All-Rounder Intermediate Racquet, Budget ~$150AUD

Discussion in 'Racket Recommendation / Comparison' started by amac38, Feb 17, 2013.

  1. amac38

    amac38 Regular Member

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    Hi,

    I am interested in buying a badminton racquet for an intermediate player. I have been playing on and off for the past few years but I started playing twice a week since beginning of this year. I have been using an old Yang Yang Envirostar and also enjoyed using Dad's Finnex Infinity Gold which I can buy new for $90AUD so I would like something similar to this racquet.

    I don't have a particular playing style yet as I'm just learning some basic strategy and improving my technique, I play doubles more often as I mostly play social badminton. I would like an all-rounder racquet as I enjoy smashing as much as I enjoy drop shots! I don't want a racquet which is too stiff as my backhand clear can't consistently reach from baseline to baseline yet...

    My budget is $150AUD (willing to spend a bit more if it's worth it) so if you have any suggestions for me or any suitable racquets for sale, please post here. I would also like to buy a pair of badminton shoes, any recommendations?

    I am happy to buy from an international store too such as mybadmintonstore.com too or any other recommended stores.

    Thank you for your time!
    Alvin
     
  2. Fidget

    Fidget Regular Member

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    Welcome amac38! :)

    If you are looking for bang for your buck in an intermediate all-rounder doubles racket, you would do well to consider the Yonex Armortec Tour (AT-Tour) . Also known as Armortec 600.

    Comes as 4U, so is quick enough for doubles. Yet the moderately heavy head and mid-flex shaft ought to give you plenty of power for smashes and clears.

    It is a slightly older model, which is why it might not be on many shelves at a store near you. But for that same reason you can find it reasonably priced online. http://www.sohubuy.com/slist.asp?factory=YONEX&sort=2&topage=2 Any money saved can go towards coaching for that backhand clear.;)

    Helpful BC'ers will soon give you many more excellent suggestions. Good luck and have fun! :)
     
  3. amac38

    amac38 Regular Member

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    Thank you for your help Fidget!

    I can only find the AT-Tour for similar prices to newer models of racquets, the link you provided charges $100+ for shipping to Australia! Still, I really appreciate your help!

    I just bought a pair of badminton shoes by Li-ning, they are the AYTD009-1 for $70AUD. Although the colourway isn't flashy, it feels really good and I don't want to attract too much attention too! haha

    So I've cut my options down to the Victor MX-JJS or the BS-LYD. They are similar priced so I would like suggestions based on it's features and specs. I'll string the racquet to 23 pounds as this is recommended by BC for an intermediate player. I'm tempted to go with BG-80 string, is this okay?

    Thanks for your time!

    PS: Haha, there's not much coaching over here in Perth. Just have to practice more and learn from videos on YouTube!
     
  4. amac38

    amac38 Regular Member

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    I also have the option of 3U or 4U on either racquet too as I want to buy it from mybadmintonstore.com

    I was interested in the MX80 but the racquet is probably too stiff for an intermediate like me, so I'll settle for the not so stiff MXJJS. Does that sound right?

    Thanks.
     
  5. Fidget

    Fidget Regular Member

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    amac38,

    I don't have hands-on experience with the rackets you mentioned. Except for the MX-80 - you are right, it is pretty stiff. It is not that stiff is only for experts, but more a matter of what you are used to and what you like. If you are using mid-flex now, then you should stick with a mid-flex racket.

    As for the string, that is a matter of personal preference. But if in doubt, BG-80 is a fine string.

    When it comes to tension, that is also a personal thing. I am not afraid to admit that I play best in the 21-23 lb range. Others would find that like playing with wet noodles. Do you know what your current rackets are strung at? If so, I wouldn't venture to string more than 2 lb above that on your new racket... just so you don't have too many new variables to get used to at once.

    Good luck, and here's hoping a wiser person than me chips in to this thread soon. :eek:;)
     
  6. WoOZY

    WoOZY Regular Member

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    I have both the MX-JJS and MX80... And I had the LYD but I sold the LYD because it's not really my type of racket. The LYD is stiff and light, so if your concern is backhand clears... That's even harder to do.

    Personally I think the JJS is more a singles racket and the MX80 can be used for both. The JJS is not as stiff as the MX80. But the JJS is more head heavy than the MX80, so it's a bit more tiring.
    Do you have a big swing? If you need a big swing to generate power, a racket with more hold would be beneficial.
     
  7. maxout

    maxout Regular Member

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    If you don't mind trying one more Victor racquet, have a look at Victor BS-11 , I rate it as one of the best all rounder Victor has ever made.
     
  8. amac38

    amac38 Regular Member

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    Thanks for all your help here!

    I've contacted KPH Sports and he recommended me the MX80 after I described my experience and playing style, he's a very friendly and helpful guy. Highly recommended to anyone here in Australia as it's quite hard to find a specialised badminton shop here.

    He included stringing of the BG80 at 25lbs (he recommended) and so all up, delivered from Victoria to Perth cost me $170 which I believe is a very fair price! Especially in Australia!

    So thank you for all your help BC-ers, I really appreciate it and I can't wait to try out this racquet. I'll keep my YangYang for backup and to notice the differences between a stiff and a flexible racquet.

    Cheers from down-under, Australia,
    Alvin!
     
  9. irwan_kho

    irwan_kho Regular Member

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    i don't think MX80 is a all rounder racket because it is really heavy and stiff racket. you should have got MX60 or 70.
     
  10. gundamzaku

    gundamzaku Regular Member

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    i apologize for making things more complicated, but i have always considered all round rackets those that are more or less even balance. the arcsaber series from yonex is great because it is very evenly balanced. if you're looking for something else other than YY, i think victor bs 11 is quite nice tho it might be a bit too expensive. to me it's still a tiny bit head heavy but it's a great all round racket when i use it :)
     
  11. Fidget

    Fidget Regular Member

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    OP has ordered his racket and was quite happy about it. What a pity to second-guess him at this point. :-(
     
  12. Renmazuo27

    Renmazuo27 Regular Member

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    Hey Alvin,

    Whereabouts are you in Perth? I'm North of the river and there's Kingsway Rec Center that hold coaching sessions on Tuesdays and there are a few other centers around the city that hold coaching sessions.

    I'm usually a regular at the Kingsway ones on Tuesday and Vic Park on Friday but I'm recovering from a knee reconstruction so I only go down to see my coach and get up to speed on things.

    I'm happy to accompany you or give you more details (just send me a pm) if you're interested.
     
    #12 Renmazuo27, Mar 3, 2013
    Last edited: Mar 3, 2013

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