are you talking about. They're selling every new Carlton model right now.

http://myworld.ebay.co.uk/wisdensofhastings/

[super daloydoy]

What are you talking about. They're selling every new Carlton model right now.

http://myworld.ebay.co.uk/wisdensofhastings/

i mean in our place, they don't sell carlton rackets anymore..

[demolidor]

The Carlton website is finally working ;) http://www.carltonsports.com/

[Danstevens]

The Carlton website is finally working ;) http://www.carltonsports.com/

:eek: WOW! I never thought I would see this day :D:p:cool:;):rolleyes:. How long was it under construction for?

[Sevex]

A long long time, definitely 1 1/2 years. Although I'm pretty sure it was longer than that. How does a big company like that take so long to develop a website! Although it is quite snazzy.

[teoky]

Great looking racquets ! The website is also very well designed.

Unfortunately, this new range is not available in Asia.

[Easy Tiger]

Internet + credit card + postal address = any racket you want.

Of course if you live in a carboard box things could get tricky.

[Danstevens]

Hi guys, as you may have read from my posts in other threads, my club has been planning a move to Carlton (from Inflight) for quite a while now. Today, the switch was finally completed and we held an event to "unveil" our new sponsor. Anyway, I'll cut to the chase. All of the new Carlton rackets were available to demo (and because today's session was 9:00AM-3:00PM, I certainly had plenty of time).

I'm afraid I didn't get chance to hit with all of the new range due to having other things to do but I did get through most of the new rackets. I tried to stick to the higher-end ones as I thought they'd be the ones you were interested in. I can't say I spent a great deal of time with many of the rackets so my reviews are likely to be fairly vague. Before I go in to the reviews, I'd like to say that I found all of the rackets I tested really easy to get used to. I'm not sure why this was the case but all of them felt really natural to me.

Air Rage S-lite
This was the first racket I tested, not actually by choice, more because it was thrust in to my hands by Joe, another club member who'd been hitting with it for about the last 10 minutes and thought it was great. This racket seems to have been designed with female players in mind but the pink and black paintjob looks rather nice and I certainly wouldn't be embarrassed to be seen with it.

The Air Rage S-lite is supposed to be a 3U racket (85g according to Carlton, 87g if you listen to Sweatband) and it certainly feels like a light 3U racket. Not overly light but definitely not heavy either. When hitting overheads, it felt really solid and inspired a lot of confidence in me to attack. I didn't find it to be the most powerful racket I've ever played with and it wasn't even the most powerful racket I played with this morning but it offered a pleasing amount of power. Hitting from baseline to baseline was very easy even when I was put under pressure.

Where the racket really excelled itself was in playing reaction shots or control shots. Defending smashes was a joy - I felt that I could effortlessly block back smashes that I would have struggled with when using other rackets. Sweatband list the balance as head-light and the manoeuvrability of this racket would agree with that. This racket was very useful at the net. From the first netshot I hit, I knew I'd be impressed with the S-lite's capability at the net. My net game was excellent, netshots went tight and lifts went high and deep. The S-lite felt amazingly quick at the net. Drives were also pleasingly good, I was able to get good racket head speed with the S-lite and that translated in to really fast, crisp drives.

Feel: Excellent - I'd say a 9 or 9.5 out of 10
Control: Again, excellent - probably a 9
Power: Good but not awe-inspiring, I'll go for 7.5 to 8
Defence: Superb, 9.5 or maybe even 10
Manoeuvrability As with defence, at least a 9.5

Final words I like this, I like it a lot. It mainly seems suited to doubles specialists but I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it for certain singles players either. It was really easy to use so anyone who is a high beginner or intermediate would be fine with this frame. It feels a little stiffer than the advertised "flexible" flex rating but it's not too stiff either. If I were to give it a flex rating from my experience, it would probably be medium. Available for £83.99 from Sweatband (the best price I found after a quick bit of internet shopping), the S-lite isn't cheap but it's a quality product and IMO worth the price.


Vapour Trail FX-Ti
After the joy that was the Air Rage S-lite, I must say that I felt a little underwhelmed by the first Vapour Trail racket I used. First impressions of the FX-Ti were very good - the paintjob is striking but for the right reasons. The yellow and black colour scheme looks great and actually goes rather nicely with the club's new black and yellow Carlton shirts. From there though, I'm afraid to say my opinion of the FX-Ti went downhill.

