First of all, Hello to all those on the forum~ I have been reading the forum and leeching the collective wisdom on here for some time and am very appreciative, but have never found the need to register lol. Now I have XD. I am now searching for a new racket, one that would suit me a bit better maybe? I currently play with the Apacs Z-slayer - 3rd gen Silver UK. So it's an even balance, edging on head heavy; Medium stiff flex; 84-86g frame weight; 675mm length. I string at 29-30 lbs, but am quite happy using 26-27lbs, with BG80s. I've decided to go racket hunting due to being told that my racket flexes too much when I smash -which I have noticed myself (Plus I broke one of my two slayers, so a replacement). I play at University and upper club level - not that it says much about me. I play doubles almost exclusively where I tend to be on the offensive at the back just as much as at the front - due to playing XD and MD. I love smashing, lots. Something that helps improve my smash would be nice Essentially I would like something that can cope with my high power output and fast swing speed (*If I may say so myself), but not detract from net play and ease of movement - i.e. less head heavy? Part of the reason I like my slayer is because of the thin head - almost classical head - which really does make a difference in my swing speed, So I wanted to buy the Z-Slash (possibly due to falling into the 'faster smashes' marketing trap), but as I am a student and it being £150 it is somewhat unreachable (on top of being risky due to my liking of high tensions). Does anyone have recommendations of alternatives? p.s. I do realise that the problem could well be solved by buying a stiff/ XS racket maybe, but there are just too many and any contribution would be greatly appreciated! Oh and I realise full well that 30lbs is not a clever or 'big' tension to pick, but it's what I'm most comfortable with and it drives me nuts when my serves fall short of the service line with lower tensions. Plus I love the sound it makes~
So in summary (correct me if I'm wrong): * Extra stiff * Even-balance or slightly head-heavy * Strong & durable frame * Cheap (so not Yonex) * Available in the UK For "budget" options, I'd probably suggest the Ashaway 7000SQ (£50), or one of the SOTX woven series. If you can stretch to £80-100 you have loads more choice - way too many rackets to list. Obviously I have to suggest the Ultra Pro too
I looked up the 7000sq, it sounds brilliant. Power - Check, Swing speed - Check! But is it me or does it actually say Flexible on direct sports? 59mm = flexible? Thank you so much though! Though, should I be able to stretch to near £100 what would you suggest, like a top 5 if possible? And, I swear I read somewhere that the T2v2 had the same shaft length as a Z-slash, or did I imagine that (but I am doubtful that the extra cm will increase my smashing - despite the overwhelming desire to own a z-slash)? I have been following the Panda thread and development for some time and the desire to buy one of them has crossed my mind several times~
Oh and er... will the 7000sq be able to cope with 28-30lbs? I've done some research and I'm aware that the suggested is up to 25lbs, but higher is possible - but just how much higher is ok? If it does turn out to be a great racket - I'd like to be able to string up to 30lbs as I normally do... (Lastly, apologies for being such a chatty poster - I end up typing exactly what is running in my head, so ends up being a string of gibberish ^^)
Vapour Trail Elite is a good suggestion, if you can afford it. Maybe the Victor BS10 too? The Kevlar 7000SQ is not flexible - don't know how direct sports arrived at that conclusion (and if you look at the Z-Slash on the same site, the flex values are only different by 1mm). I think it would take high tensions, but you'd void your warranty - it's the same for most brands (most Yonex rackets have a max recommended tension of around 24lbs, but people routinely string them much tighter than that). I'm not certain about the shaft length of Trinity 2 vs Z-Slash, but it does have a short handle (as do other Panda Power rackets), so I think you're probably right. If you were to order one now, it would probably have to be either a Trinity Pro (slightly stiffer than T2, and with different graphics, but otherwise the same) or an Ultra Pro (stiffer and harder-hitting, but not as quick).
Thank you so much~ I think I've narrowed it down to the BS10 or the 7000SQ. I had to pass on the Panda Power - as reluctant as I am, due to time pressures - Match coming up and I wish to wield it soon. I may well invest in one some time later on though, they sound too good to truly pass on. The sad thing is that the BS10 is double the price - meaning out I'm losing out there. But if it is as good as it sounds - review wise - then I think it will be worth it. Lol was offered a AT900T, but having played with one before and a AT700, I would like to try a Victor. But no reason otherwise XD.
I used the 7000SQ last season - now using a BS11, although coincidently also just ordered a BS10. For the price, the 7000SQ is a great racket, really can't fault it. In fact, after buying mine last year 3 guys at my club went and bought one as well, so I guess that's testament to how good it is. Saying that, I do prefer my BS11, its head heavier & heavier than the 7000SQ but it swings so fast that you don't really notice it when playing, although I would say that the shaft isn't as stiff so its not quite as crisp. The BS10 is supposed to be stiffer & slightly head lighter than the BS11, so I imagine its actually somewhere between the two.