Choosing the One Racket - my process of elimination

 Hello badminton lovers!

It's been awhile and I must say that I'm having fun being back on the courts and in singles games again. I've found a few new friends with the same interests (and age group), and we're meeting pretty often to get the games on. 

Feeling my game improving (reaction and footwork) and getting to know a few of my (many) remaining rackets is a mighty fine feeling. 

But with age comes the realization that I don't really have enough time to try and master all the rackets I have. So I guess it's finally time for me to seek out one and stick to it for the rest of my games. 

I'm going to need one for singles and one for doubles. I'm going to make sure that the racket plays to my style instead of my having to adapt to suit the weight and temper of the racket. 

It's going to be a process of elimination - I'll try two rackets each time I go out, and keep the better one. This also means that I won't be pitting each racket in a tournament order (because that would take too long.)

The mechanism is simple - I'll give the racket one game to warm up, and then do a singles game with it tournament style (first to two games, 21 points each, 30 extended). The winner will stay, and I'll replace the loser with another one of my other rackets. 

This is my journey in choosing the right racket. Enjoy. 

Match-Up One: Yonex Astrox 100zz versus Li Ning Airstream N55 III

Between the two, the Yonex racket was the hands-down winner. The control of the racket is top notch despite it having a smaller head frame that usually means more mistakes. 

I find myself very at ease with the Yonex Astrox 100zz from the get-go - the clears were confident and accurate, the smashes came off the wrist nice and solid, and the defensive shots were nicely executed without much errors. 

In comparison the head-heavier Airstream N55 provided more power at the price of its accuracy. The momentum from the swings often carried the shuttle a little more than I had intended to, and I found shots straying out of the sides of the court on several occasions. The heavy head also gives the racket a little more power, but also a slight delay when it comes to raising the racket for a good defensive shot. 

Verdict: Yonex Astrox 100zz

Match-Up Two: Yonex Astrox 100zz versus Yonex Astrox 99 Pro

Two rackets used by two of my favorite singles player of the time. Two rackets that I didn't quite get to know and use well. Two rackets that give me very different feel each time I play with them.

The 100zz is coming in strong after the previous match-up where it had a complete victory - the swings and control were just on a different plane than the N55 III. The Astrox 99 Pro seemed like a good racket on paper, but it actual use it seemed to come off short in several areas; not really here nor there. 

The 99 Pro got to start first, being the challenger. What came off really well was the control - I managed to hit the corners really easily, each swing of the racket came with ease and reached the desired spot on the court to really allow me to move the opponent around. I gave the racket a few hard swings to judge the power and its smashes came off quite well too. Net play was convincing and I didn't have much trouble with the soft touches. 

After three matches, the Astrox 100zz came to court. I could feel the difference in swing immediately - the 100zz is lighter to swing and faster to move around with. The smaller head frame affected my accuracy, especially after using the large string bed of the Astrox 99 Pro, and caused me quite a lot of points in unforced errors. The accuracy issue really came across with I attempted to do some backhand clears - 3/4 court at best. Defense wise, the incumbent performed well and allowed me to move the opponent around pretty much as I want to.  

After three games each with the rackets I was undecided. I couldn't identify a clear winner between the two. I decided to switch back to the 99 Pro after the sixth game to see how the large head would affect the gameplay. 

The effect was surprising. I was once able to control the game better, moving the opponent around and placing the shuttle with much better accuracy. I attribute this to the large head frame, but it still didn't put the Yonex Astrox 99 Pro ahead of the 100zz.

I decided to give the two another session - this time I will start with the 100zz. 

Verdict: One more round

What happened to all the budget badminton rackets?

I started this blog at a time when a badminton enthusiast was spoilt for choice when he wanted to buy a new racket. 

There were so many brands, and each had their own take on how best to twist a turn sheets of graphite into a shuttlecock beating wand. With the competition they all had to ensure that their products were great - that meant no cheap material or design; rackets were made in countries like Japan or Taiwan with high grade graphite and some form of technology ingrained into the design. 

I remember Karakal, now best known for their replacement grips (they're really tacky), and their SL60s / 70s. They were the lightest rackets in existence and gave the front court players something they could really blaze around the court with. 

I remember Toalson and Hart - $50 - $80 marvels where simple designs meet high quality finish, showing the mileage you can get just by using superior material. And to add icing on the cake, each of their rackets also came with a full sized 4-racket bag. 

And then I remember Prince. They were pioneers of technology with their Y-shaped racket head and their oversized head frame. The latter offered a more forgiving experience for players who want a wide swing, and was the predecessor of the "tri-voltage" head heavy allocation with its "Triple Threat" technology (yes, Yonex wasn't the first to Voltric), and the former increased the size of the sweet spot by literally compacting the frame upwards.

Carlton was another of my favourite brands. Their range of rackets - Fireblades, Vapour Trails, Powerblades, and Airblades were among the best designed rackets you could get your hands on. 

There are so many more - RSL with their additional weight system (yes, before Yonex's eTune) and diamond head frame where they twist and swirl the frame for additional strength; Yang Yang with their 'sand wave technology' that gives the racket additional rotational energy because of literal moving sand within the head frame (yes, before Yonex's RGS); Bekia with their brand name knock-offs that play exceptionally well (great material quality once again); and Gosen with their two kick-point system where they cut a slight groove in their first third of the shaft to allow greater shot angles. 

Image all that! At your local store! For cheap! 

Now you're either paying $200 for a Yonex, $300 for a Li Ning or Victor, or an arm and a leg for the highest end Mizuno. It's no longer a budget player's playground (extra points for anyone who knows that pun).

So imagine my delight when I actually saw a few of these at my local store this afternoon! The nostalgia shot up in my blood, and I grabbed a few to swing around. I test the weight distribution, the swing speed and weight, the design and handling. 

I was a schoolboy all over again. 

And... of course I had to buy one. 

Everyone, meet the Flex Power Air Blade 99. The name means nothing. There's a Malaysia flag on the cone. The stock grip tape is as cheap as they come. But heck it's a nice racket to swing around, and will beat any Yonex Mid-tier offering hands down in quality. 

It was $80. With strings. And grip. 

