Badminton Racket Review: Yonex Voltric 80

I thought this day would never come. A few months ago I was deciding between the Voltric 80 and the ArcSaber Z-Slash for my racket, and I eventually chose the lather.

Which was a good decision because I've come quite a way in terms of skill and technique and I wouldn't have been able to handle the Voltric 80 back then.

So now, with 4 hours of playing time in the bag, I've decided to write a review for this ridiculously overpowered masterpiece.

Let me first state that I'm no pro, and this is just my evaluation of the racket to my playing style and experience with it. If anything, I'm a high-beginner level player looking to improve myself by playing more often and taking the lessons that I learn from the court away with me as pointers for the next session.

With that said, now on to the review.

Yonex Voltric 80
Dry weight: 89g (3U)
Balance: Extremely Head-Heavy
Max String Tension: 27lbs
Flex: Stiff
Strings: BG66 @ 24lbs

Technology
- Nanopreme
- Tri-Voltage System
- Ultra Slim Shaft

Defense
This thing is heavy, and I found myself using a little more effort when it comes to defending against quick shots. But that doesn't mean I end up giving away points though - the Voltric 80's high level of control affords its user an increased accuracy when it comes to both offense and defense.

The weight of the head-heavy monster also lends that little ummph when you want to return a lift from your opponent's smashes.

Attack
Straight drives, IMBA. Smashes, ridiculously fast. Get ready to break the sound limit with the Yonex Voltric 80. With every attack you can basically feel the strings wrap around the shuttle head and throwing it out with as much force as the racket can muster. Sweet.

Control
Pinpoint accuracy to every corner of the court, with ease too. Clears and drops come easy, but I found that the brute strength granted by the racket left me hungry for smashes, neglecting the softer approach altogether.

That aside, despite being power-hungry I was still able to get my hits right where I want them (newbie miscalculations not-withstanding).

Looks
Too tribal and wild for my liking, but the white shaft and gold streaks down the side does help a little. Had an idea to wrap around with a purple grip but stuck to the safer black and gold conbination.

Comparison
This racket is used by the World-Class players, and there's a reason why. The Legendary Yonex Voltric 80 Badminton Racket is without a doubt one of the best rackets that I've ever had the chance to use. It's going to be tough for Yonex to top this, but I sure hope as hell hope they'd try.

Yonex Voltric 80

Defense: 8

Attack: 10

Control: 10

Looks: 8

*side note: it's been a day after the shuttle abuse by the Voltric 80, and my arm's suffered some stiffness and aches... looks like it's back to the dumb bells for me!