Hi Guys, Tried to search the forum for similar recommendations but no joy: Can someone recommend an even-balance (slightly head-heavy at a push), medium-stiff, doubles racket please? In particular, I'm looking for a sub £100 racket. Based on specs and other recommendations, I would have gone for BS12. But as I wan't to buy 2 rackets (provided I'm happy with it of course!), I can't justify spending £240 for two BS12's! Happy to consider other 'budget' brands that can be bought in the UK (no SOTX, Apacs, etc, around here) but only if you personally recommend them! Thanks in advance!
Thanks for the suggestion. I was thinking more of something in the £80 range though. Call me a slave to marketing but I just don't see a £45 racket being any good!
Thanks for the reply. Unfortunately: Voltric 70 - £131.99 Arc I-Slash - £127.99 Too expensive! Could buy one at a stretch but I really want to buy 2 so I can rotate between re-stringing.
The Kinesis racket would have been over £100 when it first come out but its on offer at £45. It's not as cheap as that on other websites.
The Kinesis racquet is pretty decent if I may say so myself. The only reason it's been reduced I believe is because Carlton has introduced the X70, X80, X90 as part of the series - so they're getting rid of their old stock. It's definitely worth more than the £45 price tag. I'm perfectly happy playing with this racquet in doubles - it is a tad (a tiny bit) head-light in my opinion. This isn't my go-to racquet. I prefer the Arc11, but this plays just dandy if you're not looking to spend over £100.
apacs is available via ebay and they will ship to the UK the seller I have in mind is badminton-racket For example ebay item number 171272430637 I have never played with these racquets, but thought i'd chip in regarding availability to these to the UK
IMO, kinesis is a pretty decent racket. I think the only reason why it is that cheap is because they are not in production anymore and they don't have warranty (yes, no warranty, I already warn you.. but IMO I don't think it is that easy to break) how about voltric 3 (£43)? medium stiff, but head heavy http://www.directsportseshop.co.uk/...-Badminton-Racket&NavID=605&FromSearchPage=No lining N33-II (£89): http://www.directsportseshop.co.uk/...ng-N33-II-Badminton-Racket&FromSearchPage=Yes BS LYD (£95): yes, I still recommend a bravesword lol.. http://www.directsportseshop.co.uk/...-Badminton-Racket-(Yellow)&FromSearchPage=Yes
Well, at my local shop, it goes for just £89 (£99 if you want it strung with bg80, bg66u or nbg98). http://transocean-sport.dk/produkter/37-yonex---dk-maerkede/334-yonex-voltric-70/ Buy two and I think they set you back something like £25 in shipping to the UK, making it a total of just around £200 (no strings). They often provide discounts when you purchase 2 or 3 racquets of the same kind. BUT: I think there's a risk you'll find the VT70 just a tad too head heavy, judging from your description. I have one myself. I'm happy with it, especially for singles play. But I do find it just a tiny bit too head heavy for defensive play in doubles and for attacking at the net and a few delicate deceptive strokes. I'm currently considering if I should work on my forearm strength or try out a racquet that's just a little bit more evenly balanced (NR800, ARC11, etc.) - not sure if I'll find those rackets too stiff though - have to try them out I suppose.
While you are not sure what you want I'd recommend trying second hand racquets as you don't lose as much when you sell them on if you don't like them.
I would recommend the Ashaway Viper XT900.. I bought 5 of them for £50 each but they retail for £60 each. I was very happy with these and was not expecting anything good but they were surprisingly nice to play with.
Hey All Thanks for all the messages and recommendations. I've gone through most of them and done some research! Some have made the shortlist, but from another forum, I'm now looking at the Apacs Tantrum 200. Found a seller on ebay with some good feedback and a sweet price point (£60 each) so may get this in a couple of weeks. Will let you know how it goes!
Email Ahmed at apacs pk apacssportspk@hotmail.co.uk he will do you a good deal and is very trustworthy. I have had a few apacs from him including tantrum 300 and lethal 70 in the past.