Hitting overhead shots, the FX-Ti just didn't feel as stable or solid as the Air Rage S-lite. It didn't feel really rattly but something about it just made it feel a bit cheaper than the Air Rage (the FX-Ti is actually £30 cheaper in price though so it is substantially cheaper than the S-lite). Perhaps the graphite used in the Fx-Ti isn't quite as good as that in the Air Rage.

The FX-Ti definitely wasn't as manoeuvrable as the Air Rage S-lite but I wouldn't say it felt like a sledgehammer either. Defence was adequate if not amazing. At the net and when playing dropshots, the racket felt a little bit dead. I felt a little bit distant from the shuttle so control play definitely suffered. Obviously, I only got to try one string set-up (black Carlton string - I'm not sure which one at around 23-25Lbs) and that may have been the culprit, I don't know.

Feel: Meh, quite disappointing to be honest - 6.5
Control: Not great, 6.5
Power: 7, the FX-Ti just didn't feel especially lively
Defence: Not too bad, I'll go with 7.75
Manoeuvrability 8

Final words After loving the first racket I tested, this was somewhat disappointing. It didn't feel as lively or connected as the Air Rage S-lite. The FX-Ti felt slightly heavier, despite the fact Carlton list it as having the same static weight as the S-lite. I imagine this is due to the even to moderately head heavy balance. As for suitability, this racket is equally suited to singles and doubles. It isn't particularly stiff or demanding so most people will find it usable. I'm still not sure I'd recommend this racket to anyone though. It's been a while since I've tested anything around this price point (£52.99) but I would think there would be something better for the price. As I said earlier, it may have just been the strings that caused my woes but I believe some of the other rackets were strung with the same stuff so I'm inclined to believe it was the frame that caused the lack of feel and liveliness.


Vapour Trail Elite
Fresh from the disappointment of the FX-Ti, I hoped my next Vapour Trail experience would be a more positive one. Stiff, head heavy and with a high static weight, Joe advised me that this was a demanding beast. Still, I felt up to the challenge of taming the Vapour Trail Elite.

This racket has power in abundance. Whenever I needed to hit a deep clear or hard smash, the Vapour Trail Elite gave me what I wanted - bucket loads of controllable power. Feel from the frame was also very good, I felt connected when playing drop and netshots.

Defence suffered a little - the racket wasn't as manoeuvrable as the other rackets I tested today. It certainly wasn't unusable though - it didn't feel like a liability when I was on the back foot. Again, quick drive exchanges aren't really this racket's strong point. You get plenty of power if you can make the shaft flex with quick flicks of the wrist but the slightly lacking manoeuvrability meant this wasn't the best racket for hitting drives.

Feel: Pretty good - 8.5
Control: 9
Power: 10 - this racket is a beast
Defence: Acceptable but not brilliant - 7.5
Manoeuvrability Likewise, 7.5

Final words This is definitely a racket for advanced players. It's stiff, heavy and doesn't feel as though it would be especially forgiving for less experienced players. If you're an advanced, attacking singles player, you'll find the Vapour Trail Elite a fun hit. Doubles specialists will probably want to look elsewhere. At £104.99, the Elite isn't cheap but it backs up the large price tag with excellent performance and a quality feel.



I'll post some more reviews later but I feel like having bit of a break now.

[Danstevens]

Right, I'm back. Let's get started again.


Vapour Trail Tour
I decided it was best to put the Elite down for a bit and let someone else try it out. At the demo table, the Vapour Trail Tour stood out as one of the shiniest rackets I've ever seen. Strangely, it looked very "blingy" without looking tacky. Yet again, Carlton have shown the other manufacturers how to paint rackets. All of the new Carltons look brilliant.

For me, the Vapour Trail Tour was a pretty ordinary racket. It felt as though it was good quality and solid but I just couldn't get anything out of it. The Vapour Trail Tour is IMO far too flexible for me. It turned out to be the most flexible racket I demoed all day despite Carlton's specs saying otherwise. I think it was due to the flexibility that I was struggling to hit as hard as I did with the stiffer rackets. Another club member, Andrew had the complete opposite experience to me, he loved the flex and was getting great results from the Vapour Trail Tour. That proves it's not a problem with the racket as such, more a problem with racket/player compatibility in my case.

