Why Oval Frames?

Discussion in 'Badminton Rackets / Equipment' started by XKazeCloudX, Jun 29, 2007.

  1. XKazeCloudX

    XKazeCloudX Regular Member

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    I was taking an interest in the Carbonex 30, but was afraid of the small sweet spot. from reviews this is due to the oval shaped frame instead of an isometric frame.

    My question is, what is the purpose of an oval shaped frame anyways? I have only heard people rant about it causing small sweet spots. I would really like to know of the advantage of an oval frame. Thanks
     
  2. azabaz_ipoh

    azabaz_ipoh Regular Member

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    i think the question of whether the sweet spot is small or big is not the point. the point is, can you hit the sweet spot consistently. i read here that smaller sweet spot simply demands that you play better shots and thus helps your overall skills. and hitting a smaller sweet spot means more concentrated power. and larger sweet spot is simply more forgiving, meaning if you cant get to the bird on time, you can still give a relatively good shot. but i guess the power diminished a bit.
     
  3. Linus

    Linus Regular Member

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    I dont think "smaller" sweet spot is the right word, perhaps "concentrated" sweet spot is more appropriate for the Oval shaped frame.

    It is quite funny now people ask why Oval shaped frame when 10 years ago almost all rackets are made Oval shaped and no one ever complaining about sweet spot!

    When the Iso frame was introduced, it was promoted to have a "larger" sweet spot, but all it does is actually more forgiving when you hit a off-centre shot. I donot think the "larger" sweet spot provide any other incentive such as more power or more control. But it does make it easier to pick up the sport for beginner.

    One of my friend, who is a die hard Carbonex user, swear that when hitting the centre, an Oval frame racket produce more power than the Iso frame. But I take that also with a pinch of salt as he hardly swing an Iso frame racket, perhaps a little prejustice too.

    But if you are comfortable (I presume) with an Iso frame racket, why would you want to venture into the oval frame racket?
     
  4. DinkAlot

    DinkAlot dcbadminton
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    The Cab30MS is a great racket. You should try it before you decide whether or not to buy.

    The advantages of an oval frame:

    +Stronger than an isometric frame

    +More explosive power at the sweetspot

    +The feel you just can't get from an iso, which translates into more control.

    +The racket feels more solid, more stable, when you make contact with the bird.

    At least for me. :D
     
  5. Neil Nicholls

    Neil Nicholls Regular Member

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    More power.
    More control.
    Stronger, i.e. more durable and/or capable of higher tension.

    Why aren't more pros using them?
     
  6. XKazeCloudX

    XKazeCloudX Regular Member

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    Thankyou guys. I understand. I guess I will just have to man up and be more conecentrated on my swings. I will now find the perfect time to ask my parents to buy me this racquet XD.

    On a side note, it's summer break and I want to perfect my technique in swinging. My racquet foot seem to be really elevated as I turn and smash.
     
  7. cooler

    cooler Regular Member

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    reasons:
    - sponsored pros are encouraged to use the latest models (although they are not told which specific new model to use)

    - latest technologies(nano, ti-strip, armortec frame profile, elastic ti) are incorporated into the latest models (ie iso) and not in the cabs.
     
  8. azabaz_ipoh

    azabaz_ipoh Regular Member

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    maybe the pro players can generate full power anyway even when using isometric rackets. and thus, i agree that they are encouraged to use the latest models and they might have chose to stick to isometric because it made no difference to them? just a guess. :D
     
  9. otterfun

    otterfun Regular Member

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    Hi,
    Got Carbonex 30 since it is my early Christmas/birthday present = D
    It is Carbonex 30 muscle 3UG4 with BG80 at 25Lb.

    nice : just like the good old days when I played with my Carbonex. Good sweet spot when I hit it and it was not hard to hit the sweet spot consistently.

    Compared to my MP21, this one has more "umph"-feel, a nice impact sound and you can feel the good sweet hits as well as the off-center ones.

    I used it to block back fast smashes effortlessly. More control on where I want the shuttlecork to go. I love this one much better than my MP21.

    Only thing, may need to turn up the tension just a tad since the strings are still a little too trampoline for me.

    I do have to swing faster with this one than my MP21 using more of my shoulder and upper body strength. But I barely needed to adjust to this racket in terms of hitting the sweet spot.

    Having said that, the racket face is almost the same as my MP21 when I lay the Carbonex on top of the MP21. You are talking about miniscule difference in shape. But the Carbonex is well balanced when compared to the headlight MP21.

    Conclusion :
    I like this racket for more "umph" and just plain fun to hit smashes, drives, blocks, and drop shots. You have to get to the sweet spot to enjoy this racket though. since I was brought up with Carbonex, this is not a problem. maybe a problem for those who are used to Iso rackets. But the sweetness is addictive. It is worth the effort and concentration to try to hit the sweet spot consistently.
     
  10. khookg

    khookg Regular Member

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    I have used Oval racket for most of my games. This is my comparison:-

    1.) Net shots are more accurate.
    2.) My smashes doesn't float out. e.g. stiffer smash angles.
    3.) More accurate lift to base line.
    4.) lastly I am more confidence in my shots.
     

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