Panda Power: A Racket That Can Take 40lbs. String Tension!

Discussion in 'Badminton Rackets / Equipment' started by DinkAlot, Apr 22, 2009.

  1. jymbalaya

    jymbalaya Regular Member

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    As can a Carlton AS1, and the Fleet Woven 2U rackets. your point?
     
  2. DinkAlot

    DinkAlot dcbadminton
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    40lbs. string tension is only good for novelty purposes. I do not condone using it or trying it for any extended period of time.

    40lbs. is already useable. I tried it for about 15 minutes. The clears sounded like smashes and the smashes sounded like thunder as people from other courts would look over because the sound was so different. But, there's absolutely no power. When you smash, the shuttle shoots like a bullet for the first 10-15 feet and then it's like a parachute opens up and the shuttle looses all its velocity.

    Again, 40lbs. string tension is only good for novelty purposes. I do not condone using it.

    Panda has said this before and will say it again: try to use the lowest tension you can tolerate that won't adversely affect your game. There are many benefits to this:

    1) Less stress on the string
    2) Less stress on the racket
    3) Less stress on a person's arm
    4) Better form. If you string too high and cannot wield it, you will have bad form; you will have a loopy, jerky inconsistent swing trying to muscle the shuttle out.
     
  3. DinkAlot

    DinkAlot dcbadminton
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    The racket manufacturer is backed-up with many orders currently. So the Revelation and Trinity 2 won't be available for at least 3 months.

    In about 40 days, I hope to have the revised 2nd generation Ultra in stock. Since the original Ultra and Trinity were made, I learned a lot of little minor things and have incorporated what is pertinent.

    The changes:

    1) revised graphics, eliminated decals on most of the frame which soften the outer frame, that's mostly why over time, the grommets sink in and the string eats into the graphite.

    2) stronger thinner clearcoat, minimizing paint chips. Couple the thinner clearcoat and the elimination of decals, the frame will be a bit thinner, a bit more aerodynamic.

    3) Dropped BP 5mm to 285

    4) Reduced stiffness from 7.0 -7.3 to 7.5 - 7.8

    5) Racket weight available: 82-88g

    These changes, though seemlingly small, will make the Ultra much more user friendly and more durable. It will minimize sinking grommets and paint chips.

    The generation two Ultra should be useable and appeal to many more people. :D
     
  4. Nuetronist

    Nuetronist Regular Member

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    Any changes to the trinity?
     
  5. DinkAlot

    DinkAlot dcbadminton
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    Yep:

    1) minimal the use of decals
    2) superior clearcoat
    3) revised graphics due to # 1 and 2
    4) upgrade to Toray M40GC for the frame

    Will keep the same BP and stiffness
     
  6. dorysan

    dorysan Regular Member

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    so where is the video of the play with the 40lbs? :eek:
     
  7. hunterkillerz

    hunterkillerz Regular Member

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    thx for the update, cant wait till the 2nd gens are available
     
  8. krisss

    krisss Regular Member

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    My friend is considering either a ZELM Powerplay 9990 or Panda's Ultra (both are head heavy and stiff)

    I am getting a few ZELM Powerplay's because they suit my attacking needs , and when I do I will lend it to my friend to test.

    But he asked , if would still be aloud to buy first Gen Ultra , because it has a higher B.P than the new one.

    Would that be possible?
     
  9. Pete LSD

    Pete LSD Regular Member

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    :crying::crying::crying: Don't reduce stiffness :crying::crying::crying:

     
  10. DinkAlot

    DinkAlot dcbadminton
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    Though the Zelm is stiff, it cannot be compared to the Ultra. The Ultra is way stiffer and much more demanding. Of course this is comparing same weight and BP rackets.

    There are no more first generation Ultras, I'm all sold out. :p I only have a few demos or used ones, that's about it.


     
  11. DinkAlot

    DinkAlot dcbadminton
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    I need to reduce the stiffness to make it more user friendly. Just about every person I have seen play (who has purchased an Ultra) cannot flex the shaft. Most of them, not even close.

