Panda does sell a wide range, but think about this (numbers are not necessarily representative of the truth, just pay attention to the concept) Manufacturer spends $5000 to make 100 rackets, meaning each racket costs $50 to make However, of those 100 rackets, only 90 make QC, so now thats $5000 for 90 rackets, or $55.56 each Of those 90, without adjustment via epoxy or lead tape, only 45 rackets make target range for BP/weight. This is because those that would have been adjusted with lead tape are off by several grams weight, and several mm BP, out of the target range. Now, its $5000 for 45 rackets, or $111.11 each. However, if we allow the manufacture to adjust its rackets with lead tape and epoxy, say 80 of the 90 fit the target range. $5000 for 80 rackets is $62.50 each. Compare that to $111.11, its almost a $50 difference per racket. Of course, it may be a drastic example, but in my mind, the concept stays the same. If there is a cheap, efficient way to get more rackets to pass QC, it lowers the cost per racket, and of course, means savings for the customer.
Now if instead, we say forget the lead tape, and then say instead, "the 80 rackets closest to the spec ranges I specify pass QC," the cost is still $62.50. But now we leave it up to chance. If 78 out of the 80 are in the target range without the lead tape, great! Someone like kwun or me would love to see what an oddball racket is like, and everyone else can snap up the good ones. But if instead, only 2 are in the target range, and 78 play wildly different from what was intended, now you have a poor product that no one will buy, because there is no consistency. If we were to do this, what's the point of doing prototypes, etc. Just throw together a bunch of random parameters, and sell the ones that feel great! (Sounds like what a lot of the copycats do cough Eagnas/apacs/flypower cough). The point is that the lead tape is there, to make the racket perform the way you want it to (with a little leeway), as finetuned through all the prototypes, demos, and trials. And if you don't care about how the racket performs, to be honest, you shouldn't be spending money on rackets anyways, because you're either a beginner or you're a pro.
So to fully answer your question, no lead tape/epoxy equals: slightly lower overall cost more amounts of offspec/undesirable rackets increased cost per "on-spec" racket which totals up to be bad business practice.
Perhaps I wasn't clear. I was talking specifically about dc badminton, where a wide range of specs are sold for the same product (wide in comparison to most other manufacturers). It depends how many rackets are in need of adjusting - something I thought only Dan would know, but perhaps not if he doesnt look under too many grips. On the premise that his saleable range of specs is 'wide', are adjustments (lead/epoxy) really giving that much benefit?
I would imagine Dan only looks under the grips of the rackets he owns, not sells. And not all use lead tape, looking for epoxy would require removal of the butt cap and peering deep into the handle, which is highly unlikely since that level of consumer end of customization isn't useful for badminton (unlike tennis). But to be honest, this question is not for me nor for Dan. I think its best to ask it of the racket manufacturers. The use of lead tape/epoxy is probably for their convenience, they do not have to be as stringent with the carbon graphite molding and wood density of the handle.
Incidentally, I've owned 15 Panda Power rackets - none of which had any lead tape on the handle (I also own a Carlton that does).
All of my dunlop aerogel 100 tennis rackets have lead tape covered by electrical tape embedded into the foam handle. I can't remember about all my badminton rackets, but I'd imagine it's more likely they'd use epoxy glue or something inside the wood. It would help secure the cone/shaft to the handle anyways.
Pandas use beeswax for weight balancing. It is the green alternative to epoxy. They take a weighted, hardened blob, drop it into the hollow of the handle and then with their laser eye, heat it till it turns to putty-paste, and then flash-freeze it till solidifies in place around the shaft. This adds the necessary weight, as well as enhances the stability of the racquet. But what is really important is that it also doubles up as a secret stash of emergency rations. Recently, I came upon this secret in my trusty T2 when I was lost in the desert and despairing (and going stark raving mad, which effect still lingers as you may see) and it saved me from extinction. My T2 plays even faster after that.
epoxy balancing would probably be a 2-stage process. First you add the epoxy and let it dry, and then you would drill or shave some off for the appropriate balance.
Hi I brought two of these rackets recently from Mark and I have to say they are truly the quickest and most amazing all round rackets in this weight bracket on the market. I have tried Z Slash, N90, AT900p, Browning, Carlton etc etc and I have to say the Trinity Pro is better, helped further by Mark's excellent stringing job. However, I have been used to playing with a 75g racket and despite my 20 years experience in the sport my shoulder and elbow struggle with the extra 10g of weight so hence I am selling. As I wrote earlier I brought two of these rackets, I tried one and left the other one wrapped as it came. The one I used I have sold and this one is exactly as it was when I received it, untouched and perfect! You will see the specs in the pic below, it has been strung with Kason P75 at 28lbs which I have found to be better than Zymax 67. I want £75 delivered in the UK. Thanks Jag
The new TPros Here are the first photos of the forthcoming batch of TPros - should be with Mr. Panda in a week or two. The solid yellow has been replaced with NS8000 mk II style metallic gold/bronze; head is still marbled carbon. Preorders being accepted (by me) now - three in already...
May I trade one of these with one of mine? Very nice color - it'll catch a bit more attention, let's hope it's more durable than the old stuff
Very nice !! Would have loved to get one but I got too many rackets in my bag at the moment The Trinity Pro is a very good racket. I cannot seem to be able to put it down. It always jump first in my hand. Keep up the good work.
Oh disappointed - much prefer the gold/bronze to the yellow. Panda does have an annoying habit of changing colour schemes - perhaps not annoying if you are yet to order your T-Pro. Also willing to swap old! colour scheme for new!!!
I think both color schemes are nice, we did voted for them after all. Been a while since I checked back here, does panda have a T shirt design yet?
yes, there was a vote so why change the colour scheme? I know there will be BCers out there saying the colour doesn't affect how the 'racket 'plays' but all things being equal!!
This batch of TPros is a special order at the request of a distributor. There will currently only be a limited supply. But if good, will switch to this color scheme permanently. The color scheme has not changed for any Panda Power racket with the exception of the Trinity to Trinity Pro. Any other modifications/updates, to any other rackets, are to try and improve upon them.
