Yonex UK have again introduced a new batch of racquets, namely Arcsaber 5DX, Arcsaber 9FL, Nanospeed 6600 and the eagerly awaited Voltric 70. Timing for these releases falls almost a year to the day since the launch of the highly successful Arcsaber Z Slash. In other words, Yonex are trying to repeat a winning formula. But, can the Voltric 70 match up to Arcsaber Z Slash in terms of performance and initial sales?
As you would expect, the Voltric arrived in a full length bag, which, no doubt will become standard amongst the Voltric range. Yes, this is the first of a new range, which will eventually succeed the extremely popular Armortec range. To do this, the Voltric range has got to deliver. Expect more Voltrics in 2011 commencing with Voltric 5 and Voltric 7.
The racquet is striking in appearance, but not too flashy, with a winning combination of black, white and red.
This particular model is only available in 4U (weight 80-84g) in UK, and grip size G4 which is the smaller of the grip sizes usually on offer in UK.
This is a remarkable racquet in terms of what it’s meant to do. In essence, Yonex have combined the aerodynamic qualities of a Z Slash with the thin frame of a Nanospeed 9900 and given the racquet the head weight of an Armortec. Ingenious. But, does it actually deliver something special?
Let’s complete the section describing the racquet and get on court and give it a workout.
Balance wise, this is a head heavy racquet, but certainly not as heavy as AT700. It’s almost bordering on a cross between Armortec 900 Power and Technique in feel.
This racquet has a medium flex shaft and therefore may not appeal to the hard hitters who are looking for a yet another super stiff racquet. That said, I saw some very powerful hitters really enjoy the racquet and there were no negative comments whatsoever. In fact, one tester bought it immediately and he doesn’t buy new racquets.
The frame is certainly thin like Nanospeed 9900 except in 10 and 2 o’clock positions where there is a noticeable bulge. This is where there is added strength in the racquet. The weight is at the top. There are also sound filters in these sections. Whilst the racquet does make a slightly different sound from other racquets, I’m yet to be convinced the filters are actually doing anything other than giving Yonex a different angle for marketing.
Maximum recommended tension on this racquet is 24lbs. This is a little disappointing bearing in mind the market trends have been increasing over the last few years. That said we know the pro players will have their Voltrics strung tighter.
Whilst on the one hand I think Yonex should now reconsider their stance on recommended string tensions to meet market demand, on the other hand I have to applaud them because there are too many players using string tensions beyond their technique capabilities, which will eventually result in injury.
On with the review…
The string tension on this racquet feels OK at around 18-20lbs which is more than adequate for many league players. I do tend to like my racquets strung tighter but readers of my reviews know that I also like to test racquets “straight out of the bag.”
It’s hitting time…
Having spent some time off court with this racquet, I knew there was something about this racquet that was going to be different. It felt great, mind you, I like head heavy racquets. So onto court with a great sense of anticipation…
I’m not too keen on G4 grip sizes so I had to build the grip prior to playing. I know this changed the balance a little, but it had to be done.
After getting used to the spongy feel of a factory strung racquet compared to my custom strung Arcsaber 8DX and I really enjoyed this racquet.
In the power department, clears were effortless. I didn’t need to make any adjustments to my timing so at least the mis-timing issues with Z Slash did not occur with Voltric 70.
Now here’s where it gets very clever. First of all, I really couldn’t tell that I had a medium flex racquet in my hand. Voltric 70 just felt really nice. So what’s clever? Well, I did say that Yonex have combined the aerodynamic qualities of Z Slash and boy the head was quick. Remember, this is a head heavy racquet and yet it was really fast through the air. This is like a combination of Armortec 900 Power and Technique with go faster stripes on it. Fantastic!
Clears, drops and smashes were delivered beautifully and I was soon reminded of my love affair for AT900 Power. Mmm, do I feel a shift away from my Arcsaber 8DX already?
So, we know this racquet packs a mean punch, although not quite up to the hitting power of Z Slash. But, it’s got far greater consistency and control and that’s counts for so much more. What about in other areas of the court?
