ok, i have been thinking of a new racket for some time, i am currently using a Voltric 7 (red and black 2011 i think) i find that it is not fast enough around the net and in quick reaction shots, i recently used a friends Carlton vapor trail tour (shiny silver also 2011 i think) i found it to be considerably lighter and faster than my yonex but when i look at the specs of the 2012 versions of these rackets it shows the Carlton to be heavier is the weight the only think that affects the speed of the racket?
Not just racquet weight... the head frame design (aerodynamic) head head heaviness shaft stiffness any many others that i might not know...
besides the thickness of the shaft, the design of the head frame, you should also consider the weight of the racket strung or unstrung, the number of grips you put on the handle as well. everything comes into play when you're putting stuff on a racket that merely weights from 75g-90g. i have the vapourtrail vanquish and tho it's mid weight, when i swing it it's superlight because of the shaft and frame design.