I have it strung with my go-to Yonex Nanogy 98 at 31lbs (the racket can hold up to 33lbs). The shaft is slim and stiff-flex, and the maker states it as a 4U racket (80g +/- 2g). The grip is G6. The head frame is tapered at the edges like a Victor Bravesword. The inner frame has ridges to support increased string tension. The cap has as Energy Boost design similar to that which you see on the Yonex Astrox. 

No one will care if I write a review on this racket, but I just might. Just so I can bring back the memories of a time when I played badminton a few times a week and spent weekends talking rackets with my buddy and the stringer at his shop. 

Badminton Racket First Impressions: Yonex Astrox 99 Pro

When Kento Momota first took to the circuit I knew there was something about him. I remember telling my buddy at that time that this young Japanese player will be the next World Number 1. True to his performance, he started winning - his brand of stable gameplay and consistent rallies letting his scalp one opponent after the other. 

Before Momota, I also had my eye on another Japanese singles played. Kenichi Tago has an explosive edge to him that made his games very nice to watch. The young player also favoured the backhand over an overhead forehand swing - something I tend to do a lot as well; we both idolized Taufiq Hidayat - Crown Prince of Backhand. 

Long story short, the two got to some mischief together and that saw Kento Momota missing the Olympics because of a suspension. It was a two-year ban from playing for Japan, and the slog was uphill when he finally returned to the circuit. Players like Viktor Axelson, Chou Tien Chen and Shi Yu Qi had risen to the podium and posed a really big threat to Momota's game. 

Armed with the Yonex Astrox 99, Momota was able to power his way to the top, but a new slew of rapid attackers put a dent in his play style, Anthony Ginting and Lee Zi Jia being the latest to break down his defenses with their relentless assaults. 

The call was then for Momota to create a new racket that will suit his play style - a control game that tests the patience of his opponents and moves them around the court from Momota's exellent placement. 

The Astrox 99 Pro is the result of that collaboration, and this is my first impressions of the racket. 

Photo: Yonex
Click for racket specs (redirect)

I must admit that I'm not very impressed with the design on this racket - the choice of gloss paint really made it look like the middle-tier offerings of Yonex. A nice matte finish would have made it look so much more classier (and expensive). 

Holding the newly strung racket in my hand, the Yonex Astrox 99 Pro felt more even-balanced that head heavy, a very big contract to the sledgehammer that was its predecessor. It brought back memories of the ArcSaber 10 from way back, also a white racket from Yonex. The test swings off the court wren't remarkable as well, the weight transfer not as apparent due to the weight distribution.

Fortunately, a few singles games with the racket changed my impression of the racket. Despite the lack of swing weight, the racket offers very precise control while offering up just enough power to make the shots effortless. In the 4 games that I had with the Yonex Astrox 99 Pro, I couldn't remember hitting too many unforced errors. My opponent even complimented my shot accuracy at the end of the session.

The racket performs well for forehands as well as backhands, offering up good distance with minimal effort, so long as you bullseye on the sweet spot. That won't be too hard because of the new stringing pattern for the Yonex Astrox 99 Pro, making the sweet spot slightly larger and therefore more forgiving

Much as I anticipated, the power smashes from this racket didn't perform as well as my other head-heavy rackets. Understandable trade-off and I can see how it plays into Momota's playbook as well. 

Overall, I had a very pleasant experience with the Yonex Astrox 99 Pro. I am very comfortable with the racket in hand, and am able to pull off a lot of shots, recovers, blocks and nets that turned the game in my favour. It comes in two colors - White Tiger, and Cherry Sunburst. I like the white one more. My AX99-P is strung with Yonex Nanogy 98 at 31lbs.

Will get a few more games with this guy before I dish out a proper review. For all you guys who still read this old blog, thank you.

Badminton Racket First Impressions: Adidas Kalkul A2

Now this has been in my bag for quite some time, as much a victim of COVID-19 as I am. The green color theme really shone out to me and with a pretty nice touch on the swing I decided to spend a bit on this guy and take it home to join the rest of my collection.

Adidas badminton rackets don't get a lot of love from shuttlers, mainly due to their short stint in the professional circuit (good choice to go Yonex, Axelsen!) and also their generally being everywhere else.

Nevertheless, the price was decent and the quality great. The racket was soon to get it's time on the court. 

It wasn't until recently that I managed to give the racket a good swing - the head light racket is delivered with a stiff shaft and a large isometric head frame, something largely typical in rackets of its kind. 

The Adidas Kalkul A2 performed well on the court, from lights to drives and even clears. I had difficulty hitting long clears with head light rackets in the past but this one proved to be a cinch. 

Offensively the racket doesn't perform as well as a head heavy attacker would, as one would expect, but scores decently enough to still be considered a contender for some back court action. 

One area that didn't get much court time was its backhands, but given what I got from the forehand clears and smashes it shouldn't be too much of an issue. 

The racket looks great, and feels great. More will be revealed on the court when I finally get some games with it. 

Stay tuned.

Badminton Racket First Impressions: Yonex Astrox 100ZZ

 Hey guys, found out some other site's been taking my article wholesale, so be a sport and bookmark the original site - http://everythinggoeshere.blogspot.sg 

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So I had typically given up on badminton racket reviews, what with Yonex taking over most of the domestic market and basically ruining the diversity of rackets available here. 

Add my recent injury bout to the mix, and also this world-changer called COVID-19 - basically that left me with very little interest in rackets in general. 

But then a visit to the local racket shop for supplies saw this guy in my hands - there was something particular about it that made me pick it up from the shelf and give it a swing. 

The shaft was oddly short - the handle and cone take up more real estate on the racket than usual and there's an odd shape to the cone as well. The shaft is stiff, typical of what comes out of Yonex nowadays I reckon. 

On swing, the racket feels even balanced. The shorter shaft probably had something to do with it, and it feels good to be able to generate power without having to suffer the slower swing speed of a head heavy giant (think Z-Force 2).

But the price! I've never paid that much for a Yonex racket before, and this Yonex Astrox 100ZZ is not about to change my mind. 

The next few days came and I decided to go back for it - gut feel. It was sold. Apparently it's also a popular one... The next few days went by with the thought of missing out eating into my head, and I eventually got my hands on one. 

