It's always the same routine isn't it? Wether it's Li-ning, yonex or whatever. Every time yonex released a new model, or a new brand is popularised (sotx D600 anyone?) there's always this great flock of people shouting how much of an improvement it is over the rest of the rackets and how much nicer it plays compared to it's predecessors. The new technology really adds something, how could we've possibly practised this sport without it? Then, after a while (and I mean, a looong while, the arc10 is still on that level after a year) it mellows down a bit and people move on to the next, or stick with what they have. I've always enjoyed looking at new stuff and demo'ing rackets (I pretty much worked my way through all sotx models from 06 to 08) but after a while you start to think, haven't we seen this all before?
I'd say the top end LN models are, certainly, improvements over the Yonex line. That's probably because the Yonex models were the starting point for whatever 'R&D' the Li Ning models have gone through. But it'd be hazardous to measure the improvement the LN racquets represent PS: I'm feeling robbed and let down after Lin Dan 'lost' to Chen Jin
I was at Queensway shopping yesterday. One of the "usual" shops there quoted me 20% off the $489 list price, that is $390.00 with grip and string (BG66 or BG80). Still seriously considering now to buy or not.
I will not call RMB480 (US$70-80) racket a lower end racket. Myself also interested about trying UC2200B, as the spec states its well balanced. Any detailed review regarding this racket?
to me, that is a high end. those li ning rackets seem so good, yet they are too expensive... :crying:
20% off with grip, string and stringing is a great bargain (but only if you believe that the retail pricing is right, to begin with).
Ah, looks like I missed that thread, thanks for the link. Still doesn't look like a AUD330 racket, but better than in the other photos I've seen of it.
Li-Ning in Shanghai is just as expensive I just got news today that the Li-Ning boutique in Shanghai (the store at Shanghai Indoor Stadium) is retailing the Woods N90 at S$450 after conversion from RMB. Looks like buying from Shanghai is not cheaper. So far the best price I got in Singapore currently is a shop in Queensway giving me 20% off at $390; followed by a shop in Bras Basah at 15% off at $415. Both with string and grip. Was advised by the shop in Queensway not to use the Li-Ning strings as the initial feedback from them has not been favourable. I am putting the N90 acquisition on hold as I am still unwilling to pay $390 for a racquet. So I have plunked my cash on a Gosen Roots Aermet Platinum Limited Edition and a Mizuno Tetracross 700 instead. My first non-Yonex racquets
It'd be interesting to find out who the source of this feedback is. It surely isn't local (Singapore) feedback
Yes that thought did occur to me as I was also wondering as to the origin of that feedback unless they come from the Chinese National Badminton Team. They are the only entity I know of who has used them extensively so far. It may also be probably that I requested the N90 with the Li-Ning AP101N strings. I learned that these strings were developed specifically for the N series racquets.
Would be interested to hear soem experience with the Goosen Roots Aermet Platinum.. looks interesting.. The TC700 of course is amazing !!! /Twobeer
My Gosen Roots Aermet Platinum is still unstrung. All I can say now is the racquet and the racquet sleeve bag that comes with it is gorgeous. Gosen makes a really good job of making it like a Limited Edition. Yonex could learn a thing or two from them for their limited edition stuff; at least for their distribution for the SP market. My Mizuno Tetracross 700 is still on its way from Hong Kong.
So true!! Guess it is just to take my mind of the the deep whole in my wallet the unavoidable N90 purchase will dig /T
How fickle minded can we get? Yesterday it was all Yonex and Yonex only. Apparently, Li Ning knows all about this, and he has "doubled his bets" by doubling his price-and won! Had Li Ning positioned his top racquets at Yonex prices the "crossover" might have got stuck somewhere in the middle. Now Li Ning is the leader. But the runner up is so far behind he can no longer be seen. This cycle only feeds itself. More will jump ship-you may wait and wait but you will succumb sooner or later and buy that damn Li Ning stuff. Do you know that there are a few unknown Chinese brands that are close to the top Li Ning racquets?
Hold on, are we talking about badminton here? If yes, then where exactly is Li Ning the leader? In China? Ha! You also might want to read this: http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/content/08_19/b4083051446468.htm Although a year old, it gives a clear picture of where Li Ning went wrong and what it has been trying to do to salvage its pride and lost business. Much of the marketing thrust it has developed in the post-Beijing-Olympics period has been oriented on its plans for the world. Perhaps, for size, Li Ning should try Asia first. The world seems a bit too large for them at the moment By the way, I have no idea who is succumbing to Li Ning. If it's Singapore, Li Ning has sold three racquets so far. As for racquet bags, the entire sales so far amounts to 'one bag'. You can have a look at that one bag here: http://www.badmintoncentral.com/forums/showpost.php?p=1195901&postcount=9