Yonex Armortec 600 Badminton Racquet
The Armortec range of racquets has improved in 2009 with the introduction of 4 new racquets – the 600, 70MG, 50 and 30.
The Yonex Armortec 600 is positioned towards the top of the range. As I already use Armortec Power 900 I was looking forward to comparing these racquets.
Straight out of the bag the racquet felt nice. It’s well balanced, nice graphics with a mix of sliver, purple and black. It’s strung reasonably tight although considerably less than the 24 lbs tension in my racquet so I knew I would have to make adjustments to my shots.
The racquet is available as a 4U G4. This means the weight is around 81-85g and the grip size is small. This didn’t matter as it’s the same as my 900 although for this test I didn’t build the grip to my specification.
As you would expect from a racquet at this level, it performed admirably in all areas. The nice balance meant it was quick although not as fast as a Nano series racquet. There’s plenty of power and a little extra “kick” courtesy of the flexible shaft.
When I chose this racquet, I hadn’t read the specification in the Yonex catalogue so I was very surprised to read it had a flexible shaft – I really hadn’t noticed during my test. Perhaps I’m so familiar with the Yonex range now having tested a number of their racquets that it’s like going over old ground again – very familiar.
There were no surprises with this racquet, it’s a good solid racquet with plenty to offer you. It’s one of those racquets that you know you can depend on no matter what your opponent throws at you. With tighter stringing and a grip I’d be hard pushed to distinguish this from my Power 900, it’s that good.
RRP is £110 so expect to pay under £100. Value for money I’d rate the Yonex Armortec 600 as a 5 star racquet – my first 5 star rating. It’s got everything although I suspect that power players may avoid this racquet because they don’t need the flexible shaft. If truth be told, there are very few out and out power players in league badminton. There are one or two very hard hitters but if every player’s smash could be analysed, only a small percentage would qualify in this department. So, overall this racquet will suit the majority of players.
Because racquet choice is so personal I urge you to try as many as you can before making your choice. Find a retailer who supplies demo racquets so you get the best chance of finding the right one for you. Unless you have a smaller budget, make sure the Armortec 600 is on your list to try this season, you’ll be glad you did.
Hi Paul,
Thanks for this review. My Armortec 600 is currently away for restringing and I miss it!
I’ve had this racket for almost 8 years now, but I worry about it breaking and also not having a racket when it goes off for restringing.
Since this racket is now discontinued, can you recommend a similar racket currently on the market?
Thanks,
Rebecca
It is very difficult to think of a racket that compared to the wonderful Armortec 600. All I can suggest is that you test lots of rackets until you feel a racket fits you best. This time, buy two if you can.
Hi Paul,
Just from your experience if you had to pick 1 or 2 yonex rackets in the current production which play very similar to the amortec 600 what would you say immediately. Doesn’t have to be Yonex if you think there’s another which also plays similar.
Thanks,
Suki
That’s a difficult question to answer because it is so long ago since I tested Armortec 600. I honestly cannot remember how it feels seeing as I have tested so many rackets since then.
Hi Paul,
I like reading the racket reviews on your forum. I have a questions that you might help me with. I am comfortable with lower tensions (21/22 lbs) than most. I like head heavy rackets because I can get deeper angles when I drop or smash. I also put a lot of wrist in my action and prefer control and accurate placement when I play.
I am thinking of buying the Armortec 600 and was wondering if the combination of flexible shaft and lower tension be wrong for a my type of game.
Thanks.
Saurabh
Saurabh
Please read my article on how to choose a racket as it will help you a lot.
Nobody can safely predict whether a certain racket will work for you or not. Only you can decide by trying it. If you decide to buy AT600 and it works, then you have made a good decision. If not, figure out why you don’t like the racket and sell it. Put the money to another racket with different characteristics.
Sadly I am not capable of telling any player which racket they should use to suit their particular style of play. Only you can do that.