After having no joy with hard overhead shots, I was pleased to discover the racket performed relatively well in other scenarios. Manoeuvrability was good thanks to the light weight (listed as 84g) and even balance. Hitting lifts from the net was simply effortless due to the flex and control for netshots was good. The Vapour Trail Tour again came in to its own when defending smashes - the flex meant that I didn't have to do much to punch the shuttle high and deep but I still had the option of playing a finesse shot off smashes to gain the attack back. Drives were pretty average, the light weight was good in terms of racket head speed but again, the flex left me frustrated. I seem to remember someone saying in the Zelm thread that they thought the Trixon 8 was too flexible and posted something along the lines of "it didn't recoil quickly enough". I got this same hard to describe feeling from the VT Tour. I could generate good racket head speed but the racket just felt slow to respond. I can only put this down the the flexibility of the shaft.

Feel: Pretty good. An 8 or maybe 8.5
Control: Perhaps an 8
Power: For me, not good at all - 5.5. Please remember that users of more flexible rackets may be able to get more out of it.
Defence: Very good - 8.5
Manoeuvrability: 9

Final words I'm sure the Vapour Trail Tour is a very good racket if it's suited to you. Sadly, it wasn't suited to me. I could tell there was good performance in there somewhere, the shaft was just too flexible for me. The VT Tour is a really easy racket to use, it might be a good racket for children playing at a relatively high level (perhaps an under 13 or under 15 club or county player) or people that find they can't bend stiffer shafts. I imagine this racket would perform very well if you're a more defensive doubles player or like to play the net a lot. At £92.99, it's anything but cheap - I think if you're the sort of player who it suits, it might be worth it though.



Vapour Trail ST
On paper, this is very similar to the VT Tour so you would think I would hate this frame. I didn't play with it for very long but my experience with it was definitely more positive than that of the VT Tour. The paintjob on the VT ST is quite nice but certainly not one of my favourites from Carlton. It's by no means an ugly duckling but it isn't quite a beautiful swan either.

The ST was good fun to play with. Light and whippy, I could see this being great for doubles. Despite Carlton giving them the same flex ratings, the ST seemed quite a bit stiffer than the Tour. This added stiffness was just enough to make it useful to me. Overheads were quite crisp and came off the racket with adequate pace. This is by no means the most powerful racket I have used today but it wasn't severely lacking in power either.

Much like the Tour, the ST was rather useful in and around the forecourt with its light weight and even balance. Smash defence was again, good and drives were an improvement over the Tour.

There isn't really much to add as for me, the ST played like a slightly stiffer version of the VT Tour so all in all, not a bad thing. The ST is also substantially cheaper than the Tour, coming in at £65.57 and so, if I was the person considering both of these rackets, the ST would be a no-brainer for me. Of course, everyone has different racket preferences and you may feel completely the opposite.

Feel: Pretty good. An 8 or maybe 8.5
Control: Perhaps an 8
Power: 7.5 - It still isn't a beast but I got more from it than the Tour
Defence: Very good - 8.5
Manoeuvrability: 9

Final words As you'll see, I've given the ST the same ratings as the Tour barring power. This is because from my experience, they play very similarly. The Vapour Trail ST represents great value at £65.57, there aren't many rackets that offer this level of performance at such a good price. It isn't bargain basement cheap but it's certainly a palatable price tag for such a good racket. Again, it's probably suited to people with slower swings and leans towards defensive players or those who generally stay at the net in doubles.


Vapour Trail S-lite
In our club, this racket has been affectionately dubbed the "Toni the Tiger frame". For those of you who have seen the Frosties advert, when you look at the VT S-lite, you'll know what we mean. All joking aside though, the paintjob is rather nice.

The VT S-lite is a strange beast, despite looking very similar on paper to the Air Rage S-lite, the VT feels much lighter to hold and swing. I've no idea why this is and I didn't have any scales on location to weigh the two rackets to find out whether there was any difference in weight. When I got on court with the VT S-lite, I found it to play relatively similarly to its Air Rage counterpart. I wasn't able to get too much testing in though so I'll leave the review of it here for now and maybe write a more detailed review after I've clocked up some more court time with it.