    But hey, if a person has the money and wants to purchase something or likes something and wants it regardless why, it's his/her right. I'm not going to stop 'em. :D
     
  12. DinkAlot

    DinkAlot dcbadminton
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    Update:

    I need to update the Racket Review. If you have any of the following rackets you would like to trade (in new or in mint condition), please e-mail me at: dinkalotdan AT gmail DOT com (we can figure out an equitable trade after you tell me what you have to offer).

    1) Any Li Ning rackets
    2) Any new Victor rackets
    3) Any country code Yonex racket made in the last two years
    4) Any new Carlton Rackets
    5) Any new Babolat Rackets
    6) Heck, any new rackets that are popular or want to be reviewed.

    Thanks! :D
     
  13. ViningWolff

    ViningWolff Regular Member

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    Okay, I finally started playing again and playedwith the Ultra and I'm impressed. I was a little worries at first as it felt light when I got it, but as soon as I stripped off the grip tape and went to a single wrap of prince overgrip that I do withh all the raquets, it felt much more head heavy.

    It's only a hint stiffer than the Forza Sp-9000 that I play with so there is minimal flex which I need with my power. One things I noticed is that the joint on my SPs are thicker than the Ultra.

    My swing is still stiff from taking the summer off, but I can already tell the Ultra will give great nasty smash power and based on the few net tricks I tried, is very responsive at the net. feedback on shots was decent... Going to keep playing with it with the intention of putting into active duty.. I may have to get another one as a back up.

    if anyone doesn't like their ultra, I'll take it!!!
     
  14. DinkAlot

    DinkAlot dcbadminton
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    Hey Wolffie! Glad you like the Ultra. I believe the one I sent to you was 86.5g, BP290. That's the average weight and BP. If you want heavier, more endloaded, I have them up to 90g, BP300. :)
     
  15. dorysan

    dorysan Regular Member

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    So Dink,
    what with the video of the worm up with 40lbs?
     
  16. Pete LSD

    Pete LSD Regular Member

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    WT? I thought all first generation Ultras are sold out? No? :p Dink it. You know where to send them.

     
  17. pwimsey

    pwimsey Regular Member

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    is there an east coast / nyc dealer for the racquets yet? i would love to try them

    what about dealers in the uk as i go there often?
     
  18. DinkAlot

    DinkAlot dcbadminton
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    The UK Dealer is MarkA. You can reach him at:

    papps0001ATbtinternetDOTcom
     
  19. Sevex

    Sevex Regular Member

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    I am now holding a panda power trinity racket and I have to say it feels solid! Very similar to the woven 7 in feel (from swinging it around outside), only lighter. So similar in fact the balance points are identical, with grips and string on (Not sure what exactly as I can't find a ruler). In fact this is probably the racket I have been searching for since buying the woven 7 a year ago. The Woven is an amazing racket just slightly too heavy (for a defensive doubles player at least).

    Now all I need is someone to play against to get a better impression.

    All I can say is well done Dinkalot! Assuming it plays like a lightweight woven 7 ;)

    Not sure it will stop me buying more rackets in the future though:D!
     
  20. DinkAlot

    DinkAlot dcbadminton
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    Thanks for the initial feedback.

    Please realize every racket is weighed and balanced and the data is on a white label on the racket handle so you know exactly what you are getting. The Ultra ranges from 84.0g to 89.0g. The Woven 7 averages 91-92g, though of the 50 or so I acquired, I've seen anywhere from 87g to 94g. So most likely the Ultra is going to swing lighter.

    But I assure (not sure this is a good thing), the Ultra is much more demanding. Ironically, just yesterday, the hardest hitter I've sold the Ultra to stated the two Ultras he purchased in 89g were too demanding, that it was too tough to use for competitive doubles. Prior he used 2U Cab 30s. At the time of his purchase, I told him the rackets were too demanding that he should drop to 86.5 to 87.5g Ultras and he would be fine. But now he's scared of the Ultra and said he'll use them as "novelty items...or...beating up pesky neighbors..." :p and purchased two Trinities. :D


     

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