After having another racket break last week, (Kason TSF300A) and previously experiencing breaks with Yonex raquets, I have to ask, what is the strongest/Most Durable, stiff, racket out there to buy? Previously to buying an Armortec800 (and that breaking) I had been playing with my old trusty Carbonex 10 for about 12 years with no problems! and it's this racket that I always go back to after a breakage, and it feels great compared to some of these newer, lighter, stronger(lol) more technical rackets So which one do I go for next? I'm a strong smash based player with a hard backhand clear and like my rackets on the stiffer side? Any suggestions? Maybe a Squash racket until the Badminton scientists sort out this 'weak' phase of technology that we seem to be going through at the moment, seems like some of this nanotechnology would be suited better to making my teacups out of rather than a 'top-line' piece of sports equipment that's going to have to take a little abuse. [/rant]
The new lines of models are designed more for playability rather than durability, as they are much lighter (4u compare to 2u or u) than the older models. The superior lightness and swings do come with a cost.
I broke the following Yonex rackets in just a few months: 1. Isometric 800 (the original one) 2. Carbonex 20 Tour (yea, this is an old racket) 3. Armortec 800DE (bought last year) 4. Nanospeed 9000 (just bought a few months ago) And my other Armotec 800DE is in the verge of breaking too... Several factors came to my mind that might be contributed to these incidents: 1. Number of accidental hits with your partner's racket in playing double 2. Tensions of the string, lately I have been stringing at 30+ lbs 3. The durability of the rackets are not made like they used to. Albeit, I play hard and smash hard might also be contributed to the incident.
Wow, you broke a TSF 300A? got any pictures? If you are looking for the most durable racket, its the Kimoni TS-135 or TS-150, if you don't mind the 135g or 150g weight Yes, they are training rackets. Very durable! You can probably string them to 35lbs and it won't break.
Thanks for the feedback folks. I've posted a couple of pictures of the Kason in the 'Do you know Kason' thread.
