Upgrading from Cab 20 Special

[chewkl]

Hi all, appreciate it if U could help me decide which racket to get...

I'm now using Cab 20 Special (RM159, I live in Malaysia), which is the cheaper version of the original. I'm thinking of upgrading to Cab 21 Special (RM179) which is also the cheaper version or MP55 (RM199). I've heard a few bad things about both rackets which I am interested in, ie Cab21 Special is weak and breaks easily and MP55 is too stiff and "dead" for an average player like me. I've also been advised to stick with what I have right now. Another racket which is sort of in my budget would be Cab20 Ti which retails for RM219. What do U all think?

Thanks in advance...

[Cheung]

You might have heard bad things about the racquets. Have you heard any good things about the cab21special and the MP55 and cab20Ti?

[chewkl]

I have heard, or rather "read" good things about them in badminton-central.com. But I feel that some of the comments by users are not genuine. Futhermore, a person's grading of "excellent" could mean that it is just "good" to me, as there is no standard "benchmark" among all the various people in the forum. That is why I am asking a direct comparison between those rackets and the one I currently have. I need to know if it is beneficial if I upgraded from my current Cab20 Special.

Hope U can understand....

Thanks.

[Cheung]

That's right, one person's favourite may differ greatly to another person.

I happen to think MP55 is quite a reasonable racquet (I own one but not my usual choice). A couple of friends think that as well - they use to be in the junior training squad for HK many years ago. That doesn't mean they use the racquet now. Recently, both acquired the original cab20 and went back to using that!!:p

My advice is, if you got spare cash, you can treat yourself but be warned that with almost any racquet purchase, there will be an inital phase of 'it feels good to use' followed by stagnation in your play. True improvement comes with improving technique.

If money is important to you, perhaps then why bother with a new racquet?

[chewkl]

Cheung,

Thanks a lot for your comments... :)

Anyone else with experiences with the above mentioned rackets?

Thanks.

[ronk]

Not sure if it is the Tour or Special versions, but I have heard (another hearsay) that either the Tour or the Special version is a cheaper version made in China or Taiwan with lesser quality materials. Since you are in Malaysia, why not get another brand like Ashway or Gossen. For under MYR 300, you can get the top of the line model for brands other than Yonex. The MP is okay and decent. If you can afford and find one, get a Ti10 long. It will run to about MYR 300-400 but it is probably as good as the MP 99 and MP100.

Ron

[chewkl]

Hi Ronk,

The Tour and Special editions are made in Japan, at least that is what is printed on the Shaft. However, I have heard that they are made of cheaper materials, but no one can confirm that. I haven't played with the original Cab20sp before so I am unable to compare the playability but for Cab21, the Special version has thicker shaft compared to the original version and the price difference is about RM100, with the original version being more expensive.

As for other brands, I haven't had any experiences with them and spending money on them without prior experience is sort of like a "risk" to me. BTW, my budget is only about RM200 - RM250, and the rackets that I mentioned earlier are in this range.

[PoseidonLee]

Ya, Cab 20 special and 21 special are both made in Japan, at least it is for those circulating in Singapore. Seems a lot of other places says they are made in taiwan or whatever .... mine shows made in japan on the shaft.

Cab 20 special is more durable and has better control when I play with it.

Cab 21 special offer more smashing power and seems to feel lighter.

Retailing $69.90 and $79.90 in Sg.

:)