Badminton Racket First Impressions: Dunlop Graviton 7600

Where I am, Dunlops are rare rackets to find. They're also made by the same peeps who develop Carlton rackets so they're pretty much ok to begin with.

When the 2012 Graviton range of rackets from Dunlop became available at my stringer, I jumped at the chance to try out some of their more recent Developments.

Basically the Graviton range of rackets are the light weight models for the racket maker. There Are 4 rackets that were available - 7600, 8000, 8200, and 8400.

I got myself the 7600 because it seemed to carry the heaviest swing weight from my casual testing. It reminded of me a slightly heavier BN60, and when I got home it did indeed feel heavier on the swing.

Weighing in at 76g before stringing, the Graviton 7600 is the lightest of the range of rackets from Dunlop, and boasts a head heavy balance with a very flexible shaft.

That's another characteristic of Dunlop - they've probably got the most flexible shafts of any racket out there.

Initial testing of the racket was in doubles games, and the racket performed very well. It's very suited to players who like to use a snap of their wrists to generate a sudden burst of power.

Smashes were nice and steep, and the drives were amazing. But what stood out mosts was perhaps the countering ability of the racket.

Being so light, the racket is able to turn smashes into nice steep drives in the opposite direction. I found myself lifting on purpose so that I could turn the game around with a nicely timed counter to their attack.

Definitely for those who enjoy turning the shuttle left and right.

Oh, and did I mention that the Dunlop Graviton 7600 is a wonderful shade of silver, lime green and raw black graphite?

More to come!