So... I have been playing badminton for a long while, but I still do not know how to compare rackets. I don't know if these two rackets are different, but I know that I like them both. I am better in singles, however I like playing doubles more. I have tried a lot of rackets in my young life and narrowed it down to these two rackets. I would need help on the specs and the pros/cons of these two rackets before making my choice. Thank you
Use GOOGLE ... Armotec 700 : Flex: Extra Stiff Balance: Headheavy Composition (Frame): U.H.M. Graphite, gForce Ti Composition (Shaft): H.M. Graphite, Ultimum Ti Weight / Grip Size: 4U(80.0-84.9g) / G4 and 3U(85.0-89.9g) / G3, 4, 5 Technologies: Power Armor system, Isometric, Built in T-joint, Ultimum ti, C.S. Cap Go to www.victorsport.com for SW37 Level:SUPER Weight : 3U(85~89.9g) / 4U(80~84.9g) String Tension LBS : 3U:H≦30 lbs V≦28 lbs / 4U:H≦28 lbs V≦26 lbs Length : 675 mm Balance:HH○○●○○HL Shaft Stiffness:S○○●○○F Frame Material : Ultra high modulus graphite+Nano Resin+E.Titanium Shaft Material: Ultra high modulus graphite+Nano Resin +7.0 shaft They are DIFFERENT in the sense that SW37 is EVEN BALANCED and medium flex while AT700 is head heavy and stiff ... well, as different as DAY and NIGHT ... Since you don't know what you like and both are GOOD racquets, so final choice will depend on how you "feel" with them in your hands and in a game and what sort of player you are (rally, smasher, offensive, defensive etc ... ) ... which one feels better - then buy that one - simple ... FOR ME: Whenever in doubt, buy an EVEN BALANCED racquet and medium flex .... SW37 ...
To me if you play both actively like I do. Get both if you can afford it. The SW37's flex is easier on the arm and is better for singles but at the same time it makes it a pretty decent all rounder racket. The damn stiff AT700 would be excellent for doubles especially at the net (to me) but you do have a higher risk of injury if you don't have well developed muscles to support the stress of flexing that shaft when smashing =/
If you are in Budget, go with AT700. You could work out to build your muscles and play badminton the other day.
I don't think the AT700 2nd gen is extra stiff. It is more like mid stiff leaning towards stiff. Of course, it's head heaviness cause the racket to bend more, but I don't think it is until the extend of it being extra stiff like what Yonex stated.
Both rackets are very different. IMHO the SW37 is not a racket that caught me. I would go for the AT700. Maybe the SW35 is an option or a VT80. Btw if you guys think the MX80 is stiff. Try a Forza VS racket. That's stiffness to the fullest.