Before I used the Arc10, but I also own a NS9900 which I use mainly for doubles and a AT900P, which was sadly broken a few months ago, this is also the reason why I even got the VT80.

Some technical details: It's avaiable in 4U/4G and 3U/3G, I chose the latter because you can string it to a tension of 27 lbs and because I believed that the extra weight would probably give me a bit more control and power. The graphics are even more spectacular when you actually hold it in your hands, it's really the coolest looking racket I've ever seen from Yonex.

In the beginning I had quite a lot of timing issues but I suppose that's normal for any new racket. I still haven't got the timing exactly right, I will adress the reasons later.

When I got used to the racket, it was beautiful. I had great control, and as you would expect the extra weight in the head was noticeable. I was very surprised about the net play and defence in particular, it was a lot easier than with my 900P. Overhead shots were also very nice, my fast sliced dropshots were probably the best I've ever hit. Thinking about it, I had similar problems as Paul in his Arc Z-Slash review, I wasn't fully satisfied with my clears and smashes, but I do believe that the VT80 absolutely has the components to deliver great power on overhead shots (The fact that LCW uses this racket speaks for itself imho).

So why did I have trouble with the timing? As I said, I believe this is due to the same poblems as with Z-Slash. The shaft is approximately 1 cm longer than the one of my other rackets and the handle therefore shorter. So I think I have to get used to the longer shaft, then this racket might become my best friend! I will update this post tomorrow when I'll have more playing experience with it.

E: Oh and some info on the price, mine was priced at 180 euros but I got 20% off, so in the end I got it for around 140, which would be like 120£. Great value for money I must say.

I played very briefly with the VT70 as someone lended it to me for a few shuttles, so I didn't have the time to get a real opinion of it. The few shuttles were very good though, but it was only during warm-up.

Judging from the pictures I don't think there's any difference in length, but the VT80 uses the new Nanopreme Material which is deemed better than the “old” materials (check out the VT80 website posted somewhere in this topic).

I got it from my local shop here, I don't really want my rackets to be sent to me because I want to hold them in my hands before I actually buy one. I can also make sure it's genuine this way.

Yesterday my playing was even better. I really believe that the longer shaft holds me back a bit because I don't hit the shuttle perfectly yet, but I'm sure this will come very soon and VT80 impresses me already.