To wrap up this series of reviews, I'd like to say that I think Carlton have done a great job with the new ranges. The VT ST represents fantastic value and then at the high end, the Vapour Trail Elite is just a beast if you can handle it. There's a wide range of rackets to suit all sorts of players and ability levels. The paintjobs of all the rackets are lovely as well. I'm very impressed with Carlton - I think they represent a solid alternative to Yonex and IMO, Carlton is an underrated brand at the moment. Maybe now they have a web presence again, the Carlton brand will become more popular.

On one final note, my reviews are totally subjective and you may feel totally differently to me about a particular racket. That's absolutely fine because each player has their own preferences and their own idea of an ideal racket.

[Destricto_Ense]

Hey Dan, that sponsorship deal doesn't mean you have to play with Carlton shuttles, does it? In my experience they're second only to Wilson Toplines in crappiness.

[Danstevens]

Hey Dan, that sponsorship deal doesn't mean you have to play with Carlton shuttles, does it? In my experience they're second only to Wilson Toplines in crappiness.

It does.

I've found that the GT-4 flies relatively well, just not for very long. We've found the GT-1 to be a pretty decent shuttle though. It's easily as good, if not better than the Inflight ones we used to use. I'd still take AS-50s over GT-1s but I wouldn't say they're too bad.

As for worst shuttles, the Head feathers (whatever they're called) rank quite highly on my list of awfulness.

Of course, with shuttles, any review I give or experience I share is quite subjective as the places we play in are likely to be quite different and the age of the shuttles you and I used will also be a contributing factor to the differing experiences.

[Sevex]

The GT1 shuttles are pretty decent, most are around AS40ish, some around AS30. I think most people would rather have the AS50's over anything other than aeroplane black, which you can't get easily in the UK. I agree with Head being the worst of the more expensive. I found the inflight shuttles to be good for a few points before they broke.

Anyway, back on topic...

Dan, how flexible did you find the VT superlite? I own one and despite using it for a fair while and being able to return anything whilst playing with it, found it too flexible and headlight to generate any power at all. Agree with it feeling insanely light though. Flexibility also led to it feeling less stable on overhead shots. I only use it when I'm playing with someone else who loves defending, otherwise the person I play with just gets smashed at while I get nothing. As you stated for the tour, it flexes too much and doesn't rebound in time.

IMO if the superlite was stiffer then Carlton would have an amazing racket. I'm also not a fan of the ridiculously long handle on the racket. As it is it is still good, just not as good as the older airblade superlites, although I'm now overflexing those as well. Suppose that's what comes of improving.

One big advantage Carlton have is that there headlight rackets are actually headlight, head heavy, heavy. Unlike Yonex, the nanospeed series is NOT headlight (IMO!)

I hope all brands get better coverage, not just Carlton. It's nice for consumers if companies are in competition, they step their game up and we get more nice products to try! Also more variety, which can get confusing...

[Danstevens]

The flexibility didn't strike me immediately as a problem like it did with the Vapour Trail Tour; as I said in the review though, I didn't get chance to hit with the VT S-lite for very long so perhaps if I'd have hit with it for longer, I would have noticed the flexibility more. I'll probably hit with it again sometime next week and I'll post my findings for you.

The S-lite definitely seems to be suited towards the more defensive, control oriented players so I wouldn't say it was really a racket for me. I found hitting clears to be OK but I didn't get chance to really unload on many smashes whilst testing it so maybe that will be where the S-lite comes unstuck and shows me that it's too flexible.

I'm being cautious about giving you a definitive opinion as yet (sorry for my slightly evasive answer) but I really don't want to type something up now only to completely contradict it in a few day's time once I've spent more time with the VT S-lite. Have you tried the VT Elite yet? It seems like it would be racket that's to your liking.

[Destricto_Ense]

Rather strangely, Carlton are way overrepresented in Ireland. More people here have Carlton than Yonex.

[Easy Tiger]

Carlton and Yonex are about the only brands you can buy in shops here.

When I was playing in the 80's there were more Carlton than Yonex, but now with the influx of Asian players it's the other way around now.

When I enquired about the VT series when it first came out, the local distros didn't know what I was talking about.

[cayzi]

Nice rackets!

Anybody think that this models Trail Tour ST-Tour performs better than Victor, Forza??

[cayzi]

The basic difference is Vapour Trail is a control/power racket with the optimetric headshape/bi-axial dynamics and Air Rage is the power racket with the isometric headshape / aero slim frame profile.

