Written on August 14, 2013 Voltric 80 LTD: 3u g5, code SP, Yonex NGB98 22 lbs, original grip + 2 x Yonex grips AC102EX Arcsaber i-slash: 3u g4, code SP, Yonex BG68 Titanium 23 lbs, original (factory) grip *NOTE: Each person has different play style and physical condition, thus feel different toward each racquet. I will list my level, playing style, physical condition and experience with each racquet. Hope this review can help other players to find the right racquet for them. Level: I’m somewhere around intermediate. Please refer to this table for more detail: [TABLE] [TR] [TD]Rules, lining & point system[/TD] [TD]yes[/TD] [TD][/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD]Able to serve across court[/TD] [TD]yes[/TD] [TD][/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD]Fundamental footwork[/TD] [TD]yes[/TD] [TD][/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD]Able to hit to the baseline with forehand[/TD] [TD]yes[/TD] [TD][/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD]Able to hit to the baseline with backhand[/TD] [TD]yes[/TD] [TD][/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD]Able to do powerful smashing (forehand)[/TD] [TD]1/2[/TD] [TD]Not jumping smash[/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD]Able to do powerful smashing (backhand)[/TD] [TD]1/2[/TD] [TD]Only in the forecourt, because I’m not tall[/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD]Able to return smash (fore & backhand)[/TD] [TD]1/2[/TD] [TD][/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD]Normal net play [/TD] [TD]yes[/TD] [TD][/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD]Drop shot from baseline[/TD] [TD]yes[/TD] [TD]While easy[/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD]Tactical play (open area & weakness)[/TD] [TD]yes[/TD] [TD][/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD]Number of years with playing experience[/TD] [TD]<5[/TD] [TD][/TD] [/TR] [/TABLE] My playing style: mostly a deceptive stroke player. I prefer tactic and control over power and tend to “kill” opponents with slow drop shot. But if the shuttle goes to the right position (for example: a weak defense shot from opponent. The shuttle goes not so high around the mid-court), then I will perform a kill smash. My physical condition: Male. Height: 61 inch ~ 1.55 meters. Weight: 110 lbs ~ 50 kg. My wrist’s strength is average but my durability is good. I played with Voltric 80 LTD for 2+ months. Then it was broken. Now I play with Arcsaber i-slash. I write this comparison after the first day playing with i-slash. *Comparison-Overall: [TABLE] [TR] [TD][/TD] [TD]VT80 LTD[/TD] [TD]ARC-IS[/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD]Speed[/TD] [TD]7.8/10[/TD] [TD]9.2/10[/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD]Control[/TD] [TD]8/10[/TD] [TD]9/10[/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD]Power[/TD] [TD]7-8.5/10[/TD] [TD]9/10[/TD] [/TR] [/TABLE] Both racquets are 3u but VT80 feel a lot slower than ARC-IS. VT80’s head is heavy-and swinging it feels like swinging a mace/hammer. Moreover, this racquet consumes a lot of energy. In single game, my performance with this racquet is only good during the first few points. After that, the fatigue hurts attack, control, moving, etc. (it’s hurt everything ). Besides, handle the VT80 is quite difficult. That’s why I need two additional grips. And NGB98 string seems doesn’t suit this situation because it generates so much repulsion. Slow swing speed + huge repulsion = less power transfers to the shuttle before it goes. On the other side, ARC-IS is an even-balance racquet (but I still feel a little head heavy). Thus, it offers more control than VT80, swinging ARC-IS feel like swinging a stick/spear. This racquet doesn’t consume much energy. After a single game, I don’t feel tired at all. I also notice this that this racquet works better with no additional grip (yes, just stick with the original “factory” grip). With additional grip: speed, control, power go down, maybe because the vibration (ARC-IS's stiffness is medium). Without the additional grip, my hand absorbs all the vibration. And the racquet’s performance suddenly becomes nearly perfect. *Comparison-details: [TABLE] [TR] [TD][/TD] [TD]VT80 LTD[/TD] [TD]ARC-IS (with factory grip)**[/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD]High clear[/TD] [TD]8[/TD] [TD]9.5[/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD]Drop shot[/TD] [TD]8[/TD] [TD]9[/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD]Net shot[/TD] [TD]8.5[/TD] [TD]8.5[/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD]Smash[/TD] [TD]7.5[/TD] [TD]9[/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD]Drive[/TD] [TD]8[/TD] [TD]9[/TD] [/TR] [/TABLE] [TABLE] [TR] [TD][/TD] [TD]VT80 LTD[/TD] [TD]ARC-IS (with factory grip)**[/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD]High clear[/TD] [TD]Ok, backhand shot not so powerful.[/TD] [TD]Easy to send the shuttle crosscourt to the backline of the opponent’s court. Even with backhand.[/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD]Drop shot[/TD] [TD]Head-heavy: less accurate[/TD] [TD]Even balance: more accurate. Backhand crosscourt is easy.[/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD]Net shot[/TD] [TD]ok[/TD] [TD]ok[/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD]Smash[/TD] [TD]Hard to use, strength demanded. [/TD] [TD]Both backhand and forehand smash are fast and accurate but still powerful. This racquet uses my energies efficiently. It is nearly effortless.[/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD]Drive[/TD] [TD]Can’t generate enough power.[/TD] [TD]Fast and furious.[/TD] [/TR] [/TABLE] *The comparison table above bases on my personal experience, playing style and physical condition. It’s not true for everyone. **With additional grip, the racquet performance goes down a lot. Conclusion: With me, VT80 is a demanding racquet. ARC-IS is more friendly and suit me better. My wrist becomes more efficient and my overall performance goes up in both single and double games. To me, ARC-IS works best without additional grip.
