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3:01 pm
July 8, 2012
Offline
Hello everyone,
I've been reading around quite a bit on rackets and string tensions, mostly on here and badmintoncentral, in search of finding the new racket and string (tension) combination that would best suit me.
I would consider myself an intermediate player. I play 2 times a week, 6h in total. I'm more of a defensive player. I'm now looking for a new racket. My main problem is that i can't get enough length into my baseline to baseline shots. i realize it’s probably mostly technique, but i have a feeling my current string setup might be wrong as well.
I currently use an apacs power 900 racket with BG65 strings at 22lbs. i always play plastic shuttles. After some research, i'm considering upgrading to a voltric 70 with nanogy98 strings (because of their high repulsion). I'm not sure if anyone can tell me if this would be a good idea? Do these strings fit the racket or would any other do good/better as well (BG80?). More importantly, what tension should i string at? apparently, one should string lower when playing plastic shuttles, so should i maybe go down to 21 or 20? or should i still string at 22, taking into account that the strings will lose some tension over time? or does the nanogy98 doesn't lose much tension?
Any advice is very welcome, thank you!
4:29 pm
April 15, 2010
Offline Hi, welcome to the forum.
If you are struggling to clear back to back then I would suggest it is almost definitely your technique that is letting you down.
The problem with what you are planning on doing is that you are going to change three seperate things in your setup (racket, string and tension) so you will have no idea which factor is making the biggest difference to you. I would suggest just changing the string tension of your current racket, keeping your string type the same and see how you go from there.
Any string will fit any racket, there is no 'correct' tension or string for a given racket, you simply have to try lots of different combinations out and see what you like best. You are right to adjust your tension 1lb at a time.
One final point, you say you are a defensive player, the VT70 is a head heavy offensive racket, (In my opinion). Not sure this would be a good choice for you unless you are planning to become more attacking.
11:26 am
February 15, 2011
Offline
Great points Rob!
Personally, i would suggest you book an appointment with a coach before you spend money on another racquet. Have you technique analysed and corrected before considering changing your racquet otherwise potentially you're wasting your money.
APACS 900 is a heavy heavy racquet from memory so, whilst you should be able to migrate to a Voltric, it is important you consider what you need to get from this racquet. Read my article on choosing a racquet as you may find it really useful.
22lbs tension on a racquet is reasonably high, especially when you playing with plastic shuttles. Have you tested the shuttles for speed? If not, watch my video and read my articles on testing a shuttle. It could be your problem is purely related to incorrect shuttle speeds as I've discovered at numerous clubs I've visited.
I would question increasig string tension when you are playing with plastic shuttles however, it is a test you must do. It may be that you generate a little more power with 23lbs although this generally goes against the grain for increased tension.
Keep us informed what happens.
to your success
Paul
1:47 pm
May 25, 2010
Offline I was going to reply to Rob's post by Paul has beaten me to it!
Anyway, I have to third Rob's points. Changing all three at the same time isn't going to help as much as you would like it to.
Regarding rackets, is there actually ANYTHING you don't like about your current racket, strings aside? Does it have a nice weight? A head shape that you like? Are you just wanting to buy a new racket because you are bored of your old one? If your racket is fine, then I would agree that maybe try adjusting your strings before venturing off to buy a new racket. Also, changing strings might have different tension holding properties, but they also feel different and play differently. And this is not something that you can change too and go “WOW, these strings are great”. Some times it completely messes up your shots (BG65Ti tend to be have a bit of trampoline effect, so you may have adjusted to play with this style) and it some times can take a bit of time to get used to the string to actually get to the point where you can say, these strings are for me or they aren't.
Finding the right string, tension or racket isn't a quick thing, it generally takes time (and money).
Paul, being a coach, is right that it is probably worth getting some coaching, however, depending on the level/commitment you have for badminton, this may not be an option for you. You could try watching some coaching videos on YouTube and maybe try a different tension (or string).
Hope the comments help. 
Badminton Gives Me A Purpose In Life – To Serve Others
I'd Rather Be Playing Badminton…………..
8:30 pm
March 2, 2010
Offline Just my 2 cents of advice: there are a few very good advisors on this forum (nope, I'm not one of them), and even a coach. If you watch coaching videos on the tube, I've seen very good ones and I've seen complete crap. Might be worth asking these people's advice before kicking off.
All the best ! ED
5:51 pm
May 25, 2010
Offline That is actually a very good point, I’ve not watched any YouTube videos but yes, good point. If you didn’t know what you are looking for, telling the difference between the good and bad videos would be hard so you could learn the wrong things and techniques.
Badminton Gives Me A Purpose In Life – To Serve Others
I'd Rather Be Playing Badminton…………..
4:01 pm
February 15, 2011
Offline Yes, there are many very poor videos on Youtube and the danger is you copy the wrong one.
Whenever there is a potential for technique faults, a video isn't going to help unless the player can see themselves in action and they know exactly what to look for.
A trained eye can spot the flaws and help correct them a lot faster. Considering none of us appear to have much time these days, would you spend the time trying to analyse what you are doing wrong against a video or go to a coach and get it sorted – quick?
I do think videos have a good place in the education of a player, especially if they are done well. And that includes my videos!
Paul
4:43 pm
July 8, 2012
Offline Hi again,
first of all, apologies for the belated reply. i was away for a while.
A few days after that post, i had the extreme luck and coincidence of having a player from another club coming over to our club…who was playing a voltric 70. So i “stole” his racket for a while and was able to play around with it a bit 🙂
it feels somewhat lighter and more head-heavy than my current one. I especially like the grip more, though that's somewhat more of a detail i guess.
I just received mine today and i'll play it tomorrow. i wi'll let you know how it went 🙂 I also thank you for the youtube video advice. i'll see if i can spot some proper ones, but suggestions are always welcomed, of course. i'll obviously start with those on here 🙂
3:53 pm
VIP Coaching Program Members
August 10, 2010
Offline To be honest with you, the racket etc is not really the problem here, it might slightly improve you game but its your technique which is the problem. Fix this and your power will come. Although Paul says 22lbs is high, its basically your standard factory poundage so you should be able to hit the back line.
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