After a few sessions on the court I also decided to reignite this blog and push out a quick First Impressions for the Yonex Astrox 100ZZ. The racket is strung with the Yonex BG66 Ultimax at 31lbs. 

The racket performed well in its first session, giving me good placement around the court. Netting, in particular, was a joy. The slightest shift gave me the ability to control the shuttle and twist it over the net. Smashes and clears were solid and I had nothing much to complain lest for the lack of accuracy owing to my lack of play. 

The strings snapped the next day.

The next few tries were done with the racket strung at the same tension with the Yonex Nanogy 98. The string has a thicker gauge and would less likely be burning a hole in my pocket. 

Again, the net shots impressed. The new strings also gave me a little more power on the clears, to the extend that I felt my backhand improved in distance simply because of the new string tension.

That aside, the racket performed admirably - swings with the racket were effortless and accuracy and control are out of this world. If you could feel 'one with the racket' it would likely come from handling this guy. 

Between this and the last racket I tested, the Yonex Astrox 99, the 100ZZ definitely came out a winner. More time will tell as to whether I am correct with this initial judgement, and I will try my best to provide a good review here. 

Till soon!

Back to Basics: Correcting your stroke

Having the right stroke for your shots can mean a big difference between a good game and a great one. I've been working on my forehand for the last three sessions and I can really feel the difference when I consciously carry out a proper forehand.

The key is pronation, coming in with your shoulder and leading with the elbow before the wrist comes in to do the trick.

For each shot, you'll want to minimize the swing of the whole arm, and instead concentrate on having each of the three joints being used in quick succession to add more power and control to the shot.

And instead of talking my face blue to explain the intricate coordination of our arms, I found a video online that does the trick.

It features current World #1 Tai Tsu Ying in a short training session. Notice her first shot and her last, and you'll see how it's supposed to be done.

Badminton Racket Review: Yonex Astrox 99 (AX99)

Hey guys, found out some other site's been taking my article wholesale, so be a sport and bookmark the original site - http://everythinggoeshere.blogspot.sg 

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First Impressions here.

I first caught sight of the Yonex Astrox 99 when Kento Momota used it to dominate the World Championship - a bright orange racket that seems to add a new dimension to his game. There was a certain poise to his movement on the court, and a brightly colored racket sure helped the illusion!

I didn't know what it was at that time, but that racket in his hand checks all my boxes.

So I rang up my regular dealer and was told that I wasn't the first to ask for the racket that day. And you can imagine how I felt from my buddy told me that it was released. We were supposed to go down and have a swing after our Sunday game, but I decided to front-run him and grab it the day before that I can test it on the courts during our 2 hour singles session.

The initials thoughts were captured on the first impressions, and I must say that it got better the more I used it. What seems to be a heavy and loose handling racket is now a sturdy partner in-game that packs a good punch on the attack.

And now with a few extra hours of game play under its belt, I'm ready to give a review.

Note: This is a review of my experience after using the racket for a few sessions. I am by no means a professional player, and so you should take my judgment with a pinch of salt. I welcome comments of any sorts.

Yonex Astrox 99 (AX99) 
Est. Dry Weight: 87g (3U)
Grip Size: G5
Balance: Head Heavy
Stiffness: Listed as stiff, but feels medium flex
Strings: Yonex BG66 Ultimax @ 29lbs

Defense 
Of all the things I enjoy about badminton, I probably enjoy defending the most. That feeling when the opponent attacks you, allowing you a chance to turn the tides or win outright with one properly timed block or counter drive. The Yonex Astrox 99 is one racket that has allowed me to do that time and again on the court - even to the extent of my showing delight when the opponent lies up for a jump smash!

I am comfortable receiving attacks with the racket, it's grace allowing me to address offensive moves with a myriad of defensive options. I've blocked shuttles diagonally to the front to force the run, swerved the body sideways to counter a body shot, blocked high so the shuttle drops straight down from the net, or gave the shuttle a nice top spin to sent it dipping over to the back line.

Although distinctly heavy, the Astrox 99 doesn't feel so when you're up against a barrage of shuttles, instead allowing you to turn the tides more often than not.

Attack
Very similar to the Astrox 88 Skill, the AX99 allows me to throw off very steep smashes with the flick of a wrist. While it took me some time to calibrate the technique needed to perform the smashes, but once that happened I was a kid in a candy store.

The amount of speed and power that comes off the wrist is also translated to the drives that this racket can put out. Shuttles zip from left to right at the slightest command, granting you an awesome time on the court in attack.

The Yonex Astrox 99 is also able to produce on those big jump smashes as well. With the proper set up and technique, you're really able to throw down a grand slam.

Control
Net shots, clears, drop shots, drives, blocks... you're going to be able to do a lot with this racket once you get over the apparent 'looseness' in its swing initially. Because the head of the racket is really heavy, and the shaft coming off as a little mid-flex, the racket may appear to be hard to control at first.

But hang in there and every shot will come off your wrists like magic, whether you're in control or chasing to turn the tide.

Looks
A smoldering orange is contrasted with a glossy black in the rackets color scheme. Take a look at teh picture above and tell me that's not an attractive racket!

Yonex Astrox 99

"Take some time to know this guy."

Defense: 10

Attack: 10

Control: 9

Looks: 10

Badminton Racket First Impressions: Yonex Astrox 99

A few years ago, a young Japanese player came out of nowhere and rattled the international badminton scene. He displayed the cockiness of someone who didn't need to try hard to win, and took to the court with an explosive attitude.

Then, Tago Gate hit and he was sentenced to obscurity for two years.

By the way he hit back, I can only imagine the regret and torment that Kento Momota experienced. He missed an All England. He missed a World Championship. He missed the freakin' Olympics.

And boy did he repent. No one knew what hit em as he claimed scalp after scalp upon his return - with a more than 80% win rate for all the Super Series events he took part in - culminating in his overwhelming World Championship win against Shi Yuqi.

In his hand as he lay the final blow was the Yonex Astrox 99. And I got the chance to try it out today.

My first impression was how heavy it felt compared to the 88S that I am so awestruck with - albeit in 3U compared to my 4U AX88S, the Astrox 99 came off really head heavy, kind of like a wreaking ball.

In fact it felt quite similar to the Voltric Z-Force II that I have, the head not taking a lot of effort to generate power on the down stroke. What the Astrox 99 did possess however was a slightly more flexible shaft. And I think that made a good difference.

