Advanced hobby player needs help by choosing a new racket ;D

Welcome to the forum.


The Yonex Voltric 70 would suit you well, if you enjoy smashing and drives. It is a head heavy flexible racket; whippy and easy to generate power for most advancing players imho.


Arcsaber 11 is a solid choice, slightly head heavy and stiff. A good overall racket with a solid smash, though it is not on the level of more head heavy rackets in terms of power.


I would avoid the Voltric Z Force 1, unless you have excellent overall technique due to its highly stiff and very head heavy nature. Though it is a joy to use, it is a demanding racket. I would imagine that the Z force 2 is similar, but I have not used it before.


The Voltric 80 is another racket that you could consider, its a slightly more head heavy and stiff version of the Voltric 70, still a forgiving and a powerful racket to use.


I don't have much experience with the nanoray z speed or z slash, but I would say that they arn't anything special to them apart from the looks.


Though I strongly suggest that you demo out the rackets if you have the opportunity, you might find a racket that fits you perfectly, that you might have disregarded. Also the performance of a racket will depend largely on your skill and technique, so u might find that certain rackets are too stiff or heavy for u etc.


Lastly, you should try and consider non Yonex rackets, as you might find that they better suit you etc.


I hope this helps

 

I'm a hard smasher so i like my head heavy and stiff shaft racquets. I also tend to use higher tensions 27-29 pounds but I'll make comment on your racquet options.

I had a Voltric 70 for like 3 years and I've never ever really liked it. In the end I gave it to a friend to use, and even now, he prefers to use his APACS racquet!. So, personally I do not recommended unlike the earlier poster. You could try it but I wouldn't pay more than 60 euro for such an old model racquet (4 years since release now?).

Z Speed - very hard to use unless you are strong and good technique (did own one but lent it to a friend who was stronger and better than me)
Z Slash - similar to Z Speed and hard to use I think - old model now (I never owned one but did try for a few times)

Arc 11 - good for control/doubles but not as powerful as the others in your list (I never owned one but did try a friends)

Z Force 2 3u my favourite racquet right now for smashing. Currently strung around 29x31 pounds for smashing.
I have a ZF2 LCW edition strung at 29x29 (I think) but I feel this racquet/string is very hard to use. I'm waiting for this string to break and then restring like my ZF2 3u.

Z Force 2 4u not as stiff, easier to use but not as nice as the 3U in terms of smashing power. (maybe a tension issue but the max recommended tension for 4u is lower than 3u)

Z Force 1 3u - highly recommended. Probably the 2nd easiest to use than all the others you've listed (Arc11 easier to use). Being an older model, you should be able to get this at a much cheaper price compared to the latest models like ZF2.

If you can afford it get the ZF2 4u version which is lighter and not as stiff as the 3u version. If you feel like you're getting better or want to push yourself, go for the 3u.

If you want to save money, I recommend you go with the older model Voltric Z Force 1. As it's the older model, maybe you can save like 30%~40% or so compared to the latest ZF2 model.
Maybe you can buy two ZF1 with your 160 Euro budget!
I think they do have a 4u of the ZF1 version but I've never tried it.


Anyway, I had paid ~AUD190 ~130 Euro for all my yonex racquets I have listed above from a good supplier here. The price I paid just depends on the time I bought it.

In terms of the small head, I think the Z-Speed is a smaller head but the others doesn't have a significantly smaller head compared to normal. You'll probably find the isometric head may be just as small. Just have to improve your technique and concentration when using a small head.

Shop around and go with a reputable seller who you can be safe it's genuine Yonex racquet.
Finally there are so many variables in choosing a racquet, like string type/tension and grip for example. You need to try and test all the racquets you can before you buy but that is not always easy or available.

Good luck!

 

You're absolutely right, any of the racquets you've listed will be an improvement over your isometric racquet. So yes the Arc11 would definitely be an improvement as it is the latest model and technology and give you a stronger smash.
We are spoilt for choice these days for good racquets and strings with the new technology. I still remember my carbonex 8 racquet with tension no more than 20 pounds 24 years ago!.
You can probably increase the string tension you may be using on your old racquet too.

Anyway, I haven't tried the iforce or FB but I have got a APACS featherweight 200 which is a very light racquet. It's so light that I struggle to smash or clear to the back even though I'm reasonably strong. With a really light racquet, you need to swing faster to get the same force transferred to the shuttlecock. In some cases, you just can't clear as well anymore with the light racquet, and you will try to hit harder and injure yourself more.
Light racquets are usually very fragile as well so you have to be careful there.

I only recommend the 4u zf2 because it is not as stiff and easier to use compared to the 3u version, but still quite powerful and can clear to the back.

 

Here in the UK, most racket specialist stores have a racket demoing programme. Whereby you are able to try out a limited amount of rackets for several weeks, in return for financial deposit. I am sure that there are racket specialised stores that offer something similar in Germany, just make sure that they are authorised Yonex dealers to have the best possible chance.

Regarding 5U Voltric I Force, I have never used it, but I personally do not recommend any rackets lighter than 4U. As this usually results in a more fragile racket as less materials are used etc. So you might want to avoid if you are looking for durability.

If I had to recommend you one racket; it would be the Voltric 80 it is a very sturdy racket and widely acclaimed. I personally find it to be a mid stiff racket and head heavy; power comes without too much effort imho. (mine survived many clashes until the shaft broke at the cone area)

I use the VT70 often in my doubles game due to its ease of power making it easy for me to clear, kill and smash. Though I have never had one break on me as I have never clashed it, the frame is somewhat on the thin side which makes me wonder about its durability when I do.

