Hi, Does anyone know of any ArcSaber FB cheap alternative racquets ? My other half, who uses ArcSaber FB got really pissed every time her string snapped at the beginning of the games and she got no spare racquet to use. I offered her my NR900, ARC11 and 700FX. She said all of them are too heavy.. (I guess she is really spoiled....hahaha) No, I am not going to buy another FB to be used as spares. lol. Therefore, I want to know if there is even such thing out there that is as close to FB as possible and can be used in such event. Don't have to be branded, but cheap and as light as the FB. (I doubt it.. but never hurt to ask..) I remember I looked at something called Flex Power Fierce 99 Super Offensive a while back at one of the local shops. Pardon my ignorance but I have no idea what brand this is, but when I was holding it.. not too such about the quality but it seems pretty light... Wondering if anyone tried this before? Appreciate any recommendation and comments. Thanks.
Look at the Light Fighter (700, 7300, 7350, 7400) rackets from Victor. they're all <80g and go from head-heavy (7400) to head-light (7000). Price is 110€ (7400) to 70€ (7000) in germany
Consider APACS as well, they have a couple of models like the Feather Weight series which are pretty good and I feel more durable.
Karakal BN60 or BN65. All of them are lighter than arcFB (dry weight about 63 & 67 respectively). Good news: they are much more durable than arcFB (able to withstand 30lbs) and cheaper by 69% than arcFB. Power wise, BN60 or BN65 are said to be head heavy balance unlike arcFB which is more into even balance. I dont know other brands that offer lighter racket, but Karakal BN60 & BN65 are few of the top range from Karakal (just like Yonex with arcFB).
We had observed the key point being "String snapped". Please do try asking the person who does the restringing to change the faulty grommets. Sad to say, usually not "all" re stringer will change the faulty grommet/ grommets The faulty grommets can be a main reason of easy snapping of the string. Then also try asking the re stringer to string one extra string instead of the usual finishing and that will also help to reduce the chance of string snapping. Extra string from the top and in some cases if some rackets can, also string extra line at the bottom Apply some vaseline cream to the string will also help too. Karakal BN60 should be quite good but it is not cheap and the feel is not the same
Thank you all for the recommendations and comments. I will check out the Victors and APACS. I am in Vancouver area and not sure if any stores carry Karakal.
Crap... Victor Light Fighter cannot be found in Canada. The only options I have here is APACS or find an online shop that will send Light Fighter to Canada.
FZ Forza offers a 6U "Graphite Light" racket. There aren't many reviews on it but it's 74g, medium balance, medium flex and the material is high quality. Other than that, I feel like apacs is probably the only choice in North Am
Thanks Bud. I am checking this out now.. You are right, it's half the price of the FB. Probably worth giving it a shot.
Thanks visor.. Yeah.. Black Knight has something call the "Phantom 30T XL" It only weights 75g. Only thing is that it is as costly as the FB. $199.00 *sigh*. Thanks for the recommendation though.
Sure will PinkDawg. Thanks for the input guys.. Here is what I have so far.. Unfortunately, I will have to skip those not available in Canada and those that are about the same price as FB. 1. Victor Light Fighter 7000, 7300, 7350, 7400 (Not available in Canada) 2. Apacs Featherweight 300 3. Apacs Tantrum Light Infinity 4. Karakal BN60 and BN65 (Not available in Canada) 5. FZ Forza Graphite Light 6. Black Knight Phantom 30T (Slight cheaper than FB. A bit over-budget for me) 7. ArcSaber 6 (5U) (Couldn't find one in Canada.. Still looking..) 8. Kumpoo Power Control Nano A262L and A263L Super Light
Just get her to do some forearm strengthening exercises with a racket head cover on. Would be cheaper. What did she use before the FB came out?
I suggest taking a look at Li-Ning Extra Skill Windstorm series 650, 660, 700, 300. You could probably find local retailers carrying these rackets. However, the price is more on the expensive side.
Thanks Dave. Yeah, hard to find Calron racquets here for some reasons. Maybe there is a shop somewhere I am not aware of.. Anyway, the Air Lite series are over 80g in weight. The FB is only 73g. So, I might have to skip these. Ashaway Superlight series are available at amazon.com. Not aware of any local stores which carries them. I will keep an eye out. OK. My list now: 1. Victor Light Fighter 7000, 7300, 7350, 7400 (Not available in Canada) 2. Apacs Featherweight 300 3. Apacs Tantrum Light Infinity 4. Karakal BN60 and BN65 (Not available in Canada) 5. FZ Forza Graphite Light 6. Black Knight Phantom 30T (Slight cheaper than FB. A bit over-budget for me) 7. ArcSaber 6 (5U) (Couldn't find one in Canada.. Still looking..) 8. Kumpoo Power Control Nano A262L and A263L Super Light 9. Ashaway Superlight Series (Amazon) 10. Calrton Air-Lite (weight > 80g)
