Badminton Racket Launch: Yonex Voltric Z-Force Limited

Here's the latest drop of milk in Yonex's marketing campaign for the Voltric Series - the now Purple Voltric Z-Force.

Identical to its green counterpart in every aspect but color, this one falls into place in Yonex's 2012 Limited Collection.

Joining the ranks are the less-popular Voltric 9 and 3, the two new Yonex shoes SHBF1LTD, SHB86LTD, and the SHBF1RX.

Noteworthy are the dresses for the female players. Looks like BWF wants to sex up the sport of badminton with a little leg. Coming up, plunging necklines - because we know them girls love to lunge.

Badminton Rackets: The Lead Tape

So I modified my old APACS WREX Punch with a little lead tape to see if I could put some life into the old racket. It's the first racket I got and the sentimental value explains why it's not at the back of some school kid's storeroom.

Initial attempts have it head heavy failed as the 5U racket refuses to give power. The frame feels like it's made out of very little material, each shot resonating down the shaft and onto my arms. The shaft for this one is very stiff, which gave me the idea to modify me a Nanospeed 9900.

Tons of lead tape down at the shaft near the cone, and a little at the t-joint to stabilize it later, the new APACS NS99wannabe is born!

Took it to the courts today and it was fast! The shot still rang off the head frame despite the stabilizing layer I placed at the t-joint, but the head light properties of the racket made it ideal for the doubles game that I was having that night.

Here's what I imagine it to be - a 4U head frame attached to a 3U very stiff shaft. The hits come off a little hollow, and lack the power that comes with a well-made racket, but it still won me a couple of games and the defense is awesome.

No reviews for the APACS NS99wannabe, but I'll be sure to use it a few more times to get me a feel of what lead tape and some experimentation can do to your interest in the game.

Worries

I have these thoughts, and they run through my head so often it hurts sometimes. And I try to shake them off, take them to the back and shelf them up high so I can forget.

But they return, each instance worse than ever. It's like the more I try, the harder it hits.

So I gave up.

It's been three months since I saw Dr Fawkes, and I don't know if it's a good thing. He's been the only one who has managed to make the pain go away, but the price he asks for mounts and piles into astronomical proportions.

It was he who gave me the solution, and I have to return to have it fixed again.

He warned me that it will be even harder now that I've stopped treatment the last time. There was a hefty price but I'm prepared to pay for it.

The nurse collected from me before the procedure, and I parted with my money easily.

Anything to make the pain stop.

As the doctor spoke to me I could imagine his stern face looking at me. The operation lasted longer than expected, but Dr Fawkes assured me that all was fortunate and well.

There was the smell of surgical instruments and gauze and medication and tensed nerves as they surrounded me.

I felt a pair of trained hands reach behind my head, dislodging the clips that held my bandages tight.

A relief, and the tension eased from my skull. Round and round the wrappings went, each turn a revolution towards my penultimate state.

Three, two, one. I'm free.

They surrounded me, and I could sense the confusion.

The world was dark, covered in a layer of mist. The fog thickens and all I can do now is hear. As the voices came they slur and fall into a deep muffle.

There is no sight. There is no sound. I am happy.

Badminton Racket Review: Yonex Voltric Z-Force

This is the big one. I've never seen a racket sell so well and garner so much attention. So much so that I've been tempted into buying one to try it out for myself and even wrote multiple entries for it here.

The Yonex Voltric Z-Force is the badminton giant's latest attempt to tap on the Asian market's delight for fire power. Boasting a 19KGf smash force on your opponent's racket, the dedicated website for the VTZF even has testimonials from the Malaysian Nationals about how they couldn't resist its temptation.

I knew there was something about the new racket when I noticed World No. 1 Lee Chong Wei adopt an extremely offensive style of play leading to its release at the Yonex All England, and I was proven right when the 10 rackets my stringer got in disappeared in a matter of 4 hours.

Suddenly the badminton world is ablaze about the marvels of Yonex's new haymaker.

But I have other ideas. Not every foot fits in this Cinderella shoe, and this here is one of them.

