So - I just got a karakal SL70 (2005 ed. ) This is a 70g unstrung racket made using magnesium-graphite. It's supposed to be a stiff, head heavy racket. Compared to the previous karakal SL70, it has new "muscle tec" (see http://www.karakal.com/products/badminton_products.html?cat=Racket) [caveat: I'm using the stock strings for the moment, karakal pulse 70 at an estimated 18lbs.] I'm moving from a wilson n85, and the increased stiffness (and relative slight head-heaviness) improved my smash tremendously, to the extent that it's not returnable (at the moment) by my usual opponent. Power has also increased, baseline-to-baseline shots are more effortless (although my technique is still not quite there, so it's not actually effortless) I expect it to get better as I get more used to the racket. Strangely, one of the two I got was much (20%) better, probably something to do with stringing.... All in all, I'm a happy bunny. I'm only playing again next saturday, i shall update this post then. Oh! and the racket doesn't "feel" light. A 3u MP99, a 3U MP30 and even a 2U Ti-5 felt lighter, even when held upright by the handle. It was definitely more manouverable though (than the n85) *shrug* I've realised that perhaps I should compare them holding upside down, I will try that next saturday. My friend who uses an MP99 preferred the karakal and wants to get one! but I suspect his main problem is that his racket is strung too tightly for his own good.
I got it from the official distributor. (see www.karakal.com) but they don't usually bring it in, perhaps mail them?
