Racket for doubles- mainly the back man

**xxdomination** · 04-02-2012, 09:50 PM

Helloo~~

I would like a recommendation for a new racket. I play both singles and doubles, but plays doubles 90% of the time. I am usually the smasher, so are there any good recommendations for doubles?

Thank You

**WoOZY** · 04-02-2012, 10:40 PM

I think it will help a lot if you mention your current racquet and strings and tension you use. As well as your level.

**Licin** · 04-02-2012, 10:48 PM

Yonex VTZF or Victor MX80

**a|extan** · 04-02-2012, 11:13 PM

nanospeed 9900

**zombie0517** · 04-02-2012, 11:38 PM

Originally Posted by Licin

Yonex VTZF or Victor MX80

+1 on the MX80. Awesome control, decent power and defence.

I would go for a 4U VT-ZF though, 3U can be a bit heavy for doubles.

**BlueTornado** · 04-03-2012, 01:19 AM

Victor SW35

**drew tze en** · 04-03-2012, 06:21 AM

I think a Voltric 80 (4U)

**WoOZY** · 04-03-2012, 08:32 AM

I think it really depends how strong he is.. I have a friend who is a pretty good playing and he absolutely hates using the MX80 and wants to sell it. He complains that it's too pro and doesn't have any give...

Personally, I've used the VTZF 3U, VT80 3U, N90, and Gosen Shiden for doubles... For mixed, the I can use the head heavy variants and for men's doubles, I choose my Shiden. I think it's all a preference thing...

**Hellmoon** · 04-11-2012, 11:25 AM

Originally Posted by WoOZY

I think it really depends how strong he is.. I have a friend who is a pretty good playing and he absolutely hates using the MX80 and wants to sell it. He complains that it's too pro and doesn't have any give...

Personally, I've used the VTZF 3U, VT80 3U, N90, and Gosen Shiden for doubles... For mixed, the I can use the head heavy variants and for men's doubles, I choose my Shiden. I think it's all a preference thing...

Could Shiden gives powerful smash as good as others?

**WoOZY** · 04-11-2012, 11:43 AM

It gives a fast smash as oppose to a heavy smash I find... The shuttle speed is definitely faster than the N90 and VTZF for me...

So shot placement is important for the Shiden because it's a lighter smash... The opponents can return it easier compare to the heavy smashes. Depends what you're looking for I guess

**Licin** · 04-11-2012, 09:07 PM

Originally Posted by Hellmoon

Could Shiden gives powerful smash as good as others?

Your smash power really depends on how effective your stroke, timing & power to bend racket shaft & head... If you could bend head light & flexible shaft racket more effective than head heavy and stiff shaft racket, your smash would be more powerful by playing with head light & flexible shaft racket as compared to the latter.

**canti** · 04-11-2012, 11:13 PM

Damn you guys just give him the most expensive and stiff rackets straight out without knowing his previous rackets and his level. Theres no point in him getting the ZF or the MX80 if he can't flex that shaft lol

**CCKC81** · 04-12-2012, 03:27 AM

I personally like the NS range tho there is a huge difference between say, 6000, 9000, 9900. I kinda settled down on 9900 as the swing speed is good and I don't have much problem delivering a "relatively" powerful smash using it. Some say its not a very forgiving racquet, which I tend to agree to a certain extend where when I first started (coming from 6000 to 9900 flexible shaft to extra stiff shaft), my timing is all out and I find it difficult to get the sweet spot. But once you are used to it, it serves you well.

Having said that, I haven't tried Voltric range but I tried AS 10 for a few games and it's quite a balanced racquet and easy to use.

My 2 cents.

**shosasakigamba** · 04-12-2012, 05:13 AM

Nanoray 700 RP best balance, head heavyish stiff shaft and not lacking in defence

**Hellmoon** · 04-15-2012, 04:37 AM

Originally Posted by WoOZY

It gives a fast smash as oppose to a heavy smash I find... The shuttle speed is definitely faster than the N90 and VTZF for me...

So shot placement is important for the Shiden because it's a lighter smash... The opponents can return it easier compare to the heavy smashes. Depends what you're looking for I guess

Few more questions..

a) Does Shiden suitable for single play? My style generally all around and control but not afraid to smash if given the chances.
b) Shiden is even balance(slightly head heavy?) with extra stiff shaft right? How do you compare with Victor MX 80 or Yonex Arc8dx because the stats for those rackets are almost similar to each other.

Thanks.

**zombie0517** · 04-15-2012, 07:16 AM

Originally Posted by shosasakigamba

Nanoray 700 RP best balance, head heavyish stiff shaft and not lacking in defence

I guess it's all personal. Nanoray 700 RP is NOT head heavy but it does have a very fast swing speed. The shaft can be rated "stiff" but it is flexier than NS7700, NS9000X and certainly much flexier than MX80/VTZF. It is a forgiving racquet and is good for defence.