Did you test AIR Range Tour model compare to Vapour Trail.

I like power-smash and control. I play single and I like a racket which is easy to handle and gives you power , speed, smash with not much effort needed - I do not have strong arm and wrist.

Regards

[staiger]

If you play with a Carlton VT Tour/Elite in Asia , you will be treated like royalty as everyone would ask you to lend your racket to them for a few hit. It is so hard to get a decent Carlton within s.e asia ! also I was surprise of how many people on other courts know about VT

[Danstevens]

Did you test AIR Range Tour model compare to Vapour Trail.

I like power-smash and control. I play single and I like a racket which is easy to handle and gives you power , speed, smash with not much effort needed - I do not have strong arm and wrist.

Regards

I didn't get chance to test the Air Rage Tour but I'll see if I can later in the week. If I do try it out, I'll post my findings here.

[dr_lager]

All of this is super informative...I'm wondering if anyone has experienced the Airblade, Powerblade and Vapour Trail Tour? I couldn't stand the Airblade, and am currently using the Powerblade Tour. I'm more of a control than power player, although I tend to play more at the back of the court (odd mix I know), so I'm also quite a defensive player.
From what I'm reading, the VT seems like it would be a good move, but if there's not a huge difference between it and the Powerblade I could probably hold off for a while...
Thanks for any comments you may have!

[cayzi]

What a great racket to use!!!!!

[cayzi]

I just wanted to say this.

Before this racket I bought AT900T 3U/3G and it just feels great and after using it at 2 game my game improved right away. I really felt that I'm connected with a racket.

Then I took kBrave and Vapour Trail Tour racket and start playing with it. It feels good, it feels light, a lot more arm power-swing to get same power as AT900T is having but defense and net shots was easy but not much different as AT900T.

What I want to ask Easy Tiger in this case is , do you find yourself easy to use two such a different racket. I'm thinking to sell Vapour Trail Tour and buy-try something different. I guess Elite would be to stiff for me?

[Easy Tiger]

I can't compare the VTT with the VTE because I haven't used it, but it seems to me inline with other singles-orientated rackets like the AT700. Sounds to me like you like head-heavy rackets so take your pick I guess.

[cayzi]

VTT is just greast racket to use. Light good control and great power as well.

Can someone tell me how stiff is Elite because I would like to buy it as well. Some says that Elite is more stiff and hard to use compare to Tour.

Regards.

[shot3gun]

Will these rackets ever appear in shops in north america or canada?

[Danstevens]

VTT is just greast racket to use. Light good control and great power as well.

Can someone tell me how stiff is Elite because I would like to buy it as well. Some says that Elite is more stiff and hard to use compare to Tour.

Regards.

Stiffness is all relative really - what you define as stiff may not be the same as what I define as stiff. The Elite is a lot stiffer than the Tour though. If you struggle with stiff, relatively heavy rackets, the Elite probably isn't for you. On the other hand, if you like rackets with stiff shafts and a fair bit of weight, the VT Elite is probably right up your street. I can't imagine it being easy to transition from such a light, flexible racket like the VTT to what is essentially the opposite with the VTE.

[cayzi]

Stiffness is all relative really - what you define as stiff may not be the same as what I define as stiff. The Elite is a lot stiffer than the Tour though. If you struggle with stiff, relatively heavy rackets, the Elite probably isn't for you. On the other hand, if you like rackets with stiff shafts and a fair bit of weight, the VT Elite is probably right up your street. I can't imagine it being easy to transition from such a light, flexible racket like the VTT to what is essentially the opposite with the VTE.

I like to play with AT900T and VTT. Both are good is some ways and I like to play both.

So it that means that VTE would be great for me.

I think that VTT and VTE are more racket where you use wrist for power. Because my wrist is not so strong I think that I will like VTT more.

VTE is more head heavy and stiff but I think this is more a racket to be compared with Yonex Z-slash???

Thanks for your additional inputs ...

[Easy Tiger]

Nah, the ZS and the VTT are actually reasonably similar. The VTT is a lot lighter in the hand, but they have similar design features like a 'hybrid' headshape, tight stringbed, short handle, mid flex shaft etc.

