Ellio

APACS are in UK but on a smallscale. The bigger brands are Victor, Li Ning, Carlton, Forza, Yehlex. Adidas is due to launch in July.

Paul

Hi Phil

Many thanks for the information on APACS rackets.

I tested 10 APACS rackets last year, dealing directly with UK distributor. Sadly he did not follow up on his promises otherwise he may have seem a lot more exposure from me.

What disappoints me about APACS is that they make good rackets and therefore do not need to try and clone Yonex rackets. In my estimation, this cheapens their brand and let's also be fair, their clones do not play like the real thing, but they are still good.

Phil, when providing information for players to buy, I think it's also important to consider the merits and risks of importing rackets into UK. It's different in other countries so I cannot go into detail. However, you pay your money, you take a chance. But, do not expect help in UK if your shipment doesn't arrive, or your break your racket – there isn't any.

The biggest disappointment regarding APACS rackets is that they do not arrive with a racket cover. I gather this may become the trend but for now a quality racket needs a cover (for most players).

For information purposes APACS rackets are manufactured in Malaysia. When Lee Chong Wei retires, APACS will be manufacturing his own brand of rackets. LCW is very good friends with the owner of APACS. APACS uses high quality Japanese carbon so you are not buying cheap rubbish. But, overall, distribution in UK and worldwide is poor and therefore I doubt they are going to find a way into many retailers in UK.

Paul

Hi Phil

Interesting point about rackets for junior players. This is a subjective point for discussion, should junior players use head heavy or head light rackets.

If you think that in schools the kids are playing with very heavy rackets compared to what we're used to I question whether there is an element of sense in using head heavy rackets so that the player can feel where the racket is moving from/to.

No doubt you've found even balance to work pretty well. Out of all the children I've coached over the years, I cannot think of one player where I have recommended a racket. I tend to let them choose.

As the player gains in skill and experience, no doubt they will test other rackets. From this they will naturally make their own minds up whether a certain specification suits them more than their current model.

Paul

Hi Roger

I have two of the short rackets for my boys (aged 7 and 6). I found them very useful in terms of grip size to develop a few skills and also learn the correct grips. Sometimes full size rackets are simply too big to learn the basics and this should be your line between small, medium and full size rackets.

With each indiviual you may find some have got the basics and yet may be 7-8 years old and ready for a standard size racket.

At the end of the day, common sense prevails.

Good luck

Paul