Hi everyone, I'm thinking about purchasing a new racket that would be good for doubles/mixed play. I'm an intermediate level player and many people that I play with have told me that my current racket is too head heavy and not good for doubles or mixed... Anyone have any suggestions?
There are so many different brands out there, probably in your case a racket based on accuracy may be better - do you play sides doubles or back/front doubles? x
What racket do you currently use? Stiff or flexible? Price range? From what I've read...speed and accuracy is important in doubles. So I would suggest something that is head-light to even-balanced. Then it just depends on how stiff you like your rackets and your price range.
I would recommend RSL X5 gold. It's rated as stiff and even-balanced. And it's priced around $150. But I haven't seen it locally so you'd have to buy it overseas/online. Also, you need to determine what weight (3U or 4U) and grip size you want. Never tried the RSL X5 gold but there's a review of it in BadmintonCentral.
Victor mx80 (very stiff) or mx70 (moderately stiff) would be fast and powerful for doubles games. Even though they're slightly head heavy, they cut thru the air very fast and feels more even balanced and lighter than they really are.
I was browsing through the threads and it sounds like a headlight racket would help out a female doubles/mixed player like me. I'm sort of interested in purchasing a yonex racket as I tend to see many of them around at the badminton clubs in my city. Has anyone tried the yonex nanospeed 990 (not the 9900)?
I see. Arc 9 would suit females the best because of flexy shaft and headlight. But it's gonna be over $200 CAD locally with tax.
agree with Visor. Arc9 or arc9FL may be way over budget locally. Online price would be slightly over. Try the arc7 if you have anyone in the club that can let you try it out. you can venture out to other brands such as the Victor Brave sword (try 9 if you can find it) or Apacs which are much more affordable.
+1 for the Arc9FL, a very nicely balanced racquet with mid flex, my wife loves it. I would also recommend the Carlton Airblade 33, a head heavy 5U racquet also mid flex, super light for quick net play yet balanced head heavy to give excellent power, was my wife's go to racquet until my young daughter get a hold to it . Price is extremely affortable.
TADs has the Arc9FL but it'll be $200+tax=$225. They have 2-3 of the Arc9FL and all are 3UG4 (last time I checked). If you want a 4U or smaller grip size (ie. G5) then you would have to buy overseas. Shuttlehouse carries 4U and smaller grip size as well but it's more expensive since it's from Japan.