Defensively this racquet delivered every time and reminded me of the speed of my Nano9900 although it’s not as light in the head. The combination of better aerodynamics and the new frame work really well here. I could manoeuvre the racquet really fast without any drag or delay caused by additional weight in the head, and yet I could feel exactly where the head was moving.
As I said in my Arcsaber 8DX review, there’s always a trade-off between weight in the head for power, and a lighter head for speed. Yonex seem to have got the combination just right for this racquet with that added weight but superior aerodynamics.
As you would expect, if the racquet delivers in defence, then it’s got to be good around the net. Yes, no surprises here, it was magnificent! I didn’t need to make adjustments for the weight in the head although again, I was acutely aware where the head was moving. It just played net shots or kills with ease and a fast recovery too. Exactly what I want from a racquet.
Will Voltric 70 suit every style of play? Absolutely. But, that doesn’t mean it will suit your game. As you know, choosing a racquet is very personal and I can imagine for some there will a few frowns, possibly thinking the head lacks that added weight a.k.a. AT700 to elevate it into the serious hitting league. That’s what personal taste is about.
I’d disagree with this kind of thinking as there are power players using very light-headed racquets. As for me, I consider Voltric 70 to be a bigger hitter than my Arcsaber 8DX and certainly on a par with AT900 Power. However, it’s also really quick, which in my book gives it the edge over the Armortec series. In some respects it’s like an AT600, but way faster and slightly heavier in the head.
Summary
As you can tell, I really like this racquet. Whilst it’s early in our relationship, I can’t wait to get back on court and do it all again. However, I have to give the racquet back to my retailer. So, just when we were getting to know each other, and have fun, we’ll be separated.
With an RRP of £160, this is a pretty hefty price tag, especially for a racquet that I believe has to break into the market and establish itself as a successor to the popular Armortec range of racquets. I also believe it’s on the pricey side for a racquet that will not be the flagship racquet for the range.
No doubt the online discounters will be selling for considerably cheaper than that, so expect to pay around £130, maybe less. That’s still a lot of money for a racquet, which will turn many players away.
As much as I like this racquet, the price will push players away and therefore I need to reflect this in my scoring system. Consequently, I’ll rate this racquet 4.5 stars in my 5 star system.
For me, Voltric 70 reminded me why I initially chose Armortec 900 Power when I began coaching again. It’s got so much more than AT900 Power and a bit extra than I thought I needed from Arcsaber 8DX. It makes me realise how much we change as players in terms of our preferences and sometimes we make decisions about racquets that we think are correct, only to be reminded that we’re missing something that we really liked in a racquet. For me, I was missing that extra weight in the head and had compromised for the sake of speed. I don’t need to compromise anymore because now Voltric 70 is here, I can have my head weight and speed too.
Hi Paul,
Just wondering if you could recommend any rackets in the current market that are similar to VT70 ?
I’ve got a 10-yr old VT70 I used for doubles that I’m quite fond of, unfortunately its frame seems to be on its last days. I’m looking to replace it soon but I have stayed with this racket for so long I am barely updated with the current racket lines. Wondering if you could help.
Thanks
Hi Paul,
I have been reading your reviews as I am looking at getting a new racket. I used to have a MP99 which has broke. I have weak smash and clears when using MP99. I have stopped playing for many years and now trying to get back into badminton. Not sure if I am considered intermediate level yet but I would say I am around ladies under 16 tournament standard.
I have a good deal for new Voltric 70 or Arc 8DX for 33 pounds. reading your review, it seems VT70 is a good fit with the more flexi shaft to help with clears and smashes. However, reading your glowing reviews for Jetspeed 10 has made me consider that also (which of course is a much different price point).
Is JS10 that much better than VT70? Is it as stiff as MP99? I have tried a ZF2 and find it too heavy and stiff for me. Net play and drops with ZF2 is really good though.
Any advise is appreciated.
thanks,
JS10 is a superb racket and in my opinion worth listing. VT70 is also very good although I’m not as keen on the new VT70 Etune. At the price you can purchase a VT70 I would consider this a better option. You could buy 2 VT70 at £33 and then have a spare.