This review is from my opinions of the racket and of the game of badminton. Take this with a pinch of salt, but feel free to ask me if you have any more questions that my review failed to answer.

Ok, here goes.

Yonex Voltric Z-Force
Est. Dry Weight: 84g (4U)
Grip Size: G5
Balance: Extremely Head-Heavy
Max String: 26lbs
Flex: Stiff
Strings: Yonex BG66 Ultimax @ 24lbs

I use this racket for singles play.

Defense
As expected given its extreme weight distribution, the racket leaves much to be desired when it comes to defense. The slightly smaller head frame and the weight takes your defense down a notch off the get-go, but once you get used to it the extra weight down the front will end up giving you better returns.

But when it comes to defense, I'm not one to make a game of chance out of it. I'd rather be able to take a beating than give one, and the Yonex Voltric Z-Force doesn't give me a good defensive game.

Clearing from end to end is effortless given the balance, but the loss of control leaves more to be desired as I had to mentally calm myself into making safer shots.

Attack
The Yonex Voltric Z-Force feels like a VT80 on steroids. They didn't increase the weight of the racket much, but boy did they perform an overhaul on the weight distribution! Pushing most of the weight into the head frame made this racket extremely head-heavy.

I'd go as far as to say it's pretty much feels like an 80/20 balance.

The result being a very forceful downward stroke. People with a further downswing on the follow-through should watch their swing lest it starts to drill a hole into the net (or ground!).

With that domineering allocation of weight also comes, in a my opinion, a slightly flexible shaft. This gives drive shots and check smashes a whole lot of power as you which the racket to give you an added boost to speed.

This is one amazing racket to attack with, especially if you like to use the wrist to get it that surprise attack.

Control
But all that speed and power comes at a price of control. You're going to need more concentration to keep that shuttle in play. Feedback from the strings feel lost because of the lower density coming down the shaft.

It didn't feel right hitting the shuttle and I couldn't feel the path of the shuttle as well after it leaves my string bed.

People who like that half smash-fast drop will also find that the shots are taken down a lot steeper than with previous rackets, another resultant effect of top-loading the Voltric Z-Force to hell. I'd push a little more forward than downwards with this racket.

Prepare to lose a few points to control till you get the hang of it.

Looks
Weird, is what I said when I first saw the racket. Yonex went off and removed the shiny coating from their rackets, replacing it with a smooth, matt layer that's often accompanied with shoddy finishing.

The distinctive tattoo markings on a Voltric was also diminished, overshadowed by sharp lines that perhaps reflected the company's focus on delivering a devastating downward stroke.

Green, white and black were primary colors of the Yonex Voltric Z-Force, which in my opinion was a good change away from the angrier colors employed in the VT70 and VT80.

Overall, it's pleasing to the eye if you can get past the inevitable bad finishing.

Yonex Voltric Z-Force

Defense: 7

Attack: 9

Control: 7

Looks: 7

Badminton Racket First Impressions: Li-Ning Woods N90-II

It's the time for buying, and I've gotten myself a shiny new racket coz I've heard so much about the brand and decided to give it a try.

Of course it also helped that the N90-II looks so good.

At first string the racket felt really heavy, the type that I can't get much use out of since I'm not much of an offensive player.

Then I hit the courts this morning and boy did it impress! The hits off this racket were amazing. It gave me a sense of control that I've not felt from head-heavy rackets for a long time (not especially since the Yonex Voltric Z-Force).

Smashes were surprisingly forceful too, but what made it stand out was the defensive capability. Blocks were solid and I could even lift the shuttle to the far back of the court when in trouble.

I'll use this one a bit more before I commit a full review.

Times Occassional

At times, when the mind quietens, we feel not the peace of things but the noise we have stilled with the tasks and bothers of the everyday.

Some call it magic, in the air, but they are the ones who fall contently into the fortunate hashtag. For the common few who cannot have it true, the white noise of discontent scratches the mind, annoys the spirit.

There is fear, there is a deep dark mystery - one which begins as hardly such, but with the subtle push and nudges of our ever-yearning, transgressed into a twisted hope.

And it is signaled, by a factor most arrogantly ironic, often through the very sweet tones we hear through our ears.