The shaft made it a little more possible to transfer energy from one swing to another, lending to the AX99 a little more flexibility and speed in momentum than the VTFZ2. Sharp whips from the wrist were also full of power and a sudden acceleration with a great angle from the back court.

While the backhand did suffer compared to the 4U speed master that is the Astrox 88 Skill, the AX99 didn't fare too badly. Soft blocks and net shots were also satisfactory.

One particular shot that I found hard to make were the backhand drop shots. The weight of the racket head doesn't make for soft shots where you'll need to hold it up for an extended period of time.

Apart from that the racket performs suitably well for me not to condemn it like the AX77.

Stay tuned for the review!

Badminton Racket Review: Yonex Astrox 88 Skill (AX88S)

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First Impressions here.

There's a bit of Kevin in all of us, and with the Yonex Astrox 88 Skill, we get a chance to take one step closer to playing a fast and furious game of badminton.

Because the Astrox 77 didn't make that much of an impact on me, the thought of starting on the 88 didn't really appeal to me. The racket didn't really contain any new technology except the slightly increased length, and the frame shape reminded me of the first generation isometric rackets that Yonex introduced back in the 80s.

So when the time came to try it (honestly I can't really stand not buying a new racket for too long) I was pleasantly surprised by the level of game that this racket allowed me to play at. The racket is really quick, a large portion due to the shorter racket handle that it's equipped with.

I came on the court blazing, and after a prolonged period of testing and playing (and also due to tardiness), I present to you the review of the Yonex Astrox 88 Skill in 4U.

Note: This is a review of my experience after using the racket for a few sessions. I am by no means a professional player, and so you should take my judgment with a pinch of salt. I welcome comments of any sorts. 

Yonex Astrox 88 Skill (AX88S) 
Est. Dry Weight: 84g (4U)
Grip Size: G5
Balance: Head Heavy
Stiffness: Stiff
Strings: Yonex BG66 Ultimax @ 29lbs

Defense
There are only a few rackets that feel as good on the defense as this guy. The Astrox 88S grants you complete control of the defensive shots, and with plenty of time to boot. The speed at which you can approach the defensive shot allows you to practically turn the racket head in any direction that fits your skill level.

Counter drives are a pleasure to throw off, and blocks to the net come off with finesse. Even my weak lifts are given a little more distance.

Attack
You'd expect a 4U racket performing fairly in this category, and you'd be somewhat correct. While the racket won't fare as well as the usual culprits like the Voltrix, you will get a satisfactory amount of power coming off the racket. Especially so when you're pulling off a quick smash from the wrist.

One particular shot that has a lot of power and speed with this racket is the forehand drive. Whipping the shuttle from my right diagonally across the entire court happens to be one of my favorite shots, and this racket makes it so addictive to pull off.

And when you combine the power with the level of control this racket gives, the Yonex Astrox 88 Skill is one force to be reckoned with.

Control
This has to be the main highlight of the racket - extreme control. The Yonex Astrox 88 Skill allowed me to hit every corner of the court with ease, be it forehand or backhand, lift or clear, smash or drive.

Placement and control at the net were also out of this world. I struggle to think of any racket that feels as much as an extension of my hand as the AX88S does. With this racket in my control, I'm quite confident to try any funny shots my wacky brain can come up with.

Looks
The racket is paired with the Yonex Astrox 88 Dominate, with the two coming off in complementary colors or red and green. The Skill variation has a green head and red shaft. Overall not the best I've seen, but the pairing looks cool if your doubles partner has the other one.

Yonex Astrox 88 Skill

"Try anything."

Defense: 10

Attack: 8

Control: 10

Looks: 7

Badminton Racket First Impressions: Yonex Astrox 88 Dominate

Following the great experience using the Yonex Astrox 88 Skill, a buddy of mine decided to have a go at its twin, the Astrox 88 Dominate.

The racket comes with a premise of harder smashes in a lethal combination of power and angle, endorsed by the second half of the world number pair - Marcus Fernaldi Gideon.

I also decided to suggest a string pairing with the racket, and we got it strung with the Yonex BG66 Ultimax at 31lbs tension. Part of the experiment was also to test if attacking rackets should be strung at much higher tension than normal (I usually get mine strung at 27lbs).

What we got was a very nice sound when smashing. The higher tension was very forceful on the attack, especially on my jump smashes. What suffered was the backhands however, as the tighter strings couldn't supplement my weaker swing. It also took me awhile to get used to the tight net shots since the shuttle didn't bounce off the string bed as well.

But on to the racket!

While the AS88S excelled at defense and intercepting, the AS88D presented a good downward push and forceful drives. While the two rackets performed comparatively in speed, I immediately noticed that the Yonex Astrox 88 Dominate felt a little heavier on the defense. It took a little more effort to lift the racket head following a smash defense.

Compensating for that is an extremely heavy downward swing. Long swingers will be very happy with this racket, its weight transferring very well from overhead to the hips.

Overall I was as satisfied with the Dominate as I was with the Skill - the two rackets offer very high rates of defense and offence, differing very slightly for those players with higher technical expertise.

The racket used for the testing as a 4UG5 Yonex Astrox 88 Dominate with overgrip wrapped over the cone. This reduced the head heaviness and made it considerably quicker to handle. When we removed the grip over the cone, the racket gained significant head weight, and we're looking to have that tested next week.

Stay tuned for the review!

Badminton Racket First Impressions: Yonex Astrox 88 Skill

This is the racket that current world number 1 Men's Doubles player Kevin Sanjaya Sukamuljo uses. Coming off the lackluster experience that I had with the Astrox 77, I wasn't really keen to give this racket a try.

But after a few visits to the store I decided to cast aside the feeling of betrayal lingering from the AX77  and pick up a 4U AX88S with Yonex BG66 Ultimax strung at 29lbs.

What struck me first was the short handle of the racket. The Yonex Astrox 88 Skill is boasted to be 10mm longer the the conventional racket, though I think most of it comes from the shortened wooden grip handle and thus longer shaft and head frame.

As a fan and former collector of Carlton rackets, I am quite fond of the short grip. This allows me greater variety in my swing and the shots come off sharper. Whipping the racket also gives it more power than with a conventional handle.

