Look at how pristine it is!
Racket used by France's Pi Hongyan.
Imagined with orange BG80 Power.
The Collection - April 2012
Boy, has this grown... Every racket that I've owned. Wrote reviews for the bulk of them, and do look out for those that I've resisted using (ArcSaber10 PG especially).
Yonex Voltric Z-Force versus Yonex Voltric Z-Force Limited
Well, it's pretty much the same thing except for the color change. Is it worth the extra $20? Your call :)
New Badminton Racket Launch: Yonex Voltric Z-Force Limited
The new paint job turned out better than expected. Gold and purple streaks replace the bright green of the original, and they've gotten rid of the matte paint job (moved it over to the ArcSaber 10 Limited though) in favor of the conventional gloss finish.
But pictures speak louder.
But pictures speak louder.
Badminton Racket Wishlist: Victor Super Waves 30
I know I've somewhat condemned the brand of rackets, but this one looks sooooo good.
According to Victor the Super Waves is the smashers' series of rackets focused on "enhancing the ability of smash strength, swing power, and rigidity of the racket".
Don't know how to get my hands on one of these though...
Badminton Strings First Impression: Yonex BG80 Power
Not long ago I did a badminton string comparison to find out which string I'm most comfortable with. The BG66 came out tops because it offered a nice amount of control and power at the best price.
Some time has passed and as it turns out I'm more inclined towards the NBG98 for even more control (it feels easier to more the shuttle around the court with the string somehow).
But I've been hearing so much about the BG80 and it's newest manifestation, the Yonex BG80 Power, that I had to give it a try.
My stringer told me that it's really good for attack (0.68mm = more surface area for greater repulsion), but it's got a harder feel and some players who convert from BG66 or BG66UM can't get used to it.
So I strung it at 1lbs lower than my usual 24lbs on a Bekia Bravesword 10 replica (I intend to smash a lot with this racket in my doubles games).
At first try of juggling the shuttle around in the room it really felt hard. The shuttle feels dampened when it comes off the string bed, and I had to use noticeably more effort to move it around. Tried a few harder hits at the wall and it came off really well though.
The next session's on Wednesday, and I'll be sure to take this to the courts for a real tryout.
Some time has passed and as it turns out I'm more inclined towards the NBG98 for even more control (it feels easier to more the shuttle around the court with the string somehow).
But I've been hearing so much about the BG80 and it's newest manifestation, the Yonex BG80 Power, that I had to give it a try.
My stringer told me that it's really good for attack (0.68mm = more surface area for greater repulsion), but it's got a harder feel and some players who convert from BG66 or BG66UM can't get used to it.
So I strung it at 1lbs lower than my usual 24lbs on a Bekia Bravesword 10 replica (I intend to smash a lot with this racket in my doubles games).
At first try of juggling the shuttle around in the room it really felt hard. The shuttle feels dampened when it comes off the string bed, and I had to use noticeably more effort to move it around. Tried a few harder hits at the wall and it came off really well though.
The next session's on Wednesday, and I'll be sure to take this to the courts for a real tryout.
The end of an era - Bekia Badminton Rackets
So I got to know that the makers of the Bekia brand of badminton rackets are closing shop and moving on to the Prokennex brand.
While I look forward to the new rackets that might come my way, what with Prokennex's Force Flow Technology (basically a Y-shaped T-joint), it's a pity to see such a good series of nice affordable and very much usable rackets come to an end.
I jumped at the chance to procure a racket from the last production run for Bekia - the Bravesword 10 replica.
I own one other racket by Bekia, and it's an amazing piece of engineering. Here's the review.
Made from Taiwan, the Bekia series of rackets includes (from what I've seen anyway) the Braveswords 10, 11, and 12; Meteor X80; Voltric 80; Twister C7, X8, and F9, and the Triple Threat.
Some might say that they make only copies, but I've played with one and I can dare say it gives the big boys a run for their money.
From a badminton player who's used all sorts of rackets, I salute Bekia for making the Twister X8. I will try the Bravesword 10 replica with great anticipation.
While I look forward to the new rackets that might come my way, what with Prokennex's Force Flow Technology (basically a Y-shaped T-joint), it's a pity to see such a good series of nice affordable and very much usable rackets come to an end.
I jumped at the chance to procure a racket from the last production run for Bekia - the Bravesword 10 replica.
I own one other racket by Bekia, and it's an amazing piece of engineering. Here's the review.
Made from Taiwan, the Bekia series of rackets includes (from what I've seen anyway) the Braveswords 10, 11, and 12; Meteor X80; Voltric 80; Twister C7, X8, and F9, and the Triple Threat.
Some might say that they make only copies, but I've played with one and I can dare say it gives the big boys a run for their money.
From a badminton player who's used all sorts of rackets, I salute Bekia for making the Twister X8. I will try the Bravesword 10 replica with great anticipation.
Badminton Racket Wishlist
Just coz it's blue. You heard me.
