i have played with a ti-10 2u, mp-100 2u, and at-700 3u. as you can tell i'm more of an offensive player. i'm looking to get a ns8k 3u or at-800 offensive 3u. which one would be the ideal racket for me?
Since you have been using those rackets which is head heavy, i would suggest you to try At800OF unless if you want to try something new.
i agree with gollum that you should try them out first then decide, however... in my opinion, i think it would be wiser to go with the at800off even though it isnt as forgiving . the ns8k is headlight/even balance which can feel very powerless since you have been using the head heavy racquets. i have a ns8k and i have to have the overgrip thinner or else it would be too headlight for me.
Depends a lot on your level & type (smash type/receive type) of play. I have both NS8000 and AT800OFF, and at least I can't handle NS8000: it is quick, but I can't get power out of it. But if you are a very experienced player then perhaps you can handle NS8k too?
i sometimes have trouble getting trouble out of the ns8k but now i do some racquet warm up before i play. basically i rub my hands together at the strings and flex the shaft slowly with as little pressure as possible so you wont break the racquet.
I must say that the NS8000 is great for control, especially net shots and in defence. Even though the NS8000 is lighter and more balanced, the control of the shuttle is far better, you can place your smashes far easier. I am smasher player myself and I find that with the NS8000 you just got to practice more with it to make sure you smashes will be just as powerful as if you are playing with Ti-10 or head heavy racket. It's hard to try or buy both (if you can !!) but that is the only way you are going to find out ! I am a singles player, so I find the AT800 Off cumbersome. Are you more of a singles or doubles player ? if you are doubles player, I think the AT800 is for you. If you are singles player, you can do great trick shots with the NS8000 as it so light and moveable.
i have both.. im an offensive player. ns 8k not durable, broke in first 5 minute just coz miss hit., shuttlecock hit frame when smash. please stay with your ti 10. its still the best for offensive player.
The NS-8000 (3U-G4) has better feel while the AT-800 OF (3U-G5) has more power. It also seems that the NS-8000 is more forgiving thus making it easier to play with. I can hit okay shots with it the first minute I laid my hand on it. The AT-800 OF was a little off when I was clearing. As for smashes, although wasn't as bad, it still felt a little off due to its head-heaviness structure. Maybe it is because I am so used to even-balance racquet such as the MP-99s & MP-100s. Even with the Ti-10, being a head-heavy racquet, it feels closer to the MP-100/99 than the AT-800 OF. I have no problem switching back and forth between the three beside the Ti-10 power affecting my smashes & clears. I don't know about you guys but I would recommend taking a look at various racquets, even the older ones such as MP-100/99s & Ti-10s and others like Swing Power 900/Ti and let's not forget the legendary Cab20 series. Don't buy into Yonex's marketing scheme too much because the time the older ones are proven already. As for durability, I think the racquets will last for quite a while if you can correct use them & not clash with other people's racquets often.