And so the moment came to take it to the court, and I must say it impresses. Right off the bat I notice the extreme quickness of the racket, wielding it in defense has got to be one of the best feelings. I am able to confidently twist and turn the shuttle away from the attacker and into an advantageous area of the court.

Being a 4U racket the back court smashes kind of takes a hit. I'm getting moderately heavy smashes from the further half, although not as hard as those I'd throw off with a 3U Yonex Nanoray Z-Speed. However, I do notice two things - I'm able to quite the angle on the shots by adding a little wrist pronation, and also the shots are dead on target.

Backhands for this guy are not the most ideal, being a 4U and also strung at such high tension. I suppose I will get better with this racket as time goes.

One last thing before I sign off. There is one particular shot that this racket pulls off amazingly, and that's the cross-court forehand drive (so happens it's my favorite shot). The shuttle comes off it so fast I was left stunned with I first executed the shot with the racket.

So far the Yonex Astrox 88 Skill has been a positive experience. Accuracy and speed seems to be its main stay, but the power I can generate is no small matter either.

Let's get a few more games with this guy before we throw in the review.

Badminton Racket Review: Yonex Astrox77

Hey guys, found out some other site's been taking my article wholesale, so be a sport and bookmark the original site - http://everythinggoeshere.blogspot.sg

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Disclosure: This review has been amended as I found out that the racket was actually a 4UG5. 

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This is one strange case where I write the review before the first impressions. I've had enough time on the court to give this a good shot, so enjoy.

Out of the darkness of racket technology drought comes the Yonex Astrox77 - a seemingly practical combination toying with different kick point and weight transfer, going back to the classics of racket design away from marketing gimmicks like adjustable weights or *gasp* sound enhancing metal.

First impressions with the racket were less than promising, the racket lacking in both areas of attack and control. I found my clears and attacks down the side missing terribly, to the brink of racket throwing.

First thing I tried was changing the Aerosonic strings to something a little more familiar - the Nanogy 98, which did improve things somewhat. But before long the shots were back to being wayward and off target.

So after a few more sessions on the court with the racket, I am going to give the Yonex Astrox77 the time it deserves.

Here it goes.

Note: This is a review of my experience after using the racket for a few sessions. I am by no means a professional player, and so you should take my judgment with a pinch of salt. I welcome comments of any sorts.

Yonex Astrox77
Est. Dry Weight: 85g (4U, but felt 3U to me)
Grip Size: G5
Balance: Even, though after the NGB98 string change it feels head-heavy
Stiffness: Mid-Flex
Strings: Yonex Nanogy 98 @ 27lbs

Defense
The relatively small head frame of the Astrox77 will pose as a problem for some when it comes to the faster attacks, though the even balance of the racket somewhat makes up for it. I found lifting the racket from a ready position an ease, and from then on it's just grappling with using the small head to contact the shuttle at a good angle.

Those who are observant will notice that the racket is a little longer than most - and perhaps it's that feature that lends itself to a particularly tough time defending body shots. The slightly longer frame also contributes to a slight loss in shot making, the counter shots redirecting the shuttle from one side of the court to the other a little harder for me to pull off.

Attack
The marketing promises a more solid smash with sharper angles, which at least is partly true for me. The Yonex Astrox77 manages to pull off a few really steep smashes, catching the opponent off a little for the sneak win.

Power was the drawback for me though, the racket seemingly lackluster when it comes to the big smashes, coming off really short when I put my entire shoulder into the hit just to watch it soar back over my head.

However I did find the drives to be really useful. Perhaps the whip-like nature of the shaft and the even balance distribution allows it to swing and transfer power sideways more than downwards.

Control
Oh my gosh this is where the racket really loses points for me. As an old man now, a lot of my game plan revolves around moving the opponent around the court in order to open the opportunity up for a decisive one-shot.

Cross-court clears, out. Straight smashes, out. Straight clears, short. Net drops, not too bad. Backhands, let's not talk about it.

The Yonex Astrox77 seems really good only for straight drives, the shuttle really whizzing to the intended spot most of the time.

Looks
The electric yellow and galaxy blue of the racket is attractive without being too garish. What I appreciated about this racket is that it decided to use gloss paint; we've been witnessing matte paint on rackets for far too long.

Yonex Astrox77

"What's wrong with the ZF2?"

Defense: 7

Attack: 7

Control: 6

Looks: 8

New Badminton Racket Launch: Yonex Astrox77

Well, here's where I get a little excited. The new Yonex Astrox 77 boasts a greater ease in swing transition, steeper smash angle and sharper drives. It's designed and built to fit today's fast-paced badminton games, and from what I've experience so far, it's pretty much whatever it promises.

But before I go into the First Impressions, I would like to put up a post to try and explain why this racket might be the next big thing.

All images from www.yonex.com

The rackets packs the heat with a few technologies

• New type of graphite
• Rotational Generator System
• Enhanced sweet spot

With one in hand, and some time on the court with this already, I will attempt to dissect the different marketing claims of the racket.


1. New graphite material - Namd

What it is:

The short of it all is that the new material allows the shaft to flex more during hard swings for more power, and flex less during sharp swings for more accuracy. 

By bonding the resin material directly onto the graphite instead of having them fill up the space in between, the shaft of the Yonex Astrox 77 takes on its dynamic properties that allows for fiercer attack. 

How this translates: 

I definitely feel it on the drives - they hit very quickly and sharply. Even the smashes appear to be a little more steep than usual. For now I do feel that the racket makes a difference when it comes to attacking, to the extent that I look for chances to utilize the drive. 

2. Rotational Generator System

What it is:

Ok Yonex this is a little too much marketing. Even the graphics above are trying a little too hard to explain that this racket is easy to swing around. So basically the "system" works like a swing, where the counter weights at either end contribute to reduce the inertia in reversing the motion - sort of like that perpetual motion device that you buy for your desk.

How it translates:

As campy as it sounds, the system actually works. Although this isn't new to the world of badminton (RSL and Prince both have similar weight distribution systems), the application of this in a complementary style to the flex properties of the shaft makes a rather lethal weapon on the court.

While I've not had the chance to test this racket extensively in doubles play, the ease of turning might actually give your defense game a boost too.

