armortec clash sounds like a void warranty! yea, after saying it a few times out loud (looking like an idiot, thank God i was home alone) armortec 1000 does sound pretty nice but i don't think it'll out-hype the z-slash unless you can smash 430 kmph
=/, Smashing Speed isn't everything. I still see more people using Armortecs and MusclePowers more than Arcs LOL
Still no new racket (since they are both AT700 in new clothing), and those two are not even that new...
I don't think you have even seen or touched the AT SB Limited at all It has the thick fat box frame of the AT800OFF rather than the more slim and aerodynamic one of AT700 and plays totally different; itself being more suitable for fast interception such as for near the net drive shots and net play while also having a slightly stiffer shaft so it's more tiring to smash constantly with. AT700LTD on the other hand is more like a redecorated/repainted AT700 new colour [totally different from the old colour version], and there are too many countless accounts of the new AT700 having significant differences compared to the old model.
True, I've just read quite a few reviews about it, where people pointed out, on different things, that it was a AT700 re-released with new paint, but if that is not the case; comment withdrawn (and re-considering getting one). But there still have not been a new racket since the AT900's (going out on another limb here, as I am not totally sure when the new coloured 700 was released..).
why fix something ain't broken? AT900 and 700 are selling well. New models cost money, why steal from your own market share? to buy a AT900, it cost about the same as arcS 10, NS9900, AS Z-slash. why re-invent AT?
No it won't out hype the ArcZ Simply because of what a huge flop ArcZ was, people would be wondering if AT1k (or whatever) is going to be a flop too.
me too i have an at900t, thinking of buying a second the initial hype about the z slash was all on the smash record, and they're still out marketing about it but yea, i think a new one would a good pick up from the flop the z slash was sorta redeem the design department
Yonex have been working on a new Armortec racket. However, there have been problems and they are still not happy with results. Initially, Yonex wanted the new racket for launch at All Englands this year, but now they're back to testing with the hope they can it it right for Japan Open. From what I understand, they are trying to combine a number of best selling features such as head heavy, extra long shaft and air resistance of Z Slash. But, it's not perfected yet so I guess we'll just have to wait. I'm a great fan of Armortec rackets and would love to see another included in the range. As the Arcsaber series has been increased again, it's only a matter of time before a new range emerges, and either Nano series or Armortec or Muscle Power is no more. To your success Paul www.badminton-coach.co.uk
I would guess that the Muscle Power series is either phased out or relegated to intermediate players only... they have not had a top-of-the-line MP since the MP99.
I can't see the nano or Armortec line disappearing just yet. The muscle power range has practically vanished into the other rackets. It's only defining feature is used fairly often in the other ranges. The way I see it is: Nanospeed: headlight variations in general Armortec: Head heavy variations in general Arcsaber: even balance in general If I was a gambling man I'd say the racket series to go would be the nanospeed rackets, nano something or other is used in the arcsaber line and their head lightness is their only defining feature, something fairly easy to copy into another line. Armortec rackets are still very different with power armour and ultimum ti and unique head shape. Then again the same could be said of the arcsabers with the x-fullerene component, although they do have the flagship z-slash which is totally different, which I think protects them. If Yonex got rid of the armortec line it would be like saying, "that didn't quite work out". A bit odd considering the number of players still using them to win major championships. Also some Yonex rackets still aren't available worldwide such as the Carbonex series or Aerotus lines. These series are also in doubt if Yonex were to globalise its entire racket range, I think they might with Li-Ning able to do exactly that when they wish to go global. If Yonex switched there marketing slightly to make things easier for the consumer to understand (as in what do these technologies mean to the average player, shaft stiffness, head heavy etc) they might be able to stop Li-Ning walking off with some of there market share. They could use a tagline something like "Simplicity over science". This might stop some of the current disillusionment with racket technologies. I think this is why Dinkalot's panda power and Sgbad's Zelm rackets are proving quite popular, the marketing is simple and geared towards the consumer in a way they understand. I think Yonex are currently in a high tower away from the people and need "agents in the field" to report back to them on the current feeling from the local clubs and players which make up most of their market. I'm assuming they have people like Paul who do this but most people will be too polite when someone has been invited to their club to criticise the brand their guest is promoting. Oops not sure how that got so long .... Sorry if some of it is a little bit off topic
