I don’t know what string tension you had in your previous racquet but it could be that the string or tension or both just doesn’t suit you. Sadly, testing string is another time-consuming and expensive element of badminton but it’s well worth it when you find what works best for you.

Paul

Hits are getting better after approximately 10 hours of play with the VT80. Enjoying the game the more I spend time with it. One thing I noticed was how I hard time “feeling” the shuttle when it hits the racquet. Is this because of the racquet or stringing? Stringer put in Yonex BG80 with 27 lbs of tension. Should I change type of string, amount of tension, or is it part of what’s to be expected from the VT80? Any info regarding would be much appreciated. Thanks again for the help!

- Marcus

Marcus

I expect you’ll soon get used to the racquet and then consider it your best friend.

Keep in touch so we know how you’re progressing.

To your success

Paul

Thank you for the prompt response! Really appreciate the time you set aside to attend to these. Anyway, I decided to get a couple of Voltric 80s instead. Since I was going to get a pair, I was just thinking that it would be too much of an expensive gamble to get the Z-Slash with all the feedback on how it can be very unpredictable and the considerably longer adjustment phase.

I was finally able to give the VT 80s some playing time yesterday and I do like them a lot. I was amazed how, despite being relatively stiff and head-heavy, it went very fast with the overhead shots. I think because of this, I was mishitting maybe 40% of the time and also I guess it was my first time to use them extensively. I did start to get a better feel for it after a while.

It was a little frustrating and sometimes even down right awful when I mishit but I knew that there will be a getting-to-know phase for any new racquet. I was thinking, “If I’m getting frustrated with this, what more with the Z-Slash?”. However, during the times that I did hit the sweet spot, I felt like I had this stupid grin on my face as if the good times are gonna start rolling pretty soon Smashes seemed to have more meat in them and I was able to direct shots better with the control. Compared to the RSL Millenium Attack Ti 3200 that I was previously using, the VT80 was a beast! Prior to the RSLs, I used to own a Muscle Power 88 Ti and an Armortec 800 Offense. I think this would be a good coming-back-to-terms with my Yonex roots.

I look forward to really enjoying the game again as opposed to focusing on getting my timing right. I do think that, once I’ve adjusted, enjoying the game will be sweeter.

Thanks again for the help!

Marcus

You may notice that there are very few players on the circuit using Z Slash. Most have moved over to Voltric 70 or 80.

Unfortunately I didn’t get time to film another video on Z Slash. My “taming the beast” came about by a lot of time on court. At the end of the day I still felt the racquet was unpredictable. I now use VT80 which was so easy to use for me. Z Slash is still a good racquet but it certainly doesn’t have as broad appeal because of its characteristics. I’ve known many players invest in Z Slash, only to give up on it and sell the racquet within a month or so. That’s not good.

For me, it’s a high risk investing in a Z Slash and I would much rather consider a tested and proven racquet – but that’s me. I can’t speak for you.

Let me know what you decide to do.

To your success.

Paul