I do really want to give these racquets a try. Mainly the APP and Adizero Pro since they're available in Western Canada. Will have to see when they're available at the local shop
They are available at Topline Sports in Vancouver. http://toplinesports.ca/ I'll have them available near Montreal in a couple days/weeks for the eastern people https://www.lecoinbadminton.com/shop/.
Victor was popular in the early and mid 90s when I played. In fact at that time, Carlton, Yonex, Victor and Pro Kennex were pretty common. This was in Malaysia mind you. Victor as a brand may not have been popular as a brand in countries where badminton isn't as competitive until their Korean sponsorship but they were definitely known in "badminton" countries....
too bad you lived on the wrong side of the world to play badminton.. let's take MBS' price http://www.mybadmintonstore.com/shop/ : Li-ning: N-90: $218 (discounted to $185 for now) N-70II: $199 (discounted $179) N-30: $199 (discounted at $179) N-50II:$215 (discounted at $185) adidas: adipower force / duoforce: $192 adipower pro: $185 adipower zero: $185Precision 88: $195 Yonex: Nanoray 700FX / RP: $185 Nanoray 800: $195 Nanoray Z-speed: $199.95 arcsaber 10: $189 arcsaber 11: $192 arcsaber 7 / 9: $175 arcsaber FB: $187 arcsaber Islash: $169 VT70: $179 VT80: $195 VT Z-force:$193 Victor: MX80: $162 (yes their high end) Mx JJS: $169 BS 12L / LYD / LHI: $162 see and compare why people said li-ning is so expensive (not including discounted price) plus in Indonesia, Li-ning is more expensive than most of Yonex and victor *not saying that MBS reflect 100% real market price, it is different from one and another, but MBS is a store in Hongkong where there is no tax, it should be more accurate than taking USA or UK website with their heavy taxes and mark up.
MBS prices are inflated to take into account their free shipping. So imagine what the actual prices would be if shipping wasn't built it!
The reason it is that way (I think) is that Li-Ning's pricing policy are way more strict than Yonex's and the reason it works, is because the market accepts it. MBS sells way under the minimum sale price that Yonex is trying to enforce, while they respect Li-Ning's minimum sale price. If no one would buy Li-Ning products at those prices, then stores would stop respecting their minimum sale prices and they'd have to lower them. MBS probably buys their Li-Ning equipment for way cheaper than they buy their Yonex equipment...
Just had my first two hour training session with the APP. There are some real power in that baby. Already looking forward to my next session with it.
[MENTION=108229]Elisha[/MENTION] [MENTION=64484]j4ckie[/MENTION] Dang it, I'm so tempted to get an APP after trying out a fellow player's racket 2 days ago. Was at the store today and measured 4 APP. Owner tells me that's all he's got left as he sold 15 in past 2 wks! But he's got more ordered coming next wk. Phew. Head wt / Dry wt 37.5 / 86.4 37.5 / 86.5 37.9 / 87.7 38.2 / 88.4 The first 2 would be perfect for me. Argh! I can't justify getting another racket so soon.
Yep. Just colour. I have the black. Here: http://www.mybadmintonstore.com/shop/index.php?cPath=25_26_180
Yonex high-end rackets incur higher cost because part of the manufacturing processes are done in Japan, to bear the name "Made in Japan". Yonex has higher production and marketing cost, but it also sells more. Recently Li-ning launched their 3rd generation N series with cheaper price than previous generations. For me, the price of high-end rackets I got from both brands are more comparable now.
Taking Yonex as benchmark, there are brands which are cheaper, higher tension warranty or more durable. But I can't think of any brand that offers top notch performance as Yonex, at the same time with higher tension warranty, more durable, etc. I hope Adidas can fulfill this market segment.
http://www.directbadminton.co.uk/Pr...-Badminton-Racket&NavID=278&FromSearchPage=No Visiting Direct Sports UK website above, they list racket specs as measured by them for every racket, but for APP they list it as flex shaft(?) 61mm according to their measurement method presumably weight deflection. In comparison, AZP is 56mm, MX70 53mm, MXJJS 55mm, VZTF 53mm, VT80 55mm, ZSPD 61mm, ARC9FL 60mm. Does that make sense? Is the APP reverse taper shaft that flexy? To me felt slightly less stiff than MX70 and VT80, but not that flexy.
Interesting is that the N90 (1st gen) is 61mm and classified as flexible. There's been many feedback that it is one of the stiffest racquet around and certainly my own experience attest to that. They got the Carlton Vapour Trail Elite correct though, it is listed as 49mm.
Reviewing further, it would seem that they mixed it up with AZP. So APP should be 56mm and AZP is 61mm. Makes sense now as AZP is noticeably flexier than APP.
Another session with the APP. This is really turning out well as a future singles racket. For doubles I do feel that I'm not strong enough to react as quick as I'd like though. I'm wondering if the Adipower Duoforce might be a option for doubles. Anyone got input on a good adidas racket for doubles, for someone who can only wield APP for singles?