However, in the end everyone's mileage per racket will vary and you should not disregard any rackets that have peaked your interests. I again stress that you should find a racket specialist store that offers a demoing programme so you can pick and compare, to find your perfect racket.

After all it is a long term investment.

 

Hallo LaPapaya.

I wouldn't recommend any Z-Type racket. Due the smaller heads they aren't forgiving rackets. Tbh if your are "just" a hobby player you don't have an excellent technique, if you never get coached.
I also wouldn't recommend a too stiff and head heavy racket. IMO Arc11 is a nice racket which fits alot of players and shines in every area. Some will say, that a headheavy, superstiff banger will produce the huges smash, but it's the player who must use the full potential of this racket type. Without any clue about your level and skill, because I have never seen you playing, the Arc11 is a save bet.

Wo kommst du her? NRW?

Gruß.

 

If just a hobby player I would even avoid the arc11 since it is stiff. Look for more medium flex racket like vt70 or arc7.

For hobby player, biggest smash will come from vt70, arc7, vt80, arc11, and zf2 approximately in that order.

 

A rough gauge of skill and technique is:
-What tension do you use now?
-how far can you clear with your overhead backhand?
-or a short video of you playing.

Now have you considered the Nanoray series? The Nanoray 900 is the top of the series and same price range as Arc11.
The lower models like Nr700 would be cheaper but still good enough for you.

 

Try the Carlton Powerblade Superlite, which is a superb racquet with very low cost.
It's available at germans Amazon at 26 Euro (without bag) and 34-39 Euro with 3/4 or full bag.
I own this as my second racquet and recommend this one to beginner and intermediate players in our team (i'm the coach). I use a Z-Slash myself and it is very very unforgiven. Every time you didn't hit the shuttle in the mid of the racquet, it's easy for your opponent to finish the point.
In the last games I switched back to the Carlton. It can be strung to nearly 13kg.
If you got problems with the length of your backhand strokes, then I would use 9,5 to 10,5 kg.

Viele Grüße vom Norden Deutschlands..

Gosar

 

I tend to agree that you should consider a cheaper option for a racquet first before you go to the top of the range Yonex racquet. Especially if you are prone to crashing racquet with your partners.

 

OP, plays with plastics, which are not as easy on the arm as feathers. If he can't clear with the backhand, increasing tension isn't the default solution for that. Without knowing I think it's because of wrong technique instead of to loose string.

 

Oh well you know my opinion of plastics..

Here is the Yonex matrix if you haven't seen it yet already...
http://www.yonex.com/products/badminton-racquet-matrix/

The Nanoray 900 is positioned next to the z speed which I feel is pretty hard to use. I didn't think the Nanoray 900 would be as hard to use but hey opinions vary so much. I've only used briefly used the 900 but you can search the forums for people's opinion about it.

Others were suggesting vt70 or vt80 but you can consider the e-tune versions of them which allows for some flexibility to change (tune) the characteristics of the racquet after you bought it.
HOWEVER, personally I'm not convinced about the customising technology which is pretty pricey because the inserts will cost you money as well. Also I'm not impressed you need to restring every time you want to "tune" it.

Adidas does a better job at it with the switch pro. Almost two years since release so maybe you can find one for half the budget you're thinking about.
http://www.badmintoncentral.com/for...874-REVIEW-Adidas-Switch-Pro-badminton-racket

 

Being able to tune or customize your racquet after you've bought it might help find a better fit since you can't try these new racquets.
Alternatively you can buy a new racquet and sell it on to your fellow members if you don't like it (since they're looking as well)

 

IMO it's only worthy to buy highend rackets, try them and sell them in mint condition to minimize the loss of money. You can also order rackets to try online. They charge a small fee but it's less stress than buying and selling a few times to find your perfect racket. [MENTION=121417]LaPapaya[/MENTION]: Wo in NRW wohnst du? Gerne per PM.

 

Most hobby players think that an expensive racquet will make them a better player in one minute. That's untrue. Most times, you have to be a real good player to handle that expensive ones..
A good smash is a good placed one. Playing with hobby players, there is a good chance to make a winner with a fast smash to the midfield. The faster, the better. Against better players, chances to get that shuttle on the ground in such way will hardly decrease.
Try to find a racquet (and the optimal stringing strength) which enables you to place the smash where ever you want (with training) and that will make you a much better player. Even if you can't make a winner with the first smash, the second one is yours.. Go for the second..

 

The NR900 is a weird racket, it's quite head heavy when NR are supposed to be headlight - so yeah it might be a bit difficult.

The Z-speed is weird and hit and miss with people; they either love it or they hate it.

If you're just playing for a hobby, I wouldn't go for anything with head heavy or stiff shaft. They will make your timing harder.

I would recommend something like an Arcsaber 7, 9FL, or i-Slash. They're well balanced rackets with enough shaft flex to give you a bit of extra power. The i-Slash has the smaller frame, but unlike the i-Force, Z-Force, or Z-Speed, the i-Slash has the balance of an Arcsaber.

As you list yourself as advanced, I wouldn't expect you to make too many miss hits, so I don't think the smaller frame would be too big of a change for you.

Personally I have an Arcsaber 9 and a Z Force II. The ZF2 is definitely more tiring to use; it does produce some great smashes, but I also find it a bit harder to control shots on it because it's head heavy and I have to throw a lot more behind my shots as the shaft doesn't flex much. If my arm is tired I generally run back crying to my Arc 9 because it's a comfy racket.

I was going to buy an i-Slash, but it felt too similar to my Arcsaber 9 for me to justify buying it - ended up with the ZF2 instead.