*Latest Update*
Some things are ugly up close. This is one of them.
Crossing off the list.
Badminton Racket Review: Victor Bravesword 15
Awhile back I had the chance to get my hands on a member of the coveted Bravesword series from Victor. What struck me first about the even-balanced Bravesword 15 was its design (what else right) - pure hotness. With the usability of the racket out the window, all that's left is to pay.
I must admit that I've not been a Victor fan. The previous rackets that I've happen to get my hands on - Spira 21 and Meteor X80 - were disappointing to say the least. Perhaps I wasn't skilled enough to use the rackets, perhaps they just didn't suit my style.
So when I took to the courts with the suave BRS15, there wasn't much expectations. Boy was I surprised!
This review's my opinion of the racket from using it in my games, my style. No one plays badminton the same way, so take this with a pinch of salt. I'm here to tell you, in as much accuracy as I can, how my games went with the racket. Comments welcome!
Ok here goes.
Victor Bravesword 15
Est. Dry Weight: 86g (3U)
Grip Size: G2
Balance: Slightly Head-Heavy (4/5 by Victor standards)
Max String Tension: 28lbs
Flex: Stiff (4/5 by Victor standards)
Strings: BG66 Ultimax @ 24lbs
I use this racket for singles and doubles play.
Defense
There's this thing about even-balanced rackets when it comes to defense. It brings the swiftness of the head-lights and the power behind the head-heavys into a lovely combination (well, the good ones anyway). The Victor Bravesword does this beautifully, allowing controlled returns from smashes and drives that adds an element of awareness to my games.
The Bravesword 15 is excellent when it comes to flat drives as well, pushing the shuttle straight across to the other side with the speed you'd expect from a head light racket. The added weight to the front of the racket frame gives it an extra power boost, so watch the tape to check your shots don't go straight out the back tramlines. That happened to me a few times already.
Let's say this again, because I want to do this justice - the Victor Bravesword 15 gives you a fast, fast defense that comes with enough power to place the shuttle comfortably. BUT, watch the smaller head frame; it's going to give you a bit of frame hit and a paint chip here and there if you're not careful.
Attack
Explosive. Very bloody incredible.
Control
Even-balanced rackets have always given a good sense of where the court is, and this one is no different. Perhaps the smaller head frame makes it a little more challenging to place the shuttle, but it all adds up in the end.
The stiffness makes it easy to push and slice the shuttle around the court. Much of the game was then used for thinking where to place the shuttle instead of worrying about whether the shuttle will fly out. The back-to-backs were also well-placed, with less shuttles sailing out of the back tramlines as compared to the other racket I brought along (VT80).
Looks
Glittering black serves as the canvas for the golden motifs that line this gorgeous racket. A hint of red adds that subtle ferocity that comes out of its smashes. All this on a slim head frame with the infamous Sword frame shape gives this piece of equipment all the reason you need to own it.
Racket Royalty.
I must admit that I've not been a Victor fan. The previous rackets that I've happen to get my hands on - Spira 21 and Meteor X80 - were disappointing to say the least. Perhaps I wasn't skilled enough to use the rackets, perhaps they just didn't suit my style.
So when I took to the courts with the suave BRS15, there wasn't much expectations. Boy was I surprised!
This review's my opinion of the racket from using it in my games, my style. No one plays badminton the same way, so take this with a pinch of salt. I'm here to tell you, in as much accuracy as I can, how my games went with the racket. Comments welcome!
Ok here goes.
Victor Bravesword 15
Est. Dry Weight: 86g (3U)
Grip Size: G2
Balance: Slightly Head-Heavy (4/5 by Victor standards)
Max String Tension: 28lbs
Flex: Stiff (4/5 by Victor standards)
Strings: BG66 Ultimax @ 24lbs
I use this racket for singles and doubles play.
Defense
There's this thing about even-balanced rackets when it comes to defense. It brings the swiftness of the head-lights and the power behind the head-heavys into a lovely combination (well, the good ones anyway). The Victor Bravesword does this beautifully, allowing controlled returns from smashes and drives that adds an element of awareness to my games.
The Bravesword 15 is excellent when it comes to flat drives as well, pushing the shuttle straight across to the other side with the speed you'd expect from a head light racket. The added weight to the front of the racket frame gives it an extra power boost, so watch the tape to check your shots don't go straight out the back tramlines. That happened to me a few times already.
Let's say this again, because I want to do this justice - the Victor Bravesword 15 gives you a fast, fast defense that comes with enough power to place the shuttle comfortably. BUT, watch the smaller head frame; it's going to give you a bit of frame hit and a paint chip here and there if you're not careful.
Attack
Explosive. Very bloody incredible.
Control
Even-balanced rackets have always given a good sense of where the court is, and this one is no different. Perhaps the smaller head frame makes it a little more challenging to place the shuttle, but it all adds up in the end.
