Since writing my review of Yonex Arcsaber Z Slash, I have received many favourable comments about the content of the review. Thank you, I enjoyed writing it.
Additionally, I’ve had many people ask me what are the differences between the Arcsaber 10 and the Arcsaber Z Slash. This post is written especially for those of you who have asked this question.
Let’s cut to the chase here. I don’t need to describe the visual differences such as colour so let’s get into the important points…
Racquet Dimensions
The Arcsaber 10 follows the traditional Isometric shape and dimensions that Yonex have been using for some time. Consequently, the overall feel of the racquet is familiar.
The Z Slash introduces many differences such as the head shape being narrower by at least 5mm either side of the T piece. The length of the head is the same. The shaft is a good 1cm longer. The handle/grip is 2cm shorter and ferrule is a slightly different shape and a good deal smaller (I estimate 25% smaller).
What does all of this mean? Firstly, I must emphasise that the overall length of the two racquets are identical. It’s important in case you think something else is going on here to make the Z Slash so special.
The longer shaft will deliver more power because it flexes over a slightly larger area. The reduced handle/grip area potentially adds to the brilliant aerodynamic qualities of the Z Slash.
“Feel” and Playability
Picking up the Arcsaber 10 for the first time and playing well with it is easy if you’ve played with any of Yonex’s top-of-the-range racquets. For those of you who have consistently played with medium or flexible shafts, then this racquet may seem like hard work and “less powerful” than the racquets you’ve been used to.
I’ve said this so many times, but it’s important to say again. The top-of-the-range racquets may not play the best for you. It’s vital that you put your ego aside when testing racquets and buy according to what feels right and helps your game. It’s no good if you buy a racquet that feels alien and doesn’t suit your style.
The Yonex Arcsaber Z Slash is a different beast altogether. Balance wise, in some ways it’s not too dissimilar to Arcsaber 10. There’s a little bit of weight in the head, but the racquet is still evenly balanced.
Where the great chasm of a difference appears is in the feel of this racquet when hitting. The shaft is stiff just like Arcsaber 10. But, this racquet moves through the air faster by a country mile. Perhaps the frame is a slightly different shape (I haven’t seen any schematics to help me here). The top of the frame looks thinner – more in keeping with Nanospeed 9900.
I’m not sure how Z Slash’s weight is distributed but it feels different. In some ways it’s got a feel of Armortec 900 Technique so perhaps it’s weighted more in the throat.
Whatever is happening with the design, there is no doubt that the Arcsaber Z Slash generates significantly more head speed than Arcsaber 10.
One of the key ingredients of power is racquet head speed. Therefore it’s no surprise that I consider Z Slash is capable of delivering far greater power over Arcsaber 10. Remember, I reviewed Arcsaber 10 and it is a powerful racquet in the right hands.
The difficulty here is taming the Z Slash. Or should I say, getting used to the astonishing racquet head speed it can generate. Why? Simply this. The racquet cuts through the air so fast, it takes some getting used to. The faster you swing, the more this racquet works for you. But, you’ve got to be able to control it! Because of this speed, it really throws your timing out of kilter by a high margin.
It’s almost like wearing a really heavy pair of boots and being asked to sprint 100 metres. You then take the boots off and re-run the race. This time, your feet are so light, you almost feel like you’re flying. The first few steps are easy but as you pick up the pace, you almost feel you’re running too fast for your feet and could fall at any time. It’s exhilarating with an air of danger.
This is how I feel at the moment when hitting with the Arcsaber Z Slash. Badminton suddenly becomes unpredictable. Will I send a missile over the net or fluff another shot and give the point away. But whoa, the feeling you get when you connect with this beauty is amazing!
Summary
Personally, both racquets deliver in abundance in all areas of the game – whether we’re talking net play, defence, serving etc. They are both pro level racquets.
When I was initially choosing a Yonex racquet, the Arcsaber 10 was in my top 3. It lost out to Armortec 900 Power which I felt was right for my game.
You have to choose what’s right for you. By all means, read all the reviews you can. Bottom line here is simple. ..No matter what you read, it all comes down to how the racquet feels for you. If you believe (remember, put that ego aside) that the racquet in your hand is going to improve your game and you have a good feeling about it then it’s probably the right racquet for you.
If you ever get the feeling that the racquet has become an extension of your arm, then it’s definitely the right racquet for you.
You can probably tell from my review and this post that I really love the Arcsaber Z Slash. That said, I’ve not got my timing right with it yet so it doesn’t mean I’m going to change my racquet overnight. I’m going to test again this week and spend more overhead hitting time with it. If I get that “yes!” feeling, and I begin to sort out the timing aspects, then it could easily be my next racquet.
