Yonex Nanospeed 300 Badminton Racquet Review

Having recently tested the new Yonex Nanospeed 100 and 200, I was looking forward to this review for a number of reasons. First, I really enjoy testing racquets. Second, I like to understand the “progression” in thinking. You know, what are the properties of this racquet compared to those above and below in price? And finally, is it a potential winner and a fine addition to the brand?

Unlike the Nanospeed 100 and 200, the Yonex Nanospeed 300 arrived with a full cover. I’ll stick by my original thoughts, that I really like the ¾ length covers as they are brilliant for armchair exercises.

Out of the bag, this is a really good looking racquet.  I say that a lot don’t I? Well, credit where it’s due. I’m currently testing another brand and can tell you that there is one racquet that I don’t like the look of. Maybe it’s because of my love for the game and that most of the manufacturers have got it right these days.  This racquet looks great in silver, black, gold and lime green colour-way.

Technical specs for this model are 3U (weight 85-89g), grip size G3. This has become a popular size and I suppose the beauty about it is that you can easily make it smaller or larger to suit your requirements.  The Nanospeed 300 racquet is strung pretty tight so it’s playable without having to spend another £10 + on a custom re-string.

Again, this is a well-balanced racquet, not too light in the head, but light enough to move fast when required. And it certainly was fast! There’s a distinctive sharpness to this racquet over and above the 100 and 200 models. Perhaps it’s the balance, it just feels right.

All the reflex areas like the net and defence felt easier. The racquet felt more like an extension of my arm rather than something I was holding. Allowing for the reduced tension compared to my own racquets, net shots were soon crisp with the racquet moving freely in this area. It also had plenty of touch.

The head speed would certainly favour a defensive player who relies on reflex and counter strikes as their main offensive weapon. It’s precise and can cause a lot of harm to your opponent.

Don’t be fooled into thinking that the Nanospeed 300 racquet lacks power, just because it’s fast in defence. This racquet certainly packs a punch. You’ve got to adjust if you’re used to a heavier head. Users of the Armortec range may find this a tall order having been used to the extra “feel” as the racquet head powers over the head and forces that extra oomph. But, it’s a clinical finisher because of the swiftness of the head to generate the power.

There’s a little extra help in the power shots courtesy of the medium flex shaft. It felt nice, not too whippy. Also, there wasn’t that “delay” in the hit that you sometimes have with flexible shafts.  I must confess I’m really getting to like these medium flex shafts.

RRP for this racquet is a staggering £50.00. Check out the retailers as I expect you’ll find it selling somewhere around £40.00 price bracket. How do I rate this racquet? It’s a tough one because I rated the 100 and 200 highly and I think it’s better! In all areas this racquet outperformed Nanospeed 100 and 200, but it’s still not as good as Armortec 600 in my opinion. Yes, it’s better, but there’s also room for improvement.

The construction of the racquet means that it has certain limitations. Certainly it cannot be strung as tight as more expensive models. There again, this is a racquet that will suit a beginner, all the way to a high standard league/club player. A top county player will want that much more in terms of power and touch. So this is where Nanospeed 300 and most racquets below £80.00 price point bow out, although there are always exceptions and it’s certainly not a blemish on their attributes.

So, on this basis, I’m happy to give Nanospeed 300 a 4.5 star rating and a big thumbs up too for being such a great racquet.  If you’re looking for a really good all-rounder, especially if you’re more of a defensive/touch player, make sure you include this on you testing list.

Tagged as: Badminton Racquet Reviews, Yonex Badminton Racquet, Yonex Nanospeed, Yonex Nanospeed 300