Advance from the Arc10?

[Babyface]

Hi,
Looking for a bit of advice and experience for those in use or have used the Li Ning range and the Yonex Arcsaber Z.

I have been using the arcsaber 10 for a year now and love the racket. i am a university singles player, intermediate level i would say.
During the year, My game has evolved/shifted, and i have a tendency to attack often in my game.

Members, Ants, HKchau etc advised/suggested to me, to get the Arcsaber 10 last year as it was a good overall racket. They were right as the racket served me well during the time in use. Good defense, good attack, good feel and the best thing is that i do not get tired when in use with the racket.

The problem now is i am after an alternative to try something new and different. And as my game has changed, moving towards attacking singles, i was interested in the N90 and Arc Z.

Any help would be great

Ricky

[Danstevens]

Hi Ricky, here's my take on what you should do.

The rackets you're considering are not cheap by any stretch of the imagination. In fact, most people would say that they are rather expensive. Your Arc10 is not an el cheapo racket either. From what I gather from your original post, you like the Arc10 are it's helping you to really enjoy your badminton. In my opinion, this relationship between user and racket is almost perfect. You can probably guess what I'm about to say next, I'm really not sure that I can see a valid reason for you to switch rackets. Once you've found something you're happy with, it's often best to just stick with this racket for a while.

You mention wanting to see if more "attacking" racket setups helped you to progress further. I would recommend that you buy some lead tape (or athletic tape) which is/are available from most good racket sports pro-shops or eBay. Add a a little bit to the head of your Arc10 and see what you think. I'd advise against adding too much though as it will compromise manoeuvrability and may damage the rest of your game too much. The great thing about these weight tapes is that the process of applying them is a completely reversible procedure - if you don't like it, just take it off or if you think you should change it a little, you can just do it. Weight tapes are also much cheaper than buying a whole new racket. Obviously, if after your experimentation you find that you would like something with a little more weight in the head, you could consider buying a new racket but there wouldn't be anything wrong the the customised Arc10.

If you are set on buying a new racket. I strongly recommend you borrow it from a friend or demo it first (although this might be difficult for the rackets you're looking at). Just spending that much on a racket you've never played with is not to be advised.

I hope I've helped you with your decision a little bit with that post despite leaving the comparison of rackets for some other posters.

[Babyface]

Hi dan, hope all is well and thanks for the post.
Personally the reason i posted was due for advice, so thank you.
I agree with what you are saying 100%.
i love the arc 10 and was just thinking of getting another one as back up. Was just looking for a bit of advice on whether one would opt for the same racket or something similar with a bit more advance in the users style of play.
As you know, i use to play/train with county as a youngster, and have recently taken badminton a bit more seriously. Turned out that i attack quite often and so was just a little curious with all the new line of rackets out.
cheers

[Mark A]

The Arc-10 is by no means the most attacking racket out there, so you have got plenty of options. If you intend to specialize solely in singles, try an AT700 or AT900P/T - both are stiffer and head-heavier than an Arc-10. If you want a more attacking doubles racket, try a Ti-10 Mk3 - very stiff indeed but balanced so it can be used in doubles (head ligher than Arc-10).

Be sure not to confine yourself to Yonex, though, as SOTX and Li Ning also have pretty good ranges. (I would recommend DinkALot's rackets as well, but since I sell them it would be a conflict of interest:(.)

[Ichiigo]

I too was in the same situation just a few weeks ago. I ended up buying a SOTX D-600 and let me tell you it was the best thing I could've wished for. The D-600 is stiffer than the Arc10 and slightly head-heavy which lets me hit harder but not totally compromise the defense either. It also feels more stable than the Arc10.

[Babyface]

Thank you for the reply Mark.
By any chance have you had any experience N90 or the Arc Z Slash?
Ichigo: did you have any practice, access with the two rackets listed above?

[Gemcat]

Well, if you are an attacking player, Arc10 should be enough for you. You could spend all that money into coaching.

Also, instead of changing racquet, why not increase tension? Arc10 comes alive in high-tension...

[Babyface]

Thanks Gemcat.
I have mine at 27lbs at the moment and as i said, i do love it.(is that high enough or do you recommend going even higher)
I for one is am firm believer that the person holding the racket is more important than the equipment held, however, as i am need of a spare, i was just curious what would be best as i have been reading on the forum, and the N90 and Arc Z highlighted are the most recommended for attacking.
Thanks

[chewablemorphin]

I tried the arc 10; in my opinion it's just an attempted re-make of the mp 100, except the mp 100 is better. However, if you are looking for an attacking racket, mp 99's are still my favourite, and I've used a lot of the top yonex/black knight/forza rackets.

Hope this helps.

[chewablemorphin]

Thanks Gemcat.
I have mine at 27lbs at the moment and as i said, i do love it.(is that high enough or do you recommend going even higher)
I for one is am firm believer that the person holding the racket is more important than the equipment held, however, as i am need of a spare, i was just curious what would be best as i have been reading on the forum, and the N90 and Arc Z highlighted are the most recommended for attacking.
Thanks

Only if you want to break the strings a lot.

