Yonex Armortec 70MG Badminton Racquet
The Yonex Armortec 70MG is my last review of Armortec series racquets from the selection of top-of-the-range and newly introduced in 2009.
Not that it matters much, but why Yonex chose to name this different to the rest of range is a mystery.
On with the review. Out of the bag, yet again this is a striking racquet in red, yellow and silver – a really nice combination. It’s got as lovely balance, similar to 600 and 50 and thankfully not head-heavy like 30. Strings are nice and tight and suitable for most levels of play.
Technical specs for weight are handle size are 3U (85-89g) G3, the larger of the two grip sizes on offer. Again, this can easily be altered to suit. Whilst adding grips affect the balance of the racquet, it’s certainly not detrimental to playability.
The difference between the Yonex Armortec 70MG and Armortec 50 is the flexibility in the shaft (medium flex) so it will suit players who need the racquet to help them with power shots. It’s one of two racquets in this range with a medium flex shaft so if this is important to you and you wish to play with Yonex racquets, then you’ll also need to test Armortec 30, Arcsaber 7, Nanospeed 4500, 500 & 300. These are all good racquets to suit your budget.
As with all Armortec racquets, 70MG delivers power shots really well – drives, clears, smashes are nice and crisp and there’s little adjustment required to cater for the medium flex shaft.
Around the net, it’s a similar story. The racquet is quick, but not as fast as the Nanospeed series which are more head light. All this means is you need to work it a little more which could be plus really as it makes you play the shot fully and with purpose. Defensively it’s a little slower compared to the Nanospeed but, when you’re playing with one racquet consistently, you won’t notice it.
RRP is £90.00 so it will sell between £75-80.00 from many retailers. I’m giving this a three and a half star rating because it delivers in all areas and is pretty good value for money. I’m not sure why it’s priced more expensive than Armortec 50 when the difference appears to be the flexibility in the shaft. Perhaps it costs more to make a flexible shaft?
This racquet will appeal to social and league players. If you need a little help with power shots then Yonex Armortec 70MG racquet will do that. If you’re an out and out power player it’s unlikely to suit your game. But, as I always say, you need to test the racquet to know for yourself whether it’s the one for you this season. Finding a retailer with demo racquets is difficult. Check Yonex website (www.Yonex.co.uk) for demo days in your area or look up the Yonex retailers on their website and contact them direct.
Paul
Great to see a review of this as it’s not a top level racket and something a lot of us may find useful. I’ve seen the AT70L Lee Chong Wei Edn, which appears to be exactly the same racket, but strangely slightly cheaper? I’ve seen a genuine one for just short of £50, which appears to be a great bargain so might plump for this before taking the hit on an AT600 when it hopefully drops in price. The only thing that concerns me is the heavier weight and larger headsize (I’m used to lighter rackets generally), but you mention that it’s quite easy to use and still pretty good defensively so think I should be ok. Will make my decision by next month hopefully and try to report back here!
If you’ve got any advice regarding the racket, or any others then I’ll appreciate it massively as usual
Jin
As I say to all players that prefer light headed racquets, they are brilliant as long as you get the power from them that you are seeking or the all round game you’re looking for.
So, go even balance or head heavy if you find that you’re missing that extra oomph you’re seeking as long as you can make the necessary adjustments to your game for defence and net work.
Paul
Paul
Thanks for another great reply. I certainly don’t prefer light-headed rackets (I don’t feel I get any power from them – don’t get a ‘feel’ for the shuttle). I usually have even balance rackets, but borrowed a head heavy one briefly and really felt some benefits in clears, lifts etc. You seem to be a bit of a fan of head heavy rackets, so I always look out for your reviews now. Thanks again.
What I meant was that I usually use lighter rackets (not in the head but just overall weight), so I was looking at AT600 or Voltric 70. The 70L or 70MG really looks a good price though at around £50 and I think it might be worth trying even though it’s in a higher weight bracket. Only one way to find out I guess!
Jin
I’ve found through testing that even balance or head heavy suit me although I can play with head light racquets. Bear in mind though that I don’t play these days – just coach.
Before you buy, why not see if there are any local shops offering demo racquets. Direct Sports have some demo racquets and they may be closer to you. Mention me to Mark Watson, the owner and see what he can do for you.
Paul
What do you think? nice reveiws and more info on diference between 70mg and 50 does 70 have same size head and shaft length which feels lighter/ faster to move thanx chris