[cayzi]

Nah, the ZS and the VTT are actually reasonably similar. The VTT is a lot lighter in the hand, but they have similar design features like a 'hybrid' headshape, tight stringbed, short handle, mid flex shaft etc.


Great!

If I like VTT then I will like my new Z I think.

So you think that I should then consider Elite version which is more attack based?

[shot3gun]

Is the VTT very close to the RSL x2 Blue?

[shot3gun]

Sorry For double post, but is the VTT durable?

[Sevex]

The vapour trail superlite seems durable, although the VTT is on average 1 gram lighter, so maybe very very very slightly less durable? I have had my superlite strung at 26lbs by 28lbs. It has survived clashes with no paint chips or frame collapses. But durability can be a weird one, some people break rackets more easily than others, I have only broken one racket in three years of playing, which was through a racket clash.

I would say that as I was stringing it it was bending around a fair amount when pulling the crosses at the top, with the side supports in the slightly wrong place. So it survived a beginner stringing it, although I've yet to break a racket whilst stringing (long may that last!)

[Danstevens]

Sorry For double post, but is the VTT durable?

I certainly haven't heard of or seen one break yet. I know from the one I tested that the paintwork seemed pretty durable - I would say much better quality than the Yonex paintjobs generally are. Other than that, I can't really comment as I haven't had one break or clashed heavily with it.

[cayzi]

Nah, the ZS and the VTT are actually reasonably similar. The VTT is a lot lighter in the hand, but they have similar design features like a 'hybrid' headshape, tight stringbed, short handle, mid flex shaft etc.

Because you have full mailbox I am sending this question here because I know you have all tree rackets.

I have VTT, AT900T and Z and I notice that it is really hard for me playing with AT900T after I tried Carlton VTT and Z. Maybe it is just a day reason or maybe is the type of play which I am playing with different people.

With VTT I can smash quick defense great power as well. Just right stiffness for me I guess. Maybe this influence of strings as well. I still have original strings and I found them just great.

AT900T really heavy racket after you change it from VTT during the game. It is powerful but it looks like that needs more power in my arm to get most out of it. And wrist as well. Maybe it is just type of game wich I'm having with people.

Today for example I played two times. One game with one player wich smash a lot and I did not get right feeling with AT900T having smashes, control, power.
After that I had a game with totally different player with do not smash and I really enjoy using VTT. What a great racket!!! I really think that Carlton make a good series of racket this time. Never like this brand but I do not know why exactly....

I also like Z very much. Good control, good power and I really like switching between VTT and Z. They are in the way so similar.

Please let me know your opinion AT900T vs. VTT and how much you use it and when?

Thanks for your time!!!

Regards

[cayzi]

What do you think...If I like VTT very much and right is my racket of choice that I will also like Elite or this is another think to play with?

I really like new carlton line.

Nice work!!!!

[stephan_fr]

I want to know that Carlton Air Rage S-lite is stiffer than VTT?

Who is better in the double and defense?

[hajabah]

All of this is super informative...I'm wondering if anyone has experienced the Airblade, Powerblade and Vapour Trail Tour? I couldn't stand the Airblade, and am currently using the Powerblade Tour. I'm more of a control than power player, although I tend to play more at the back of the court (odd mix I know), so I'm also quite a defensive player.
From what I'm reading, the VT seems like it would be a good move, but if there's not a huge difference between it and the Powerblade I could probably hold off for a while...
Thanks for any comments you may have!
Hey man. I don't have the vapour trail just yet. But my Powerblade is very powerful. And the Airblade is more of a control racquet. From what I hear, the VTE is awesome. I'm looking to get one soon enough. :D

[gamegood101]

i have a fireblade iso elite and just got a VTE,to be honest not a load in it,both with ashaway micro legend xl around 24lbs,VTE paint job is better lol,but if any power player out there wants a stiff head heavy racket get the blade cause its like £50+ cheaper and really not that much better,both great rackets though,would defo recommend them ;-)

[dimcorner]

I'm tempted to try a Carlton racquet after playing with Yonex for 10 years. Where would I go about getting one shipped to the US?

[Sealman]

Does anyone know where can I find spare grommets for the Carlton Vapour Trail Tour, in particular the translucent ones on the side of the frame?

[Easy Tiger]

I'm tempted to try a Carlton racquet after playing with Yonex for 10 years. Where would I go about getting one shipped to the US?