[Jasonvan]

Have you thought of the N70? I used to use the ARC 10 and switched to N70 and I love the racket... N90 I haven't tried personally so I can't really comment on it... Arc Z I hated it, given a choice between the 10 and Z I'd take the 10 everytime... The Z is either a love it or hate it racket, as many ppl love it while just as many hate it.. Of the friends that tried my Z before I sold it, all of them hated it... In the end I would say see if there's anybody you know with those rackets and try it out first as both the N90 and Z are quite different from the ARC 10

[Babyface]

thanks for the input Jason.
Any Li ning racket review from an ex arc10 owner would be great.
Am aware that the characteristics of the racket are different depending on the racket, just they indicate 'attacking' style more in the reviews

[Licin]

@Babyface
Try to have a look at Zelm Badminton thread in Badminton Equipment review sector initiated by sgbad
it is not too pricey, and have a good feedback, if i recall correctly, some of the buyer was also has Arc 10 in hand, so i think they can help you in making your decision, some of them also had Arc Z as well, but i am unsure whether some of them have N90 or not, but you might give it a try. it worth a shot.

[Babyface]

i purchased the powerplay9900 from sgbad last year and i still have it as a spare racket.
It produces great power in smashes. Great doubles racket, which i play less than singles.
Its another option though as i know they have a new product out, trixon 8.

[staiger]

From what I heard the N90 is not a racket that would be suitable for many of us ,and from what you tell us , I wouldnt think it would much improve, add benefit to your game. The Arc 10 as someone said on here is not an all out attacking racket, it is one I consider that is more attacking balance. My best bet for you would be the N50 which is used by Fu Haifeng, more double orientated but still would be an excellent attacking racket for single. It is a much friendly-er version than the N90 and it is less stiff as well. However, they are in such high demand that it would not be easy to buy one !

P.s Always try before you buy !

[Babyface]

lol.. thanks for the feedback everyone.
Unfortunately, i do not know anyone in use of these rackets.
Regardless, thanks for the advice etc.
Still enjoying my Arc 10, just looking for experience etc to see whether it would be worth it to get something new etc

cheers

[Babyface]

any other advice from anyone ex arc 10 owners?

[Babyface]

apologises first for bumping this thread, however i have recently had a look at the at700 newer colour as the old one is hard to find nowadays.
Read a few reviews on the forum and it looks and sounds like an ideal.
any opinions?

[chewablemorphin]

I do not like it.

[staiger]

I would rather have the At900P for single matches , the At700 is a fragile racket as well as being a very heavy headed racket, took me 3 weeks to switch from At900P , but after 2 weeks play (unconvincingly results) I made the switch back . it lacks maneuverability around the court, net play were poor , fast/flat rally were awful with it.
However, I would say it had alot of power in smashes, control is great also. Drops are good (from the back), attacking clearance are good, drive are good. I would rate the racket 7/10
compare with AT900P 8/10 in single
Arc10 8.5/10
ns9900 9/10 (a must try for anyone who have doubt)

[Babyface]

thanks for the replies, i have just had a look at the ns9900 that ants started and it looks goods however i am use to head heavier rackets. From the sound of things you must have one? i have not much experience with head light rackets. what is the bp on the racket?

[staiger]

I would say the bp of NS9900 is around 286-287mm , (also depend on what grip you going to put one as well)..so it is not that head-light. If you pick one up in the shop and start swinging with it , it does feel head-light , however once you are on the court I would say it is more towards even balance .

AT900P balance point as expected is much higher , at 298-299mm. For me I have no problem in switching it to and from NS9900 in between (ps I been using the at900p for more than 1.5year) , depends on how you feel on the day and how you want to play against your opponent then I say having both in the bag would not be a bad thing.

Compare with the Arc 10, I would say the NS9900 is a more attacking, quicker racket + it has a good defensive game as well.
Although I think the Arc10 has a better feel /control.

[Babyface]

i remove the original grip, add electric tape on the wood and a half way grip. the balance point on my arc saber i believe is 295mm. ill have to double check on that.

[paulstewart64]

I've tested and reviewed the Arcsaber series of racquets.

You have received a lot of good advice here. Look, racquets are very personal and as much as people on this forum can give the benefit of their experience, only you can make a decision.

Only you can put a different racquet in your hand and decide whether you like it or not. You are playing with a superb racquet at a very high tension. Chances are if you increase the tension you will not get additional power, probably the opposite.

If you get the chance to test toehr racquets then do so if you must. I'd suggest you already have an affinity for Arc 10 so get a spare, strung exactly the same.

Once you've done that, get some coaching to help you improve your game. Buying racquets won't get you to the next level. Investing in coaching will make a massive difference to your game so that's where I'd spend my money.

If you want to read my reviews of other racquets, or ask any coaching questions, then feel free to go to my blog at www.badminton-coach.co.uk. I guarantee there is absolutely no selling on my blog, just good information, articles and video to help you improve your game.

All the best

Paul
www.badminton-coach.co.uk

[Babyface]

lol, thanks mate. i have already bought another arcsaber 10 now as i am very comfortable with it. i think its one of those things that when new stuff comes out, we tend to look for any excuse to buy new stuff. Regardless though, i am happy with the arcsaber 10 as i think it really suits my play. was just a little curious about the newer models out.
Thanks