Hi all in Badminton land, Quick question for AT 900P owners out there. I am looking for a power-based racquet for playing backcourt (doubles) play. I have my sights set on the 900P but not sure whether I would want a 3U or 4U?? I understand that the 3U would offer a little extra umpf in the smash, but is it at the cost of a lot of mobility?? Any feed back would be much appreciated. Thanks
It depends on how strong your arm is. If your forearm is fairly strong, a few extra grams shouldn't affect mobility. IMO, heavier is better, if your arm can handle it.
Also note, if you play backcourt and assuming you smash a lot, more than 5 smashes per rally, 3U is going to tire your shoulders easily. 4U has less power but is better in a rally, let's say you play socially for 2-4 hours. Of course, if you are advanced player/pro, 3U shouldn't be a problem. You can also do some lift weights/pumping to strengthen you shoulders.
I play social doubles with 3U Yonex rackets usually but for the AT900P, I prefer the 4U version as the 3U AT900P is too heavy for me.
I think its something to do with the design of the AT900s. i have the technique 4U and i can feel the difference in the head to other rackets, it seems to give a bit of a pull towards the head so i know 3U would be too heavy for me.
I own a 3u. Quite sluggish in defense but not as bad as at700. It is easy to execute 'jab' though. And definately good for smashing.
i own a 3u at900p. not a lot of problems with defense, but it needs a sufficiently strong arm. and yes, it's very powerful! ^^
Hello. May I know if the fact that high tension 28lbs onwards on a AT900P would it cause the frame damage in the long run? I heard saying that maximum is 26lbs. How true is it? Thank you.
It can afer a while, the strings will begin to cut into the frame on the outside, thats if the strings don't snap first.
Smithy88: exactly what the shop owner highlight the point to me. Does 8DX deliver the same quality of power as AT900P?
I'm not sure, have not used the 8DX but they are different spec. 8DX is Even and extra stiff, AT900P is stiff but head heavy. Going by that then the AT900P should generate more power as i don't see how even a snap shot could hit hard enough with the 8DX without it being head heavy.
Smithy88: yeah thanks for the info it's really useful for my decision making do you know whats the maximum tension AT900P can withstand?
that's the big fuss i am currently encountering due to my level of play it falls on 26-28lbs, in conclusion AT900 series is out from my wish list. however N90 Woods is comparable or is it just the marketing of the brand and lin dan endorsement? it cost a hefty amount in my country for N90 Woods.
Smithy88: Stiff & Head heavy. I am an offensive player overall in singles and doubles. My ideal of choice would be Yonex & Li-Ning if the facts are promising and true. Alternative would be Victor
It's difficult to find a correct balance in N90 I believe. Sad to say at one of the tournament I watch in TV Bao Chun Lai's racket was printed Li-Ning logo within the string. During some replays I accidentally spotted the racket end is suprisingly Yonex logo. So I finally understand China players at some extend are forced to switch to Li-Ning for sure.
If you prefer that and a high tension then have you thought about APACS Lethal 50, 70 or 90 or Panda Power T2 as both can hold a high tension and won't harm the racket like a Yonex strung between 28-26.