What to get??

First question. What is it about your racquet that you currently don't like? Is there heavy damage to it? Enough that it cannot be restrung again? The MP44 is a solid racquet in its own right.

One of the things we always tell new members here on BF is that your equipment has little to nothing to do with your improvement as a player. Even for advanced players, changing racquets only represent a "fine tunning" to fit their personal preference. A basic racquet, strung to a normal tension, is not an inhibitor to skill development. I'm sure there are stories out there from various members who can attest to playing with steel racquets for years before getting a graphite model.

What is your goal from trying to change your racquet? I don't know your motivation, but don't be tempted by your buddies having a flashy MP99 or an Armourtec. If you spend you money (some $200+ Cdn for the 99) instead on getting lessons and coaching, you'll be getting a much bigger bang for your badminton dollars.

Just my 2 cents (Cdn).

 

Sounds like your mind's made up So why hold back? Just get that 99 and start enjoying as soon as you can.

 

http://www.badmintoncentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=21851

http://www.badmintoncentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=8426

http://www.badmintoncentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=12833

http://www.badmintoncentral.com/reviews

You might want to take a look at this too.

http://www.badmintoncentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=10543

Check out all the threads first before digging your wallet

 

Well, judging from your choice of rackets, MP99, AT800, you're a fairly advanced player. Also, those are quite costly rackets... Perhaps you would like to consider the NS series? If you like the feel of your MP44 (great racket in my opinion) stick with your MP 99 but if your not too content with it, go with the AT. BTW how long have you been playing for??

 

You can't really judge a players skill level from the racquet one uses. And the NS series racquets cost just as much as those racquets.

Anyways, if you feel the MP99 will add to your game overall then just buy that. My suggestion to you is to try to get a feel for both racquets and figure out which one suits you overall. If I had a choice between the two, I'd probably get an AT800 def, because at the moment, I prefer this over the MP99. My preference changes from time to time and I might go with the MP99 over the AT800 def the next time around.

 

Dont't Be Tempted By Hype!!!

What ever you do, don't be drawn in by racket 'hype'! I got an AT500 because I had read a lot of good info and reviews on it but I didn't try it before I got it (rather a silly mistake)! Anyway, now I am left with a virtually brand new AT500 in my bag while I continue with my trustee MP44.

If you want to spend lots of money on a new racket, then the MP99 would be the best choice simply because you have tried your friends and you liked it!

 

I wasn't implying that he would be a pro because of the racket (thats y i asked him how long he played). I made an assumption he was around intermediate since the more stiff and heavy rackets are usually prefered by the more experienced ones. Also, he had also mentioned that his MP44 was at the end of the life span meaning that it had worn out due to (i presume) practice. The only reason I suggested the NS series was because he had mentioned the high end rackets-not because it was cheaper.

 

If you don't have a friend who has a AT800, then you might want to check with Lee's to see if they rent out racquets to try or if they let people try out racquets before purchasing.

 

Rent a racket for $5 a day or $20 a week!

You could go to Yo's to rent a racket for $5 a day or $20 for a week.
Go to www.yos.ca, then click product. Check out the demo program!

 

AT800 Def over MP99

Hi, I find your reply interesting bc I don't like the feel of the MP99 but tried the AT800 Def 3U once. I kinda like the AT800 Def but only tried it briefly. I'm very interested to purchase this AT800 Def but before I do that, can you tell me if you have tried both the AT800 Def 3U and 4U version?

 

I've tried the 4u version, I actually have a 4u version. I just bought it not too long ago from a friend. I know someone who has a 3u version, I held it for a bit but didn't try it out.

 

3U and 4U difference

So did you find the 4U a lot lighter than the 3U? I'm contemplating a 4U but don't want to lose power if it is too light. Would prefer one that allows me good drives and also power smash. My current MP77 does gives me good power but bc it is a little head heavy, I lose a bit of quickness from net and drives. Don't want to spend so much money on a 4U and find out I don't like it.

 

My suggestion, try the rackets before ur purchase. Not only limited to MP99 or AT800, but if u can get ur hand on other models, just try. Never know, there might be another choice fit for u even better.

Whatever other ppl say, whatever other ppl use, should not effect u, because only u will know how well a racket fits for urself.

 

Yes of course. I know what you meant. I have already tried a few racquets. Unfortunately, I spent too much on those racquets bc where I'm at, there is no real badminton store where I can try out a demo. Recently, I was fortunate to try out briefly an AT800 Def and a Off. Found the OFF once very stiff and don't like the feel. Maybe it was the string I can't tell for sure. However, I like the AT800 Def with BG65. Felt good. Now, I just need to decide whether to buy the 3U or 4U one.

 

canadian store only sell 3U 800's