Yep, the drop in CAD relative to USD in the past year has actually made it more logical and economical to buy local...
Same. Prices on Victors have gone up 25% in the past 5 years, to the point that local prices are essentially the same as SE Asian prices. I used to be able to land a top shelf Victor for $155 inc postage from RKEP Eric, now they seen like they're $200+ no matter where you go. Not too bad for something that costs $25 to make.
Oh no no. I'm lumping in everyone including the heathens from Indonesia, Taiwan and the latest being Malaysia which is by far the largest reason for the recent price increases again. I call complete bullshit if a distributor ever gives you the reason of "the US dollar is stronger hence the increase in prices of the latest rackets". Where I heard that from I won't say.
Considering the relative newness of the racket and the fact that it's their top end line racket, you can't expect the prices of the past at your local retailer. They need to make a living since the wholesale price has gone up too. Here in Canada, expect to pay at least $220-230 for the racket (equivalent to $175 USD). Victor rackets in general have gone up a tier in pricing across the board.
125USD, right? Shipping 25USD, right? Busted at the customs, maybe? Turns out 163,20€. Not a promising deal if you went for a 4U.
23 USD shipping... BUT: No tax and customs since I had some reeeally nice colleagues who brought the racket back from a business trip in their luggage. And well... I went for a 3U. So I'm fine with the deal overall.
Yeah fluctuations in exchange is bullsh1t. They were still 200 bucks when the AUD was at parity with the US dollar - and guess what? Still 200 bucks with the AUD at 0.76. I had the 'exchange rate' argument with some idiot earlier in the year. The price of something is mostly based on the price the market is willing to pay, and clearly with Victor now rivalling Yonex in its profile, that's now essentially the same as Yonex - $200-220.
You trust somebody to buy a racket for you in Asia? Errr...I would be really afraid to get a fake if a mate is not a real BC nerd. "Oh here it's cheaper, let it buy here and for the change we try to find a bar with beautiful girls..."
guys, 3u or 4u? For doubles only - smashing, fast net play with soliddefese. Currently playing with Arc 11 and love it! Just want to try another similar racket.
I'll advocate for 3U if that's what you're used to. But do note that this racket is noticeably head heavier than an ARC11 in general. It's not a large margin but it is noticeable. So unless your ARC11 weight is borderline 2U, I would suggest trying to get the lightest 3U you can find. Better to have a racket that is a touch too light than one that is too heavy it drains your stamina before the session is over.
thank you but Lightest 3u ? I thought all 3u's will be the same weight? How do I find out the lightest amongst a bunch of 3u rackets?
Hopefully your retailer has a jewellers weighing scale or is willing to measure it for you. As for the strangely uninformed misconception of 3U being the same weight all around. That's in a perfect world. 3U is the weight range of 85.0g-89.9g. If you're going to a store. Pick it up and feel the heft. Not everyone can tell the difference between 1g but anything 2g or more will be noticeable short of being totally insensitive.