What about Arcsaber 10 you may be asking? Well, it’s a great racquet, but it just didn’t tick all of the boxes for me. It’s not a negative comment though – it’s a personal one. You may find it’s perfect for you so make sure it’s on your list to try. You may find that you have a horrendous experience with Z Slash because of the timing difficulties. But, that does not detract from the fact it truly is a great racquet.
It all goes to show that we’re all different. We have different wants and needs from our racquets and that’s why nobody, me included, can ever tell you what you should use on a badminton court. Only you, and you alone can make the choice. If you really can’t decide, there is usually a very good indicator here. Which racquet do you put down and keep returning to? That’s the one your body is most attracted too even though your head may be looking in another direction with a more expensive price tag and nicer graphics.
Right now my body wants to get on court and hit shuttles with Yonex Arcsaber Z Slash. Whilst I’m listening very carefully to what it’s saying, I’m tempering it with the rationality that not everything is going right yet. But, oh, am I longing to get this beauty working!
Hye Paul.. Iwan from Malaysia..
need your advise. Currently I’m using Tantrum 200 with string 30 because I smashing a lot n I do comfortable n used to it.. For your information this is my second tantrum 200 since I broke my first one which is I’m using it almost 2 years and it bring me what I need for.. I’m looking for a arcsaber Z slash but Im not sure of it..i need your advise.. Need a second racquet and my choice are arcsaber Z slash and Nanoray Z speed.. Please advise..
Bahar
Please read my article on choosing a racket. Let’s understand first what your Tantrum 200 doesn’t give you and exactly what you want before you make a list of rackets.
Paul
hi paul, i m from hong kong, and accidentally come across your videos on youtube and then to your webpage. i am an intermediate player and die hard fans for YY rackets.
i bought my arc 10 for a year and a half and z slash for 3 months.
as you mentioned in your review, z slash has a longer shaft and smaller & thinner frame. the swing has indeed become faster but as the sweet spot has become smaller, the timing is somewhat completely different. it probably took me 10 mins to get use to the new timing, and for the first few smashes i made, they went completely wrong!
Z slash is certainly the best single racket made by YY so far, and i love the adjustments that brought into the design. (well, i havent tried nano 9900 yet)
there arent too many professional and fair reviews available on the internet, and i found yours are great!
one thing that worth mentioning is, different YY dealers that sell YY rackets world wide and there are different versions of each rackets, such as SP, GR, JP, etc. rumour refers that JP versions are the best, because it’s a common practice for the japanese to reserve the best for their country. my Z slash is a SP version (singapore version, theres where the official dealer in asia locates) and my Arc 10 is a GR version (european version). it’s interesting to test the same model against different version too. lets discuss more on this 🙂
thanks paul, i like your videos too, great effort!
dan
hi ive been playing for around 5 years now at a club on a fri night they mostly play leauge badminton and im at my best top 5 on the day but my game is not consistant due to me not my equpitment hehe i have a decent smash good drop shots but struggle with my net shots im loking for a new racket and not sure what to go with no one seems to have any advice that suits me ive been looking at the arcsaber 9 or 7 is there any great difference between the two ? ive heard these rackets are for women should this make any difference ?
Hi Craig
Thanks for your question.
Not so sure why you need a new racket. If your shots are good, perhaps it would be worth investing in some coaching to find out why your net shots are letting you down.
By all means test rackets to find a racket that suits your overall game. But, it may be to look at this once you’ve improved your technique.
Arc 9 and 7 are very different rackets. Arc 9 was deemed a ladies racket but that doesn’t mean you can’t play with it. Arc 7 is used by many top players who like the flexible shaft but high specification. It’s very much down to you to make a choice. This is where I cannot recommend a racket as I don’t know enough about you, your play and what you like. Test and choose is the only way because then you get to know each racket in a true playing situation.
Hope this helps.
Paul
Hi, Paul
Thank you so much for your comments and advised. Now I understand about string tension much better. I’ll will Let you know as soon as I have my decision. It’s very nice talking to you, Paul. Thank you….
Regards,
Henry
Henry
Good to hear from you again.
Let’s begin by explaining the differences in the rackets. Arcsaber 10 is 3U which therefore weighs 84-89g. Ti10 is 2U and therefore weighs 90-94g. Overall, the Ti 10 is heavier and therefore potentially you’re getting more weight behind your shot, hence the extra power.
As you say, the Arcsaber 10 is delivering far more for you in terms of racket movement and control which tends to suggest the weight factor is playing its part.
Onto string tension. Let’s clear up the confusion.
The tighter you string your racket the more you reduce the sweet spot on the string bed. If you are a consistently good hitter and “middles” the shuttle frequently, then higher tension may suit you.
Power, in terms of what strings gives you is created from a number of component parts.