Good luck
Paul
[…] En badmintonketcher er vigtig for samtlige badmintonudøvere og vil typisk være udformet af graphit der er et kul-fibre hybrid. Grafit er meget stabilt og stadig smidigt, så det bliver inden for rækkevide at udvikle badminton-ketcher der har til hensigt at agere som katapulter og trampoliner og give badmintonbolden væsentlig mere power i forhold til badmintonspillerens arm kan. Alt andet lige er der tre forskellige typer af badminton-ketcher. Hovedtung, hoved-let og med neutral vægtbalance. De ketcherne som er hoved-tunge badminton-ketcher fremmer meget mere hastighed til badmintonbolden, men er dog langt fra hurtige ved put-bolde spillet og forsvarende spil. De ketcherne som er hovedlette badmintonketsjer vil altid være mere temposkabende omkring put-bolde spillet og forsvarende spil, men desvære giver ketcheren ikke så meget power i fjerbolden imens der udøves angrebsspil. I sidste instans har den neutrale badmintonketcher lidt a de to egenskaber. Den badmintonketcher jeg endte med at købe var Yonex voltric 70. du kan se mere om den på dette link: https://badminton-coach.co.uk/1786/yonex-voltric-70-badminton-racquet-review/ […]
A badminton racket is important for all badminton practitioners and will typically be formed of graphite which is a carbon fiber hybrid . Graphite is very stable and remains flexible so that it is within range to develop badminton racket who intend to act as catapults and trampolines and give the shuttlecock significantly more power compared to the badminton player’s arm can. All things being equal , there are three different types of badminton racket . Main Tung , head light and neutral weight balance . The rackets are head heavy badminton racket promote more speed for badminton ball , but is far from fast at put- balls game and defensive game. The rackets are head light racket will always be more fast -creating some put- balls game and defensive game, but unfortunately gives the racket not so much power in the shuttlecock while carried on attacking play . Ultimately, the neutral badminton racket over a two properties. The badminton racket I ended up buying was Yonex Voltric 70 you can see more about it on this link: https://badminton-coach.co.uk/1786/yonex-voltric-70-badminton-racquet-review/ [ … ]
Hi, Paul…
I recently asked you abt vt 7 and arc5dx in the vt7 thread…
It turns out I got a VT 70 instead.
Firstly, I gotta thank u for recommending the towel grip & powder for my sweaty palms. It works like a charm.
I got vt70 instead of 80 because I kind of resisted the idea of the stiff shaft.
My first impression of the vt70 strung at 24lbs BG66 was that it was really loud!
Usually, I would have no problems hitting to the baseline with any racket which I tried out so far. but now I have problems?!
Smash was slow! Loud sound but slow! I wondered whether was it my technique or was it the shuttle, or was it the racket?
Drops and netshots were fantastic, perfection.
I reacted to Drives much faster but I have to get used to the timing. It’s my first time using a lighter racket but head heavy. Drives were relatively slow too.
I’d probably got to test it again… I seriously can’t believe my smash and clear have problems. I’d test it against my previous racket using my own high quality shuttle this wednesday.
Caleb
Caleb
Please let me know the results of your second test. It may be worth trying out some of my armchair exercises too.
I’ve not come across a player struggling to hit power shots with VT70.
Paul
Hi Paul!
It turns out that my guess was right. The slow shuttle ruined my game that day.
After getting used (even more) to the voltric 70, it was totally wonderful! It was so much faster than my previous racket. See the miraculous saves which the professionals made even when they were net killed at those speeds in doubles? yea now I realise those were truly possible with voltric.
For drives, I was able to change the direction of the drive much more easily at high speeds.
For return of smashes, I find that the defence was really quick and I was able to return cross court easily. this gave my pair more opportunities.
For net play, it has a great feel to it.
although defence and drives were a super quick for me, it MIGHT be because I’ve handled a heavy head racket which is weighted U for a long time. Some people might still find voltric 70 heavy & slow.
