Hi Im a 20 year old from Manchester, I've been playing about 4 years now at a fairly advanced level; but have always kept the same old racket- the Carlton Powerblade titanum or whatever, its about 100g, has lost tension completely and is quite damaged. Anyway, I think it is time for a change- I want a racket that can smash, as I am a mostly singles player but also want control too. I've been on the internet only briefly but found there is so much choice it's just mind boggling.... so could you please reccomend me a racket- price doesn't really matter.... thanks
No racket can smash. A player can use the racket to transfer power into the smash. as for control, you should take time and find out what feels best for you, because everyone has different tastes. It could help us if you listed what type of racket you wanted: Head Heavy/light/even 2U/3U/4U Tension specs How often you play/ the style of your play. Oval/iso regular length/ Long Etc. These answers can help us narrow it down for you.
Price doesn't really matter. That sounds good. I'm going to recommend a reasonably priced racket though. What about the Karakal MTec 85? Most of Karakal's singles players use it. The MTec 85 is a moderately head heavy (good smash power whilst maintaining some decent control), moderately stiff racket. It is 85 grams in weight and I think, as a singles player, you'll really like it.
If you prefer to use your arm and shoulder for power, AT series like AT900 or AT700 will be great. If you like to use your forearm/wrist area, NS9000S is good. Karakal racquets I'm not sure about, but they're in general, pretty light, and head heavy, which would be good for you too.
Big smashing racquets that I have if you are strong and have good technique : AT700, MP100, Ti10, Karakal MTEC 85, Mizuno TC700 and Arc10. Some of them are easier to generate power smashes than others.
For power, go for the AT series. I own a AT900T and I can clear effortlessly with it. If you want more power try the AT900P it's head is slightly heavier than the 900T, but it's smashes are deadly ;D