Best place I found when shopping around, was Wisdens of Hastings. They have an ebay.co.uk shop, and are happy to ship internationally for a reasonable cost. Most other places won't.

The Vapour Trail Tour is a lovely racket, but we warned it does use the same design principles as the ArcSaber Z-Slash, so if you're looking for a big, generous sweetspot, the VTT is not your racket. It's also very light in the hand a stiff like a Nanospeed 9900, so keep that in mind, too.

I'm not really using mine, so if you want a cheap example to try before investing more heavily, feel free to PM me.

[cayzi]

It's also very light in the hand a stiff like a Nanospeed 9900, so keep that in mind, too.


I agree that is very light my was with string as 2x Yonex grip arround 94g if I remember.

But for sure it is not as stiff as 9900 is or I had defective - soft racket. :eek:

[hamza90]

I've been using a Carlton Airblade Superlite for about 4 years now. But I wanna switch to the VT Elite. Does anyone know where I can get one in Canada or get it shipped here?

[Easy Tiger]

Read....up....two.....posts.

[hamza90]

For shipping it I know you can get it from different websites, but I was hoping to get it in store somewhere in Canada. Do you know if I can get it in store somewhere in the Middle East or would I have to get it online there as well?

[hamza90]

Middle East as in Saudi Arabia. Wisdens has like two Carlton rackets on their ebay store website.

[Smithy88]

Got my Tour through the post today and on first inspection is a very sturdy yet light racket. To look at the thing you would think its an old steel frame as its so shiny but feels as light as a feather. Its strung to 28lb and has 2 grips on it which when i weighed it i got even more of a shock. It weighs 107g all together, it feels nothing like it. I used to play with a Powerblade Titanium which was 100g and this feels so much lighter. With the grips its balance point is about 275mm but still feels very very even. Done a few practice swings and it cuts through the air with ease. Can't wait to get whacking those birdies around :)

[Smithy88]

Played with the Tour tonight and wow, net play is amazing, the grip is longer than most grips so its easy to move quickly and get good control. Still getting used to smashing with it, need to get used to adjusting my grip to the end of the racket to smash. But an amazing racket, i think my Fireblade is going to start collecting dust sooner or later.

[dr_lager]

Hey man. I don't have the vapour trail just yet. But my Powerblade is very powerful. And the Airblade is more of a control racquet. From what I hear, the VTE is awesome. I'm looking to get one soon enough. :D

Yeah - I like my Powerblade Tour, hated the Airblade Tour, but like the thought of the VTT but it sounds from what people are saying that the sweet spot is eeny weeeny, so maybe I'm just not good enough yet :)

[Smithy88]

It can be tricky but the rewards at the net are tenfold, i'll do a proper review.

Okay guys , here is the Review. Sorry for a long delay i know. Hey i don't make money doing reviews.

Review Date : Mid July 10
Racket Type : Carlton VT Tour
Strings: Carlton NanoPulse 68
Tension: 26lbs , 1 Piece Stringing
Grip: Karakal PU Super grip, Yonex 102EX Overgrip
Technology : Read the website

First Impression:
SHINY, very shiny, more shiny than Peter Ebdons head when he lines up a shot. So shiny in fact it looks like its made of steel. I like it, its shiny. When you pick it up though you realise its not made of steel but of fairy dust it feels that feakishly light i had to put it on the scales (with my grips) and it topped 95g which i was not expecting. A few practice swings later and it was feeling good, cut through the air nicely and fast. Just how fast i was yet to find out.

Warm Ups:
Started knocking about with it and the nature of the racket being even and so light i wanted to see it smash. The first few were pitiful, that is until i realised just what a difference the longer handle and short shaft make. I repositioned my hand and with a short shaft its hard to unleash anything spectacular like a power racket but it does give something, you just really have to be in a position where a smash is going to work best.

Game Time:
First game with it was mixed, not the best to get used to this racket with as i was delt smashing duties but decided against it. Instead i wanted to find out what this racket could do in the way of drop shots. The answer is, everything, with a highish tension this racket is precise, the drops were floating down causing so much hassle for my opponents. Next game was doubles and straight away i went for the net. So much so than shots that were clearly my partners i was diving in for just because this racket gave me an amazing touch. I was playing shots i never knew i had in me. The one thing you cannot do with this racket though is force a shot or it will bite you in the arse. Just let it flow towards the racket and you will reap the rewards.