I didn’t have much chance to smash because we were playing with the best players around, and my partner, although weakest amongst the 4, is good at smash. When I was smashing, the power was there and my friend said it’s fast. Although I must confess that somehow my smash technique has changed and the stroke has gone wrong.
therefore the racket can’t “make-up” for the wrong technique.
Drops were wonderful and angle was superb.
And yes, Clears were effortless with the right shuttle speed.
I’m glad voltric 70 was the right racket for me.
Jiale
Jiale
You do have to watch shuttle speeds. i have written a lot about it in the past but it doesn’t make any difference. Sadly players are so used to playing with slow speeds they prefer it because they rarely hit the shuttle out at the rear court.
That’s not how the professional game is played though is it? How many shuttles are marginally long? There’s the master skill, judging length in your shots.
I am delighted you like VT70 so much.
To your success
Paul
Hi PAUL
I’m a newby here,and sorry for need for your help about my new racket.
I play mainly for double and have a good feeling with AT900 PLC 3U with BG80P at 25 psi.
But sorry he crashed with accident with my buddy.So now I use VT80 4U with BG80P 21 psi.
I like feeling of AT900 PLC,the question is VT70 3U has a nearly feel with AT900PLC?
I feel that VT80 is less comfortable compare with AT900PLC.So I reduce the tension when in VT80 to 21 psi.
Sorry to say that I do not need to buy another AT900PLC because in THAILAND it hard to find 3U version of AT series but still manage to find 3U of VT70.
And last thing I try VT-ZF it is very hard to play with it (harder than VT80).
Thank for your help.
I have replied to this by email already.
VT70 was not a replacement for AT900P. Originally it was hoped Lee Chong Wei would use VT70 instead of AT900P but he didn’t like it saying it wasn’t stiff enough. Hence VT80 was born which in turn developed into VT Z Force.
I know many players played with AT900P who have successfully changed to VT80. However, i also know of a number of players who did not like VT80 and continue to use AT900P. It’s a personal choice of course.
In this case as you are clearly not favouring the stiffer racket, VT70 may indeed be a good compromise, especially as you are now struggling to purchase AT900P in your country.
Good luck with VT70.
Paul
hi paul,
have u tested VT60??
if yes, can u compare it with VT70 and VT7??
Zarul
I have tested VT60 and was not very impressed. I can’t begin writing detailed racquet comparisons here but would suggest you choose from VT7 or VT70 if they are your other preferred choices.
Paul
hi paul
i went to the shop and i dont know to choose VT60 or VT70……
but in the end i choose VT70 because i think i dont need a flexible shaft to clear to the baseline…..
And im happy with this VT70, i can say it suit my style perfectly….
also thanks to your review….
Hi Paul
I’m just wondering to buy a vt 70 and a armotec 900 power ,which one is better, vt 80 is little over my budget ,Im a all rounder mostly play doubles.
Jason
There is no such thing as the better racquet only the best racquet to suit your game. i don’t know which racquet feels best for you – only you can decide that.
Paul
Hi Paul, great review here.
I currently own an arcsaber 8dx. And i thought of changing to a better racquet. Do you consider voltric 70 a better upgrade for arcsaber 8dx or do you have a better alternative in your opinion? I have been using 8dx for quite some time, and generally i find that 8dx slightly weak when comes to smashing and clearing compared to armortec 900p. However, I dont really like armortec 900p, as it is quite hard to maneuver around. Im looking for a racquet that can maneuver as good as or perhaps better than my current 8dx and also deliver a better smash and clear than my 8dx. Hence, is voltric 70 a better alternative in your opinion? (I play both singles and doubles)
Looking forward for your reply, thanks alot!
Ykng
I do thnk Voltric 70 or 80 is a better racquet than 8DX (which I also use) although I really can’t speak for whether the racquet will suit you better. I will certainly be moving over to VT80 next season. I find VT80 a faster racquet than AT900P and certainly a lot easier to handle.
Overall, I think you are on the right track with Voltric and the heavier head should help with power.
Let me know what you choose.
Paul
Hi,
I play now with a Yonex Armortec 600 and I was wondering if the Voltric 70 is a good replacement for the AT 600? Or is the Arc Saber 10 better?
