AT-700 vs. AT-800, durability?

**Midget_Boy** · 09-29-2005, 01:07 AM

I've always thought of AT-700 and AT-800 OF/DF similar in terms of design and performance, differences such as colouring, frame design, doubles/singles play, and stiffness. Well I always overlooked the single grommet pass on AT-800, which supposedly gives it more durability, until now. Do the extra grommet holes really give more durability, when clashing to your partner's racquet, as Yonex advertising states, or is the difference between single grommet system and regular string system so small, it is hardly considered a new feature?

Lookin' to get a new AT soon, more of a singles player, but often plays doubles, and can't go wrong with increased durability in games,

.

**theasiandude88** · 09-29-2005, 01:14 AM

i believe that the increase number of gourmets does not increase durability or much. i also believe that it does not give more durability.

dont forget to put it into consideration that it is easier to break a racquet if tension is strung "too" high or strung incorrectly.

**DinkAlot** · 09-29-2005, 05:23 AM

Don't know about the grommet holes but my general impression is the AT-800 is quite durable in terms of not breaking due to clashing/impact. However, the paint finish is quite easily chipped when you clash with another racket.

**Midget_Boy** · 09-29-2005, 05:17 PM

Yep, so all in all, the AT-800s durability is only increased marginally, if not lowered. I think I'll just settle with AT-700, it is cheaper, after all

**Matt** · 09-29-2005, 05:21 PM

Just curious, what is the difference between the AT800 DE and the AT700?

**DinkAlot** · 09-29-2005, 05:27 PM

Originally Posted by Midget_Boy

Yep, so all in all, the AT-800s durability is only increased marginally, if not lowered. I think I'll just settle with AT-700, it is cheaper, after all

The AT-800 is designed for doubles while the AT-700 is designed for singles. You mentioned you play more singles, then go for the AT-700.

**jcl49** · 09-29-2005, 05:37 PM

Some pros use AT700 for doubles (Nova Widianto - Indonesian Mixed Doubles). Some pros use AT800of for singles (Sony Dwi Kuncoro - Indonesian Singles). It really depends on you style of play. If you don't yet have a style, then go for the cheaper option - At700. If you are worried about durability, then get the 3U versions.

**DinkAlot** · 09-29-2005, 05:43 PM

Originally Posted by jcl49

Some pros use AT700 for doubles (Nova Widianto - Indonesian Mixed Doubles). Some pros use AT800of for singles (Sony Dwi Kuncoro - Indonesian Singles). It really depends on you style of play. If you don't yet have a style, then go for the cheaper option - At700.

True but the pros can play with a wooden racket.

Comparing the AT800-OF to the AT700 (tried real briefly), I felt the AT700 was slower for net play. The AT700 seemed a bit better for clearing and smashing, I felt I got more power out of it. But for returns, net play, I like my AT800-OF better.

**manduki** · 09-29-2005, 05:45 PM

my partner owned an AT 700 before and it was quite the stiffness. I found it very unforgiving and hard to generate power. The AT 800 OF is also a quick powerful racket but the best comprimise is apparently the AT 800 DE. The DE is one of the most forgiving rackets b Yonex and it seems to be the ideal choice.

**DinkAlot** · 09-29-2005, 05:51 PM

Originally Posted by manduki

my partner owned an AT 700 before and it was quite the stiffness. I found it very unforgiving and hard to generate power. The AT 800 OF is also a quick powerful racket but the best comprimise is apparently the AT 800 DE. The DE is one of the most forgiving rackets b Yonex and it seems to be the ideal choice.

I feel the AT800-OF is just right, for me.

But I might have to pick-up one DE just in case I'm too tired to flex the OF. Thanks for the info.

**Matt** · 09-29-2005, 06:20 PM

What is the balance on the 800 DE (whoever had the date sheet on it)?

**danielg** · 09-29-2005, 07:09 PM

Originally Posted by Matt

What is the balance on the 800 DE (whoever had the date sheet on it)?

The AT800DE is classified as Headheavy - however it feels very light and fast (at least that was how it felt for me)

**DinkAlot** · 09-29-2005, 07:17 PM

Originally Posted by danielg

The AT800DE is classified as Headheavy - however it feels very light and fast (at least that was how it felt for me)

Dang, you're killing me. Now I must buy one.

**Matt** · 09-29-2005, 07:30 PM

Originally Posted by danielg

The AT800DE is classified as Headheavy - however it feels very light and fast (at least that was how it felt for me)

That definately gets my attention. However I'm still wondering which U you had?

**quik_silver** · 09-29-2005, 07:37 PM

IMO..I think the 700 and 800 is around the same..I havent heard too much of ATs breaking *only the time when my friend broke his 800 from clash.* Other than that not too much difference..

**danielg** · 09-29-2005, 07:43 PM

Originally Posted by S4MadMan

Dang, you're killing me. Now I must buy one.

Originally Posted by Matt

That definately gets my attention. However I'm still wondering which U you had?

We all read how good technique is the key to improve one's game but I frimly believe having the right racquet goes a long long way in making the learning process fun. The AT800DE is powerful yet forgiving. It allows me to commit mistakes and yet it doesn't frustrate me because I made those mistakes, because of its forgiving properties, it encourages me to go on and be better because using it is fun ( I don't know of a better way to describe it

). I am a complete newbie/beginner having played this game for a very short time but this racquet has helped me develop and gets me pumped up to see its full potential and the only way I can see its full potential is if I get better.

My Racquet is 3UG5, I know a lot of people prefer the 4u version for doubles play but since I play singles too, I opted for the 3U. My friends have tried out my racquet and all commented on how good it felt and how nimble it is.

Another benefit of this racquet that I can think of is that it was designed by Yones as a doubles racquet and thus in their website, it states that it was made more durable to withstand the head/racquet clashes that often occurs in a doubles game. I don't know how much if this is marketing hype but I have had a few of these clashes myself and the only damage I saw was a slight chip in the paint. I know others who uses At800 also and claims that it is quite durable within limits of course. So it does feel reassuring specially for me who can only afford to own one racquet at a time.

**Matt** · 09-29-2005, 09:45 PM

In your opinion, what is the size on the sweet spot? Since you mention it has forgiving properties.

For me, I maybe looking for it as long as the characters is similar to that of the Swing Power 900 SA which obtained new today (sold mine about 5 years ago) - went to the post office to pick it up. I like this racket because it's 81g, flexable, swing speed and mainly the "Swing Power" feel. The sweet spot on it large as well.