Per a few people's request, here are some pictures of my new SOTX Circle Power 5000s (CP5000). Thanks to a guy named "Jerry" at www.sotxsports.nl for delivering the rackets so fast. I haven't tried the CP5000 yet (just received them late yesterday) but here are some initial impressions: +the frame is an iso-oval-aero shape making it swing through the air quite effortlessly. Oh my did I say "effortlessly"? Eeepak must be rubbing off on me. +the CP5000 frame is a bit thicker than normal frames. Initial impression, it hits quite solidly, feels very stable. +the logo on the end cap is finally etched and not some sticker that will fall off in 5 minutes. Maybe SOTX does listen to me. +Though not a great design (it's pretty good in my book), it's far better than SOTX's previous designs. Except for the 7i, I feel SOTX is improving on its racket designs. Kudos! +The electro shiney paint is pretty cool. This racket is definitely eye-catching. +The circle power "bulges" are only at the 3 and 9 o'clock areas. The RSL X2 Pro has the bulges all over. +Finally! A larger stock grip. The SOTX 3 1/2 is about a Yonex G3.
awesome racket. The weight seems quite odd though, I thought the cp5000 was suppose to weigh between 82-88g, yet yours 88.8. Did you get to chose if you wanted the racket weight closer to 82 or 88g? Looking fowards to your full review.
The weight of the racket includes the string (I weighed the rackets). I believe the SOTX stated weight does not include the string. I wanted my CP5000s to be 91-92 grams. With an additional overgrip, they are about that.
Wow cool rackets looks a bit like the RSL Milienium X2s..Besides that I have never used a SOTX before..
I think it is over price in Singapore. The CP-5000 if I'm not mistaken it cost around SGD$ 320-00. Btw, what does the "Circle Power" means ? It is related to the design of the frame just like RSL "Pulse" system frame ?
judging from the pictures, "Circle"-technology by SOTX is similar to Victors new "Inner Wave" technology.. I have been testing Victor Total Inside wave 5000, which could be described as bumps on thtronside of the frame between the string holes. I love the Victor.. So The technology is very promising, cant wait to try the new SOTX:es... I also think Chen Hongs new Victor racket has this tech.. Cheers, Twobeer
Sorry, no time, better just list it: Stiffness from 1 to 10, 10 being stiffest: 10.00 = Yonex Cab 22, 2UG5 9.25 = Yonex NS9000-X, 3UG4 9.00 = RSL X2 Pro, 2UG5 9.00 = SOTX CP5000, 3U+G3 (best guess) 8.50 = Cab 20 Tour, 2UG4 8.50 = SOTX Woven 7i, 3U+G5 8.25 = RSL X1, 3UG4 8.25 = Woven 11, 2UG5 8.25 = SOTX D600, 3U+G5 8.00 = Cab 20, 2UG5 8.00 = DHS Top VS 3000, 3UG4 5.00 = Yonex MP88, 3UG4 3.50 = Eepak E1000, 4+UG4 1.00 = Gosen FP-6, 3UG4
Stiffness Test + Calibration I am curious about the stiffness test. How was the stiffness being tested and what reference was used as a standard?
There is no "test". It's my relative comparison based on use with the rackets. It's not scientific at all, it's my best guess.
wow, nice pics...great photochopping skill! as for "exclusive shop sell"....I have no idea, my best guess is because we ordered the rackets to be made for us (that's why we have G3's, a 102-A grip and apparantly the "exclusive shop sell" thingy) I hoep you like them! (and sorry for replying late...Season has now started officially, busy busy )
