Yonex ArcSaber Z Slash Review

**HKChua** · 09-30-2009, 10:32 AM

Originally Posted by foo.tw

It has excellent maneuverability and control and power. But I have to aim for longer time when smashing. I think I'll need more time to get used to it. My moves seem not to be swift enough.

It is good because it will give your opponents less time to response to your strokes....

**chilli** · 09-30-2009, 11:09 AM

Played with my new ArcZ for the third time last night, and as usual I'd to switch back to the AT900P after an hour of playing. Found it very inconsistent, therefore over-hitting and mis-hitting quite frequently. IMO between the 2 Arcs, the Arc10 is friendlier. Got used to the AT900P right away a month ago. The 2 Arc10s took almost 3 months and 4 months and still not used to them. Re-strung both at different tensions a few times to be fair. Sold both of them. All the racquets mentioned are 3UG3 strung 26/28 #s with BG80. Just love the AT900P in all aspects...may get another as a spare. Good for now till the next new one

**Sealman** · 09-30-2009, 02:05 PM

Originally Posted by foo.tw

It has excellent maneuverability and control and power. But I have to aim for longer time when smashing. I think I'll need more time to get used to it. My moves seem not to be swift enough.

foo.tw, do you know how much does the tw version cost in taiwan?

**Easy Tiger** · 09-30-2009, 05:00 PM

Okay, so I put two hours in with the new ZS. It's a weird racket that's going to take a bit of getting used to I gotta say. Jury is definitely still out. It's definitely got good punch if you get everything right, but I had trouble putting the whole package together.

I'm not sure I like BG80 at mid tensions, so I'm almost hoping the tension drops off after a few weeks like it did with my AT900T.

**Eric Soon** · 09-30-2009, 09:50 PM

Originally Posted by Easy Tiger

Okay, so I put two hours in with the new ZS. It's a weird racket that's going to take a bit of getting used to I gotta say. Jury is definitely still out. It's definitely got good punch if you get everything right, but I had trouble putting the whole package together.

I'm not sure I like BG80 at mid tensions, so I'm almost hoping the tension drops off after a few weeks like it did with my AT900T.

Hi Easy Tiger, thinkin of getting the new ZS, using At900T currently. Pls give some comments of new ZS vs AT900T.

**Easy Tiger** · 09-30-2009, 10:09 PM

Originally Posted by Eric Soon

Hi Easy Tiger, thinkin of getting the new ZS, using At900T currently. Pls give some comments of new ZS vs AT900T.

Oh wow, completely different rackets. The AT900T is a big fave of mine, but it's head heavy and a very forgiving racket with almost unparalleled touch at the net I reckon. Big sweet-spot too meaning defensive shots come back over the net that other rackets wouldn't produce. Great feedback from the shuttle too, you really feel involved in the shot.

The ZS is a completely different racket. To me it feels neutral in the hand, perhaps even a bit heavy even as a 3U. You do actually notice the smaller head, even though back-to-back there's not much in it.
I think if you're a reasonably skilled player you'll be able to eek a good game out of it, but at this early stage I think A Graders will be able to get the most out of it. The sweet-spot seems very specific and it's not a forgiving racket if you're having a bad day or not well drilled like a more top level player.

I need some more time to get in tune with the ZS (I won't be quick to write-off rackets ever again - my new Carlton is a cracker of a racket with the right strings) but the ZS and AT900T probably could not be more different.

**d3sm0nd** · 09-30-2009, 10:40 PM

Originally Posted by Sealman

foo.tw, do you know how much does the tw version cost in taiwan?

MYR550 include 2 strings without grip,my sis bought for me few days ago

**Eric Soon** · 09-30-2009, 10:51 PM

Originally Posted by Easy Tiger

Oh wow, completely different rackets. The AT900T is a big fave of mine, but it's head heavy and a very forgiving racket with almost unparalleled touch at the net I reckon. Big sweet-spot too meaning defensive shots come back over the net that other rackets wouldn't produce. Great feedback from the shuttle too, you really feel involved in the shot.

