Panda Power: A Racket That Can Take 40lbs. String Tension!

[ixiaohoui]

I've been demoing both rackets for some time now with Dinkalot and guavawang at SGVBC for some time now, and feel would like to give my impression. Prior, I've been usuing the NS8K, AT900T, and Cab30MS and primarily play doubles (attack-based) and some singles.

For the Ultra, I already knew this was a beast, regardless of weight/BP. In my honest opinion, there are only a handful of people in the US with a strong enough wrist to use this for competitions (among those Dinkalot, Halim, etc...). While it's possible to clear and do smash, the fatique will set in very quickly, and essentially is not a racket for people who don't train professionally. This racket is especially unforgiving for those without a smooth and efficient overhead stroke. However, if you're someone who can consistently break rackets (non-clashing), then this might be a viable option. Otherwise, treat this as a training racket. It will will strengthen your wrist.

The Trinity, however, is good, period. Given the flexibility of weights/BP, It's very easy to pick something from end-loaded (>290) to even-balance (286) to head-light (282). My suggestion is to pick something from around 280 to 288. I have been using an 87g Trinity with a 286mm BP, and have noticed far more power than my previous rackets used as well as having an enlarged sweet spot (oval-frame). As far as manuverability is concerned, it's akin to the AT900T. Because it feels more solid, if you pocket the bird well when returning smashes, it's very easy to make it go wherever you want. I'm not going to go into drives/drops, etc. because YMMV, but to put simply, it's manuverable, solid, and provides plenty of power. I would avoid the end-loaded version for power-hungry users, since I think it comes at too much expense of manuverability. For those wanting something whippy, like the NS8K, I would pick a head-light model.

[DinkAlot]

For the Ultra, I already knew this was a beast, regardless of weight/BP.

However, if you're someone who can consistently break rackets (non-clashing), then this might be a viable option. Otherwise, treat this as a training racket. It will will strengthen your wrist.

Agree and that was my intent with the Ultra. However, I might have made the Ultra too stiff. I think for the next batch, I will lower the stiffness a bit.

[ViningWolff]

Stickman calls it a meat cleaver. LOVE IT!!!!

[DinkAlot]

Stickman calls it a meat cleaver. LOVE IT!!!!

You should try it, it might be to your liking.

[cooler]

Agree and that was my intent with the Ultra. However, I might have made the Ultra too stiff. I think for the next batch, I will lower the stiffness a bit.

that's why i've said before the AT700 and original ti-10 are not extra stiff. As now u r a racket designer, u now appreciate why it isn't so

[cooler]

Stickman calls it a meat cleaver. LOVE IT!!!!

You should try it, it might be to your liking.

we Albertans are beefeaters

[DinkAlot]

that's why i've said before the AT700 and original ti-10 are not extra stiff. As now u r a racket designer, u now appreciate why it isn't so

I have a new AT700 in hand and based on the "SOTX Stiffness Scale":

Roughly, I figure:

Trinity: 7.8-8.2
Ultra: 7.0-7.3
AT700: 8.2-8.5
Cab 22: 7.2-7.5
9000-X: 7.8-8.2
Ti10 1 Gen: 7.8-8.2
Ti10 2 Gen: 8.3-8.5
Ti10 3 Gen: 8.0-8.2

[cooler]

I have a new AT700 in hand and based on the "SOTX Stiffness Scale":

Roughly, I figure:

Trinity: 7.8-8.2
Ultra: 7.0-7.3
AT700: 8.2-8.5
Cab 22: 7.2-7.5
9000-X: 7.8-8.2
Ti10 1 Gen: 7.8-8.2
Ti10 2 Gen: 8.3-8.5
Ti10 3 Gen: 8.0-8.2

well, i can't dispute your data as i can't duplicate your test procedure or know exactly what your numercial value represent. However, i do recall from experience that cab22 is a very stiff racket but u rated it less stiff than ti-10 or AT700 which were not my experience. Does your scale goes like:?

1 noodle
2.5 flexible
3 medium flex
5 medium firm
7.5 medium stiff
9 extra stiff
10 stiffest

[Pete LSD]

It's the reverse.

[DinkAlot]

No, it goes backwards, the higher the number, the more flexible the racket is.

So, 7.0 is the stiffest, 10.0 is the most flexible.

The "Chinese" or "SOTX" way of measure stiffness is shaft deflection. They add a weight to the end of the shaft and measure deflection.

I'm not exactly sure how it's done (I could find out) but not really interested and take the manufacturers' word for it.

The Cab 22 is way stiffer than the Ti10 and AT700, but those are my findings. They should not even be compared.

well, i can't dispute your data as i can't duplicate your test procedure or know exactly what your numercial value represent. However, i do recall from experience that cab22 is a very stiff racket but u rated it less stiff than ti-10 or AT700 which were not my experience. Does your scale goes like:?

1 noodle
2.5 flexible
3 medium flex
5 medium firm
7.5 medium stiff
9 extra stiff
10 stiffest

[Tedski]

Had StringFest 101 last night at Optiblue's place. Many thanks to Optiblue and bro for setting up the mounting. I was able to string up the Ultra to 36 X 38 with NGY-95, no pre-stretch.

Pete:

Do you have the Trinity string up yet? Would love to try it on the Thursday night section.

Ted

[cooler]

i see, and it does support my previous posts (from other threads) which i had said ti-10 and AT700 aren't extra stiff as rated by yonex. I now can appreciate the ultra without even trying it, it's a beast. If u plan to back off the stiffest a bit, then the first batch can be classifed as 'limited edition'.

[Pete LSD]

My pleasure GrandMaster Ted, one Trinity with BG-80 @ 28 X 31 without pre-stretch is ready for you on Thursday.

Pete:

Do you have the Trinity string up yet? Would love to try it on the Thursday night section.

Ted

[DinkAlot]

My pleasure GrandMaster Ted, one Trinity with BG-80 @ 28 X 31 without pre-stretch is ready for you on Thursday.

That tension is too high for the Trinity, warranty revoked!

[Sportech]

when it is coming to asia? especially MAS?

[Tedski]

That tension is too high for the Trinity, warranty revoked!

Don't worry Sir Dink, I swing like a grandma, Trinity will be safe .

Pete, are you going to join us on Thursday??

Ted

[DinkAlot]

when it is coming to asia? especially MAS?

We have been working on a deal with a distributor in Singapore, it's just about completed. So, I figure within 2 weeks.