3. Isometric Head Shape

What it is:

This is a timeless classic. When the isometric head shape was introduced to the badminton world it allowed players all over the world to hit harder, faster and more accurately. 

By using a flat top on teh racket head instead of the conventional oval shape, the string bed stretches to increase the sweet spot, allowing a higher repulsion rate for that extra bit of punch in your swings.

How it translates:

The best way to witness the isometric head shape at work is to get your hands on a conventional shaped racket and have a go. You'll notice two things - that your hits aren't as accurate as they used to be, and that they tend to have a little less power than compared to a modern shaped one.

With that said, all that's left is for me to introduce the newest addition to to the Yonex line of rackets - the Astrox 77. 

To sum it all up, the new Yonex Astrox 77 may be very well fitted for the new BWF rulings that make games a matter of attack. With its offensive traits and its quick movement potential, the racket is set to make waves. 

First Impressions soon.

Badminton Racket Review: Yonex Duora Z-Strike

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First impressions here.

This took awhile didn't it?! Because of the lack of court time I could only get enough experience with the racket now to give a fairly justifiable review.

Given the lack of racket makers now, the speed at which new rackets and innovations are pushed out are sorely lacking compared to back in the days when guys like Hart, Toalson and Prince were in the game.

That leaves Yonex with a lot of leeway to produce and push out innovations like the Duora at their own pace. When the new frame was released I wondered how much it could help with my game.

The Yonex Duora 10 proved to be a little of a disappointment, with my preferring the backhand side of the racket for regular play. I wondered what would happen if I were to use a similarly weighted Victor Bravesword instead.

My sentiments towards the gimmicky innovation carried on to the Z-Strike. The shaft of this one was a little thicker, and the head a lot heavier and bulkier. This was probably to make up for the lack of attacking prowess in the Duora 10.

Having had enough time on the court with this guy, I am going to say that I've not really changed my opinion on the whole Duora thing, but this has a few needed improvements over the Duora 10 that will make it a good addition to a player's arsenal.

Here goes.

Note: This is a review of my experience after using the racket for a few sessions. I am by no means a professional player, and so you should take my judgment with a pinch of salt. I welcome comments of any sorts.

Yonex Duora Z-Strike
Est. Dry Weight: 88g (3U)
Grip Size: G5
Balance: Head Heavy
Stiffness: Stiff
Strings: Yonex Nanogy 98 @ 27lbs

Defense
Not really good, like with any head heavy variants that I've used. If any of you were old enough to have used the Yonex Armortec 900 Power you will find a striking similarity in this racket. The bulk frame does not give much to your movement on the court and the racket speed becomes compromised when you try to lift or move it around for defense.

As someone who prefers the defensive game - turning the tide around with a well-placed block or drive - the Yonex Duora Z-Strike is a little tricky to handle. At times I lift the racket for a block to find that I'm just that little off the ideal hitting spot, resulting in a less effective response.

This is especially relevant when your opponent is coming in at you hard with his attacks, leaving you with less time and more opportunity to get that dreaded frame hit off a defensive attempt. At the end of the day I suppose the racket was built with offense in mind.

Attack
For me the racket was an improvement over the Duora 10, offering several boosts to the head frame construction. It feels surprisingly like a Voltric, and many a times during the course of the review I had wanted to go check it it's a Voltric Duora Z-Strike instead.

First of all the head frame got a boost in thickness. This really gives it a good extra amount of punch when it comes to hitting the shuttle. A slightly thicker shaft also adds to the energy transfer, resulting in a more powerful stroke towards the opponent.

Following the recommendations of the Duora technology, the flat broad side is held as the forehand stroke. This results in a larger downward force (which translates to a larger upward force during defense) on the hit. This really works on the court when you put in a smash, as you can feel a substantial amount of pressure coming from a smash.

People who like to smash will really like this racket. The extended attacking capability of the Yonex Duora Z-Strike is a very good improvement over the more dainty Duora 10.

Control
This is where it gets funny. While heavy racket rackets offer a more stable frame that contributes to better control, I experience a very peculiar phenomenon when swinging with the Z-Strike, particularly on the long clears.

With this racket I am not able to aim my long clears well at all. The shuttle seems to sway very awkwardly to the sides, resulting in a straight out or a less the optimal angle (that means I get attacked). While I can chalk this down to my lack of game time, the same feeling does not come when I switch the racket.

This situation presents itself again when I try to smash down the line. There are times when the shuttle wouldn't be as accurate as I wanted it to.

On netshots and drives the racket performs as a head heavy one should - giving the shuttle a good stable base to bounce off on the soft shots and allowing a great transfer of energy on the fast flats.

Looks
We've not had a white racket for awhile, and the fresh combination of white, black and streaks of orange and red make the Yonex Duora Z-Strike a nice racket to look at. What I can perhaps pick at is the lack of the backhand/forehand decal that was so very helpful in the case of the Duora 10.

Yonex Duora Z-Strike

"The new glass cannon"

Defense: 7

Attack: 9

Control: 8

Looks: 8

Badminton Racket First Impressions: Mizuno JPX 8.5

Hey there badminton fans! I know it's been awhile since I wrote anything - I've been recovering from a strained knee and haven't been able to play. Seriously think that my time is near and it won't be long till I'm reduced to watching videos and wishing I was prancing on the court instead.

Sad thoughts aside, I've managed to get my hands on the new Mizuno racket. Striking blue and black artwork aside, the racket offers a peculiar head frame shape that produces an odd performance on court.

The shaft is slim and flexes towards to the cone, making it a very nice racket to do those check smashes that I love. As the strings go on the racket and the tension is pulled across the head, the frame sharpens and you're left with a nice sharp head shape akin to the Z-Smash.

It felt lighter than expected on the swing, and there seems to be a little weight loss during the swing. Perhaps it's the sword/box hybrid of the head frame that made it really ergonomic. It doesn't make the sharp swish of the Victor Bravesword, nor the loud woosh of the Yonex Voltric Z-Force.

On the court the strangeness continues. The racket is amazingly efficient for backhands. I repeat - the Mizuno JPX 8.5 gives amazing backhands. I was able to reach any corner of the court without much effort. However, the forehand shots barely reach the end.

What?!

