I have both. The prototype/razor 1.0 is heavier than the VTT. The VTT is quicker and feels lighter to play with. Smashing is more fun with the Prototype. The Prototype is a mixed/all round racket while the VTT is a doubles racket. The prototype does not play well with high tension. The racket torques in your hand. Max 26 pounds for it play well. The VTT handles higher tensions and plays well exhibiting better control. I have mine at 28 with ashaway .67 - perfect combination for me. Regards, asmd.
That sounds great - I guess I will give the Razor 1.0 the edge I missed the extra punch with the VTT - sounds like the Razor has it. Tensionwise i I play at 24 lbs and planned to string the Razor with this tensions as well. String will be the Ashaway ZyMax 67.
Got the Razor 1.0 yesterday - unfortunately I out of town for a week - damn the optics of this racket kicks ass. Much better than on every picture I'm amazed!
Airlite Cyclone The player wasn't shy about it and already posted it on his fb: new Carlton Airlite Cyclone
It is actually printed at the base of the shaft but I could probably piece together what it says because I knew the name : Erik Meijs.
Looks like he is still using the factory strings. According to their website Carlton classify it as an intermediate racket. Retails for around £90.00
I've got some Carlton air lite rackets for sale including the cyclone if anyone wants to buy one. They do look really good, especially in the flesh rather than on camera. I also have elite 2011 and 2013 models.
I don't know how the specs compare but the 2013 model seems slightly less head heavy and less stiff than the 2013 version but I personally prefer the looks of the 2011 version
Really wished that he posted that review. Miss it know. I ordered the V1.1 today in a webshop (had a 50 euro giftcertificate, so why not). Started playing badminton on the age of 9 using Carlton head heavy rackets, never switched. Past season I started using the Vapour Trail Tour, and I really like it in the doubles (the precision in the drops is awesome) but in singles I seem to miss some extra power in clears and smashes that the head heavy rackets deliver so I kept playing with my Powerblade Elite (lovely racket). Unfortunately strings have snapped over 6 times in a season, and it was time for something new. Since a teammate allready has the Vapour Trail Elite, and I obviously did'nt want the same my first choice would have been the Kinesis X90/80 but that wasn't available in the mentioned webshop. Since Carlton has never let me down when it comes to head-heavy rackets I ordered the V1.1 without a second of a doubt. But now there are so little reviews, I'm getting a little concerned... What to do, what to do...
I have always found the prototype and razor rackets to be really good. I have played mostly with the v1.0 which was a really good racket but lacked a little power for smashes etc. I have used the v1.1 a little which seemed to have more power and not much loss of control so I'm sure you will get on fine with it. The head light razors are so fast for doubles play, i was really impressed but again they lacked power for me for smashes and backhand clears. I hope this helps.
Thank you for your feedback. Suppose I should give it a try. The extra power is what I was looking for, since I'm one out of two or three in my league that have the power to make a crosscourt clear from one back-end to the other (allthough some of the other clubs use shuttles that are way to fast in my opinion, its like a beginner can make the shot). Now I've been using the Vapour Trail Tour I lost that edge, since I can only make that shot with it when I'm really warmed up after a while, and it costs a lot more energy. Really hope the V1.1 does it for me.
It came in today, tomorrow evening I will give it a try. First impression and dry swinging is okay. Unfortunately I have a blister up my hand now while working in the front-yard this afternoon, so I'm not sure whether I can make up a decent opinion by tomorrow.
Despite the blister and some sudden shoulder ache I was able to try it out on the court today. First game my shoulder prevented me from making smashes or hard clears so I was forced to make more dropshots as usual. I was surprised by the accuracy and feeling when performing those dropshots. For a moment I thought the rate of control is no less than at the Vapour Trail Tour. But in order to judge that I need some more playing time. After massaging my shoulder with FIT-balm it got warm and loosend enough to make the more powerfull shots and even when I was a little precautious and held back since I don't want the shoulder issue to become a serious injury I dare to say that I can generate power to a level that is satisfactory to me, using this racked. This leaves me with high hopes for upcoming sessions.
