Recommendation (currently using MP99)

Discussion in 'Racket Recommendation / Comparison' started by rasmussen, Mar 18, 2013.

  1. rasmussen

    rasmussen New Member

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    Hello,

    I'm after a bit of advice regarding a new racket. I've been out of the loop for a while so I have no idea what to buy. I'm currently using a Yonex MP99 and have been for some time. Brilliant racket with lots of power, but a touch too heavy.

    Requirements:

    Lighter than the MP99 but with stacks of power for smashing
    Attacking style of play
    No budget
    Ideally Yonex but open to other brands
    Medium to stiff flex

    Had a quick look and came across the Nanoray 700RP, Archsaber 8DX and Voltric 70.

    What do you guys recommend?
     
  2. jasonteo

    jasonteo Regular Member

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    Arcsaber 8dx is rather stiff and can be tiring to use due to its stiffness. Voltric 70 would be closer in terms of head weight to mp99 from what i recall when i held them. voltric 70 is mid stiff so should be quite easy to wield. If you want something lighter go for the 4u version.
     
  3. Cillu

    Cillu Regular Member

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    I hear the new Arc11 is similar to what the MP99 feels like.
     
  4. ucantseeme

    ucantseeme Regular Member

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    I would say that the ARC10 would be very close. I think VT70 could be too flexy for your liking. Give it a try. I think that VT80 may be the right for you. Is your MP99 3U or 2U?
     
  5. milton

    milton Regular Member

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    If your mp99 is 2u then you can still get the 3u version online from e78.com. There is plenty of reviews on here about them and shipping prices are reasonable. Or i believe the musclepower line was replaced by the arcsaber line so you could look at the arc10 which you may be able to find for a good price as its being discontinued for the arc11 which i understand is nearly the same.
     
  6. rasmussen

    rasmussen New Member

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    Honestly have no idea if my MP99 is the 2U or 3U version, it was purchased 5+ years ago.

    ARC11: I can get this for £136 but it seems a bit heavy at 2U? I'd prefer 3U unless its well worth going for 2U. Stiff with head light seems good though.

    ARC10: I'd prefer not to buy a discontinued item, not supplied through directbadminton or tennisnuts either.

    VOL70: Available for £120. 3U which ticks the box but head heavy? My MP99 is balanced, would prefer something similar.

    VOL80: Available for £131. 3U which ticks the box but head heavy?

    Any other recommendations?

    I'm after something with the power of my MP99 but slightly lighter.
     
  7. rasmussen

    rasmussen New Member

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    What about the Nanoray 800? I can get the 3U version via tennis nuts. Stiff with head light. Ticks all the boxes?
     
  8. rasmussen

    rasmussen New Member

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    Having read countless reviews on the VT70, VT80, ARC11 and ARCZ, I'm stuck.

    VT70 is very highly rated but the VT80 is a much improved version, is it worth the extra price tag?

    ARC11 ticks the boxes but can't seem to find any reviews?

    ARC Z Slash is very expensive for what it is?

    Worth considering the A900?
     
  9. milton

    milton Regular Member

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    It should say the wait of the racket ont the cone where it says the recommended tensions. The arc11 has only just arrived in the uk amd there should be a 3u version. Might be worth emailing them. Whilst i havent played with the nanoray as its headlight it might be harder to generate power if you dont have really good technique and fast swing speed. How about victor bravesword 9? Its light and even balance and can buy from centralsports?
     
  10. rasmussen

    rasmussen New Member

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    Think I'll avoid the ARC11 as very few reviews and only just arrived in the UK.

    Narrowed down to the VT70, VT80, ARM900 and ARC8DX.

    ARM900 is a little outdated. All reviews point to the 8DX being very closely matched to the MP99. VT70 and VT80 are top rackets with the 80 probably being my choice.

    Therefore, VT70.. VT80.. or ARC 8DX?
     
  11. Shinichi

    Shinichi Regular Member

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    from my personal experience VT80 is a massive improvement campare to VT70.
     
  12. rasmussen

    rasmussen New Member

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    After further thought I'm stuck between the VT80 and ARC8DX. Both are highly regarded with the VT80 being heavier and thus harder to use.

    I'll be going with BG80 @ 24, thoughts?
     
  13. demolidor

    demolidor Regular Member

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    UK is not exactly known for offering several specs so likely your MP99 is a 3UG3. If that is too heavy I guess you need to go for a 4U, probably more toward NR700RP or 800 (maybe not 800 reading your requirements :D) than VT80. Otherwise 8DX in 3U for a like for like replacement ...

    Just reading you want lighter yet stacks of power and mid flex to stiff ... perhaps some other brands may need to come into play as well ...
     
    #13 demolidor, Mar 19, 2013
    Last edited: Mar 19, 2013
  14. vajrasattva

    vajrasattva Regular Member

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    VT80 is no where near nor no where as manageable as the mp99

    i'll recommend you a gosen ryoga issen instead, BP 298mm, vs mp99's BP292-293mm, a tad more powerful, yet very agile/quick, unlike the vt80... :) i use the issen interchangeably with the mp99 during a session and found not much need to re-adapt the strokes
     
  15. rasmussen

    rasmussen New Member

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    VT80 scrapped off, too head heavy - less control in doubles.

    8DX is a like for like replacement which is what i'm swaying towards.

    Anything else I should consider? Z Slash maybe?
     
  16. cobalt

    cobalt Moderator

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    The ARC-11 is supposed to be the "new and improved" version of the ARC-10. Here is the main thread for the ARC-11
    http://www.badmintoncentral.com/forums/showthread.php/121201-Yonex-Arcsaber-11
    The ARC-10 is like the Everything-for-everyman racquet. Been also described as the Jack-of-all-trades but that does not stop a lot of pros from using it. Good for singles and doubles.

    Another option is the Woven 7 from SOTX - if you can manage to find the darn thing!

    Another very good and possible option is the new products from Panda Power - the P-Pro and the Revelation. You will find a lot of info about them on the Panda Power thread:
    http://www.badmintoncentral.com/for...t-That-Can-Take-40lbs-String-Tension!/page382
    You can probably begin reading from around page 350 onward...

    Always good to remember as well that choice of string and tension can make a huge difference in the way a racquet performs for an individual.

    Hope this helps. :)
     
  17. rasmussen

    rasmussen New Member

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    Went for the DX :)
     
  18. rasmussen

    rasmussen New Member

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    Thanks for the advice guys, really appreciate it.
     
  19. amleto

    amleto Regular Member

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    hope it's not too stiff!
     
  20. rasmussen

    rasmussen New Member

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    Just changed my order to the Arcsaber 11, only cost me £23 more. Delivered tomorrow with BG80 @ 24. I'm playing for 2 hours tomorrow so I'll drop a little review then :)
     

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