Conclusion:
This racket is a very defensive minded racket, great for reaction shots. It has some attack in it but takes some working out and adjusting to a longer handle. From the rear court 70% of the time you'll want to drop or clear, clearing is very good, but when you do get a good chance don't be afraid to smash. If you play the net a lot then go for this, its a long time since i felt anything this good. Everyone at my club was amazing at what i was getting from it.

Feel: 9/10
Control: 10/10
Power: 7/10
Defense: 10/10


Pros : Fast racket, amazing control and defence. SHINY!!!

Cons: Lacks a forgiving punch, needs good technique to get a smash

Suitability : Intermediate/Advance. Doubles racket (mixed if you can get some power)

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[Flixor]

Well I am digging an old post by I wanted to add my 2 coppers.

I bought the Vapour Trail Tour 6 months ago and I am very happy with it. It is fast, light in the hand, good at the net and the power is quite enough for my smatches.

I wanted to try out the Elite to see if my backhand power could improve with it and saw an impossible to miss bargain on this racket : due to a typo, it was 2 rackets for the price of 1. (planning to sell the other one to a friend :p)

Well, I discovered that this racket is really not for me : too heavy in the hand mainly. Power of my smatches did not improve and backhand was more or less the same.
I guess my technique is too poor to exploit this racket to its full potential.

So now, it is the Tour all the way and maybe the Elite for the occasional single as we play more double games than singles.

Anyway, the Tour is really a nice racket to try. 2 of the girls at my club got one and their games improved a lot.
I even succeeded in converting another one to get it !!

[greyes]

Hey folks! I just tried the vapour trail elite today.. I was quite surprised how much it vibrated. Did anyone else notice this as well? I couldn't really get a good read on whether it's a good racquet or not because it was factory strung (probably 18 lbs or so). I had asked for it to be strung at 28 lbs (the max that www.tennisnuts.com (http://www.tennisnuts.com) would provide) but it certainly didn't arrive that way! My timing was all off & I ended up hurting my shoulder because of the tension being wayy too low. I'm getting it restrung at my regular 29 x 31 lbs tonight & hopefully will be able to say something more favourable about it.

[quezac]

I've just broken my second air rage s-lite in 3 months. 1st ones strings lasted 2 sessions, and at 2 weeks I noticed a micro fissure, got it changed for free. 2nd one, strings lasted 2 weeks but racked broke after 2 months. I don't remember any serious collisions and they're he only rackets I've broken in years. Maybe the s-lite head is just too fragile. It's a shame as it was great for everything except smashing, I did find that when I searched for more power the more I put in the less I got out. Won't be buying another head light. Don't know what to buy now, I realy liked the Carlton and would buy another if I can find one less fragile and better for smashing. Carltons are well priced here (France), getting upto 50% discount off list on line. Any ideas?

[quezac]

Has anyone tried the air rage tour?

[jin_uk]

My coach is selling a Vapour Trail Elite for £60 as he was previously sponsored by Carlton before moving to Forza. He has a Vapour Trail Tour on offer too at a similar price I think. Both are only slightly used, but the Tour still has it's wrapping on the cone and is in better condition. I'm going to test them out this Friday night hopefully (if I can swap my current shift at work) and I'll try and put a quick post on here about them. If I like them, I'll try and get him down to around £50 though;) They're only wasting away in his bag after all!

[jin_uk]

I've just broken my second air rage s-lite in 3 months. 1st ones strings lasted 2 sessions, and at 2 weeks I noticed a micro fissure, got it changed for free. 2nd one, strings lasted 2 weeks but racked broke after 2 months. I don't remember any serious collisions and they're he only rackets I've broken in years. Maybe the s-lite head is just too fragile. It's a shame as it was great for everything except smashing, I did find that when I searched for more power the more I put in the less I got out. Won't be buying another head light. Don't know what to buy now, I realy liked the Carlton and would buy another if I can find one less fragile and better for smashing. Carltons are well priced here (France), getting upto 50% discount off list on line. Any ideas?

There's quite a few reviews on this thread of various Carlton rackets that you might like. Maybe the Vapour Trails? The Tour is good all round and will help your smashes I think. Otherwise I think there's a Vapour S Lite too?