Hi, I'm a freshman at college playing at my local club. I played singles for 4 years in high school. I can't believe how long I played with those crappy plastic shuttles in high school....feather is so much better. The club is mostly doubles, and is much more competitive and well-played than high school. I'm moving up the ranks quite quickly in the club's skill ranks, but I've noticed that my shots, especially my smashes, are not as powerful as they should be. I am told by better and more experienced players that my form is good, and that my shots are hit hard. However, I don't "feel" the birdies flying as fast as they should feel; I'll jump smash and whip my entire body into the shot, but my racket doesn't return the favor. Anyway, for the last 2 years of high school I've been using an HL Power Plus G5, a $60 racket that's probably on the lower end of the spectrum compared to some of the rackets I've seen reviewed and used in this site and at the club. I understand that skill, footwork, etc is much more important than the racket. But I feel that a racket upgrade would make a 10-20, maybe even 30 mph difference in my smashes. So my question is: What's one of the better racket choices in the $80-120 dollar prince range? As a college student I'm not full of money, and I want to make the right choice first. And if you could, what's a good site to buy said racket from? And a good string combo? Edit: I will not be buying this racket right away. By the time I make a decision, I may have more than $120 saved. Any racket up to ~$140 i would consider
I would actually recommend our buy-sell forum here. i've purchased various range of rackets and have no problems. If you dont like 2nd hand theres also brand new rackets such as Zelm and Panda Ultra and Trinity rackets. give a read on this forum because there is a lot of info also list your playing style and racket preference (stiffness oval iso etc) btw welcome to BC! see ya around
I would recommend you either buy a racket from DinkAlot ....everyone uses Trinity all said it is good. Or else you can look onto the APACS racket of their own as well such as Tantrum200 or AMP95
well since he said he was able to afford up to $140, then why not? if he got the money, go for Yonex ! Made in Japan ! *anti-yonex fans, please don't whack me i am not working for yonex
he said he would have to consider if its 140 you just saying yonex doesnt help. if you give him the name of a certain racket that might help more.
i think yonex outsource their racket manufacturing, so i wouldnt stand by the "made in japan" quote so firmly =P
OK, guys, 1) Please welcome the new member? 2) There is no such a thing as best racquet. There is a racquet that suits you the best. 3) Please give more info to work with. Check out the other thread on what info you should supply. For example, I know you like smash. How about net shot skill? 4) There is not substitute for demo and trying out different racquets. I assume there are other good player in (Univ MD I presume?) your club?If so, ask if you can borrow their racquet to try. Buy him/her a sports drink as a thank you gift. You might meet a few good friends.
hope this will help him to choose *copy from bbeshop.com (they have a variety of choice) *price in US dollar *price not including shipment AT 250 LTD = 80.00 NS 7000 = 149.00 NS 6000 = 122.00 NS 5000 = 116.00 NS 4500 = 110.00 AT 700 = 145.00 AT 500 = 120.00 AT 300 = 112.00 AT 150 = 65.00 MP 100 = 142.00 MP 99 = 142.00 MP 88 = 125.00 MP LTD = 112.00 MP 66 = 105.00 MP 45 = 108.00 MP 33 = 85.00 Ti 10 = 129.00 Ti 7 = 103.00 whatever higher than 150.00 was not listed. AT = Armortec (for power) NS = Nanospeed (for speed + control) MP = Muscle Power (for all round performance ?) Ti = Titanium (for power) *if the definition of racket characteristic was somehow not accurate, please don't whack me
alright, thanks for all the feedback....i checked out the panda power rackets (i thought the correct spelling was "racquet" but oh well), and the Trinity sounds like a good bet. roughly $110 USD, and going by the reviews, it sounds like it performs just as well if not better than more expensive and mainstream racket brands. Plus, since DinkAlot posts so many reviews and seems well-respected, it would be nice to promote his brand. (I've lurked here for a few days)
last time i checked, the word "racket" and "racquet" was the same. not sure which one is under US or UK english. just like "color" and "colour" i like to use "racket" is because it is much faster to type than "racquet" don't you think so?
well, if you change your mind, Yonex will always welcome you may the force be with you *Feel the Force, don't Force the Feel*
cancelok, welcome to the forums. I recommend you review dinkalots racket review and figure out what racket characteristics you enjoy. stiff shaft? flexible shaft? head heavy? balanced? Different players will have different results with each racket. For example, I use a mid flex moderate-head heavy racket. I can also use stiff head heavy rackets, but not as much power even though they are head heavy. Because everyone has a different stroke we each need different rackets. For the price range, rackets id keep an eye out for are the sotx woven 7 and 9, yonex will be hard to find for that range, but there are a few that can be found. Dink's trinity's are indeed very popular and very good rackets. Apacs has several good clones, and also their own. I always recommend getting 2 copies of a racket you want in case you break a string during competition. Its terrible when you break a string and you have to change to another racket, and cant adapt to the different feel mid match. Itll ruin your day and tournament. Check out apacs canada, and their nano 900 power/technique http://www.apacscanada.com/ they are at900 clones but I hear very good feedback from them. If you want multiple panda power trinities, let me or dink know. There are just a few left.
Still don't have info on what type of racquet Cancelok likes. But for the sake of good deals: the ibuysports guy has been auctioning off SOTX Woven 8 and Woven 9 on ebay. These well regarded racquets. P.S. Dinkalot's Trinity is a nice stiff racquet....but note that the BP does make a difference. You need to know yourself well to choose well.
