Hello, I'm an intermediate player looking to buy a new racket for ~$150 (Canadian) strung. I have been reading many recommendations around the forums, but I find most of those rackets are not available in Toronto. The only stores around Toronto/Scarborough that I know of are NationalSports, SportChek and Brown's, and I'm leaning towards Brown's as I wont have get rid of factory strings. Markham stores (Ie. Yo's, Mandarin, Lee's) are too far unfortunately. As for the string, I didn't really have an affinity for BG65ti (only string tried so far), so i'd be willing to try any string that you can recommend. Also, I mainly play singles, but also would like a racket that is passable in mens/mixed doubles I should also mention I usually play with plastic shuttles and have been looking at the NS800 racket. Previous Experience: Muscle Power 7 w/ BG65TI @ ~23lbs. Good racket, I would like a bit more net control and a harder smash (net control priority though). Looking For: -Racket available at Brown's Sports/Toronto Stores under ~150CAD -Provide good net control with a workable smash(don't need a 1hit-kill ) -Balanced/Not overly head-heavy -Durable String that will hold tension If I missed anything, I apologize and will quickly update this post.
After looking further, I am also considering the VT5 or VT7, although I'd have to use factory strings (and buy from SportChek)
for that price, you can get the high end racket from Apacs. like Lethal 70 or Tantrum 300 http://www.apacscanada.com/product_info.php/lethal-70-p-101
I doubt apacs is available in browns/toronto street shops. ns800 should be good for the net. Not sure it will help too much in smash area though.
lethal 70 is head heavy, just around VT80 heaviness..... VT7 is a good racket, not too head heavy, lighter weight and easier to swing which is good for net play... eventhough the racket is not too head heavy, but it still can generate enough power for smashing....
