I have been playing badminton for about 8 years, and have used two different main racquets- both from the Wilson Sledgehammer range. They are the ones with the weird-shaped head. I am constantly having to persuade people I am not using a squash racquet (!) Anyway, my most recent racquet (Wilson Sledgehammer 85) needs replacing. I have come to the conclusion that any similarly shaped racquet is not likely to be available, since nobody seems to make them any more, so I'm going to have to buy an orthodox racquet (shock horror!) Anyone had any experience using that kind of racquet who can guide me in the right direction for a new one that plays in a similar kind of way?
I had a Sting Hammer back in 1998. Can't remember much about how it played, it was light and fast but I hit the top of the frame a lot (and it was hard to pick up shuttles with it) My next racquet was a Ti-5 and I got on Ok with that straight away
Ah the old Wilson snow shoe, its quite simple really get a nice new ISO shaped racquet and enjoy the vastly reduced reaction time.
i would say try the prince triple threat warrior ... looks good and is a decent price at only 45 squids from centralsports.co.uk.
Yes yy_ling, it is kind of triangular with the point at the bottom. Here's a link to one being sold on ebay: http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/NEW-WILSON-BADMINTON-RACKET-SLEDGEHAMMER-BAG_W0QQitemZ300069674975QQihZ020QQcategoryZ106463QQcmdZViewItem#ebayphotohosting Pardon my ignorance morewood, but an ISO-shaped racquet is presumably the normal orthodox shape? Is that right? You all seem to be suggesting Prince racquets. I will take a look. Thank you all!
we've been suggesting prince racquets because they have a similar shape as the wilson one (well, relatively similar compared to the conventional types). why don't you have a look on ebay somemore if you really like em? i'm sure they aren't any fakes of those around ...
I am not too attached to the shape of the old Wilson creation, so much as the way it plays (large sweetspot, good reach). I'm quite attracted to the "prince triple threat warrior". It looks and sounds great. Sounds awfully light though- I hope I can get some power out of it. Can't find any reviews of it. Have you used one, Dreamzz?
The Different Shapes of todays racquets (there are others); Classic ISO Frame Y Frame The Classic (also called Oval) is still widely used, generates good control and power. The ISO is wider at the top of the head making the cross strings longer, the racquet shape is considered more forgiving. The Y Frame is one of Princes variations on the theme, the idea is that the longer central mains can generate more power.
Thanks morewood. I get it now.Although I still can't really pick between them. So which frames do people prefer?
The TTT Warrior is one of the lightest rackets I ever got a chance to try. I can't comment too much as the overall performance, as I borrowed it and only used for like 2 min. According to the player who used it, it's a great racket, especially the price is attractive. However, 1 common weakness about light racket is the durability.
You guys have been so helpful. I think I may just order one of these prince TT warrior racquets. They seem ideal (and not too pricey!) Unless anyone would like to advise me otherwise...
Depends on your budget, I've used an old Wilson snowshoe in the past, a Prince on a loan and dozens of other racquets, I would normally suggest to anyone changing shape at this time to go to ISO as its a shape I see continuing well into the future and supported by most manufacturers, then skill and budget dictates what to buy rather than the shape or brand.