Greets
Lukas
I would say yes. I have a friend who said his AT600 was the best…until he tried a VT70. He now has 3 VT70’s and sold his AT600’s.
Let me know what you choose.
Paul
Hi
I still don’t know what to choose. I play mainly singles and my question now is if the Voltic 70 is a good singles racquet compared with the ArcSaber 10? I know the Voltric 80 is a good singles and doubles racquet but I don’t like stiff racquets (had problems with stifness of the ArcSaber 8DX).
Hope that you can help me.
Lukas
Lukas
Any racquet is potentially a good singles or doubels racquet. It all depends on the user. If you find that VT70 is ideal for you, then you’ll be able to play any discipline with it – it’s as simple as that.
Paul
PS Let me know what you choose.
Hi guys, I quite liked my Z Slash (preferred it for singles actually) as it had good control and accuracy. Didn’t rate the smash or clearing ability so much though, maybe too light for me. I’m excited about the Voltric 80 which is head-heavier. Can’t wait to see how it does with net shots. £190 in UK – wow! but check facebook for lower grey market imports.
paul
can you tell me whether arcsaber 9fl is head heavy? I heard from someone that it’s not head heavy like voltric, it’s little head heavy like arcsaber z slash or arcsaber 10….and can you tell me difference between arc9 and arc9fl ? Please answer my these questions when you get arc9fl…..waiting eagerly
Lamia
Arcsaber 9FL is not head heavy.
Sadly I’ve not had the opportunity to review this racquet yet and therefore I cannot comment on how it plays differently to the original Arcsaber 9. I heard there was going to be Arcsaber 9DX too, but haven’t had that confirmed from Yonex yet.
Paul
Very impressed with the review Mr. Stewart.
However, this now causes me a real headache. I’ve only ever had mid-range or lower quality rackets and never really cared about what I used. I thought long and hard about what would I would like in a racket and after your Armortec 600 review I thought that was it..except the price is still currently too high for me to fully justify getting one. I had figured I’d get one at the All Englands next year when I go (or at least that is when I’d have one by hopefully), but now I’ve seen this review and I’m wondering whether I should hold out longer for this racket (and the following Voltrics) and split with my hard-earned cash when it hopefully drops in price. Like you said, it’s not flagship so surely it’ll drop as it’s way too much at the moment. I just don’t know whether to go for the cheaper Armortec 600 (may drop in price just before the other Voltrics come in).
My main question is this really.. Does the more flexible AT600 aid an intermediate player’s clears, smashes etc, or is the medium stiff Voltric 70 perfectly fine and overall a better racket? These are the only 2 head heavy, light and non-stiff rackets I can really find! So it’s between the two. Thanks Paul
Jin
Jin
Don’t ever buy a racquet at All Englands. You’ll pay full price!
With the Voltric being introduced, the Armortec range will slowly be withdrawn. Watch out for some great deals on Armortec ranquetsvery soon.
Both racquets should work for you. There isn’t a huge difference in flexible to medium shafts. Both help a little with technique and power. you’d certainly know the difference if you played with a stiff shafted racquet. As always, you need to test and this is really the only way you know what suits your current style and technique.
Paul
Paul
Thanks for the response and advice. I know someone who has a Voltric so might try to borrow it for a few clears etc. However, I don’t think I can get my hands on an AT600 so will just see how the Voltric goes. I will keep my eyes peeled for any Armortec deals though and will certainly plump for one if the deals are too good to miss. I should have known about full retail prices at All Englands – I only assumed their may be deals because I visited the Ashaway stall once and was offered some good prices.. alas that was 4-5 years ago!
Thanks again Paul
Jin
great review, certainly wondering about a new racket in the new year, although not sure I can warrant this price tag, its always nice to bare these indepth reviews in mind.
thanks as always Paul,
Paul
I’ll think about this (ill be getting a new racket at the end of this month) and ill let you know what i decide and how it turns out.
