My question is for doubles players (intermediate level) who use (or have used before) both headlight AND headheavy racquets. Which one do you actually prefer using?
i prefer headlight rackets, because i find that they have more feel than head-heavy ones. i am willing to sacrifice a bit of power for this.
Regardless what kinda game you are playing, the racket selection is still a personal preference issue. Even the pros (double or single), they only use the racket which they feel comfortable. Therefore, there's no "the answer" for everyone, but just for your own self.
Personally, I prefer even or head light rackets. This is because my role in doubles are usually the front.
Contrary to you, I prefer even or head heavy rackets. This is because my role in doubles are always the back.
I prefer head-light racquets, or at most even balance racquets; definately not head heavy racquets. This is regardless of position I'm playing in doubles, I play with a head-light racquet in Singles, I just prefer them. I take control over power. But as LB said, it's a personal preference really, unless you're Just Interested.
I usually play front in double. I like even balance to headlight. (I don't have a light head, I just like airhead)
would this apply to men in mixed doubles? they are normally at the rear court. nathan robertson uses a headlight racket. it is definetely down to personal preference.
I believe Nathan uses the Airblade Tour, which is supposedly Even balance; as opposed to the Airblade Lite & Airblade Superlite (being respectively head-light and head-superlight).
hmm just a side thought, for Nathan, as he uses the balance(maybe a little toward head light) racquet, is that the reason behind hes not able to produce a lot of "ONE SHOT kill" in his mixed games? And for myself, I am using a MP99(so call even balance but I think is a BIT to the head heavy side...), again my role is more the back all the way. one note, I consider myself YET to find a preference in this one. on my next purchase I will try head light(or the NS9000 hahaha). Thanks.
You may be a control player rather than attacking one... Selection of racket is all about personal preference. I one had a NS8K and hate it because of its head lightness. I'd rather play with fake but has even balance racket that with it. Fortunately, I managed to barter it with AT700 which suits me more with my friend. We are both happy We both back player in double (can not pair well with him) but have very different preferences in selecting the racket.
Thanks for the responses guys! Much appreciated! Actually when I play, I find that I can't seem to generate the kind of power some of the guys can, ie when I smash, there's no big "POW!" sound. I'm currently using a headheavy armortec clone. Maybe it's my technique... I was thinking of trying out a headlight racquet to see whether there's any difference. Or maybe I shouldn't worry about so much power and play with control instead. Hmm...
To get the big "POW!" sound, you need to make contact with the racket head as squarely (as flat as possible) with the shuttle. You may be slicing the shuttle when you hit it, thus no "POW!"
LOL! Ask anyone that knows me, I am definitely not a control player. The only thing I know is attack. Even when I am on defense, I'm attacking. Yes, racket selection is about personal preference.
