PREVIEW: Carlton Vapour Trail Tour / Elite

**jin_uk** · 11-27-2010, 01:49 AM

Right, so I went to my badminton session, but unfortunately ended up missing most of the session and only got to do net play and tumbles in the end so didn't learn a great deal about the rackets. I did quickly try both rackets though and the difference in length was quite apparent at the net. I kind of preferred the shorter Elite length for some reason but obviously the extra reach of the Tour was useful. I have to have a full session next week before I decide what to do, but I may just buy both as they're actually brand new with wrapping on and thermal bags - probably end up selling one. My coach has demo versions of both so I don't even have to use the new wrapped ones which is cool. On to next week then!

**jin_uk** · 11-27-2010, 01:50 AM

Originally Posted by quezac

You're right, 79 euros is a good deal for the VTT, I can't wait any longer, I'm going to buy it.
The seller bad.fr says 5-10 days delivery, god I hate waiting.
I'll post my thoughts when I've had the chance to have a go.
Thanks everyone for your input.

Did you manage to get the racket in the end dude?

**quezac** · 11-27-2010, 07:05 AM

My new racket arrived yesterday, not bad for something supposedly out of stock.
All being well (i.e. if I'm not snowed in) I'll be giving it its first outing monday.
I'll let you all know how it goes.

**Flixor** · 11-27-2010, 12:17 PM

Originally Posted by quezac

My new racket arrived yesterday, not bad for something supposedly out of stock.
All being well (i.e. if I'm not snowed in) I'll be giving it its first outing monday.
I'll let you all know how it goes.

Let's hope you'll be thrilled by it

**jackyche** · 11-28-2010, 12:00 AM

Does anyone have any idea what is the Dunlop equivalent of this racquet? There's no Carlton here in the US.

**Sealman** · 11-28-2010, 04:06 AM

Originally Posted by jackyche

Does anyone have any idea what is the Dunlop equivalent of this racquet? There's no Carlton here in the US.

There are Dunlop Aerogel Tour and Elite models but believe specs are not similar.

**Flixor** · 11-28-2010, 10:49 AM

From the specs from http://www.cresdo.com/sportsledlight...s/product/8724 or http://www.badmintonshoponline.us/un...686588d260407b it seems the Dunlop Aerogel 4D Tour is not far from the specs of Carlton Vapour Trail Tour.

**Sealman** · 11-28-2010, 11:52 AM

Originally Posted by Sealman

There are Dunlop Aerogel Tour and Elite models but believe specs are not similar.

For comparison,

Carlton Vapour Trail Tour is 89g unstrung, head heavy and stiff.
http://www.carltonsports.com/docs/ba...rail_elite.php

Dunlop Aerogel 4D Tour is 87g unstrung, even balance and mid-stiff
http://www.banbadminton.com/ไม้แบดมิ...l-4D-Tour.html

**jackyche** · 11-28-2010, 08:46 PM

Thanks for looking up the info. I couldn't find any information on the Aerogel 4D specs.

So basically they're different rackets. Which is shocking if Dunlop decides not to use Carlton's designs. Weird.

I really like the Vapour Trail Tour's design/colors. I guess I'll order one from UK.

**Flixor** · 11-29-2010, 02:30 AM

Originally Posted by Sealman

For comparison,

Carlton Vapour Trail Tour is 89g unstrung, head heavy and stiff.
http://www.carltonsports.com/docs/ba...rail_elite.php

Dunlop Aerogel 4D Tour is 87g unstrung, even balance and mid-stiff
http://www.banbadminton.com/ไม้แบดมิ...l-4D-Tour.html

You are mistaken, you are quoting the specs of the Carlton Vapour Trail Elite, not the Tour.

Tour is 84 g unstrung, even balance, medium : http://www.carltonsports.com/docs/ba...trail_tour.php

**Sealman** · 11-29-2010, 10:30 AM

Yes I quoted the specs of the Carlton Vapour Trail Elite (yes there was a typo) and Dunlop Aerogel 4D Tour which were the heaviest models of the respective brand and used by the sponsored singles players. I should have been more specific.

**quezac** · 11-30-2010, 11:53 PM

I promised to write a mini review of the VTT from the perspective of an intermediate player. Unfortunately I'm injured and can't play for 2-4 weeks, but I promise to post as soon as I can.

**jin_uk** · 12-03-2010, 12:35 AM

Originally Posted by quezac

I promised to write a mini review of the VTT from the perspective of an intermediate player. Unfortunately I'm injured and can't play for 2-4 weeks, but I promise to post as soon as I can.

Gutted. Wish you a speedy recovery and look forward to review

**C-moon** · 12-14-2010, 12:34 AM

Do anyone use Carlton Vapour Trail Pro? I found it at http://www.sportsdirect.com I check its specification and similar to Carlton Airblade S-lite. Is it new Headlight & medium flex in Vapour Trail Series?

**mattdanielc** · 01-19-2011, 08:03 AM

Sorry to drag up this thread...but I'm hoping some Vapour Trail Elite owners might notice this.

I'm an intermediate player - play twice a week and can play against club level players but virtually all the time I just play with friends.

Anyway I'm after a head heavy stiff flex racket - so the Elite is perfect in that sense. However it's really expensive - I can afford it - but is it overkill for someone at my level?

Cheers

**alphapeta** · 01-19-2011, 10:53 AM

I would say you don't need to spend lots of money on a racket—it's not going to improve your game dramatically, or at all really. Don't spend over the odds for a racket. Better to listen to coach, and to practice. Playing games against persons of your own ability won't improve your game. If you would *like a nice shiny new racket,* because it's nice and new, perhaps ask Dinkalot for a recommended cheaper equivalent.