Thanks
David
Hi, Paul
I was wondering whether or not to use this racket or stay with the Z-slash (the racket i have now)
So here the pro’s and cons that i found about the z-slash and i hope you can help me.
Pro:
1. Functioning Decently well
2. I like the light aerodynamic head of the Z-slash and im quite accustomed to it
3. It drives well and i can do nice drops and tumble shots
4. Its easy to maneuver around with allowing me to do some trick shots and other needed shots
5. Overall light and doesn’t feel like a drag on the court (like those really bad wilson rackets)
Cons:
1. I dont seem to get the smash power that i do with the conventional isometric head shape.
2. I sometimes hit the edge strings and it returns weakly
3. Lifts all the way to the back court require a lot of energy and are hard to do.
4. Cant place defensive shots where i want it.
I kinda dont want to lose the pros i found about the z-slash but i want to be able to defend well which the z-slash cant do as well…
Also, I’m kinda in need of a stronger smash as im able to provoke a weak return but i cant seem to smash for the kill…
Thanks so much
-David
David
Tough one to call. Having played with both racquets I really understand your dilemma. I loved Z Slash but its downsides, especially mis-timing, caused me to pass it over as my go-to racquet.
The good news is that the Voltric does all the Z Slash can do, but I haven’t yet had enough time to get the power I occasionally got with Z Slash. But, Voltric does defence and net work better than Z Slash, so from what you’re saying, it should be your perfect racquet. That said, remember, that’s my opinion based on my play and I’m not you. But, I really do believe Voltric 70 could be your answer.
To your success
Paul
Let me know what you decide
Hi Paul,
I am an intermediate player who’s learning the skills and tactics of badminton. I play only doubles, and play about twice a week for 2 hours.
So far I have used a Flame 3355 or something, a very basic and cheap racquet which is terrible at everything.
I recently decided to get a better racquet which is good all around and which I can learn badminton in more detail with, both the shots and tactics.
I don’t want to go with racquets that are as expensive/good as the ArcSaber 11, I’m just not good enough for these, it would be a waste of money.
So right now I have several racquets in mind : Bravesword 12, Voltric 70, Nanoray 800, Light Fighter 7300/ArcSaber FB, Thruster K9000 and the Bravesword Lee Hyun IL.
The only info I got if from reviews on the Internet. I try not to go with the popular expensive racquets. I don’t have the opportunity to try any of these racquets.
I like string tension 26-27lbs. I know some of these racquets will lose their warranty if I go above 24-25lbs, but I’ll see when I have chosen a racquet.
Here’s some brief stuff on what I think about these racquets, based entirely on prejudice and Internet reviews:
BS12 : good all around, might need powerizers for more power (duh), quite cheap, might fit me
Voltric 70 : more expensive/good, good overall, more power than others
Nanoray 800 : good looking, not widely used, might fit me and defy marketing hype, specs would fit me, quite cheap
Light Fighter 7300 : very light, yet head heavy and medium stiff, i would need to try it but i enjoy light racquets a lot, might need to use a powerizer or two
ArcSaber FB : i’m not quite sure about this racquet, how would it compare to LF7300 and what’s bad about it?
Thruster K9000 : couldn’t find any reviews, good looking, with specs would fit me, i would have to try it
BS LHI : from your review it seemed great, might be a racquet that fits me
Sorry for the long post, to sum up here are a few questions :
-LF7300 or AS FB, and what’s bad about this type of racquets?
-Which racquet would fit me?
-Wich racquet has the best compromise between stiffness, weight, balance, etc…?
Thanks
Rafael
I am currently testing TK9000 so will have a review shortly. However, it will be the most expensive in Victor range.
Nanoray racket have disappointed me although the mid-price rackets are quite good value for money.
Victor Lightfighter rackets tend to be only available in Europe. 7300, 7350 or the head heavy 7400 are very good and a much better racket than Yonex Flashboost.
Bravesword 12 is a great racket and ticks many boxes. When I was stringing for Victor at the recent All England Badminton Championships, this was possibly the most popular racket amongst the porfessional players. It’s really fast, strong and powerful – a great combination.
