I went ahead and got some Gel Blade 4's. After the GB3's, Progressives and Gel Beyond, I think I can say the Gel Blade series might be best suited for badminton. Haven't played on them yet, but fit and feel is really close to the GB3's
Any weight difference? And can you put up a side by side comparison pic of the soles which is probably the biggest difference? Maybe post it here http://www.badmintoncentral.com/forums/showthread.php/128260-ASICS-Gel-Blade-4-amp-Gel-Beyond-2013 The Blade's are definitely closest to the ground from these three models (in the forefoot area anyway). If you have a bum knee, you might welcome the extra cushioning provided by the Beyond and Progressive though
In Europe sold as "Floorball" shoe (like icehockey on shoes) I don't know if yours has it but the little circle on the back is a floor ball. In any case, there is a Cyber Speed 2 now as well and this shoe also looks like it could be used for badminton. [video=youtube;iQE1PcLURdk]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iQE1PcLURdk[/video]
I'm using the Birdrushing MT2 since about 2 months ago and I'm liking them. The design itself is unique but has both a plus side and minus side. The plus side is that you can to some extent adjust how tightly you want your shoes to squeeze your feet thanks to the velcro, even after you've tied the laces. I usually adjust them after 30 minutes of practice as the shoes starts to feel bigger after a while. However, the minus about this is that it's a hassle having to take on and off the velcro when tying or untying the shoe laces. It's a mid-cut shoe so it protects the ankle a bit more, which is good for someone like me who tend to get my ankle hurt often. I'm using an extra supporter on my right foot as well and I've no problem getting my foot plus the supporter into the shoe. However, you should note that before you buy this shoe that this shoe is a "Wide" shoe and when I say wide, I mean real wide. It's much wider compared to any other 'wide' marked shoes I've ever worn. I'm using a size 27 and had I known the size issue, I would've gone with 26,5. There's also ventilation holes on the inside of the shoe (on the insole) and under the shoe itself. This can cause potential problems for people who have really sweaty legs and feet. I've had the problem with a pair of Mizuno shoes with the same type of design that if you sweat a lot, the ventilation tend to become a problem as sweat seeps through, thus making the court to get wet. I've been using the Birdrushing during summer here in Japan, but fortunaly, I've not had that problem with these shoes as I did with the Mizunos. As for cushioning, I think it's good, although I did expect more because of the price compared to my previous Yonex shoes (SHB81). A key point for me when I buy shoes is that I look for good and long lasting cushioning rather than speed, however, I don't think the Birdrushing is too heavy even though it's a mid-cut. I can't notice any difference in speed between these and my previous Yonex, however the Birdrushing are definitely slower than the Victor SH9000 ACE. The grip on the shoes are good and I never felt that there was any break-in time. Hope this answer some of your question marks. Feel free to ask if there's anything you're wondering about.
just got the gel blade 4 and played with it for the first time today...very good grip as expected but as someone mentioned in the forum in some other thread, lacks lateral support...and cushioning is not as good as gel blast 5.
RRP for Gel Blast 5(Blue/Yellow) is MYR$499 !! After 20% off, it is still $399 or even after 30% off, it is still expensive at $350 !! I remember older Gel Blast 4 2011(Black)/2012(Red/Green)/2013(Neon) models RRP is only MYR$399. The newer Gel Blast 4(Orange) RRP starts to increase to MYR$499.
RRP in USA for Gel Blast 5(Blue) is only US$140. I'm not sure why it is more expensive in Malaysia. http://www.asicsamerica.com/Shop/Footwear/Indoor-Court/Mens/GEL-Blast%C2%99-5/p/0010171586.4290
I purchased the Gel blast 5 and simply love them, they are so suportive, I'm not afraid to make any kind of movement in them because I feel the shoe will support my feet (which they do). I even landed flat on my foot after taking a step once and normally I would be forced to shake off atleast minor injury but with these shoes I felt no pain and just kept playing