1) How fast you swing the racket.
2) Hitting the shuttle correctly (where the face of the racket meets the shuttle)
3) Repulsion characteristics of the string. At lower tensions, the string is able to “suck in” the shuttle and then repel it. The time when the shuttle is connected to the strings is known as dwell time. Therefore, lower tension usually gives more power as the string can work for you and repel the shuttle better.
Players of a certain calibre are willing to forego some power to reduce the dwell time on the strings as this give them increased control, better feel and a faster response. Therefore, increased tension equals more control.
So what happens to power? As your tension increases there is a point where you will get optimum power. After that, your control potentially increases but power stays the same or reduces marginally.
The myth here is that if you keep increasing tension, you will continue to get more power. Sorry, but that is just not true. There are many players in all racket sports that will testify to that.
Henry, if you prefer to play with a racket strung at 30lbs you then take the risk that the frame could break. Professional players get free rackets and can therefore afford to play at these tensions. And, they are more interested in control than power. They already have a certain degree of power which they are happy with. They will not get more power by increasing tension in their racket.
You’ve already told me that you are not a power player as such. Therefore the higher tension suits you because you are more of a control player.
So what will the Z Slash give you? Astonishing racket speed through the air. You will feel a little extra flex in the shaft as it is slightly longer, compared to the stiffer shaft of Arcsaber 10. Potentially this should give you more power.
The Z Slash is slightly head heavy compared to Arcsaber 10 and therefore overall may feel more like your Ti10 in terms of overall weight. I would look at 3U version.
There’s no doubt that the Z Slash is an amazing racket, but it just doesn’t suit everyone. I would give it major consideration. If you don’t like it, I would be amazed if you couldn’t sell it on and then treat yourself to another Arcsaber 10, strung at 30lbs.
Henry, I really hope this helps you understand a little more.
Let me know what you decide to do.
To your success
Paul
thats right, YY is not making anymore Ti 10 (there are 2 or 3 generations of it). henry, conserve your Ti 10, cox once u break it due to the ultra tension, u cannot get a replacement….
dan
Hi, Paul
Today, I\’ve my chance borrowed ascsaber 10 from my friend. We mostly played double. I played the first 2 matches with arcsaber 10. And the 3rd match I used my ti 10. So when I compared with my ti 10, I feel ti 10 is more much powerful then arcsaber 10. But I\’m still not sure because of a few reasons. First the arcsaber 10 was strung 26 lbs, my ti 10 was strung 30 lbs. Both using same string yonex BG66. Secondly my ti 10 is 2U then the arcsaber 10 3U. It\’s that make much difference in power? I\’m not so sure about it. Maybe you can explain me later on. When hitting the shuttle with arcsaber 10 I feel the racket frame and the string so soft, like it doesn\’t generate enough power transfer through the shuttle. I\’m still confused about the stringing theory. People said that the higher the tension it become less power, the lower the tension the better power you will get. But I always play and feel better with higher tension, I don\’t have to use much power. I feel the power is always there, especially when I have to do baseline to baseline shot and smash from around baseline. Although some rackets will get a lot of vibration when we strung at high tension. That was my comparison for both racket in terms of power. I feel arcsaber 10 is better in terms of feels and handling for cross net shot and fast flat drive when I played in front court. I can swing and cut the shuttle much faster. In defense arcsaber 10 doesn\’t disappoint me, I can control, return and block my opponent smashes better. The arcsaber 10 have good balance. Little bit more flexible then ti 10. It doesn\’t tire me as much as ti 10. If I\’ve to score I will give,
Arcsaber 10 :
Feel : 9
Control : 9
Power : 8.5
Defense : 9
Maneuverability : 9
Ti 10 :
Feel : 8.5
Control : 8.5
Power : 9.5
Defense : 8.5
Maneuverability : 8.5
I really want to try arcsaber z slash, but until now none of my friend have bought it. To be honest they said they don\’t like the color. Hahaha.. But for me, I never care about the color as long as it is suit me and can give me a better game. I like arcsaber 10 in term of feel, handling, the weight balance, but if only it has much better in power. So Paul from your point of view about my comment between ti 10 and arcsaber 10. Does arcsaber z slash will be suit with me? If I\’m not wrong, you\’ve tried arcsaber 10 and z slash, am I right? And about string tension could you give me your comment and advised why I feel and play better with high tension? One racket 2U and the other one is 3U, same tension let say 30 lbs the lighter racket will get a lot more vibration then the other one? Is that true? Waiting for your kindly comment. Thank you…..
Regards,
Henry
Hi,Paul
Thank you so much for your comments. I’m very much appreciated. I’ll let you know as soon as I found out…
Hi Henry
Good to hear from you.