I can’t choose a racket for you, that’s your job and it’s part of gaining experience in this game.
Let me know which racket you choose.
Paul
Hi Paul,
Thanks for all the info, really helpful.
TK9000 : I’ll wait for your review, it does seem like a good match for me. If it’s too expensive I’ll have other choices so it’s fine.
Even though the Nanoray 800 could defy the marketing hype and be perfect for me, I can’t find it under 125pounds/150€. This being a middle-of-the-range racquet, I didn’t expect such a high price.
Wow, the Bravesword 12 is that popular? Good! Seems like the perfect racquet for me then.
Bravesword LHI also seems great. It looks nice, specs are perfect, and from your review it is great all around.
I will wait for your review of the TK9000 but right now it’s BS12 vs. BSLHI.
As I said, I play boys doubles (I’m 14). We play sides, not front & back. I’m not buff/burly but I do have sufficient arm and wrist strength. I don’t smash a lot, but play every kind of shot from everywhere on the court.
Which racquet would be better in terms of smashes, clears, drop shots, net play, defense, value for money, balance, weight, etc…?
Thanks,
Raphael
Raphael
Both are very good. In my book LHI is a better looking racket, but performance-wise it’s a close contest.
From what you’ve told me I really wouldn’t wait for TK9000 although it will have a good review. I can say this because of its similarities to TK6000 which is the highest review of any racket – ever.
Paul
Hi Paul,
What do you mean by the highest review of any racquet?
I’ve been thinking about BS12 or BSLHI, and overall BS12 seems like a better racquet. It was used by LYD for doubles games, and I thought : “Great, it’s good for doubles (which is all I play)”.
However, I’m not the strongest person and I am now focusing on increasing the pace of the game. I tried hitting fast shots close to the net and my opponents just can’t keep up with it, but my 3U racquet did slow me down. I’ve figured I either need a lighter racquet or an even balanced racquet (maybe a little bit of head weight, and not head light).
I’ve seriously reconsidered the ArcSaber FB. I know you said it isn’t great, but I think it would allow me to both force quick gameplay onto my opponents and have faster movements to return smashes when defending.
Both the BS12 and BSLHI are even balance, however they seem to be made for both singles and doubles, and I don’t know what but something tells me they wouldn’t fit what I’m looking for.
Please tell me what you think and which racquets would be good for a fast game, if the BS12/LHI would be good for what I want (and I’m wrong), if ArcSaber FB just isn’t worth it, and some other racquets like FB.
Sorry for the messy long post
Raphael
Raphael
In my opinion there is no such thing as a singles racket although I understand why certain rackets lean towards singles simply because of weight. However, that doesn’t mean a racket cannot be used for both. It really is down to the player and their personal taste.
The same goes for you. You have to decide what suits your game and not allow other players to influence you. Go with what feels right. I know good players using BS LHIL and doing very well. I know others using the same racket in doubles. I see very few FB rackets in any event, especially with good players.
Paul
not fair!!! i just bought my z-slash and then they come up with this!! but having fun with my slash nonetheless..good review Paul.
Asif
Thought so, this is what the website states about the sound filters:
“This produces a louder and sharper sound on impact to unsettle opponents, and provides a more aggressive tone to your game for a relentlessly attacking style of play.” Paul, did you notice anything specific at the time of testing ? Maybe now we know what these filters are about, one would pay attention to it. Great review ! If I ever find a sponsor, I want one a Voltric !
Paul, so the retailer didn’t know the reason for the filters too ? Or the yonex website ? Just a wild guess, to enlarge deception, if you cannot see the difference between a drop/smash/clear, you can hear it. Would this be an attempt to skip out the audio for these shots ? Did you hear a difference when testing the racket ? Seems to be a racket with the best of both worlds, but pricy indeed !
So glad you liked the VT-70 Paul, I just knew you would mate! When you have it strung to your preferred tension, you’ll just love it all the more – trust me.
This is a genuinely exceptional racket in my view, whether in a 3U or 4U weight; a great racket, it excels in all aspects – it really is ad simple as that.
Enjoy!
Ali