To your success
Paul
Hi Paul, I have a question about flexibility of AT600 compare to Arcsaber 7. I know that these two rackets have a different flexibility by specs, but i need to know how AT600 feel in hand on the court. In this time I use Arc 7 and I can try slightly head heavier racket. My local retailer has not demo piece of AT600. Thanks for your help.
Marian
There is very little difference in flexibility between these two racquets. AT600 is a lovely racquet but I don’t know whether it wil be right for you.
Is there any player you know who uses AT600? If so, see if you can test their racquet and make a decision after that.
Let me know what you do.
Paul
Hi Paul,
I gone to the risk and I bought AT600 without testing before. It was a really good risk. AT600 is (like you wrote) lovely racket. It’s more powerfull compare to Arcsaber 7 and it is fast like my first yonex racket NS7000 (IMHO). Only one thing where I need more practice is my netplay, with Arc7 it was easier… Finally, AT600 was very good choice for me 🙂
Thanks Paul for your help and review.
Congratulations on your new purchase. I’m so pleased you like it.
Let’s hope this is the start of a great badminton year for you.
Paul
Hi,
You mention that players should always try before they buy but how do we do that? With more and more sports shops closing and fewer of the remaining stocking any choice of badminton racquets how does the average player get to try a range of racquets to see which suits?
I’m looking to upgrade and hoping to find a deal on a suitable racquet from Yonex, whether that be an Arcsaber, Armortec, Nanospeed or Voltric I couldn’t say because I’ve no way at present of getting any of these onto a court to try some play.
Would appreciate your advice on how to address this matter for a London-based player.
Many thanks to you or anyone else who can help
Sean
Sean
You are correct in that many sports shops are struggling or closing. This is due to the economic conditions but moreso because of a couple of factors.
1) online discounters like Central Sports creating a market where there is no customer loyalty and uncompetitive practice
2) insufficient knowledge of the game in many sports shops which means many players look elsewhere.
What I suggest is that you check Yonex UK website. They have a list of retailers in your area. Call the shop to check whether they have demo racquets.
You also need to remember that sports shops have to pay for demo racquets, regardless of brand – they are not a freebie. There are a lot of players that borrow a demo racquet and then buy from an online discounter because they can get the product cheaper. This is wrong! You should support the retailer who lends you the racquet as they are trying harder to help you make the right choices. Many of the online suppliers do not have demo racquets and therefore, in some respects do not deserve your business. After all, what is the cost of you making a wrong choice and therefore have to sell your new racquet and try again?
Bottom line here is that if you find a retailer that trys hard to look after you, reward them with your order so they stay in business. If you don’t, it won’t be long before they are extinct.
Hope this helps Sean.
By the way, if you come along to my Residential Coaching Weekend, I always have a good range of Yonex demo racquets which you can test all weekend without charge!
Let me know how you get on.
To your success
Paul
Thanks Paul, it is such a shame that the Internet has brought such calamity to the real world customer service experience of retail.
Even more heartening (not!) I’ve just called 2 shops on the Yonex site and got no reply and a dead tone 🙁
Got through to acesports so perhaps get a chance to try out some racquets at their shop. Will try Gefen sports too as it appears to have great pedigree.
I’m all for supporting the shops but when online savings are £10’s it’d be foolish not to take up the offer. You’d also have to question the business model of a shop having to add so much more margin per item.
Some intersting points raised here.
Remember, this is my opinion but here goes. If I can find a local shop that lends me demo racquets but charges £10 extra, I’ll buy from them any day. They are obviously more interested in my welfare as a player by going the extra mile and cost to allow me to make the right decision when choosing a racquet.
Most of the online retailers do not have demo racquets. Their pile it high and sell it cheap strategy is a bad one. You see, if you try to be the cheapest in the market, all it takes is another retailer to undercut and you’ve lost the business. Cheap prices destroys loyalty.
