my tuppence... Finally resumed playing yesterday and took the T1 and U1 for a spin, level doubles only. These reviews are unbiased - I am a dealer, but I'm not going to sugar-coat. Both strung with Zymax 62 at 26/28: T1 - very adaptable, seemed at home with any conceivable shot. Excellent at the net (283 mm) with precise control. Responds well to wristy shots, especially "delayed" lifts and clears, and moves through the air nicely. Really does remind of the Ti-10. U1 - now then... Just too much racket 80% of the time. I could feel it trying not to bend on shots with a big swing (particularly over-the-shoulder clears), but on the occasions I did catch a shot properly it screamed off - I backhand smashed one floater at the net and nearly hit it through the floor. "Stabby" shots were a particular highlight, as were flick serves (strangely). Aerodynamics aren't great, though, so I had trouble switching over on the defence despite the 287 balance, and it got to be very tiring towards the end of close games. The improvements needed for the U1 were obvious (painfully so), but the T1 is pretty much perfect the way it is - it just needs some more strength at the 2 and 10 o'clock positions.
If you mean headlight and flexible, then I would have to say "no" w.r.t the current models - you can get T1's in extremely head-light configurations (280 is quite common), but they just aren't as flexible as something like an Arc 9 or AT600. Dink, there's a gap in the market here! I've seen plenty of girls using stiff stuff like NS9000/8000 and AT900T, though, so I can't give a cast-iron answer...
i've got a question, hope nobody finds offense in this though. it's really so that i make the best decision for myself. if the Trinity is modeled after the Yonex Ti 10, and is quite obviously successful in doing so, why wouldn't people just get the Ti 10 instead of the Panda Trinity? I mean, there isn't a whole lot in pricing. is there something in the Trinity that I'm missing out on?
A girl at my club asked me to recommend to her a racquet for €100 so I thought there might be a potential sale there for you You would recommend an AT700 to a girl?
1. the ti10 is only available in asia. 2. the trinity is able to handle tension up to 30lbs 3. the trinity is about 30% less expensive than the ti10. ($100 vs $150)
okay, what if the Ti 10 is available to you, you usually play with 24lbs and you can get the both rackets at pretty good prices with the Trinity only 16% cheaper?
Translated: There are two rackets with identical characteristics, one by a big brand name and the other by a well known and trusted player, racket tester, seller, and the 2nd is cheaper by 16%, which should I get? personal preference, I like paying for a brand name, vs I like paying for performance.
well the yonex is quite well documented and reviewed so i would say it's pretty equal. but yes i do get your point. decision making is tough. haha
I would agree that it would not be easy to make a decision. My approach to rackets is if the rackets suits me, then it will be my to go racket. I have gone through a lot of rackets and brands.They are all good rackets, but i am unable to unlock the potential the racket then I think it is pointless. The Ti-10 is very similar to the T1.However there are significant difference to it. Remember the racket are just tools, your skills and technique is way more important. Never ever forget that. Also if you are not sure, life is short. Buy the racket try it out, if you dont like it sell it away.
Panda is glad that you asked this question and here are the answers: 1) DC Badminton Panda Power rackets have a GUARANTEE. This guarantee means that if you break your racket, we will replace it for $35.00, almost no questions asked. The only time we will not replace it is if you get mad and smash it on the ground or use it for home protection. Even then, if you are reasonable and contact us and tell us the situation, we may replace it. And we replace it immediately, no waiting, no delays (unless we're out-of-stock). We, DC Badminton and all our affiliates, want you to be happy with your purchase. We are here for the long haul and want to differentiate ourselves based on quality products with superior service. If you have any questions/comments/requests, just ask us. We will do our best to accommodate you. 2) Racket customization. The Ti10 comes in 2U and 3U and is more biased head heavy. You don't have much control over what you are getting. The Trinity comes in 84g to 90g, BP275-295. We can customize the racket to your ideal swing weight. There's no "racket lottery" on the weight and BP you get. You know exactly the weight and balance point of the racket as we weigh and balance each racket. 3) Stronger and stiffer shaft, the Trinity has a slightly stiffer and stronger shaft than the Ti10. 4) Panda Power! Who doesn't want a racket that says "Panda" on it? Everyone likes a Panda!
Another reason to buy DC Badminton - Panda Power rackets: We are constantly working to update and improve our rackets. We play test them, get feedback from professionals such as Halim Haryanto Ho to top women players with a variety of styles of play. We listen to what each has to say and we make improvements accordingly. For instance, the Trinity 2 (T2) improvements over the T1: 1) Stronger and stiffer frame: will use ~25% stronger graphite, which is also ~15% stiffer, translating into greater power. 2) Shaft will be about 15% more flexible to make it easier to generate power. 3) More durable finish: proprietary 620PP dual finish. Still working on this... 4) Ti-Mesh: the original Ti-10 had mesh around the 3 and 9 position when the mesh is needed ideally at the 2, 5, 7, 10 positions. We are working on incorporating this currently. Hence the 1+ month delay in introducing the T2...
Dink, would the U2 be suitable for a female player? The purple would probably go down well (I like it myself!).
Unless she can smash like Mona Santoso, probably not. Panda does not think the U2 is ideal for women. We plan to introduce a female specific racket soon...2+ months.
Ah well, I'll just have to save up for one myself, hehe. My MP-99 is looking quite battle-worn, I must admit
It's going to be baby pink and baby purple. Here are the other proposed rackets so far, all rendered by Sketchy in collaboration with Panda.
Oooo I really really like the color scheme on all 3. Simple, clean, but sexy and alluring. Just enough going on so that it accents the racket and it's shape, but no so much going on that it draws away from it's sense of power. The trinity reminds me of like a tiger/black panther combo that will strike for the kill at the slightest sign of weakness from the opponent, but is still willing to wait it out for the perfect opportunity.