It took me a two games of singles and a lot of hitting to finally get the whole point of it all.

I'll lave you guys to figure out and guess why as I prepare for the review. :)

Coming soon is also my review on the Yonex Duora Z-Strike. Stay tuned!

Badminton Racket First Impressions: Yonex Duora Z-Strike

Hey guys, found out some other site's been taking my article wholesale, so be a sport and bookmark the original site - https://everythinggoeshere.blogspot.sg

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Because I'm not in tip top condition I find it harder to write reviews and first impressions as often. I usually get down to writing once I feel I have a good grasp of the racket and what it can do.

But enough excuses! You came here to know a little more about the Z-Strike, and know about it you shall! I've had a few sessions on the court with this and am ready to give a quick first impressions on it.

I used the 3U version of the racket, with most of my experience in singles play.

In short, the racket is as unexceptional as its design. The Duora Z-Strike adds the much needed hitting power into its predecessor - the Duora 10 - but that comes at the cost of overall agility and quickness.

Physically, you're looking at a slightly thicker and stiffer shaft than the Duora 10. Being a Z-series racket, the head frame is also pressed in that egg-shaped look. While previous Z=series rackets compensated for the smaller sweet spot with a flexible shaft, the Duora Z-Strike seems to want to turn the formula around to see how it went.

Having the racket in my hand and swinging it around felt clumsy and slow. I wasn't able to get around the shots as quick as I did with my lighter rackets. While the shots were able to come off nicely most of the time, I did find myself throwing a few points with the occasional mishit. Those usually came in when I had to rely more on reaction. Small head frame be damned.

I also found that holding the racket with the right side made a tremendous difference. While this wasn't very prevalent in the Duora 10, the Z-Strike actually performs quite different for me when I hold it the right way.

To recap, the USP for the Yonex Duora rackets is the duo-purpose frame. One side (the forehand) being more boxy (think Yonex Armortec), and the other (the backhand) being more sharp (think Victor Bravesword). This allows the player to throw hard on the forehand for heavier attacks, and also to snap faster on the backhand for more weight.

The heavy weight, stiff shaft, and smaller head frame will make it a nightmare for anyone who's not confident in hitting the sweet spot consistently - but what really makes the difference is the amount of power you can get into one swing. That being said. I would suppose someone with significantly more arm strength than I do will have a grand time with this racket.

While I might be consistent with the hitting, I am in no way ready physically to use this racket to its full potential. Those who share my level of competence in skill, while also being fairly strong in arm strength, can of course give this a try.

I have a feeling it might actually turn out well. Nonetheless, I have better feelings towards this one than the Duora 10. Read my blistering review on the Duora 10 to find out why.

That ends the first impressions. Stay tuned for the full review!

Badminton Racket First Impressions: Yonex Voltric Lin Dan (LD) Force

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This will be the first of the two rackets that I have lined up for review. I had not wanted to get too many new ones since I can't play at the previous level for awhile, but caved because this racket was too awesome to begin with.

Full on black with silver, red and gold accents, the Yonex Voltric LD Force is the lighter, more manageable variation of the Limited Edition heavy weight. Like all the rackets in the Voltric series, the LD Force has the iconic tri-voltage weights in the top corners as well as the bottom half of the head frame, contributing to an increased swing weight and speed.

The LD Force also has the linked grommet system of its Z-Force 2 brethern, albeit only in the top half of the racket. These I assume will add more weight and support a higher string tension since the linked grommets will prevent the strings from cutting in the racket.

Unlike the Z-Force rackets, the LD Force seems to come in a more flexible shaft, which makes games for beginners like me optimal. Coming off a spine surgery and months of inaction, I am not able to generate enough power in my swings to carry off a match well. The added whip from the shaft of this racket is noticeable and welcome.

Having purchased the 4U version (I got the 3U version of the other racket for review - the Duora Z-Strike) I can also attribute a high defense rating from it's lighter frame. Of course this also meant the attacks from the back suffered a little. Anticipating this, I had it strung with the Yonex BG66 Ultimax at 27lbs.

After an hour on the court today, I could feel the same overwhelming sense of control that comes with the Z-Force family of rackets. The shuttle is extremely obedient, coming off and sticking to the string bed at will. The head heavy orientation and flexible shaft provided much of the attack, while the light weight 4U frame made sure I am not too much of a punching bag.

But like the 4U Z-Force 2, I feel this racket is more suited for doubles play. While packing enough punch for a fast-paced exchange, the lack of full court coverage may prove too much for the singles player.

More time on the court will reveal its true potential. I might actually try to get a proper singles game going for this one.

Till soon!

I'm baccccckkk.. well, sort of.

This is a quick announcement.

After more than a year of pain, surgery and rehab, I have finally returned to the court!

The rehab process is still in progress at the moment, so I can't do much more than light steps. This makes it perfect for my role now as a trainer for a friend of mine who wants to learn to play the game.

My time as a trainer has helped me re-learn what I have lost. As the student picks up the basic skills of this perfect games, so does the teacher. My precious time back on the court leaves me appreciative of the journey I took to get here, and the people who made it possible.

And for those of you readers who asked about my condition and wished me well, you made the list :)

I look forward to improving my physical condition with each passing day, and perhaps one fine day can go back to a little advanced play.

Happy smashing guys, and thanks for the support.

P.S. I bought the Duora Strike in 3U, and am looking forward to writing about it.

Badminton Trick shots: when you get too much time on the court

Have you noticed that professional badminton players are throwing around a lot of trick shots lately? What used to the realm of Lin Dan and flamboyant doubles players is now becoming more and more commonplace.

When one reaches, or even surpasses their limits against their opponents, they reach a state of comfort in their game play, so much so that they're able to move and hit at their most efficient. This opens up the opportunity for the brain to channel more thoughts beyond where to hit the shuttle next.

This state of mind is, in my opinion, the best time to perform trick shots - highly technical shots made with the purpose of misleading and delaying the opponent's reaction to the shuttle.

When you're facing a tough opponent, it's almost impossible to throw off a good trick shot. The stress of the moment, coupled with the brain dominating in fast decision making processes, make it very hard for the calculated and smooth execution of a trick shot.

