I am an intermediate/advanced player looking to buy a badminton racquet. I've played on my Varsity badminton team (I'm in high school) for three years now. The highest ranking I've ever attained is no. 2 for both singles and doubles. I would say I'm a power player as I do smash quite a lot, but I still want a racquet that's flexible enough so I can do easily do shots like drops. Right now I'm using a Pro Kennex Ti Carbon 818 but I want a lighter racquet. I honestly have no idea what the differences are between Muscle Power, Armoretc/Carbonex, and Nanospeed. (Can anyone help me on that one?) I've heard that the Nanospeed 9000 is supposedly the best on the market. But I have a limited budget and I don't want to break bank for a racquet when I still need to buy new shoes. I've used the lower-end Muscle Powers like 21 and 29, and I am very comfortable with them. But I have no idea how to gauge my level or what kind of racquet I need.... The ones I'm looking at are Muscle Power 85, 99, and 100. But if anyone wants to persuade me on Armortec or Nanospeed, feel free to since I know nothing about either brands or the differences. Max budget is $200.
MusclePower 88 might suit you, since it's flexible. However, mostly women/girls use it, not men. MP99 and MP100 are stiff and more expensive, which might not suit your liking. Armortec500 would be another good racquet for you. Here's my thoughts on the difference between MusclePower, Armortec, Carbonex and Nanospeed: -Armortecs are head-heavy, good for offensive players. -Nanospeeds are head-light~even-balanced, thus it's good for all-round players. The higher-end models have stiff shafts. -MusclePowers are probably the most popular series of racquets, for they're quite comfortable to play with. They come in all shaft flexibility/stiffness and head-heaviness/lightness. -Carbonex, they're the classic oval-headed carbon/graphite racquets mainly used by people who just enjoys this sport so much Someone correct me if I'm wrong.
What do you mean by flexible? Is it easier/harder to snap your wrist in comparison to a stiffer shaft? Also... I'm a girl. Yeah, I definitely found that playing with Muscle Power is very comfortable. I'd like an MP21/29, except... better? But with the same kind of dynamics. What about MP45? (I just realized that the MP85 I mentioned in my first post doesn't even exist, lol.) Or MP29 light?
The shaft flexibility bit is explained here: http://www.badmintoncentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=40187 If you want something 'better' but 'similar' to the MP21/29L, yes, the MP45/66/88 will do. If you have the chance, you should demo/test those racquets to know which one you find the most comfortable to play with.
I have the Mp-45 and it is quite a soft racket to play with. Strung at 21lbs clears are quite easy. Drop shots are accurate. It feels a bit heavier than the lower Mp's. It is printed as even balanced but it feels a bit more head heavy. Definitely a racket that needs a developed swing in order to get something out of it. Edit: Quite disappointingly I feel that for a few more bucks, a higher-end racket will be better. But of course $100 is a good trade off.
I have mp21 and Cab 30ms. mp21 is nice but the feel and power is not there compared to a Cab30ms. I have both strung at 25# with BG 80. Go with the Cab 30ms because if you can hit the sweet spot consistently, the power and satisfaction of a good hit is tremendous. In fact, it beats the Armortec 300 and 900T that I tried. But Cab 30 ms is not as mobile around the net as an AT900T. AT300 is head heavier than Cab 30ms. But i'd go for Cab30ms still. So IMHO, Cab30ms has the biggest bang for the $, about US$100 strung w/BG80. Also string it with BG80. I love mine at 25#. 1. Cab30ms 2. AT900T (extremely close second) 3. AT300 4. mp21 Sorry did not try the Nanospeed series.
Limited budget?Then go for AT700.The best offer for the most offensive racket at its price range.It still stands on the top 3 in the yonex offensive racket chart.Every stroke n smashes r so powerful with it.NS?I guess most of them r head light.Easy for rally n maneuverability,but smashes r a bit lack of power.So,i guess,if not MP99,then AT700.Both r offensive racket,but defense with it may require more effort.
If yotarou is to be playing doubles, I wouldnt reccomend an AT700. I find its maneuverability lacking by the net, it's too powerful . It's also a little bit hard to get used to in the start. The shaft isnt really 'flexible' either, it's about 'medium-stiff'. So yeah, adding to the list, NS6000, MP45,MP66 and MP88 would be a good choice.
Hey, AT700 is great for practising defense; you're hands get faster everytime you use it . You'll get used to the slowness, and then you're just left with a rediculously powerful racquet once you get the hang of it.
as long you're get used to and practice more, the problem can be significantly reduced. at-700 as smichz said, i also agree as it is one of the best powerful racket in yonex line.
Yeah as I said, it's hard to get used to in the beginning. For singles, I dont think I'm having any troubles at all.
The Cab30ms reminded me why I loved the game so much... Totally agree about the satisfaction when hitting the sweetspot and the generous amount of control in the racket. Too bad it is no longer available here in Singapore.
