So after a 6 year hiatus, I've decided to get back into badminton. My previous weapon of choice was the Carbonex 23 (orange version!). I needn't say more than it was THE racquet for me. Prior to the Cab23, I'd gone through the lot (between 2000 and 2003): Ti-10 (red/black) Iso 900 Swing Power SS Ti-8 Ti-5 a bunch of MPs and a slew of random Carltons (purely for the oval shape) But for whatever reason, the Cab23 was trumps all-round. I was sold right away! Now, my dilemma is... without going the JP route, Cab23s seem to be next to impossible to find. So now, the next closest thing is the Cab 30. How does this compare to the Cab 23? I've also been looking at the AT500 only because I can get a good price. Any thoughts/suggestions would be appreciated.
Looks like you are an oval lover, that's why most of the ISOs you listed are out of your favorite. Personally, I prefer cab30ms over cab23, as I feel cab23 is a bit more on the "dead" side, as it's heavier (2u) and feel more stiff to me. Cab30ms is more even balanced, and it's known as a great all around racket.
Never played with cab23 or 30, but did have 14 and 15. Just as you said, stiff and heavy (2u), which could make me mad playing. Now a big fan with 4u, maybe it has something to do more with aging
Get CAB23 JP from Shuttlehouse. That's where I got mine. They're still cheaper comparing to other newer models. Not sure if they're still for sale outside of Japan.
I played the Cab23 for about 2 games during my trial to get back to oval. That was when I desperately missed something in the iso's despite their power and all. I am now a very happy owner of a Cab30MS with 2 more that just landed in Singapore. I thought they are both good control rackets but the Cab30MS is felt slightly more powerful. Of course, you can get a Cab30 at 3U.
Cab30ms is one of the best racquet YY ever produced. I will suggest to give Cab30ms a try. If you like it, keep the Cab23 as a backup. If you like Cab23 better, keep cab30ms as a backup.