Your best bet is to try out the rackets you want to buy. If you can't, you can go through this thread to get more insights about the racket. In a nutshell, the VTLD-F is like a slightly more flexible VTZF2 or a slightly more stiffer VT80.
Lin Dan does not have the Li-Ning logo stenciled on his racket. He has the Yonex "LD" logo stenciled on it. Check out http://www.yonex.com/company/news/badminton/limited-edition-lin-dan-exclusive-on-sale-in-mid-may/.
The VTZF2 is a very stiff racket and therefore will give you a very strong smash. However, very few among us will be able to utilize its full potential in a consistent manner. Most recreational players will smash better with the VTLD-F in the long run because it is a bit more flexible than the VTZF2. Having said that, your personal feeling to which racket gives you the best result is the most important.
OK thanks! Just a question but what sites does everyone order their rackets from? Just looking for a new site that may be better than the one I'm currently using. Thanks!
Try to get a racket that has your country code on it. That way if your racket has a manufacturing defect, you can ask the seller or distributor for a replacement. If the country code differs, they might not honor the replacement guarantee.
Hi Mike, are used to extra-stiff+head heavy rackets? If not, then get the VTLDF.. The VTZF2 will only hurt you if you're not strong enough to use it (I was using a 4U version of it back then). Unless you're confident with your strength, skills and techniques, get the VTZF2 and you'll never look back. Train hard, play hard and have a great day!
it would seem this racquet is similar to the Victor Onigiri racquet.... from the specs that everyone is suggesting
For those interested in balance points. VTZF2 = 295 mm VTLD-F = 292 mm VT80 = 290 mm All the rackets are 4UG4 with BG66UM strings. Yonex factory leather grip has been removed. The wooden handle has been covered with a very thin synthetic grip (Ashaway Super Tacky Grip) first and then by a towel grip (Yonex AC402EX).
Towel grips are the reason. They are heavier than thin synthetic grips. So that shifts the balance points.
The balance point will definitely shift more when you use a towel grip over a synthetic grip due to it being heavier. But that should not affect the swing speed significantly. The main reason why people go for towel grips is for the feel of the grip. Check out http://www.badmintoncentral.com/forums/index.php?threads/towel-grips.47109/ for some insights from users. Also check out http://www.badmintoncentral.com/forums/index.php?threads/advantage-of-towelling-grip.78909/ and http://www.badmintoncentral.com/forums/index.php?threads/why-do-most-pros-use-towel-grips.62555/.
Thanks. Just one question but what's the main reason you use towel grip instead of synthetic grip? Does it improve your game?
MEN Towel grip - Lin Dan, Chen Long, Jan Jorgensen, Viktor Axelsen, and Chou Tein Chen. Synthetic grip - Lee Chong Wei and Tian Houwei. WOMEN Towel grip - None Synthetic grip - Wang Yihan, Ratchanok Intanon, Tai Tzu Ying, Li Xuerui, Nozomi Okuhara, Saina Nehwal, and Carolina Marin.
I just realized there was a problem measuring the BP's like this. The racket doesn't have the head heaviness the ZFII has but it has the same balance point?! The problem is that there is a 10 mm difference in length, therefore directly using BP would be different since you would measure a longer length. Two assumptions: 1. Evenly distributed weight (it isn't...but close enough). For insanely nutty people you can calculate the moment on either of the balance point, but we're not going there. 2. It is exactly 10 mm longer than all other rackets, all brands included If both assumptions are satisfied: The BP should be discounted by 5mm or so with the assumptions above the scaled BP would be 310 or so, with the ZFII being 315 and the ZFI at 320.
All the three rackets are 675 mm long. The line "10 mm long" is just a Yonex marketing line that they introduced when they released 675 mm long rackets. Previously they had released rackets which were 665 mm long. The correct wording should have been "10 mm longer". Check out http://www.badmintoncentral.com/forums/index.php?threads/yonex-10mm-long.159561/. If the rackets, which are all 4UG4, are measured without the string and just the factory grip with the plastic cover removed, you would get the measurements given below. VTZF2 = 308 mm VTLD-F = 305 mm VT80 = 303 mm Adding strings, removing the factory grip and replacing that with a thin synthetic grip (Ashaway Super Tacky Grip) and towel grip (Yonex AC402EX) combination on the wooden handle will shift the balance point by 13 mm and give the following measurements. VTZF2 = 295 mm VTLD-F = 292 mm VT80 = 290 mm
Definitely stiffer. The only rackets stiffer than VTLD-F in the Yonex Voltric range are VTZF and VTZF2. Check out http://www.badmintoncentral.com/forums/index.php?threads/yonex-voltric-comparison.165946/.
