Reccomendations please (thank you!)

**Muckluck** · 03-31-2009, 06:38 PM

I know how annoying it can be to read these all day, so I just wanted to stat this out with a thank you for even considering

Anyways, i'm a beginner, almost intermediate, and i hate sports! that is, until i tried badminton. So, I am investing my money towards a racket that:
#1 is light
#2 a racket that can help me smash, and at the same time maintain my returns
and #3 a racket everybody here knows is good!

I was looking at these 2 rackets:

Head airflow 5 (Does it really make a difference if you are a guy using this racket?)

and Carlton powerblade superlite

I dont know any of the jargons about this sport, Most people here know better than me. I love to smash, and is my best asset. I am quick and can change positions quickly.

So comments and opinions are open, whatever helps. I dont mind if we get a bit off-topic

Thanks again!

**nosebleedXD** · 03-31-2009, 07:31 PM

neither of the rackets you provided do i know what they are

honestly, at first, when i played badminton, i thought the lighter the better.

i bought the lightest racket in the world, but turns out its not that great

there isnt a racket that will increase your smash severely unless you have a really bad racket atm

its all about form and technique

to start off, i'd look at some cheap yonex rackets such as armortec 150 or apacs, which i recently got and are great

**what07** · 03-31-2009, 08:00 PM

I can tell you one thing. Airflow 5 is really light. Not great for smashing IMO. Head heavy beats head light in smashing usually for me. But head heavy is harder to defend with compare to headlight.

Calton I never used. Never did like designs.

**Muckluck** · 03-31-2009, 08:38 PM

Thanks for all the replies! I really appreciate the help. I can't say thank you enough. Again, I raise the question, would the women's grip on the affect how i play because im a guy? Probably not, but just being safe so as to not get a racket that will fly across the court when i slam

**Fidget** · 03-31-2009, 09:11 PM

What is your budget?
Do you have lots of stores nearby to try stuff?

The SOTX Woven 8 is somewhat light, and an excellent mix of offence and defence. Probably cheaper than comparable Yonex.

**Cogarhen** · 03-31-2009, 11:04 PM

Originally Posted by nosebleedXD

neither of the rackets you provided do i know what they are

honestly, at first, when i played badminton, i thought the lighter the better.

i bought the lightest racket in the world, but turns out its not that great

there isnt a racket that will increase your smash severely unless you have a really bad racket atm

its all about form and technique

to start off, i'd look at some cheap yonex rackets such as armortec 150 or apacs, which i recently got and are great

Total agree; lighter is not always better. You should probably pay more attention to the balance and shaft stiffness of the racket you use and find out what racket characteristics suits your play style the best.

I think it is commonly aggreed that if you are an arm-power player, a less stiff and head-heavier racket would probably gives you more power. Correct me if I am wrong.

**phandrew** · 04-01-2009, 12:38 AM

Try SOTX W2, W8 or W9.

**camillus** · 04-01-2009, 01:31 AM

I have the Airflow 5 and Carlton Airblade (not sure if it's the same as the Powerblade Superlite).

Both are very head light and extremely manouverable - great for net and doubles play.

However, if you're looking for generating power smashes, both will not give you that satisfaction. As what the others have mentioned, you'll need a head heavy racket for that.

Therein lies a problem - head heavy is usually heavier than head light (or feels that way), so what you will need to look for is a racket that head heavy but not so much that the overall weight of the racket makes it less manouverable.

For me, the AT600 will fit the bill though it's best that you try it out first as racket feel is always subjective.

**Muckluck** · 04-01-2009, 04:00 PM

thanks everybody, again!

My budget is set around $90.

EDIT: there are no local stores. also, cogarhen, I am in absolutely no position to correct anybody here! strike me even if im right! And what would be a good site to order off of?

**phandrew** · 04-01-2009, 04:46 PM

Originally Posted by Muckluck

thanks everybody, again!

My budget is set around $90.

EDIT: there are no local stores. also, cogarhen, I am in absolutely no position to correct anybody here! strike me even if im right! And what would be a good site to order off of?

The online website depends which brand you want to buy

**Muckluck** · 04-01-2009, 06:00 PM

I hear lots of "get the SOTX" so im trusting those who know better. where can i get SOFX?

**nosebleedXD** · 04-01-2009, 07:05 PM

you should try getting like an apacs racket =] there very nice

i recently just bought a muscle power 90

**Fast_Edge** · 04-01-2009, 07:39 PM

If you are looking for a good racket website try badmitonalley or badmiton warehouse. I found a wilson Kfactor Kpower racket. It's in the medium-heavy range, but it's great for the agressive player, if you are one.

**awatz** · 04-01-2009, 08:05 PM

try the karakal mtec 75/80.

**Muckluck** · 04-01-2009, 08:47 PM

Ok, I am going to have to leave it at a poll. For those not listed, I acnowledged your advice and did thuro-ish research (about 30 mins per racket) execpt for apacs, I couldnt find anything on that

type 111 for wilson kfactor kpower racket
type 222 for SOTX woven 2 racket
type 333 for Apacs muscle pro 88/90/95

Thanks again everybody!