I used to have 3 differents rackets in my bag. But it really wasn't the best choice because each racket has its own characteristics. Now I only carry two rackets (my AR600 and my victor) but I want to have 3 rackets ready to play.

I'm planning to buy my second Armortec 600. It is very important for me as in tournaments, everything may happen. your strings or even your racket can break anytime so it is more convenient if you may switch to your back up which is similar to your first racket.

OK, you will have to get used to it before having a decent game as the strings aren't stretched but the damage won't be as important as if you play with a totally different racket espescially for a player like me who hasn't a high level of game and who is disturbed by everything.

Anyway, that doesn't mean you have to stick with the same rackets. For example, if Yonex comes out with the next evolution of my Armortec 600( head-heavy and flexible shaft with the new technologies ), why not give it a try ? But I guess, it will be more expensive than my actual AR-600. (I'm still waiting for the review of the voltric 70 but I guess I have to wait a little bit more before yonex sells the voltric replacement racket for the AR600).

Hope my comment will help.

Jonathan

Ok I should have precised that I play with plastic shuttles as I'm not a ranked player.

@ Matthew : Wow, 5 rackets…

I've always been a Yonex guy. Ever since i got my hands on my first of many muscle power rackets. I currently have 4 rackets in my bag –

• Yonex Armortec 600
• Yonex Armortec 900 Technique
• Head Power Helix 8000
• Head Metallix 10000 Tour

One of my team-mates works for Head so he can get hold of rackets for a fraction of their rrp – they really are fantastic, especially the Helix 8000, its beatifully balanced and a great all rounder. Unfortunately it doesn't get much use – along with the other two rackets because I absolutely adore my AR-600! I initially bought it for the extra bit of weight in the head and the flexible shaft to help me out a bit in slow conditions but It's always the racket I pull out of my bag no matter what the occasion. Many thanks must again go to Paul for his review, as I probably wouldn't have bought it otherwise.

Other than that, in my bag there's usually a water-bottle, a towel, a pair of Yonex SHB-101LTD (best badminton shoes ever!), some grips and super graps, sweatbands, an ankle brace and some tape! Oh and a banana if ive got a match!

Matthew Seeley said:

Haha! I like all the other things in your bag! I too carry around a variety of grips/gripping equipment, an ankle brace and wrist support (just in case!) as well as a towel, shuttles, spare clothes, stop watch for training etc… the usual 😛

 

I haven't tried out the Head rackets, how does the Helix 8000 compare to your other yonex rackets?

The Helix 8000 is a fantastic racket – I plumped for the 8000 rather than the 10000 (which my brother has) as its the one the pro's favour and I definitely made the right choice. The 10000 is stiffer but not stiff enough to be described as a stiff racket and doesnt quite know what it wants to be i think. The 8000 however has a beautiful flex to the shaft and in this way it bears similarities to the AR-600. If the unthinkable happened and my beloved AR-600 broke or a string went….I have to admit I'd probably opt for the Helix 8000 over the AR-900T. To be fair though, my game has developed and changed since i bought the AR-900T and thus the Helix gets my vote!

I really would recommend that you try out the new Helix range –  Head often are described as a Tennis manufacturer who also make badminton rackets but if you can pick one up at a reasonable price it is unlikely to disappoint.

Great call on the emergency first aid kit. Working for the ambulance service I can certainly appreciate this!