Hello everyone, The previous thread (New Club in TO) is getting quite long, and since the club has been open for a while now, thought I would start a new one focussing on feedback. I am contemplating joining with a friend of mine, but before I put out that kind of $$, I want to ensure I will make use of the club. I dropped in over the w/end to check out the facilities and they definately seem quite impressive. Can't say for certain as I didn't play there, but I'm not really concerened about the facility itself. I do have a few questions for anyone who plays there: --> What is the atmosphere like ? I would generally be going weekday evenings, and my friend and I are intermediate level players. Do people come in groups to play, or do they just mix up with the players there (like a drop-in format)? --> Is it crowded in the evenings ? --> I had considered joining Lee's in the past, but found it too cliquey. Is there a good mix of members at Mandarin ? --> Do people play with feather birds only or nylon as well ? --> Is the dress code (I believe I was told 70 or 80% white clothing) enforced ? --> Do they have a trial membership where those considering joining could try it out for a week or two before deciding ? --> Finally, just wondering how many people on BF are members or are considering joining. Any info is much appreciated ... THANKS !!!
--> What is the atmosphere like ? I would generally be going weekday evenings, and my friend and I are intermediate level players. Do people come in groups to play, or do they just mix up with the players there (like a drop-in format)? More like drop in format...although people tend to play in groups. Similiar to the Rosemount crowd. Although there is a 20 minute time limit on court during busy hours (7pm till close) --> Is it crowded in the evenings ? As far as I can tell, Tuesday and Friday evenings are pretty busy. Although there is training on Tuesday until 8 PM which might help explain why it's busier on Tuesday night. --> I had considered joining Lee's in the past, but found it too cliquey. Is there a good mix of members at Mandarin ? Pretty good mix so far. Although u should recognize most of the people that play there currently....mostly ex-SBA players from Bethune, Agincourt, L'Amor, etc. --> Do people play with feather birds only or nylon as well ? 100% feather so far. Yet to see any nylon around although I'm sure people will play if you ask, but I don't think there's any rules on this. --> Is the dress code (I believe I was told 70 or 80% white clothing) enforced ? Yes. Enforced. --> Do they have a trial membership where those considering joining could try it out for a week or two before deciding ? Not that I know of...although you can use the guest fee twice a month to try it out. --> Finally, just wondering how many people on BF are members or are considering joining. Well I'm not sure of the BF players, but like I said previously, you'll know a least 5-6 people there...we're all ex-Agincourters.
--> What is the atmosphere like ? I would generally be going weekday evenings, and my friend and I are intermediate level players. Do people come in groups to play, or do they just mix up with the players there (like a drop-in format)? Most people play drop in They;ll come in groups of 3 or 4 and will rotate with anyone avalible to get the best possible game. There are generallly alot of intermediate players so I think youre ok. --> Is it crowded in the evenings ? Like wukenne said Tuedays and Fridays are always extra busy but almost everyday theyll be someone to play with if you drop in. --> I had considered joining Lee's in the past, but found it too cliquey. Is there a good mix of members at Mandarin ? Mandarin has an excellent mix of players who will basiclaly play with anyone. THere are generally no cliques and all people are fairly open to everyone else. --> What is the atmosphere like ? I would generally be going weekday evenings, and my friend and I are intermediate level players. Do people come in groups to play, or do they just mix up with the players there (like a drop-in format)? More like drop in format...although people tend to play in groups. Similiar to the Rosemount crowd. Although there is a 20 minute time limit on court during busy hours (7pm till close) --> Is it crowded in the evenings ? As far as I can tell, Tuesday and Friday evenings are pretty busy. Although there is training on Tuesday until 8 PM which might help explain why it's busier on Tuesday night. --> I had considered joining Lee's in the past, but found it too cliquey. Is there a good mix of members at Mandarin ? Pretty good mix so far. Although u should recognize most of the people that play there currently....mostly ex-SBA players from Bethune, Agincourt, L'Amor, etc. --> Do people play with feather birds only or nylon as well ? Feather is the name of the game. Almost 100% feather tho i have seen about a dozen times, people playing with nylon --> Is the dress code (I believe I was told 70 or 80% white clothing) enforced ? Strictly Enforced. The Dress Code just to verify is 85% White Shirt, with Solid COloured Shorts (some strips down the side are acceptalble) --> Do they have a trial membership where those considering joining could try it out for a week or two before deciding ? No. Best Choice would be to get a member to bring you in on a Guest Fee. --> Finally, just wondering how many people on BF are members or are considering joining. I dont know whos considering?..but for sure there are Nsmash, me, reaper, Nanashi, jechan, jus_anothr_grl, and some others I cant think of the top of my head.
Thanks for the responses. Good to know some ex-Agincourters are there ... I'll probably join in September.