Offensive Badminton Strategies: Ground N Pound

Welcome to another lesson in badminton strategies.

I've read some of the stuff on the internet, tried them out and added my little touch to it for your perusal. I've even added in names to make them easier to remember!

This is part five of the Badminton Strategies segment. It'll be six parts in all, sans the overview.

If you read the overview you'll understand that I term Offensive Strategies as the point-scoring elements of your game. They consist of faster moves and may sometimes demand more concentration and accuracy than the defensive ones we've talked about before. One more thing about offensive strategies is that they use up more energy quicker, so every shot counts more than ever.

However, using these tactics well will open yourself to more opportunities to the powerful smash finish, and that's always a nice way to regain some confidence and energy.

The first offensive strategy I'll touch on is one often employed by my favorite tactician, Peter Hoeg Gade - the Ground N Pound.

Most players like to smash. Winning the point with a well-timed power play can intimidate the opponent while giving you a substantial confidence boost. For some players, their smashing technique has been worked on from day one, increasing in power and speed, often at the cost of their defense or movement speed.

When you realize you've facing an opponent who prides himself on his smash to the extent that he's neglecting the recover or defense, this is a strategy you might want to employ. 

How can a strategy meant to counter heavy smashers be termed offensive? Well, this is because you have to take the offense to the guy before he has a chance to bring it to you.

To do this, we'll have to rely on a few things - tight net play, fast drops, and offensive flat clears. I've covered a little about flat clears in my post on Punch Clears a while back.

By forcing the opponent to constantly taking the shuttle from below the net, you successfully eliminate the threat of his hay maker smashes. Do this by moving him around the court with fast drops and flat clears and forcing him to commit to tight net play. Once you get the short lift, you can land in a smash of your own, or if the lifts are decent enough, you can resume the fast drops or flat clears.

Fast Drops are easier to execute than you think. Assuming you can get your smashes down the other side at least 9 out 10 times, all you have to do is assume a smashing stroke, and at the last moment release the tightness on the grip to have the shuttle cut down sharply and steeply. It'll probably land slightly after the service line, but the point is to get a sharp angle and a fast speed so you can move the opponent around and force a short lift or tight net shot.

Tight Net Shots should be played with a loose grip on the racket handle. The index finger, thumb, and wrist should be the primary sources of movement and power here. For a nice spinning net shot, you'll want to catch the shuttle while your racket head moves in a J shape. There are plenty of videos on the internet to demonstrate this. 

A Short Lift is any lift that falls into the mid-court and is susceptible to a jump smash finish from you. If it's too far from the net and you can't get into place fast enough, attempt a flat clear or a repeat fast drop so as not to give the point away by hitting net.

Frustrated smashers may also straight out give you points by forcing a smash on your flat clears and taking the net out. 

Keep him grounded long enough and you'll have more than enough chances to pound him down.

Coming up next, Offensive Strategies - Taking the Net

Badminton Training: Using the Finger

Just watched an insightful video on how to use the finger and the variation in the wrist to make quicker and sharper moves.

When used well, the technique also increases the power in your shots.

This could be the missing element that I've been searching for in my backhand strokes.

Also learnt some exercises that I can use to increase the dexterity of my wrist. Depending on the situation, all it takes is a little squeeze or a flick of the index finger or thumb to get that shot in a totally different direction.

Sometimes it's good to sit back and do some research. It all stems from the spirit of inquiry - questioning how things can be done better.

Looks like I'll have something more than rackets to test out over the weekend.

First Impressions: Victor Bravesword 15

I know I've once mentioned that I will not give Victor rackets another try, but the Bravesword 15 just looks too good to just give up...

So there I was in the court with one hell of a good-looking racket, smashing my arm off like I'm Jung Jae Sung.

The racket really feels good - fast to swing and powerful to yield. Smashes with the Victor Bravesword 15 feels solid and comes off the string bed at an amazing speed.

Defense with this racket is also noteworthy with its slightly even balance.

And the deal-clincher? Control. I was able to call my shots down the very middle, putting the shuttle wherever I wanted it to go.

This, my friends, may be the beginning of a beautiful relationship.

