This is an interesting post.

I have to be careful what I say as there have been many discussions behind the scenes in addition to the racket testing I have done for Adidas.

What I do know and can tell is that the range will be launched in July. I have no idea why this date was set considering many countries are already selling the equipment. However, UK is a relatively small badminton market and therefore it's possible we are quite a way down the list.

The top-end racket will be priced considerably less than top end Yonex or Li Ning which is a deliberate move to make the rackets more attractive.

The major online retailers have had a number of sales visits and they have seen the samples in addition to pricing, but all of this information remains confidential until launch date when I expect the better online retailers will push the button and go live selling the range.

I have a lot of confidence in Adidas rackets. The four I tested were very good and I would have no hesitation in using them myself. My favourites were Adipower  Pro and Adizero Pro. I cannot comment on the bags, shoes or clothing but the hybrid string is also very good.

Whether Adidas have got the timing right to launch in UK will remain to be seen. In my opinion the initial advertising in Courtside magazine may have been too early. After all, when the crowd get hungry you either feed them straight away or accept they will wander elsewhere.

Paul

Hi Roger

Many thanks for your comments. I'll do what I can, when I can regarding the Adidas equipment.

By the way, you'll have to get your skates on if you're serious about attending one of my coaching weekends. The intermediate course in October has only a few places remaining and there are a number of players wishing to return from last weekend – including one guy from Belgium! This course could be sold out in a matter of days with the number of enquiries we are getting. I'm not wishing to push you, but thought it fair to let you know where we stand at the moment.

Paul