I've been working with a racket manufacturer, just tinkering with racket design. After some brain storming, dialogue and input, they created a racket that can take 40lbs. string tension with a warranty of up to 36lbs.! I received the prototypes today and just finished stringing up a racket, let's call it the "Thunder", at 35lbs. with absolutely no problems. The amazing thing is, the racket is only 85.5g dry weight (no string, with original grip, no plastic wrap)! Here are the specs: Panda Power "Thunder" BP: 290-295 Dry Weight: 85.5g Frame Shape: Modified Isometric Aero Power Box Frame String: Ashaway Micro Power XL @ 35lbs. Shaft: APT Technology ("Anti-Panda Tapered Technology"): 8mm at the cone tapering to 6.5mm I would have strung the racket higher but I don't have any BG65 or BG70Pro and didn't know how high MP-XL could go, that's why I "only" went 35lbs. I'm going to test the racket out tonight and if OK, maybe, just maybe produce it.
When you string 40lbs, if not too much trouble, please do a sound recording and post here. Thanks in advance.
Not for this Panda! For me, with MP or BG66, 25-26lbs. ECP is optimum for smashing, 32lbs. ECP optimum for control, happy median: 27-29lbs.
I saw some of those prototypes that pete brought along last time and they look pretty sturdy! Currently my theory is that a lot of racquets can take 40+, just that when the string breaks, then problems arise!!! Too bad ph_leung had something come up at the last minute last sat, but we along with pete were going to push 45 just for fun!
Those are warrantied up to 28, 30, and 32lbs. respectively. The Thunder is warrantied up to 35-36lbs.
could these be marketed/ sold? it sounds quite amazing... Just wondering, what is Aero Power Box Frame? It moves like a AT 800 D, but can have immense power like a AT 900 P?
Oh, and i dont think the is the first racket that is warrantied that high. If my memory serves me right, the Carlton AS-1 was warrantied At 40. oh well, it not like i could even hit it at 28 anyway. and thats with crank.
I'd have a go just to see what it felt like - I'd be too nervous to take most rackets that high. Oh and Dink, if you do produce them, how much are they likely to cost (if you don't mind me asking)? Also, can we have some pictures, please?
i'm also interested in finding out the stiffness of the racquet. also chance of a comparison with a relatively similar yonex racquet?
I think it's possible to use 40lbs. with a softer string. I just got back from trying the Thunder at 35lbs. I had no problems clearing, smashing, driving, in fact my shots were very crisp. It was fine for 15 minutes until the string broke. It hits incredibly hard considering 35lbs. and only 85.5g. The string MP-XL couldn't take the tension. I think the limit for MP-XL is about 32lbs. within reason. I'm going to try NBG95 at 32lbs. and see what happens on Friday against Halim. I'm not condoning ultra-high tension, in fact, I advocate lower tension. I always say go with the lowest tension you can "tolerate".