I agree that the internet can be very good for us when we’re trying to find a deal. But, if you find the right local retailer, support them because they will work harder to keep your custom, otherwise they don’t deserve it. But, shopping purely on price isn’t always the best way.
Some shoppers forget all the hassle they have to go through when something goes wrong. That’s when they have to make the phone calls, arrange to ship the goods back to the retailer, pay the courier costs etc. That’s when the local retailer shines.
Paul
hi paul,im a beginner, play about 4 years, im just want to know which one is better… AR-600 or voltric70..i see u rate the vc-70 4.5..i like single game and offensive,
one more thing how to know the yonex is genuine..last time i buy ar900 9 times cheaper than original price but i know it counterfeit.. so i want to prevent myself from buying counterfeit racket which sold as genuine racket price
Thanks for your question.
As a beginner why do you wish to spend so much money on racquets?
Both racquets are extremely good. AT600 was my first 5 star rated racquet. I also love the Voltric. It’s not a case of which is better because each player/coach you ask may have a different answer.
Yonex are withdrawing the Armortec range this year so you could pick up the AT600 at a really good price. This will certainly make it the most appealing racquet from a value perspective.
Sorry I can’t give you the answer you want. All players are different and have different tastes. Otherwise Yonex would make 1 racquet and we’d all play with that.
Consider investing in coaching, if you haven’t already. Maybe even look at a cheaper racquet initially and spend the difference on coaching. You may find that you improve so much faster by doing so.
To your success.
Paul
Wahey..finally got myself an AT600 after much debating..£65 so a great deal. Cannot wait to test it out now. Thanks Paul for the review – it certainly played a part in my decision to purchase this racket. Time to practise hard..
Jin
Congratulations Jin, I hope the racquet really helps your game.
To your succes
Paul
I’ve seen a Yonex flyer at my local racket dealer that has pics and basic info on the Voltric 5 and 7. The 7 has the same weight as the AT600 and the 5 is the next weight bracket up. Both are medium stiff, head heavy etc, but don’t appear to have the higher end stuff seen in the Voltric 70. I think they’ll replace the AT70 MG and AT50 to be honest.
On another note, I’ve been looking at the AT600 for a while in the hope it will become cheaper, which doesn’t appear to be happening at the moment. I have found the Armortec Tour, which appears to have been released as a different coloured version of the AT600 with the exact same spec otherwise. It’s also around £10 cheaper, which may not seem a lot, but is still a saving! Anyway, just thought I’d throw that update in there..if I find anything else I’ll post it here
Jin
Hi Paul,
My friend was thinking of getting one of these and I was wondering if the flexible shaft would feature in netplay, slowing response, as he is rather fond of making tight net shots. I’m a little concerned as I’ve seen this racket in shops and discern its qualities. Its shaft is really REALLY flexible. Nothing like any racket I’ve handled before. As always, looking forward to and highly appreciate your feedback!
Tim
Tim
Around the net area, a flexible shafted racquet is not going to be detrimental to play. There isn’t such a huge difference between a flexible shafted racquet and a stiff shaft. Whilst there is more bend in the shaft, we’re not talking about a huge amount. Bear in mind the AT600 was my first 5 star racquet because it did everything very well indeed. Normally I use stiff shafted racquets and I very nearly changed my racquet because the AT600 was that impressive.
However, at the end of the day choosing a racquet is personal so your friend really needs to decide what characteristics in a racquet suit their game.
Paul
Hi Paul,
Thanks for the comment. BTW, incomparison which one is better between AT600 vs. BS10?? Both got 5 Stars rating by you so which one is the best?? But it seems that AT600 will be out of the list since the new Voltric 70 will be out soon..
I think i hv to wait for the VT70 be launched and getting some personal review by the users and maybe by yourself of course.. Thanks inadvance!!
Rgds
One
I’d wait for the Voltric 70 reviews and then look again.
Both racquets are superb. Question is do you want a stiff or flexible shaft?
