Hi all. I have been using my 8dx for most of the season and want to try something new. It is a very responsive racket but it lacks a bit of power. I would like to try something that can produce more power. I have used a vt80 and n55i but didn't like the flexible shaft. Any ideas?
I'm in the same boat here, I love the quickness of the 8DX but could use some more head-heaviness. Anything from Victor fit what I'm looking for? VT-ZF is a bit too expensive for the time being..
When compared to the arc 8dx the vt80 feels like there is a lot of flex in the shaft plus I don't like the colour scheme or how thin the frame is. I would like to try the ZF but it is a bit pricy and was thinking about Victor or something from the armotec series?
Have a look at Victor MX80, if you're lookign for a very stiff racket, what it seems to be since you declare VT80 as kinda flexible btw: Doesn't have the ZF a thin frame too?
I can attest as an owner of the ARC8DX that the VT80 is flexible compared to the ARC8DX (I have tried the VT80 a reasonable amount). However I wouldn't worry about how thin the frame is, the Voltrics are remarkably strong when being strung and don't deform that much when being strung to high tensions (30lbs). They seem as strong as the 8DX which is also very solid, especially compared to older Yonex models (NS9000 in particular....) If you can find it anywhere in the UK the Victor SW35 sounds like it would suit your requirements. However I don't know where you would get it in the UK. Same problem with MX80. MX 70 is available from centralsports, but I don't know how stiff it is. The Li-Ning N90-II might also be worth a look, if you want head heavy.
Yeah, I've been eyeing that SW35 for quite some time now, lots of good reviews on it. I'll check it out. Just curious - is the VT80 actually not that stiff, or does it just play less stiff than the 8DX because of its heavier head and slimmer shaft?
It felt less stiff when I flexed both of them. I wouldn't say it is flexible, just that the ARC8DX is very stiff. In play the VT80 felt noticeably less stiff, it was still fine to play with, but not the racket for me, way too head heavy. Please bear in mind I love the control of the ARC8DX and I'm not that bothered by having weaker smashes to get more control, I prefer the front/mid court and find the 8DX excels in this area.
I agree the arc8dx is great for a front court player. The control is very good and accuracy is also pin point and the shuttle generally goes where my brain is telling my arm to put it.
I much prefer the front/mid court as well and agree that the 8DX performs very well in it. However, I often have to play from the backcourt in my matches so the 8DX isn't as ideal there.
Thanks, the MX80 has been at the top of my Victor list, along with the SW35, for quite some time now.
i second the mx80 and sw35 suggestions mx80 would probably be exactly like your 8dx, if not stiffer ... so you'll probably have the same problem with lack of power hence the sw35... head heavier yet very stiff... power plus accuracy... just maybe what you're looking for
Thanks Just for reference, which one is head heavier: MX80 or 8DX? Are they about the same or is the MX80 somewhat head heavier?
Okay. I didn't measure my 8DX's dry bp so if anyone else happens to know, that'd be great for comparison purposes!
