In general, lower tension does create the perception of a racket being more flexible. The same with racket balance. Shaft thickness and shaft length can alter the stiffness. Two good examples of rackets that feel stiffer than they actually are: NS9000-X and NS9900. Both have stiff shafts but since they are relatively headlight, the shaft feels stiffer then they actually are. A good example of a racket that feels not as stiff as it actually is: SOTX Woven 11/11A. The shaft is extra long so it flexes more and feels less stiff but in reality it's quite stiff. After all this testing and designing, Panda doesn't focus on the stiffness of the shaft as much anymore. The key is the synergy among all the parts: 1) frame 2) frame stiffness 3) shaft length 4) shaft stiffness 5) overall balance To get a good performing racket, the above have to complement each other. If they do not, the racket may perform poorly.
My perception of flexibility comes from my swinging, not from contact with the shuttle. Like I said, I'll do some tests tonight and play with it a few more times to see. I may even restring to 25 lbs in order to give it a fair trial.
This is a great point. Im glad some one pointed this out. To further emphasize this point: if there were two rackets with identical shafts, but different weighted heads, not only would the balance feel different, but the flexibility of the shaft would also, however it is the same shaft. I think synergy is a great term to use to describe the matter at hand.
Also to add, all the manufacturers cannot make rackets "identical" every time. There can be minor to wide differences. This why racket manufacturers (in a way are smart) use approximations rather than exact numbers. A prime example in disparity is a 3U AT900P. It could be 89.4g, BP320 which would swing like a 95g, BP295 racket. Or 85.5g, BP295. There's a difference of almost 10g in this example. Of course this is extreme but both fall into the "3U" category.
@druss: 85.2g bp283mm!!??....... that's majorly light and headlight. It's going to swing way different from your current rackets. Try taping a 3-4 inches of black athletic tape at 1 and 11 o'clock position on the frame to make it headheavier to slow it down to what you're used to. Then as you gradually get used to it, gradually reduce the amt of tape by 1-2 inch at a time and you'll adapt to it in no time without mishits.
I've got over 15 rackets of all weights and balance points. Adapting is not my problem. Please stop looking for issues with my swing or playing ability.
How would making it head heavier make it stiffer?? from Dinks argument as response to this it would rather have the total oppiste effect.. Also I do definitively not agree that a shaft feels flexier if stringing is loose.. The overall feel may be softer but the felling of the shaft flex.. naaah,, I personally think you feel the shaft flex much more when you string at high tension (this is also quite logical as the string damps less of the shuttle impact, and thus the fram/shaft takes a bigger force from the impact imhop).. /Twobber
OK..........but just out of curiosity, which of your rackets is bp283mm or less? NS9900?........ Also, it does sound like you're overpowering the shaft when you're swinging it.... you could maybe try the U2.
Agree on paper, it's true. But sometimes a softer string (MP) at low tension gives the "perception" of a more flexible shaft.
I do have a NS9900 and it does not swing like this one. Quite possible. I never said anything negative about the racket, was just asking a question. I am still in the "hunting" phase which is why I have so many different types of rackets. At this point the AT900T and the Arc10 are my current go to rackets (with the Ti10 3rd gen close behind) but I also have 5 different Apacs, 9 different Yonex, Zelm 10000 and hope to try the victor 10 and 11 soon. I got this T2 because of the great things I've heard about it and I'm sure it is a great racket for many. Lot's of different reasons I could have had issues with it so I'll do some tests and try it again.
The T2 is very similar to the NS9900. The differences, in general, a bit more head heavy, a bit lighter, easier to generate power. If you say your T2 doesn't swing like the 9900 Panda wonders about the racket. Maybe Panda needs to have a look at it. Maybe it's defective. And this Panda never said you said anything negative. You are asking questions and we are trying to provide possible answers.
Wow, that's a good sized racket collection! Just out of interest, can you measure the bp of your NS9900? How does it swing differently from your T2? Slower? Heavier?
Will like to hear what advise on weigh and BP will your suggest for my upcoming T2. my strength is my smashes, as i have relatively good arm power. however my weakness will be net play and defence (kind of slow and clumsy, as my body is slightly bulky, not those typical badminton body frame. standing at 169cm and 72kg) i do not have a racket of my own, i used to play with a apac speed 6600 which is a 89g racket, stiff and balance racket, however that racket broken and a uncle lend me his sintec grommet 88 which is a 85g +/- of 3g racket, high flex but not sure of the bp. with this racket i seems to be better at the net and abt to defence better. i am able to perform better on overall, and seems to make up for my clumsiness, however it is lacking on the smashes. currently i am looking for a racket which will improve my overall playing style rather than jus being dependent on smashes. i tried my dad's mp99 it seems good! giv me the power during smash, however i seems to be slow at defence. i can receive smashes better with the sintec gommet 88. lastly, i only play doubles. will like to know, lets say i hav a BP of 288(which i assume is considered slight head heavy). so what is the difference will i feel if i get a 86g VS a 87g racket? *coz i am still trying to figure out the racket specs which will suit me the best as for now.* Derrick was kind enough to advise me to get a a 86g with 287bp So what do you guys suggested? anyway i jus tried the ULTRA last nite. stiff !!!