Paul
I personnally think that this racket is really nice for a double player. Not that a single player can’t use it but I really doubt that the AR-600 will be the first choice when it comes to single games.
If you have a lack of power when smashing, this racket can help a lot with its flexible shaft.
But it is quite slow when you need to defend or play at the net. This is not the end of the world as good technic can help you get over it.
Hope this help.
Jonathan.
Jonathan
Interesting comments. I always say that racquet choice is very personal.
My reviews are based on my personal thoughts about the racquet in terms of its ability to deliver. I’ve known players choose a racquet on this alone and learn to adapt to suit the game they are playing.
I’m sure there are players reading this who would disagree with both of us and never choose this racquet – back to personal choice.
Paul
Hi Paul,
I’ve been following yr website since early of this year n learnt a lot from yr reviews n comments.. BTW, i’m looking for a new racket n i think this AT600 suits me well based on the spec n reviews.
But i’m also getting recommendation for Victor BS10 which maybe quite similar with AT600 and another one more is Yonex new model – The VOLTRIC 70..
What do you think is the best (in yr opinion) among those 3 (eventhough Voltric 70 hasn’t released yet)?? Should i wait for the VT70 or just go for AT600 or BS10??
One
At the moment I don’t have any information on Voltric 70. Unless you’re desperate, I suggest you wait a few weeks.
As yet, there is no release date for Voltric 70 in UK so I cannot advise you when I will review this new racquet. I am looking forward to it.
Feel free to contact me again with your question.
To your success
Paul
Jonathan
Welcome to my blog.
Yes the Yonex AT600 is a very good racket. I’m pleased you like it so much. I think you were wise to keep string tension lower bearing in mind you play with plastic shuttles. Glad you also tested string to find what worked best for you.
That’s what this game is all about – personal taste.
PLease continue to add comments to my blog and join the forum where you can talk to other like-minded badminton players.
To your success
Paul
Oh sorry, I forget to say one thing which is very important for me but may sound ridiculous for other players.
As an unseeded player, I have the obligation to play with plastic shuttles (Mavis 300) during Belgian tournaments (I don’t know if it’s the case in UK) but for some occasions, I have to change for feathers shuttles. To tell you the truth, I’m quite reluctant to play with feathers shuttles ’cause I don’t have the same sensation of play but with my AR-600, I performed quite well. I was really astonished by the results I’ve got and I can assure you that all the credit goes to my racquet.
John
Hi John
This “sensation of play” could be a result of the lower tension in your racket. Whilst it’s OK for feathers at around 20lbs, it’s probably a bit on the low side. Also, if you use plastic shuttles more often, technique is slightly different because the shuttle does not respind the same.
If you ever get the chance to play with feather shuttles on a regular basis I’d be surprised if you enjoyed the game played with plastic shuttles again.
To your success
Paul
Thank you very much for your review.
I’ll get mine next week. Can’t wait to play with it.
John
Jonathan
I hope you’ll love it as much as I did when I tested and reviewed it.
I believe it’s a seriously underrated racket and should have received far more praise and discussion than it’s got.
Let me know how you’re doing when you’ve had the racket for a while.
To your success.
Paul
Hello Paul 🙂
Once again, thank you very much for your review. I know how personal the choice of a racquet can be but it really helped me to choose mine.
I think you describe the AR-600 very well in your review and I don’t have much to add haha.
I’m really satisfied with it and I will surely buy the same model if my actual AR-600 breaks. It’s really nice to have a racquet that responds so well.
But I had one “major problem” with it, I had to make it re-strung after my first game session. I didn’t feel very comfortable with the original BG-65 on it. Now I’m using BG-68 Titanium with 9KG of tension which is around 20lbs if I’m not mistaken. It may not be the case for everyone, it may be due to my poor level of play haha.
Anyway, after nearly one month of use, it works fine and I’m more than happy.
John
PS: hope my English is understandable haha.