The following video provides you with my review of the Yonex Nanospeed 9900 badminton racquet which was introduced into the UK in March 2009.

Reference to technical aspects has been kept to a minimum – instead the video has been designed to give you a feel for the racquet’s performance as compared to other Yonex badminton racquet models.

Please feel free to add your comments or provide feedback on this format using the comment section at the bottom of the post.

Yonex Nanospeed 300 Badminton Racquet

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.

Yonex Nanospeed 200 Badminton Racquet

Having recently tested the Nanospeed 100, I couldn’t wait to get my hands on the next racquet in the range to see what this can deliver.

The Nanospeed 200 also arrived in a three quarter length cover which I prefer. It really helps to have a cover like this to undertake my armchair exercises.

Out of the bag the racquet has striking graphics in a nice purple with black and silver touches. Like the 100, this is a long size so has slightly different dimensions compared to top of the range 9900.

It’s strung really well, tight enough to play straight off without having a re-string – a nice bonus.

Technical specs are the same as 100 – 3U (85-89g) G3 larger grip size. It also has the same flexible shaft.

Colour differences aside, I was really struggling to see what changes had been made to justify this racquet. It’s only when you get one in each hand that you notice the difference – the 200 is slightly head lighter. Thank goodness I found something.  Technically, there could be a different mix in the carbon but we’re not to know that are we.

Because of the slightly lighter frame, the racquet does play a little different. It’s certainly faster around the net and in defence and yet still delivers in power areas once you’ve made the adjustment for the longer flexible shaft.

RRP is a mere £40.00 – gees, how do Yonex do it? This calibre racquet for under £40.00! I’ve rated it four stars, like the 100 because it‘s better in every area of play because of the slightly lighter head and yet there’s only a £10.00 difference. Value for money, it’s great.

Racquets are so personal. If you’re a big hitter, you probably won’t give this racquet a second look. And, it’s got the extra “whip” with the slightly longer shaft so it’s more suited to a player who puts their ego aside and uses the racquet technology to even things out on court and help them with power shots. It’s quicker around the net than 100 so you’re definitely getting a little more and in my opinion, it’s worth the extra £10.00.

Yonex Nanospeed 100 Racquet in Blue&Silver

The Nanospeed series are head-light racquets developed to increase racquet head speed, which can increase power and yet still be lightning fast around the net and in defensive situations. Do they live up to the hype?

Introducing the Yonex Nanospeed 100, a good looking racquet in silver, purple and black graphics. An alternative colour scheme with pink is also available. It arrived in a three quarter length cover which is a surprise as all racquets so far have been in full covers. That said, I prefer these covers as they’re great for practicing armchair exercises (see my videos).

I recently reviewed the top of the range Nanospeed 9900 so whilst I’m relatively unfamiliar with this series, I can at least compare to the very best.

Out of the bag, what initially surprised me was the loo of the racquet. At this time I hadn’t read the specifications, but something was different.  Then  I read the text on the shaft “light weight/headlight balance/long size. Mmm.

Out comes the Nanospeed 9900 (which I’m currently testing again) and wow, this 100 racquet is marginally longer. Butt to butt, the handle is slightly shorter by around 1.5cm, the ferrule is longer by around 2cm and the shaft is longer by around 1cm.

The head itself has a thicker frame by 0.5cm which reflects the difference in ingredients and is therefore not as strong as 9900. It’s also not quite as light in the head albeit marginally.

Technical specs re weight and grip size are as follows. 3U (85-89g) G3 larger grip size. Good retailers have the tools to alter grip size to suit so it’s relatively quick and easy to customise your racquet to meet your exact requirements.

String tension is very good so the racquet is ready to play, straight out of the bad. It would appear that Yonex have chosen to increase factory stringing tensions on all of their better racquets these days and what a difference. This can save you up to £15, not having to have your racquet re-strung in order to play at your standard.

Compared to 9900 this isn’t particularly head light. It’s marginally lighter than Yonex Armortec range so a little bit faster around the net and in defence.

The racquet also has a flexible shaft so I was expecting a fair amount of “whip” with power shots.

I wondered what difference it would make with this “long” racquet so was looking forward to testing. Power shots are crisp, once you make the adjustment to the flexible shaft which takes very little time. There is a fraction of “delay” as you would expect when moving the racquet at speed as the head lags behind a little but you’re more than compensated when the power comes through.

Around the net the racquet will not disappoint. It’s very similar to many of the Armortecs I’ve tested as there is still some weight in the head.

RRP is a mere £30.00 so at this price it really is a fantastic bargain. I’ve rated this four stars which may be a bit generous but the price alone is staggering for this quality.

This racquet plays well and will suit social and club players. It’s a bit head heavy for me although balanced well and looks great.