This is a difficult question as I didn’t get the chance to play with Yonex Ti10. From what I’ve read about it the Ti10 it’s one of the best rackets Yonex has ever made. Many players wish they would reintroduce it.
All I can suggest is that you borrow the Z Slash from a friend and try for yourself – you be the judge and let me know how they compare.
In UK we tend to get 2U rackets from Yonex. We only have one grip size, usually G3 although Yonex are now introducing more G4 grips. I don’t recall seeing a G5 grip in UK unless it’s an import.
As you know 2U specifies the weight of the racket between 84-89g. 3U is a different weight so it’s personal preference whether you prefer the slightly lighter or heavier racket.
It’s also personal preference whether you prefer stiff or extra stiff shaft. Big hitters tend to go with extra stiff because of the power they generate. Less powerful players need some help to generate power and tend to go for a flexible shaft.
It therefore depends where you sit in terms of power and feel what you prefer in your racket.
Henry, I wish I could give you more specific advice. As you’ve probably seen time and again in my blog, when it’s down to racket choice it’s very important for you to choose what’s right for you. The Ti10 seems to fit the bill. By all means try Z Slash and then you can make your mind up – does it add more to your game or is the additional power you get balanced out by a loss in other areas?
Please let me know your findings because I really do love to hear from readers about their experiences.
To your success
Paul
Hi Paul,
I want to ask you about arcsaber z slash compare to ti10. Could you tell me the difference between these two rackets. I\’ve been using ti10 2u g4 30 lbs string tension for 4 years. Sometimes I feel that it little bit too head heavy, but it has a great power for over head shot. I\’ve been thinking to change my racket for quite sometime. So when I read your comment on arcsaber z slash, I think that it has my criteria. It evenly balance, although little bit head heavy, has great power, very fast through the air and I think that it is quite a light racket. Another question what the difference between extra stiff and stiff racket, U2 and U3 in playing? Which one generate more power? Looking forward for your kindly comment. Thank you…
Regards,
Henry
Hi Paul
Thanks for your comments – very much appreciated.
I think we’re at the same stage with this racquet. I had a good night with it last Wednesday. I’m testing again next week in a match but will restring the racquet first and change the grip to my preferred specification so I can really put it through its paces.
I’m also making a video next week on the difference between Z Slash and Nanospeed 9900. Hopefully it will be on my blog within a few days.
To your success
Paul
Hi Paul,
Great review, I\’ve had the Z for about a month now and I cannot put it
down, like you said when it hits the sweet spot it feels so good. A few
people at my club have commented on the sound it makes, slashing
through the air, but again, as you say, it\’s unforgiving if your timing is ever
so slightly out. Even with the hefty price tag I know this racquet works for
me and suits my playing style. It just feels so balanced, lighter down the
shaft, but with that ever so slightly heavy head. Can\’t wait for Wednesday
club night to continue my learning in period with this beast!
Regards,
Paul
Hi Thomas
Many thanks for your comments.
The Nanospeed 9900 is a strong, head light racquet that can be considered a good all rounder. For some the head may be too light and therefore, whilst it shines in defence and around the net, it may be considered a bit of an under-achiever in the power department.
The Arcsaber Z Slash has a similar thickness of head although certainly has more weight. It’s weight is probably in the throat area like Armortec 900 Technique.
As described in my review and comparison with Arcsaber 10, the dimensions of the Arcsaber Z Slash are different.
Playability wise, all my comments in the comparison review still stand. I would say that the Nanospeed 9900 is a little faster around the net, but for defence, bearing in mind how Arcsaber Z Slash cuts through the air, there is very little to choose between the two. I prefer the Z Slash because of the additional weight in the head so there’s more feel in the control aspects of the shots.
If I had to choose between these two racquets right now, which one would I select?
That’s a tough one because I have the consistency in the Nanospeed 9900 especially in my overhead shots. I know it intimately and can therefore predict what it will give me.
Then there’s the Z Slash. I’m attracted to it, I want to take it out again and I want to get to know it better. So far we haven’t been compatible in overheads, but that’s the only area I’m struggling with. If I can get used to the astonishing speeds it generates, then I’d happily say goodbye to my Nanospeed 9900 even though I like them alot.
I’m now looking forward to Wednesday to test the Z Slash again. No doubt I’ll be commenting on this racquet again very soon…
To your success
Paul
Hi Paul,
Thanks for your reviews! They are great!
I was just wondering whether you can also post a comparison of the 2 high profile releases by Yonex this year, ie.:
Arcsaber Z-Slash vs Nanospeed 9900
I know they are not on the same series, but since you’ve been using the NS 9900 for a while, surely you have some thoughts too? I know of only too many people who are struggling with that choice (including me!).
Thanks!
Thomas