Well if you can't tell this is a fake then I guess you would be in trouble http://cgi.ebay.com/YY-Voltric-VT-8...248?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item27baf36e78 There is no general "market price". Depends on where you look ... And if one believes for one second this is actually a legit deal then you're asking for it as well http://cgi.ebay.com/Yonex-Voltric-8...070?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item19c575ccb6
By the way, the VT80 is what I would classify as a stiff and "super head heavy" racket. I don't think the average intermediate (or below) level player would get a lot from it. You'd have to be at least a strong intermediate to advanced level player to get the most out of it. Having a stronger than average arm/wrist is probably also required. Anyway, this is why I'm not surprised to see a few VT80's popping up in the Market Place to be sold for the reason of: "Doesn't suit my style".
Yea I have to admit it's taking some time getting used to the VT80... I wouldn't say the racquet is all that stiff but DEFINITELY head heavy... I found that I have to change my smash a little bit because I'm not getting the right timing on it. Nevertheless... I love my VT80!!! But right now I'm still in the getting used to phase, I still go back to my AT900P when I need to
By the way, any particular reason why a retailer would say that the RST on a 3U VT80 is 20-25 pounds? Isn't it officially 20-27 pounds? Is it common for retailers to only provide warranties at lower than official RST?
Used the VT80 earlier for a 3 hour session. This time I ate well before hand and drank lots. Back to the power machine! Felt confident and strong. Returned drives with speed, and smashed confidently. Even had some very nice net play. Point is, felt a lot more powerful like it did the session before last. Last session when I felt weaker was probably just because I was ill prepared and hadn't eaten. This racket demands you be ready lol. Had it strung at 24lbs/26lbs. Thinking of going 23lbs/25lbs next time, to give me a bit more leeway when I'm feeling weaker.
In my opinion... Yes! When I first got it, it felt a lot heavier... BUT I didn't feel tired using it... Except when my friend and I were training backhand... It took a toll on my arm... But backhand clears were EXCEPTIONALLY easy
I mean he should thinking of upping the tension not lowering it. Since you play only 3-4 hours max/session, get the most out of it. When tired, change playing style, switch to a less head heavy racket. This is my view based on my impressiont that Naim is very strong.
Sometimes it's not just about strength. For example, pro tennis players (or shall we say rugby players) are probably more bulky than pro badminton players on average. That doesn't mean they will be able to wield eg. the VT80 better. This is why technique is very important also. Keep in mind that there are some pro Asian girls/women out there doing well with the VT80. I'd be willing to bet that a lot of intermediate-advanced level guys on this forum could easily beat them in eg. an arm wrestle. But yet they get pain in their arm while playing with the VT80 etc, while these girls/women probably don't. For me personally, I've occasionally experienced pain in my shoulder while (or after) playing badminton. But that only happens if I haven't played for months - same thing would happen with any exercise if you haven't done it for a while (not used to working those muscle groups).
Somehow I don't think that is the correct approach as a solution. You end up making allowances for your off days by compromising on the quality of your tools, and that means you have to adjust your A-game on your normal/good days.
Well, depend on what Naim wants. I just offer my opinion based on my personal experience, gain when up the tension on the VT80.
It was a suggestion based on Naim's current collection of rackets and his opinion that he had to be in tip top shape (or close to it) to use the VT80. I could also suggest him to just use the MX80 and sell his VT80. I wish I had the dilemma of choosing between several premium rackets.