In this final review of new Arcsaber badminton racquets introduced in 2011, I’m looking at the more up-market Yonex Arcsaber 009DX. Yonex introduced the DX hole system a couple of years ago. This change in stringing pattern has allowed the racquet to be strung at much higher tensions (increase to 27lbs compared to Yonex standard 24lbs). This will certainly appeal to those who love high string tensions, regardless of whether they can play with them or not.
The Arcsaber 009DX is a mid-range extra stiff racquet with excellent graphics using Yonex favourite black, red and white colour scheme. It is a 3U (84-89g) G4 (small grip) which seems to be the norm these days for UK specification badminton racquets. The racquet is strung with Yonex BG55 string. This was a surprise considering the price of the racquet. I would have expected BG65 or BG65Ti performance strings. The racquet is aimed at better club level-advanced players and therefore I expect they are far more discerning about their string choice. I wouldn’t expect an endurance-based string in a racquet at this price.
Yet again the racquet is strung at a good tension so it’s a shame that many players will have to pay extra (unless you have a very good online retailer who will re-string before posting) to get a better performing string. However, it is good that Yonex are stringing at higher tensions to ensure their racquets are playable for a good percentage of players.
It’s hitting time…
The combination of tighter string and the stiff frame really worked for me as it’s more in keeping with my personal preferences. Whilst I’m used to a more aerodynamic frame, I still felt the racquet was pretty fast through the air and delivered a precise hit with little drag. Clears were so much sharper than the Arcsaber 003, however I would expect this due to the specification including materials used.
This racquet seemed that much more responsive, but that’s what you’re paying for…more of the good things. All overhead shots felt really good and clean. Again, the excellent torsion (lack of sideways twist) in the head meant that even extreme shots, hit slightly off-centre, still followed a true path. That’s where the stiffer racquet can really excel – shots delivered that little bit quicker.
As I’ve said many times though, you choose your racquet based on your badminton experience, style, technique, physique and muscular structure. Therefore, what’s good for me isn’t always the same for you. Remember this because only you can decide what suits your game.
Moving on…
So, we’ve established this racquet delivers more, it’s powerful and pretty fast offensively. Can it really be as good defensively?
For an even-balance racquet, the simple answer is yes. But, if you’re looking for a super-fast frame, then Arcsabers are not for you. The frame is not as aerodynamic as a Voltric, or as light in the head as a Nano so it falls into the middle ground and that’s what many players want. This gives them some beef in the overhead department whilst still retaining a degree of speed for all the fast defensive skills and speed around the net.
And that is what this racquet does pretty well, delivers a good all-round game for you without any frills. If the racquet was manufactured in Japan instead of Taiwan I wonder what the price would be? Considerably more I would expect. So, in essence, what you are getting is probably the best of a non-Japanese Arcsaber, if you can cope with an extra-stiff frame – and that’s a big if for many players.
Summary
I really liked the Yonex Arcsaber 009DX Badminton Racquet. It suits most of my personal preferences, however there are many players who will not enjoy the extra-stiff frame and prefer the racquet with a medium shaft.
The graphics are good and the racquet certainly delivers better than the other lower end racquets I’ve already reviewed.
RRP for 009DX is £100 but I would expect online discounters to retail around £85-90. That’s a fair price for the racquet and a step in the right direction compared to Arcsaber 5DX.
This has been a difficult racquet to rate because it’s really good for the price but there are also better Arcsabers for a little more money. In the circumstances, I consider a four star rating is fair for this racquet.
If you’re an intermediate – advanced player who can really pack a punch, you may find this racquet really suits your game. It’s certainly worth adding to your testing list when you’re looking for a new racquet.
hi
Paul,
i am a all rounder player currently using yonex arcsaber tour 33. but i want to but a new racquet. which is best for in between arcsaber 009dx or vt7. thnks for ur help..
Neel
I have no idea what racket will suit you. I suggest you read my article on choosing a racket and then see what your key criteria is. From this you may have a clearer idea which rackets you should be selecting from.
Good luck
Paul
Hi Paul,
I am a offensive player currently using voltric 5, i just wanted to know which racket would be better between voltric 7, arcsaber 9dx and nanoray 60. you may also suggest any other racket in the price range.
THANKS
If you’re an offensive player, choosing from these three rackets will depend on your natural power. If you had naturally good power then you could use either. However, if you are like most of us, then your racket has to do some work.
I suggest you read my article on choosing a badminton racket and use the questions to find exactly what you need.
Good luck
Paul
Hi Paul,
Thanks for wise advise.
Bad thing I feel in Z-slash is it’s light head…which force to make some silly mistakes even with more powerful shots.
Secondly, It’s quite old now So I am afraid if it goes beyond 25lbs..it would be dead.
Well on the coaching notes…there are lot of time constraints 🙁
Thanks,
Aman.
Is this a good racket for All round – Offensive player that can deliver a hard smash?
Yosi
Yes this is a good racquet for an all rounder. But there are so many racquets that would be equally as good.
Paul
I’d love to try this racket but I’m afraid I can’t handle an extra stiff racket is there a training to handle an extra stiff racket? Thanks before coach 😀
Yos
You either like an extra stiff frame or you don’t. Apart from using a training racquet (not for too long though) then I don’t know of an exercise or group of exercises that will help you adjust.
Paul
I forgot to ask you which one do you prefer Arcsaber 008 or Arcsaber 009DX or Arcsabeer 003 (Exclude 002 to flexy for me)
Hey Paul,
Thanks for the genuine reviews.
I am very new to the forum but I must thanks to you for serving the community over 34 yrs.
itself it is a lifetime achievement..please continue the good work.
My question is as you know nanoray series is out.
In my knowledge VT80 is the best known product so far.
How would you compare these two species WRT to power/defence.
About myself:- I am a diehard fan of the game and playing from last almost 8 yrs.
Good at defence and the court coverage.Week over the net shots.Currently using Z-slash+ BG65Ti
Want to upgrade.Please suggest.(strings quality also)
Rgds/Aman
Aman
Many thanks for your comments.
I haven’t had the chance to test the Nanoray 700’s yet. I have tested Nanoray 80. It’s a widebody racquet and certainly not as light-headed as I expected it to be, but it’s quick through the air. This seems to be the important aspect of Yonex design these days.
There is little to upgrade from if you like your Z Slash. You also have a world class string too. You could try some of the thinner guage strings like BG80, BG80 power (the latest from Yonex – incredible string), BG66 Ultimax. Try at the same tension and see if there is an improvement.
In order to understand why you wish to upgrade, what is it that your Z Slash doesn’t give you? Have you though of investing in coaching rather than another racquet? This way a improvement in technique could supercharge your racquet.
To your success
Paul
Thanks for the review Paul, how do you feel this racket stacks up against the 8DX? The specs seems quite similar, is it just the Japanese build quality you are paying extra for or is there a difference in playing characteristics as well?
Hutch
That’s a tough questions. I would say that 8DX seems to be a little quicker. When you look at racquets with similar specs there will only be minor differences in terms of weight, balance and feel. I felt 009DX wasn’t as slim a frame as 8DX, but again we are talking minor differences. I know 8DX very well and if I had to choose between the two racquets I’d be hard pressed if I had limited budget. If budget was no problem, then I’d still go with 8DX. Sometimes with the difference in money it is not worth spending the extra and this could easily be one of those occasions.
Quality of build is very good, even if the racquet isn’t made in Japan.
Hope this helps.
Paul
I was about to ask the exact same question 🙂 I really like the 8DX but I am still looking for a similar racket with which it is just a bit easier to hit clears and smashes.