Yonex Voltric Z-Force: 3U versus 4U

Before the review of the Voltric Z-Force, and inspired by a question by a visitor, I thought I'd put up the noticeable differences that I felt when using the 3U and 4U versions of the Yonex Voltric Z-Force.

This is probably the only racket that I've had the chance to try out both versions, thanks to the special characteristic of the racket that feels like a 80/20 head-heavy distribution. It makes one curious, that's what it does.

That is common with both versions. As expected from a 4U racket, the swings are slightly faster, but the raw power that comes with the 3U seems slightly faded. When wielding a 4U racket, the swings also seem more manageable and my shots more controllable.

The Yonex Voltric Z-Force has a slightly flexible shaft, and that translates great for wrist players. The 3U racket offers an AMAZING drive speed, and I really enjoyed performing those from the back of the court. The ease at which I can fire the shuttle is very remarkable.

That lack of work due to the head-heaviness was lacking in the 4U version, however, which performed weaker in drive speed and clearance distance.

Defense-wise it's hell on both accounts. The awkward weight distribution of both versions makes it a chore to defend with. However swift it is, I still can't compare this with my other head-heavy rackets although if you get there the weight of the head gives you a little boost to your blocks and clears.

One last point to make is the 3U version feels more tiring to use. A lot more. The weighted swings come down fast and hard, and takes a steady and resilient arm to utilize.

I'm not usually a heavy smasher, so I'm sticking with the 4U version. People with enough energy and want to smash a hole through your opponent's defense should try the 3U version. Put a little more wrist into it and you'll see the flex of the racket come into work to give you that awesome 19KGf marketing claim by Yonex.

Voltric Z-Force Update

I had another go with a 3U version this morning, and found the wrist attacks a dream. The racket was forceful and really, really quick.

One thing though, the control was way off. Only one of 4 of my drives actually hit the inside of the court.

So I got myself a 4U one to try out tomorrow. More updates soon.

Want to bet?

You know when someone makes a promise to you?

[INSERT EVENT] will never happen [INSERT TIMEFRAME].

Can't wait to see this blow up in their face...

Badminton Racket Launch: Carlton Kinesis

And just when you thought they've gone the way of the dinosaur.

After a lackluster performance from the Prototype Razor, Carlton comes along with a racket that literally adds a twist to your game.

The Kinesis has a twisted frame at the 2, 5, 7, 10 O'Clock positions as well as at the T-joint to add to the aerodynamics of your swing. It promises faster speed, which remains true to the Carlton motto - Specialists at Speed.

Carlton Kinesis
Length: 670mm
Frame Weight: 86g (3U)
Flex: Medium
Balance: Even
Max String Tension: 31lbs (!)

Can't wait to try this out. Hope they bring it into Singapore!

Fantastic pictures courtesy of http://badmintonline.nl

Badminton Racket Review: Carlton Vapour Trail S-Lite

My stringer told me that there are little takers for the Nanoray, Yonex's newest series of head-light rackets. This week he sold 20 Voltric Z-Force rackets over the weekend.

Seems like the work's got a thing for power, and most of the time they gravitate towards the heavy-heavy Goliath series, the Voltric.

Understandably, I've also put my faith in head-heavy rackets. The Carlton S-Lite has been sitting on my wall for the longest time, relegated to the doubles lineup because I though that head-light rackets just couldn't cut it when you want a good singles game.

That opinion changed drastically when I decided to take the S-Lite for a test run this Saturday.

This review is from my opinions of the racket and of the game of badminton. Take this with a pinch of salt. Feel free to ask me if you've got questions on this racket.

ok, now on to the review.

Carlton Vapour Trail S-Lite
Dry Weight: 85g (3U)
Grip Size: G5
Balance: Head-Light
Max String Tension: 28lbs
Flex: High
Strings: Yonex BG66 @ 24lbs

I use this racket for both singles and double play.

Defense
Head light rackets are good at defense! Taking hits became a joy and returning them a pleasure as you move the head swiftly to counter or block. The weight of the 3U Vapour Trail S-Lite allows you to pump the shuttle to the far corner a lot easier than with a 4U racket.

