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6:51 am
May 22, 2011
Offline
Hi all,
New to the forum here. Been reading Paul's racquet reviews and they've been very informative so thanks for that.
Well, I'm not someone who gets more than 1 racquet as I usually only purchase a new one if my current one breaks. However, it's been quite a few years already and I'm itching for one even though my racquet hasn't broke yet! Secretly, I've been wanting my racquet to break so I can get a new one… haha.
Using a Forza Ti-24 N-Forze right now. Don't think they sell Forza racquets here in BC anymore, but a few years back they got some attention and was a good alternative to the Yonex racquets. IMO, the racquet is even balance (maybe towards head heavy) and generally heavy. I forgot the specs and I have the grip wrapped around the cone right now, so can't say much more other than my feel. Specs aren't really avail. online as well since it's been a while. Though, I did read it is 86g which is pretty much the same as a AS10 (3U). Feel is def. heavier than the AS10… Don't think they made a 2U version of the Forza as well, so a bit confused there.
Anyhow, I'm looking at the AS 8DX as that has gotten rave reviews, but have yet to try it as no one I know has one and the shops here don't allow for you the test them. I've played with the AS10 and VT80 as well and although the VT80 is rated high in all levels from everyone's input and reviews, I prefer the feel of the AS10. Maybe it's because I'm used to (what I think) is an even balance racquet that I'm currently playing with. Both racquets are lighter and easier to manoeuvre than my Forza due to their lighter weight (by feel).
I'm more of an offensive player than defensive so by saying that, it would seem like the head heavier VT80 should be what I'm looking for, but something just tells me I prefer the 8DX even though I haven't tried it. The only other AS I tried other than the AS10 is the AS 100 limited edition which is tailored after the AS7. Didn't really feel any power from that racquet.
So this is where my dilemma stands… What do you guys think?
12:09 pm
VIP Coaching Program Members
August 12, 2010
Offline Well… testing the racket is always the best possible plan. But if you can't, then think very carefully.
Having played with the Arc10, the Arc8DX and the VT80, I personally feel that the Arc10 is virtually the same balance as the 8DX. In fact, I remember struggling to tell the difference. However, I found that the 8DX was a little stiffer (which I LOVE) but not vastly different from the Arc10 in terms of flex (one is Stiff, the other is Extra Stiff – its going to be pretty similar). However, the Arc8DX feels so much quicker through the air (I believe its something to do with the frame shape) which helps in defense and attack. The 8DX definitely hits hard, although not as hard as VT80 (which is more head heavy). The 8DX is more evenly balanced than head heavy, but there is a touch of weight towards the head which I enjoy.
My personal feeling, is that if you enjoyed the Arc10 and the VT80, you will probably enjoy the Arc8DX, which is somewhere between the two. It is quicker through the air than both of the others, and, in my view, hits with more power than the Arc10 (although not by much) but isn't in the same league as the VT80. However, It does cost 60% of the price of the VT80, so thats something to consider 🙂
All in all, you will probably get on well with the 8DX given you enjoyed the Arcsaber 10, but for offense, the VT80 can produce more. Out of interest (and this is a little unrelated) have you ever played with a head heavy racket, but put extra tape underneath the grip to move the balance (more towards an even balance)?
Matt
12:39 am
May 22, 2011
Offline Thanks for your reply, Matt.
Strangely, the 8DX costs pretty much the same as the VT80 here even though the VT80 pretty much just came out. $15 price difference between the 2. The AS10 also still costs more than the VT80 actually. This makes the decision just a tad tougher because it doesn't quite feel that an older racquet is “worth” the same as a newer one, but I think this isn't always a good logic to go with, lol.
I always put an (thin) overgrip over my grip, so that may be the case of having racquets that feel even balance when perhaps they're not really. I tried the VT80 in both G4 and G5 with an overgrip and prefer the G4. I believe the racquet I'm currently using is either a G3 or G4 as well. Also played with my friend's Armortec 900 Power once and seems easy to adapt to. I under that is also a head heavy racquet.
I do like and am used to stiff racquets, so glad to hear this is also a stiff one. 🙂
In the end, I feel this is more of a preference for the feel of a racquet. The reason for the dilemma is that statistically, the VT80 seems to be the better racquet, but mentally, I feel more comfortable with an even balanced racquet, even though I had no problems playing with the VT80.
Wes
9:22 am
VIP Coaching Program Members
August 12, 2010
Offline Statistics don't mean much when you are choosing a racket. Most of it is just advertising. My personaly feeling, is that the VT80 is a aggressive version of the 8DX, although the 8DX is, in itself, still powerful.
4:50 pm
June 15, 2010
Offline If the VT80 is a little much, and the 8DX is close perhaps you might look at the VT70 as well. Love mine, pretty hard hitter, good accuracy, good feel, awesome all around racket, with a weight bias toward the head.
Marc1313
11:51 pm
May 22, 2011
Offline Thanks guys. Might just go with the 8DX then. Shouldn't always look at specs as you say!
10:41 am
May 29, 2011
Offline Hey, i'm sure everyone knows the VT70, and i was wondering if it would be a good racket for someone who prefers defending, net shots, drop shots and the odd few smashes. I have been playing badminton for a few years and i'm looking forward to getting a new racket. I currently have a Nanospeed 300 and a Slazenger SL 80 SGS. Does anyone have any suggestions on what I could do and get?
10:59 am
February 15, 2011
Offline Sounds similar to my style Scotty, the VT70 has incredible control and speed and I absolutely love it
11:13 am
May 29, 2011
Offline I have been asking people about their opinions of the VT70, and they are always positive. It sounds like a pretty cool racket and i hope i will buy one. With all the technology in it, theres no wonder why its so expensive, might be a bit too expensive for me. Even then, there are also the VT5 and VT7. And then the VT80, which has a pretty crazy price tag on it. Next time I see a VT70 for sale, I will definitely buy it. 
10:15 am
May 29, 2011
Offline Well, looks like I bought a Voltric 70, and boy was it amazing. Paul's review of this racket was true, clears, drops everything is done with ease. I got mine 15% off. Also got it stringed at 24lbs, as most people do. Its so much better than my old nanospeed 300, which i had been using for 3 years in competitions and at clubs. Very happy I got the Voltric 70, i would have got the 80, but I think the VT70 was perfect for my style. 
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