Turning the situation around, if you're up against an opponent you're more comfortable with, even if they are of a higher level, your mind starts to wonder what else you can do. The state of mind is then more conducive for a higher level technique. 

The above briefly states the nature of playing trick shots. Given the level of play some readers are used to, and for those aspiring to grow in technique, I will now attempt to explain some of the simpler trick shots I have managed to use with better success. 

Direction Change

This is pretty basic, and involves turning of the racket head away to sent the shuttle in the other direction. The approach should be early and obvious - "I am going to hit the shuttle in this direction." When at the next moment, having given the opponent enough time to process the information, change the destination of the shuttle.

This move is pretty easy to pull off. All you need is to be able to out your racket head forward in one direction and then change the hit to the other desired one. The other two shots are variations of the direction change, and will require a little more practice.

Pull-Back

The shot is made with less power than intended, although a large swing gives the impression of a harder hit. The best time to use this move is when you're being pushed to execute an underarm clear. The opponent will most likely expect a high and defensive clear for you to buy time. 

This move is a test of control of the shuttle. The swing forward should be made at force and speed, and then taken away the moment before the racket head makes contact to perform a dipping net shot. Care has to be taken to place the shuttle as near to the net as possible, to have the cork on a downward trajectory so as to increase the distance between the shuttle and the opponent. 

A variation of this technique is the backspin. Instead of releasing power from the shot, the momentum of the swing is transferred to the shuttle in the form of a slice to the bottom of the cork, like a backspin in a game of tennis. This produces a low-arching shot that can cut very close to teh net and dips quickly. Because of the low arch, the shuttle will most likely travel further than an outright pull-back. 

Double Draw

So you've learnt how to change directions, and you've learnt to control the amount of force you put to the racket. It's now time to take things up a notch and perform what I call a double draw, or double motion. This involves moving the racket to take the shot, and pulling back the racket head before the hit, and then changing the direction of the shuttle. 

This is a little more convincing than a regular direction change in that the player actually commits to a hit, increasing the level of deception and showmanship. The racket head will actually be traveling in the same direction as the shuttle after the draw, and that is one awesome thing to see executed well on the court. 

Badminton Racket Review: Victor Bravesword 12N and Victor Bravesword 12

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First impressions of the 12N here.
First impressions of the 12N versus the 12 here.

In countries like Singapore where space is a constraint, you will find more people playing the game of doubles instead of battling it out one-on-one on the courts. This to me has caused the increasing prominence of pro-doubles rackets in the victor series to rise in popularity.

Among the slew of offerings that doubles players can turn to for a smashing good time, the Victor Bravesword 12 has a firm footing among the most sought after. Given its popularity, the racket maker deemed more fit to release an N version of the racket rather than a new racket altogether.

Banking on the popularity of a staple is one thing, but can the revised racket give doubles players what they're looking for? Is the original a better choice?

I've tested the Bravesword 12N on doubles and singles games, and the Bravesword 12 on doubles games to get some insight. This review will be written quite differently from the others I've done, in that I'm reviewing two rackets at a go in aspects of doubles and singles badminton play.

Here goes.

Note: This is a review of my experience after using the racket for a few sessions. I am by no means a professional player, and so you should take my judgment with a pinch of salt. I welcome comments of any sorts.

Victor Bravesword 12
Est. Dry Weight: 85g (3U)
Grip Size: G5
Balance: Even-Balanced
Stiffness: Flexible
Strings: Yonex Nanogy 98 @ 27lbs

Victor Bravesword 12N
Est. Dry Weight: 87g (3U)
Grip Size: G5
Balance: Even-Balanced
Stiffness: Stiff
Strings: Yonex BG80 @ 28lbs

Defense:

I've always been a pro-defensive player (don't ask me why my defense is so crappy though), and to me the basis of a good doubles racket starts from its defensive capability. Given the generally fast pace of a doubles rally, the speed and flexibility of a racket to excel in various defensive situations stands above all else.

In this respect the Bravesword 12 performs better than the 12N, mostly due to the lighter weight. With slightly head heavier orientation of the 12, along with the flexible shaft, adds to the power that one can deliver with a good lift off a smash.

With flat fast exchanges, the 12 also performs visibly better, it's lighter weight really adding to the amount of reaction time you can get. The racket is also a monster in the front court, intercepting and finishing off from the poorly placed defensive shot of the opponent.

Away from the game of doubles however, the 12N provides enough defensive advantage to be a good racket for singles play, allowing a higher enough level of control and power over the 12.

In conclusion, I prefer the Bravesword 12 in defense for doubles. Both are equal in the game of singles.

Attack:
Offensive capabilities are probably the most affected by the racket; defense and control are somewhat more player-dependent than equipment-granted.

The lighter weight of the Bravesword 12 loses out here, not allowing enough power for one's game of singles. The more flexible shaft of the 12 allows for a greater potential in the game of doubles, where swings tend to be bigger and more time is given for the big smash.

The stiffer Bravesword 12N gives the single player a greater advantage, allowing for quicker and heavier smashes without the need for a big swing.

In terms of flat and fast drives, the 12N also wins out because you really don't need a lot of back draw to generate an equal amount of strength the Bravesword can deliver.

In conclusion, I prefer the Bravesword 12 in offense for doubles, and the Bravesword 12N for singles.

Control:
The most critical aspect of a player's game is control. There's no point attacking if you can't aim, there's no point defending if you're not able to turn it around to generate a reversal.

This unfortunately, is largely in the hands of the player. The racket can only add that little in terms in control, but there are aspects in the racket that allows the player to place the shuttle where they want to with a certain amount of ease.

In the respect, I felt the Bravesword 12N triumphs over the original. The stiffer shaft and heavier weight allowing for better placement of the shuttle with less effort in the game of singles.

At the front court however, the lighter weight of the Bravesword allowed me to perform a larger variety of tight net shots.

In conclusion: I preferred the Bravesword 12N in the areas of control.

Looks:
The original's blue is striking and offers more character when compared to the 12N's dark grey color scheme. Between the two, I'm placing any preference. I am much more a red / yellow guy.

Bravesword 12

"Doubles' choice."

Defense: 9

Attack: 8

Control: 8

Looks: 6

Bravesword 12N

"Singles powerhouse."

Defense: 8

Attack: 9

Control: 10

Looks: 6