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1:58 pm
August 5, 2015
Offline
Hi All
I am currently using a Victor Bravesword LHI strung to 25 lbs. I get a considerable amount of power in my smash and clears out of the racket but surprisingly I can surpass this with a 25 year old Carlton Powerflo BR. If any are old enough this was a one-piece Boron graphite racket in black and orange. This is currently strung to 17lbs.
I had presumed rightly or wrongly that the modern rackets would easily surpass a racket of that age so I’m a bit baffled. Has anybody else found a quality older racket can match their much newer replacement?
12:27 pm
January 7, 2015
Offline The fact you’re getting more power out of your old racket is all to do with the string tension and very little to do with the frame’s. There’s a common misconception that tighter strings = more power. The opposite is in fact true but you replace power with control.
Think of it like a trampoline; imagine bouncing up and down on a trampoline where the canvass is quite loose, you’d get some serious height (power) but you might be all over place and not in very much control. Now imagine bouncing on a canvass that’s really tight, unless you really tried, you’d struggle to get a lot of height, however you’d find it much easier to stay in control of your bounces.
Same principle applies to racket string tension.
I’d suspect the 17lbs tensioned racket would be a little heavier as well (I haven’t checked the specs) and heavier rackets create more power as there’s simply more weight through the swing. The modern professional game has been more and demanding of control rather than power and the frames have some suit this demand. Swing speed will make a difference and create the power but the real difference in this case is about the strings IMO.
9:44 pm
March 10, 2013
Offline Well said Marcus
This is a very valid point. It’s something that Paul has been stressing for some time.
If players think that just by upping the tension they will automatically get greater power they are sadly mistaken.
If you search tinterweb for string tension information, I know it’s sad but I do it so you don’t have to, you will find various scientific studies and academic papers on badminton racket string tensions.
No, really people are being paid to research this stuff.
The unanimous conclusion is that:
Beginners achieve more power from lower tension, around 18 to 20, because the ” sweet spot ” is bigger and they benefit more from the rebound action.As the tension increases so their performance diminishes.
With intermediate / club players there seems to be little difference.
Top technically superb players record virtually no difference whatever over the tension range from 18 to28.
So what’s going on.
It wasn’t so long ago that most manufacturers would have a top limit of 24 or so.
Then stringing tensions for top players began to rise because the racket design and material could take it. The manufacturers looked upon this as a marketing opportunity and tensions of 30 plus are available in most racket ranges.
To play well with high tension you need to be technically very good to excellent.
Remember that the top players, as in all sports, are always looking for an edge to make a difference, no matter how small.
Personally I think there is a certain degree of placebo effect is going on, if you think it’s doing you good etc.
I know that Paul is very much an advocate of us mortals not following the trend of the top players and high tensions.
Unfortunately power seems to be the prerequisite of many players.
If I have a great smash I can win.
Really
At the end of the day we all want to give our best and play our best.
Remember, buying a new racket or jacking up the string tension is not going to help if you are technically lacking.
Find a coach, go on a course.
If you love badminton it’s the best investment you can make.
If you want to look at the research contact me at rogerhomfray@gmail.com and I’ll give you the links. I won’t think your as sad as me. Honest.
I’ve had my say what do you think.
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