Top positive review
5.0 out of 5 starsGood racket for smash lovers + Guideline on choosing your racket
Reviewed in India on 1 February 2017
** Product Verification **
● Many people complaint that their product delivered is counterfeit. This can be verified at Yonex website using the serial number
● Scratch the hologram label at the bottom of grip to see the serial number. Goto the website 'sunrisetnt' and enter this code there; it's case-sensitive. The site will tell you whether your purchase is genuine or not
** Build Quality **
● The shaft and frame is made of graphite and is strong & sturdy
● The shape is isometric and guts are strong
● This is an even balanced racket
● This comes in the standard Yonex racket bag
** Performance **
● Its for those people who love smashes
● Eventhough this is an even balanced racket, the string tension has a unique combination that helps in powerful shots as well as decent drops. If you need more shot control and precision, this may not be the right racket for you and may need to go for an oval shaped racket
● My palm sweats considerably and I replaced the standard grip with a soft cloth grip to take care of this
** Guideline to choose your racket **
● There are different types of rackets available to pick from. The differences are in weight, weight distribution, shape, flexibility, etc. and this influences the game in a big way
● Weight Balance
+ Head Heavy Rackets
- These rackets have a heavy head that the shaft & grip. The head will swing down when balanced at the centre
- The shaft would generally be more stiff and strong
- These are most suited for players who need more power, both for smashes and to send lengthy clears to the back of the court
+ Head Light Rackets
- The grip side will go down when these rackets are balanced at the center
- These rackets are easy to control and swing. You can quickly react to return incoming smashes. Smashes won't be as powerful as Head Heavy ones, but shots to the front of the court are very effective
- These are best suited while playing doubles where the game is very fast
+ Balanced Rackets
- These rackets are best suited if you need good power from the back of the court as well as reasonable manoeuvrability. This will help you to build your all-round game.
● Head Shape
+ Oval Head
- This is the traditional racket shape. There is a sweet spot on the head where you will get the most power out of your shots. On oval rackets, the size of this spot is small
- Professionals prefer oval rackets since it helps to have better control and play perfect shots. The sweet spot gives brutal power since it is smaller
+ Isometric Head
- The shape of the head will be slightly flat at the top. This shape enables manufacturers to build bigger sweet spot
- This type of rackets are more suited for amateurs who has got less accuracy and precision. The shuttle catches good power irrespective of where it hits on the racket
● Tension of Strings
- The tighter the strings, the more the tension thus providing more control on your shots and can produce precise shots. But, you will struggle to generate power. Professionals generally use higher tension rackets since control is more important for them. Power comes from their well-trained arms
- If the string tension is less, strings will be more repulsive and can produce incredible power. The lifespan of racket will also be more for lower tension rackets
● Yonex Racket Brands
- There are various Yonex brand of rackets that you can choose from. I have tried to explain below the prominent feature of a few of them
- Voltric is suited for players who seek all-court performance, They are fast and can produce incredible power for smashes. These rackets are slightly head-heavy
- Nanoray is the lightest of the rackets which is the most manoeuvrable. The repulsion is more and you can force your opponents to the back of their court with speedy shots. These are head light rackets that helps in quick reaction and movement
- Arcsaber provides higher level of control and can deliver precise shots and drops. These are even-balanced rackets
- Carbonex can provide player a solid feel from the strings on impact. This may add to the confidence, enjoyment and fun in the shots
- Muscle Power rackets have got a good balance between powerful shots and manoeuvrability
● Summary
- The different Yonex brand of rackets have a prominent feature for which they are built. However, most of these brands come with different head shapes and shaft strength
- If you are an amateur, I would suggest to pick the isometric head on whatever brand you choose
- For aspiring professionals, oval head would be prescribed by their trainers
- However, I gather that Muscle Power is the most widely used Yonex rackets
- Having said all these, I have to disclaim that this guideline is based on my understanding of various rackets based on my discussion with players as well on various forums. There are people who have disagreement especially on the difference between various Yonex brand of rackets.
