When you're used to BAM, Boing is wierd at first But it exceeded my expectations! Can you explain the grip-thing you're talking about?
It's a thin piece of foam, 1/8thick x 1/2wide, wrapped once on the grip, positioned at the hollow part of your palm, then a Yonex AC102EX overgrap on the whole grip. It serves as a second anchor besides the gripend. Feels great as well.
Are the length of the handle and the shaft the same on different grip sizes (G3, G4, G5 ...)? Btw I noticed the japanese and british yonex websites are officially listing the Arcsaber 8DX.
today i tried z-slash (3U BG65P 24x26) of my friend and my new 8dx (2U BG80 24x26). my impression is z-slash faster than 8dx (maybe caused by different weight) and easier to clear. so far i still havent found what is special about 8dx. maybe i need some time to adjust. one thing for sure 8dx is stiffer than z-slash. i noticed that frame shape is like mizuno tc700 but thicker. btw, my main racket is cab30 (3U BG80 24x26).
Maybe 3U is the wonder size? :/ Mine is a 3U and it is wonderful BG-80 also (always liked BG-68ti, but in the ARC8, BG-80 makes magic).
imho a 3u z-slash's is also faster than a 3u 8dx, i believe its due to the head heaviness of the 8dx.
ARC ZS is head heavier than ARC 8DX. http://www.badmintoncentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=4389&page=14 ARC Z is "faster" because of its slimmer and more aerodynamic frame.
For my case, i found my 3u arc Z head heavier than my 3u arc 8dx (same string , same type & length of grip). But the 3u arc 8dx is overall heavier than 3u arc Z.
For my case, i found my 3u arc Z head heavier than my 3u arc 8dx (same string , same type & length of overgrip-Karakal). But the 3u arc 8dx is overall heavier than 3u arc Z.
Strung another Arc 8DX with NGY98 yesterday @ 26/28#s, then played last night...it was the racquet combo made in heaven. Nothing came close..my other Arc 8DX was strung with BG85, then BG80 @ the same tension. The shots were crispier and the clears were effortless..then the smashes were powerful. Please give this string a try.