I spoke to Yonex rep this weekend and got some interesting info and I would like to pass it on. Yonex AT900-p and AT800-o has box frame vs AT900-t and AT800-d has aero frame. Why? Because box frame resist torque better than aero frame. For offensive or power players, the swing is more powerful and more chance for off center shots. Box frame is needed to give power player little more control. While defensive or control player's swing are not as powerful and need to cut down the air resistance to increase the smash. Also the BP is differ by about 0.5mm between power vs technique. according to Yonex racquet chart, AT900-t is little head lighter for quicker respond. But it was due to the frame design (areo use about 2~3g less on the frame vs box). It jsut happen that way. Also, box fram is stronger too (my logical deduction). These are just what he told me and I am just passing the info on. Do plaese correct me if you know any thing different or miss anything.
hmm. I think your rep forgot the most important difference between O/D P/T... shaft stiffness... /Twobeer
Dear 2beer, I think he assume I know about shaft stiffness already. (If I need a stiff shaft, I will take the little blue pill.) Also, it is a very well discussed topic already. And you are right, stiffer shaft (racquet shaft) is gives better power if you can produce the power to swing it. But usually beer do not help shaft stiffness unless you got beer goggle.
I was referring to the difference between T and P in stiffness.. Sorry but I didn't see BP & frame-shape as less obvious?? btw frame-shape sturdiness have been discussed in BF.. http://www.badmintoncentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=14431&page=2&highlight=box+shape /T
FWIW, Victor's Artery series makes similar claim on their power box frame: better torque resistance and higher string tension. Victor's Nano Series use diamond section (a combo of box and triangular section): the claim is better stability, more power and great control. w/o experimental data to back it up, it's hard to tell if it's marketing or engineering.
They both are rated stiff.. But the P is stiffer than the T (at least it feels so to me. I don't have a machine to measure so it is just my judgement). /T
Agree with Twobeer about the stiffness. According to Yonex, P is suppose little stiffer than T. That is why I said ALMOST. Good call and may I drink the 3rd beer?
why argue? been there done that 900 is basically a re-tweaked 800 but the basic remain the same http://www.badmintoncentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=12833&page=14 post 136
Steven, thanks for the info. I agree with the box/aero frame findings because when I use an aero frame such as the NS7000, 9000, I swing too fast and am inconsistent (relatively speaking). When I swing with a thicker framed/slower racket such as the Woven 7 or Cab, I am much more consistent.
I agree with you, when I made the switch from the AT500 to the AT900T, I always hit the bird too soon (towards the top of the racket), it took a little time to get used to the timing.