Up until last week, I was using a yonex carbonex 20. The handle split and my racket flew across the gym. I brought it into 'Racketshop' in mongkok HK and the guy instantly said it was a fake and wasn't worth repairing. :crying: Time to look for a new racket... If you want a racquet: 1. How often do you play, how serious are you? Currently, I am playing about twice a week. I consider myself to be an intermediate player, I know what I'm doing but I can definately benefit from more practice. 2. What style of player are you? (Aggressive smasher, net player ...) I consider myself to be an aggressive smasher, but at the same time I enjoy the soft touches at the net. After looking around the forums, I think I am leaning towards a slightly head heavy racket to help with the smashes and clearing. My last racket gave me a lot of trouble when I tried to clear during a singles match. I think my wrist/forearm is relatively strong. 3. Do you care much about durability or is it all about performance? Durability...I rather not have the racket flying away again =) I definitely plan on keeping it for years. 4. How much money do you want to spend? I want to spend around $50-$70 USD. (400-550 HKD). I might consider spending a bit more if there are no reasonable options in this range...Is it worth it to spend more? My friend recommended I get at MP99 for my style of play. I looked at prices and they are about 880-980HKD depending on 2U or 3U (Why is there a difference in price?) from http://www.e78.com.hk/ I like the reviews on MP99 but I feel like I would be extra just for the brandname. I'm willing to look into non-yonex brands. Is there a racket that offers the 'same' features in my price range? I would prefer to buy from a local shop in Hong Kong. It seems like most online prices are slightly inflated. Pics. After the guy told me it was fake, I didn't believe him. But then, I saw that structure was spelled siructure...confirmed !
just to tell u, i dont no much about rackets but i found this one on badminton alley Yonex Armortec 150 (AT150) 2008 Badminton Racket Features Level: Intermediate / Advance Type: Offensive Flex: Medium Stiff Head: Square/Isometric Weight: 84-89gm(3U-) B.Pt: 8 (Head Heavy Balance) =============== Head: Carbon Graphite Shaft: Carbon Graphite, Super Alloy Cover: Yonex Full Cover String: Pre-Strung by the Manufacturer 64.95USD made in taiwan. it also says : The Armortec 150 racket is designed for aggressive intermediate and advanced players who play offensive/attacking game. Racket is balanced toward the head for maximum momentum to generate power from each swing. which sounded like what u wanted lol
well, is you can find it, try looking for a Kason TSF 98 Glory. newer ones are head heavy, and flexible. Also, the Yonex MP-45 is a great option, though the price may not be on par.
For the record, I ended up buying a SOTX Woven 8A for $650 HKD. I chose it mainly because it got pretty good reviews and the price was reasonable. I have yet to play with it though =(