Please Recommend a Doubles Racket

**drop8shot** · 10-10-2011, 03:57 PM

I have been playing badminton for about one and a half years and I play around 6 hours a week. I would say I am an advanced beginner or a low intermediate player. I've never had any formal coaching. I only play doubles. I would say I am more of a defensive and control player. My strengths are that I have a good low serve, good drop and I love to block and deflect opponent's smashes. My weakness are that I have a weak smash, both in technique and power, which is why I usually prefer to play a drop instead. Although I am slowly improving my smash I still find that they either lack power or go way too high over the net.
Currently I use and have always used from the beginning a Yonex Arcsaber 7, which I find is a great racket. However I want to get an upgrade. I would prefer flexible rackets as I don't have the arm power to handle stiff rackets. Also considering I am a defensive player I don't think I would like head heavy rackets.
I am not limited to just Yonex rackets, but as I live in the UK these are definitely the most popular and accessible. Which rackets can you recommend for me, thanks.

**visor** · 10-10-2011, 04:24 PM

Your Arc 7 is already the best fit for you. If you want to try a different brand, consider Victor MX70 or BS12. Both excellent rackets for your purpose, mod stiff and med stiff respectively.

**gundamzaku** · 10-10-2011, 05:18 PM

the armortec 900 technique could be a nice change, tho it's head heavy, when you choke on the handle it's still light enough for you to maneuver the racket quick enough for doubles, that's what i would suggest. if you know someone who has different rackets the best way is to try it out and see if it feels right in your hand

**drop8shot** · 10-11-2011, 09:46 AM

Thanks for the suggestions, I did think about the Victor MX70 but it is difficult to get hold of in the UK. I have a MX80 although I've never played with it and intend to trade it for a Voltric 70, so my question is do you think the Voltric 70 would be suitable for doubles?

**TiKok** · 10-11-2011, 10:38 AM

Coming from an AS7, VT70 isn't indicated because of the head-heaviness of the racquet.
I tend to think like visor that the AS7 is still the best fit for you.

The AT900T as gundamzaku proposes is an intelligent option, except maybe its stiffness.

**Benwilluk** · 10-12-2011, 01:23 AM

I can second visor's recommendation for the BS12 as it fits yours specs perfectly. it is medium flexed, even balanced and very fast in defence with great touch. the price is quite reasonable as well through Central Sports in the UK.

The MX70 is slightly stiffer and with more weight towards the head, saying that also a good racket.

I have both as i like the same specs as you and both are great rackets

)

**drop8shot** · 10-12-2011, 03:24 PM

where did you get your MX70 from? it's difficult to find in the UK.

**kaiyuan** · 10-12-2011, 11:26 PM

Originally Posted by drop8shot

I have been playing badminton for about one and a half years and I play around 6 hours a week. I would say I am an advanced beginner or a low intermediate player. I've never had any formal coaching. I only play doubles. I would say I am more of a defensive and control player. My strengths are that I have a good low serve, good drop and I love to block and deflect opponent's smashes. My weakness are that I have a weak smash, both in technique and power, which is why I usually prefer to play a drop instead. Although I am slowly improving my smash I still find that they either lack power or go way too high over the net.
Currently I use and have always used from the beginning a Yonex Arcsaber 7, which I find is a great racket. However I want to get an upgrade. I would prefer flexible rackets as I don't have the arm power to handle stiff rackets. Also considering I am a defensive player I don't think I would like head heavy rackets.
I am not limited to just Yonex rackets, but as I live in the UK these are definitely the most popular and accessible. Which rackets can you recommend for me, thanks.

Maybe you can try BS 09 or 11, it is medium stiffness and is fast and maneuverable =)

**Benwilluk** · 10-13-2011, 07:07 AM

Originally Posted by drop8shot

where did you get your MX70 from? it's difficult to find in the UK.

Singapore - you cannot get them over here yet

**nlambino** · 10-14-2011, 03:02 AM

Originally Posted by drop8shot

Also considering I am a defensive player I don't think I would like head heavy rackets.

Since you mentioned this, I would highly recommend the Nanospeed 9000 Type S. Its head light, very good in defense and control. I've used it for a year now and I do not find it stiff nor is it difficult to produce powerful smashes with it. I've tried the Nanospeed 9900 and to me it is stiffer than the NS 9000 Type S.

You can't go wrong with the Nanospeed 9000 Type S

**a|extan** · 10-14-2011, 04:02 AM

Originally Posted by visor

Your Arc 7 is already the best fit for you. If you want to try a different brand, consider Victor MX70 or BS12. Both excellent rackets for your purpose, mod stiff and med stiff respectively.

u mean equivalent of Arc saber 7 for victor is MX70 & BS12?

**Benwilluk** · 10-14-2011, 07:20 AM

Originally Posted by a|extan

u mean equivalent of Arc saber 7 for victor is MX70 & BS12?

I switched from an arc 7 and now have the MX70 and BS12

**gundamzaku** · 10-14-2011, 08:40 AM

Playing with my arc100ltd which is virtually the same as an arc7 I guess the only diff I can feel is the weight distribution. But then again I was never too keen on the flexibility of the shaft of rackets

**Sen_jie** · 10-21-2011, 03:19 AM

somehow i will recommend a Victor BS09. a little bit head heavy and flexible racket. the slight head heavy should improve your smash swing yet at the same time will not compromise on your defense. One of my favourite racket in my arsen

**TheSmasherKing** · 10-21-2011, 03:27 AM

i agree

Originally Posted by Sen_jie

somehow i will recommend a Victor BS09. a little bit head heavy and flexible racket. the slight head heavy should improve your smash swing yet at the same time will not compromise on your defense. One of my favourite racket in my arsen