The racket also has what Carlton calls an Optimetric head shape, which is a cross between an isometric and an oval head shape. This allows for a faster swing to get to them faster shots.

Attack
Here's where it gets interesting. I used to think that head-light rackets won't offer as much power as their head-heavy counterparts. Boy was I wrong.

The Carlton Vapour Trail S-Lite offered me one of the fastest smash speeds among my racket. The shuttle left the string bed with a very satisfying explosion every time. Drives made with the S-Lite were even more satisfying, allowing a lot of innovation with the wrist shots.

One thing I noticed is that with a head-light racket, you hardly get a forced follow-through after the wrist smash. The racket stops where you left it without the weight of the head pulling it forward and the shuttle a little downwards.

The Carlton Vapour Trail S-Lite adds a new variety into my attacking arsenal, and I welcome the upgrade.

Control
Using a head-light racket means I can't get the shuttle to as far back to the court as I like without using a little more arm. That translates into wild shots at time, and I've had to adjust my game a little to make sure that I put a little more effort to place the shuttle better.

Netshots also took a slight beating as there's no weight in the head to add that little more push to get those hard shots over. Once more, there's the need to consciously keep in mind that I place the shuttle better, which may even be a good thing.

It took awhile to get used to, but the shot accuracy increased eventually and the game just got more and more enjoyable.

Looks
The Vapour Trail series of 2010 all pretty much come from the same design mold, with a color change inbetween the models so you can tell them apart.

The S-Lite is no different, illustrated in orange swerves and cuts. It's a refreshing color, definitely worth showing off.

Carlton Vapour Trail S-Lite

Defense: 9

Attack: 9

Control: 7

Looks: 7

First Impressions: Yonex Voltric Z-Force

This is exceptional because I usually buy the racket before giving it a first impressions.

So, the hottest things this side of the badminton world is the new Yonex racket that markets itself as the massive smash power racket - the Yonex Voltric Z-Force.

I've had a go at defending against and playing with it today, and I must say that I'm not impressed. If you look back at my Voltric 80 review, you can see how much I loved playing with the VT80 right off the bat.

The Z-Force feels like a Z-Slash with lead tape - overly heavy and sacrificing control to get that little more power. I couldn't feel the shuttle in my game at all, and the smashes were not really that fantastic.

In its defense, I was using some other guy's racket strung with a different brand (my usual's a Yonex BG66 or NBG98) and at a different tension (25lbs instead of 24lbs), so the experience might have felt different.

I had a feel of the 4U version as well, and if given enough incentive I might even grant this racket another chance at a proper first impressions.

But for now, score one for the marketing team.

Badminton Racket Launch: Yonex Voltric Z-Force

This is it, the end all of the head-heavy Goliath that is the Voltric.

Had a feel of the racket today and it's indeed very head-heavy. Seems to me that the frame's a little smaller than the rest too - wonder if this is the trend with Yonex since they also pulled off this stunt with the Z-Slash.

Paint's on a matt coating too, which made me think that (i) it'd be black and scratched rather easily; and (ii) it'll chip soon.

Apart from that, the racket feels hollow towards the handle and very solid towards the end. Users of the Zelm Ultimate Series 700 will be familiar with the weight distribution.

I'll get a shot at defending against this 19KGF racket tomorrow. Let's see what Yonex marketing can translate to.

Whatever Works

Visions from their artistic minds escape my memory as the book closes for the last time and I raise my head to the sky.

The cityscape runs parallal to my journey, raindrops perforate the narrow view of my window screen. It shifts to a blur as the bus picks up speed, leaving my thoughts behind and forgotten.

I've always admired those who can draw, them with their uncanny ability to take whatever lies in their head and present it to the rest of us.

So many of us have these thoughts, grand and majestic; full of vigor and perfection; a paradise among the many fleeting moments of our short existences.

But artists, these are the people who can let you see, truly, the world as they want to see it - uncensored and without the filter other opinions.

The road fills with cars, and my bus draws to a halt. I do not move, but the smaller vehicles continue on.

I can only watch, and follow in their trail eventually, like a wordsmith reading a comic book.