In 2011 Yonex launched a host of new Arcsaber badminton racquets to compliment this very popular range. Aside from 9FL which I have already reviewed, the new racquets introduced to the range are 002, 003 and 009DX.
This is the first of three reviews to update you with my thoughts on these new racquets…
The Yonex Arcsaber 002 arrived in a three quarter racquet bag rather than the usual full length version. I actually prefer these covers because it makes it far easier to do my armchair exercises. Additionally, most players use full racquet bags so the bigger cover takes up a lot more room.
The racquet has nice graphics in white, red and a darker red. It is a 3U (weight 84-89g) G4 (small grip) version. Arcsabers are known for their even balance and this one is no exception. It feels good, not too heavy, even though I prefer a head heavy racquet.
It’s hitting time…
As usual I tested the racquet without custom stringing. I must say Yonex appear to be stringing their racquets tighter these days and that’s a good thing. For a racquet like this, the customer should be able to play without needing a custom re-string. Maximum string tension is 24lbs which seems to be standard from Yonex.
From first hit this racquet flowed really well. Adjusting for the lower string tension and flexible shaft, the racquet does hit the shuttle with a nice standard solid Yonex feel. As you would expect, there is very little torsion because Yonex use built in T pieces which really aids stability. This is something I’ve always liked about Yonex because the racquet helps deliver the shuttle where you want it to go even if you hit off centre. Some other manufacturers’ racquets do not have this torsion stability which means off centre hits result in too much twist in the racquet face sending the shuttle out of court. This twist can also create arm injuries.
The racquet head is not as aerodynamic as others in the Yonex range, so there is an element of resistance or drag. That’s not necessarily a bad thing because it’s the same with many racquets. It’s just there and worthy of comment. Aside from that, the racquet hits really true and doesn’t let you down.
Even at this level there’s a degree of power there which is partly due to the flexible shaft and lower tension. I didn’t expect to hit smashes as hard with this racquet and therefore it did not disappoint. But, the racquet still delivers power and whip for both overhead and underarm shots.
Defensively the racquet felt very nice. The even balance made life a little easier with regard to reaction speed, although for me I’d still stick with a head heavy racquet (personal preference). But, 002 remained solid and performed admirably. As you would expect with a lower tension, I had to put a little more into making the shot, but that’s fine and perfect for a developing player as it forces them to play the shot fully.
Around the net, the racquet was fast enough. It’s not going to be as fast as a Nano frame which is designated head light. But, it still gave a good account of itself with good movement. I didn’t feel as though the racquet was lagging behind and not being “there” for me when I needed it most.
Summary
This is a very nice racquet indeed. It’s one of those racquets that’s going to appeal to a wide variety of players. I can see this being a favourite for club players as well as recreational players. It’s not going to totally amaze you but it’ll quietly go about its job and conservatively deliver for you.
What amazed me most was the price. With an RRP of only £40 this is a real bargain. No doubt online discounters will lower the price even more and I expect prices around £35 mark. That’s great value for money in my opinion. With this in mind and taking into consideration other racquets I’ve tested recently, I believe this racquet deserves a three and a half star rating and a good pat on the back.
Overall I was pleasantly surprised with this racquet and it really made me think about the ratio of price against racquet delivery. Do the top-of-the range racquets really delivery 3-4 times more than a racquet at this level? At the end of the day, value is in the eyes of the player and how they feel a racquet plays for them.
Paul,
Thank you for your review. I bought the Arcsaber 002 on account of it and it seems fine, but I was wondering if the fact that the colour is different (mine is yellow) and the weight is 90 g might indicate that it’s not genuine. I bought it through SportDirect.
Thank you,
Mark.
If you purchased the racket from an authorised retailer (you can see a list on Yonex.co.uk website), then you will have genuine racket. Some rackets have been updated with new colours and it’s most likely this will be the answer here.
Paul
Hi Paul,
Thanks for a great review.
I am looking for a new racket since mine has broken. I am not an attacking player, so I like to have a lot of control. The ArcSaber 002 has the largest head frame in the ARC series, therefore, has the largest sweetspot. Which makes your shot accuracy better. I like head light rackets, but I’m trying to decide between the ARC5DX or ARC002. I smash sometimes, but I like to place my shots with tricky shots, rather than powerful smashes. Thanks!
Brendan
Brendan
Both are good racquets.
Whilst technically the largest head will have the largest sweetspot, this will depend on your preferred string tension. The higher tension, the smaller the sweetspot.
Without testing these racquets whichever you choose will be a best guess. That’s how most badminton players have to choose racquets and hope they have made a sound decision. After doing so many test days for Yonex, I can attest that every player is amazed how much they can tell each racquet apart when played with. These days work so well as the player can literally hit with one racquet, put it to one side and hit with another giving an immediate comparison.
As I said, for most players they do not have the luxury of attending one of these special events. Therefore they borrow from club mates or friends to narrow down their options. Then, the final decision is a best guess based on what you know and what you want. Sometimes you can get it wrong and the racquet feels awful. However, you can always sell the racquet and try again. Afterall this game and the experience gained in it is all part of the whole learning process.
Paul
Thanks Paul for your quick reply. I understand that it is difficult to remember why there was only a half star difference on something that you tested so long ago. I also understand that it’s near impossible to attend to all racket review requests. But fans are fans. They will always have their wishes 😉 Anyways, looking forward to the coaching content. I am sure they will be really helpful.
Thanks paul for your good review. I am a real fan of your site. Anyways, you gave 4 star to nano speed 100 and 3.5 star to this arc 02. Could you elaborate on why you gave nano100 half a star more. I found it interesting coz I know you prefer head heavy balance. Given that I thought you would favor a even balanced racket like arc 02 more than head light nano 100.
Finally when can we expect to view karakal racket reviews? For now can you tell me the flexibility of speed lite gel racket from karakal. Web has contradictory information on it.
Hi Bobby
Many thanks for your email.
It’s impossible for me to test racquets close together because it depends when they are launched. Sometimes you can select a racquet and for some reason it just doesn’t perform to the same level as others. When I test I have to put my personal preferences to one side other I would give poor marks for every light-headed racquet! I mark a racquet purely based on playability. I can’t comment further on scores otherwise I’d need to do a head-to-head test again and I just don’t have the time.
At the moment i have so many racquets to review such as the new Voltric Z Force, all of the Nanoray racquets, 10 APACS racquests and 8 Victor racquets. As you can imagine this means spending considerable time on court testing and making notes, followed by around 1 hour to write up and another 20 minutes per review to post them on the blog. It’s a huge task for a part-time hobby!
I also have to consider that I need time to write more badminton articles. I am very conscious that I do not want the blog to become a racquet review site. It could so easily turn this way but at the heart of all of this, I am a coach and it’s meant to be a coaching site where players learn more about badminton .
Having just completed another course at Lilleshall, I am now looking at using some of the video footage to launch on my blog to boost the coaching content.
On top of all of this, I respond personally to every email I get (around 7 per day), Youtube questions I receive and all of the comments and questions on the forum.
Against all of this backcloth, I’m sure you’ll apprecaite that I haven’t the time to review another brand of racquets. I’m stretched for time every week and I still have to plan and deliver my private coaching lessons or county junior lessons.
Paul