Badminton Racket Review: Carlton Fireblade FX8

At least 6 hours into using the racket, I'm ready to write a review for the Carlton FX8.

Let me first state that I'm no pro, and this is just my evaluation of the racket to my playing style and experiences with it. If anything, I'm a high-beginner level player looking to improve myself by playing more often with people of higher skill level than I am.

I use this rackets for doubles play.

Carlton FX8 Specs

Dry weight: 85g (4U to me)

Balance: head-heavy

Max string tension: 30lbs

Flex: Stiff (not stated by I feel it as so)

Strings: BG66 @ 25lbs

Carlton FX8 Technology

(I won't go into detail coz you can go read them at the Carlton site)

- Kevlar-infused shaft

- Wave Groove System

Defense

The first thing that got me about this racket is the shorter grip handle. I feel this gives me a slightly faster grip change when I go into defense. With the FX8 I found myself blocking smashes loads better, and to better positions to actually cause some damage to my opponents.

(Most might argue about the shorter grip = faster grip change theory, but it feels that way for me anyway.)

Drives are also faster with the FX8; I was punching them back at my opponent a lot faster than usual. And mind you these are controlled hits. Gone are those reaction shots that I return for the opponent to smash.

Attack

Not much to be said except that the stiff flex gives one hell of a smash. The swings come in hard and fast thanks to the head heaviness and light weight.

Control

Before I got this racket I was losing quite badly in net play to my opponents. I tend to get the shuttle too high up or not get them across at all. The FX8 changed all that thanks (once again it's all me) to the shorter grip, which allowed me to switch between grip positions.

Clears to the back take little work (the 3U rackets are better at this of course), and that translates to energy conservation for when you need to up the tempo of the game a little.

Positioning of my hits have also improved slightly, but I'm attributing this to the confidence boost. :)

Looks

First impression counts, and when you get yourself a racket that looks as good as it plays, you win two times! The FX8 comes in sweet lime green and black, white markings trailing down the sides of the frame and down onto the kevlar-infused shaft.

The racket's strung with white strings and grip so it's a nice pristine feeling I'm getting from it.

Comparison

Since I'm a beginner, you'll probably not be impressed with my previous doubles racket, the APACS WREX Punch *laughing in the background*.

The Punch was too light for me, and the the smashes did not come through with enough speed and velocity to cause any threat. I've been toying around with lead tape to upgrade the Punch, but with the FX8 it's all just so much easier.

In terms of attack, defence and control, the Carlton FX8 has not disappointed me yet. I'll continue to try different rackets till I can give a fairer comparison, but for now it's all good for me.

Carlton Fireblade FX8

Defense: 8

Attack: 8

Control: 7

Looks: 10