The ZS is a completely different racket. To me it feels neutral in the hand, perhaps even a bit heavy even as a 3U. You do actually notice the smaller head, even though back-to-back there's not much in it.
I think if you're a reasonably skilled player you'll be able to eek a good game out of it, but at this early stage I think A Graders will be able to get the most out of it. The sweet-spot seems very specific and it's not a forgiving racket if you're having a bad day or not well drilled like a more top level player.

I need some more time to get in tune with the ZS (I won't be quick to write-off rackets ever again - my new Carlton is a cracker of a racket with the right strings) but the ZS and AT900T probably could not be more different.

Agree with you on the AT900T. Any possibility the ZS could be your MAIN racket in time to come?

**din** · 09-30-2009, 10:52 PM

Lucky you....

p/s : let me know if u feel it's not going to suit u...

Originally Posted by d3sm0nd

MYR550 include 2 strings without grip,my sis bought for me few days ago

**d3sm0nd** · 09-30-2009, 11:38 PM

Originally Posted by din

Lucky you....

p/s : let me know if u feel it's not going to suit u...

my 21st birthday present which my sis owe me long time ago

well i havent try it yet cos exam is coming,but for i sure i wont sell it though it's not suit me

**Easy Tiger** · 10-01-2009, 12:17 AM

Originally Posted by Eric Soon

Agree with you on the AT900T. Any possibility the ZS could be your MAIN racket in time to come?

As me in a couple of weeks

If looks are anything to go by, I hope so. It looks awesome with fluro yellow strings

**urban shuttler** · 10-01-2009, 12:46 AM

hmm...seems from the reviews that its quite mixed, between easy to play to difficulties in getting used to...

well...think its individual preference and skill level end of the days...hope i can use my ZS proficiently tis Sat (can't hardly wait)...otherwise, it'll be another white elephant...

not to worry, will post my experience...and for those think about taking the plunge...do it if you don't mind the cost and prefer yonex rackets...

**Jasonvan** · 10-01-2009, 01:19 AM

Tried it for 2hrs with my Z... strung at 25lbs with BG80 and I must say I am very disappointed with the racket... It could be my technique but I got no power out of this racket... I have alot more power using the panda ultra prototype @26lbs with Ashaway ZM67, my Li-Ning N70 @25x28 with BG80 and my ARC10 @26lbs as well... I will try to re-string it at 26lbs but I don't think that'd make a difference and give it another try... yes the racket is quick and I did well on defense but I got no power on clears and smashes...

**foo.tw** · 10-01-2009, 01:23 AM

I agree that the sweetspot of AT900T is HUGE!
I feel ARCZ has a sweetspot similar to NS8000.
When you hit on the small area, everything is cool.
If not, you suffer.
Something is better than NS8000 is that the sweetspot of ARCZ is very clear to sense.
For people got good skills, ARCZ is a wonderful weapon after some days or months practice.

**Matt** · 10-01-2009, 02:25 AM

Anyone have a comparison experience with Arc7 to Z Slash?

**Slacker** · 10-01-2009, 06:03 AM

My two cents of the Arc Z Slash after 2 sessions, perhaps i need to get used to the racket more :

Felt like an extra stiff racket (though it classified as Stiff only).... similar stiffness to Mp100... stiffer than an Mp99, Old / New Ti10, Cab30ms or old At700.

Head heavy balance, slightly head heavy to Mp99 or Cab30ms whom i considered even balance.

Quite a fast racket, easily manouevrable, clears and lifts are good. Better than the yellow Ti10.

Control and Feel is nice. In fact, quite good control.

Sweetspot is small thou, thus it is quite an unforgiving racket. However, if can hit the sweetspot, power is definitely there (which explains for the creation of this racket)...and i am still trying to find the sweetspot consistently.

**Easy Tiger** · 10-01-2009, 06:23 AM

Originally Posted by Jasonvan

Tried it for 2hrs with my Z... strung at 25lbs with BG80 and I must say I am very disappointed with the racket... It could be my technique but I got no power out of this racket... I will try to re-string it at 26lbs but I don't think that'd make a difference....

I'm going to give it a week and perhaps even try it as low as 22lbs with something thinner and textured like Ashaway PG66. I'm not sure BG80 is going to work on this racket for some reason.

It sure is a bit of a mystery racket. Been thinking about it all day!