GEL-BLADE 4 (Men) http://www.asics.co.uk/indoor/products/gel-blade-men/ A low-profile, high-tech shoe for agile squash and badminton players Width: Normal Product Code: R305N Sizes: 6-12,13,14 Color: White/Royal Blue/Red Color Code: 0142 Weight: 315 grams (at size 42 probably)
GEL-BLADE 4 (Women) http://www.asics.co.uk/indoor/products/gel-blade-women/ Width: Normal Product Code: R355N Sizes: 6-12 Color: Purple/White/Lightning Color Code: 3601 Weight: 273 grams (at size? 37?)
2013 new colour GEL-BEYOND (Men) http://www.asics.co.uk/indoor/products/gel-beyond-men/ A low-profile volleyball shoe that combines speed and comfort Width: Normal Product Code: B205N Sizes: 5-13,14,15,16 Color: White/Black/Neon Green Color Code: 0190 Weight: 312 grams Color: Lightning/Red/Black Color Code: 9323
GEL-BEYOND (Women) http://www.asics.co.uk/indoor/products/gel-beyond-women/ Width: Normal Product Code: B255N Sizes: 6-12,13,14 Color: White/Lightning/Purple Color Code: 0193 Weight: 288 grams
I bought the asics gel blade 3, which looks very similar to this but I really didnt like it so I sent it back. Reasons being, that the shoe was pretty thin compared to most other badminton shoes and felt a bit stiff.
I managed to do this with my Gel Beyonds (2012 edition) within 2 months. So if you want to use the beyond, use some tape between the rubber and the foam parts of the sole. Because they dettach quite easily.
They did always look a little flimsy in the pics compared to other models ... http://www.tennistown.de/product_info.php?products_id=13693&osCsid=c3eedb47117dd34fba3fd81330f57bc2 http://www.tennistown.de/product_info.php?products_id=13694 ... for example. Different release date in different countries ... Looks like USA will be getting it as well: http://www.volleyballcentral.net/asics-gel-blade-4-men-s-multicourt-shoes.html The ladies model is dang nice . Thought the white one would be for women ...
Very nice, I really like the blue Gel Blade 4. Too bad the colours are a bit... boring, but Asics is definitely my nr. 1 choice for badminton shoes (after I've tried Yonex, Forza and Mizuno). Only other shoe I'd like to try are the Victor SH9000's, but it's much easier to get Asics shoes here in The Netherlands.
so, this is what Asics has done to me. I order 1 set of GB3's and 1 set of Progressives, to try out. I loved the GB3's but the Progr's where just too high and started creaking when I stepped with my left foot. So I ordered two more GB3's. But I broke 1 set and returned the Prog and got two sets of Gel Beyond's as replacements for both (total cost: 15 euros, for two new pairs, awesome service at handbal-direct.nl and Huijg Sport) I wrecked 1 pair of GB, with I didn't really fancy any more after a month or so. The top part of the shoe is too soft and flexes to easily. But I wrecked them at the spot where all GB's ahve that 'rhino skin' flap. So now I'm back to the B4's now they're out and I like them. One wore the blue ones once now, feel remarkably like the 3's. So here're some comparison pictures, only thing is: I've worn the GB3's for quite some time already. I can't tell if the upward "curve" on the nose is because my abuse, or the shoe model. album: http://postimg.org/gallery/1lkre89w/dd7fe88f/
Interesting to see there is indeed no natural colour rubber on the sole but almost all red. Had seen two different pics so far ... And the GB3 does indeed curve more upward than the 4 appear to here (but maybe not as much as yours by now, unless the heel is flat on the surface) .
My GB3s also have an upward curve so I guess it really is part of the shoe model. Handbal-direct.nl and/or Huijg Sport are great tips by the way; haven't heard of these shops before. I will definitely have a look at the latter one in the near future.
Jerby, since you have both B3 and B4, do you mind gives us some review on how's the feel? Which 1 you prefer? Most salesperson I met mentioned that B4 is better, but when I asked them specifically, they can't answer it. I'll be really appreciate if you can give us some info on the performance of this 2 great shoes.
I can't really say 'better or worse', I now wear the GB3 and 4 interchangably without too much hassle. I'd say they feel both just as low and stable, but the sides of the GB4 are much stiffer (around the heel area) than the 3's. I recommend the 4's, but if your 3's are still good, I'd say keep em
I am still looking for an Asics that fits my wide feet, try the Blast 4 in my size and it's too tight...try one size bigger and it almost fit though the length is a bit too long. Anyone know if the Blade is wider than the Blast? thanks