The stiffness makes it easy to push and slice the shuttle around the court. Much of the game was then used for thinking where to place the shuttle instead of worrying about whether the shuttle will fly out. The back-to-backs were also well-placed, with less shuttles sailing out of the back tramlines as compared to the other racket I brought along (VT80).
Looks
Glittering black serves as the canvas for the golden motifs that line this gorgeous racket. A hint of red adds that subtle ferocity that comes out of its smashes. All this on a slim head frame with the infamous Sword frame shape gives this piece of equipment all the reason you need to own it.
Racket Royalty.
Victor Bravesword 15
Defense: 9
Attack: 9
Control: 9
Looks: 10
New Badminton Shoe: Mizuno Wave Fang VS
New hotness! I had a look at the pair of shoes on display and bought it right off. This pair replaces my Yonex 101Ltd since it's been a full 2 years since I had that pair and the power cushions have already gone the way of the dodo.
I'll stop talking and let the picture do the rest. Will get a fast review out as soon as I break them in.
I'll stop talking and let the picture do the rest. Will get a fast review out as soon as I break them in.
Badminton Racket Review: Toalson Camblade Rev 3
I had a very good experience with this racket in tonight's session and decided to hasten the review before I forget what it felt like.
First impressions of the racket were pleasant, but there was much in store for me when it came to the Toalson racket. Made of the same grade Japanese graphite that runs along the shafts of Yonex rackets, Toalson rackets are well-made and offer a good game for your dollars.
This is also my first woven graphite racket, and it left me wanting for more.
This review stems 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 questions that my review failed to answer.
Ok, here goes.
Toalson Camblade Rev 3
Est. Dry Weight: 84g (4U)
Grip Size: G5
Balance: Feels Even-Balanced
Max String Tension: 28lbs
Flex: Stated Medium, but feels Stiff
Strings: Yonex BG66 @ 24lbs
I use this racket for singles play, but am sooo looking forward to taking this to my doubles games.
Defense
This racket is amazing when it comes to twisting and turning to get the shuttle back across the net. The even weight distribution and the overall light weight of the Camblade Rev 3 allows for very quick reactions. Moving the racket head up to take the loose shots are no problem, as is taking the shuttle early from the smash to direct a nice drive to the other side of the court.
Clearing from end to end wasn't that much of a problem, as I would have expected from a 4U even-balanced racket. The clears were rather effortless and accurate. I have two things to credit for this - at the four corners of the racket head (2, 5, 7, and 10), there are slight protrusions ala the Tri-Voltage from Yonex's esteemed Voltric series of rackets. Toalson calls this the Camblade Design, and they released the racket first.
These, along with the increased stiffness from the woven graphite, gives the racket a bit more power without sacrificing on the swing speed. It's a marvel of engineer, really, and I appreciate with every swing I take.
If you're a player who likes to take the double motion shots, this trait of the Toalson Camblade Rev 3 will prove to be helpful since you compromise less on power when you want to take the shuttles late.
Attack
Perhaps the most surprising thing about this 4U racket is how it's so powerful! I had with me the Yonex Voltric 60 on the same evening and I found myself craving the power of the Camblade Rev 3 over the head-heavy Voltric.
Light weight equates to a faster swing speed. Woven graphite gives you more power with stiffness. Two factors again combine to give you one heck of a smash.
I found recovery after a smash rather quick too, what with the light weight 4U racket coming into play. You'll be able to take a good follow-through for your smashes and then recover quickly enough to tackle whatever the opponent throws at you.
Being a 4U racket, I couldn't resist taking a few wrist smashes with it. The result was also amazing. The shuttle leaves the string bed so quickly, and it allows me to catch the opponent off guard so that I can follow in with a harder smash.
Harder smashes are great with this racket as well. I've been trying out a revised smashing technique that uses more pronation of the wrist instead of the arm, and it's coming together really well with the Toalson Camblade Rev 3.
It's one of those powerful smashes Asian players have grown to love, but it's quick as hell, and that's the way I like my smashes.
Control
I've always had good control with my 4U rackets, and this one is no different. Perhaps the only thing I can gripe about is how I can't seem to get a good height off receiving a smash. With the lighter weight I guess it's hard to gather enough force to counter a strong downward smash.
Other than the above, shots are pretty well placed. I dare say this racket almost makes me feel as good as my Yonex ArcSaber 10.
One thing I have to note though - backhands with this racket lack power. I'd advise against using the Camblade for backhands. I've had a few hit half court this evening already, and the backhand smashes only come back to haunt me.
Looks
If you're read my reviews before you'll know that I place a lot of emphasis on how a racket looks. I've never bought a racket that looks ordinary, and how a racket looks with its stings and grip is usually the first consideration that I give when buying.
The Toalson Camblade Rev 3 comes in a deep, serious grey, woven graphite patterns running all along the frame of the racket, ending with the handle. Complementing the dark grey is a noble blue, streaking down the interior of the head Camblade Design and peaking again down the faces of the shaft and cone.
The grey and blue combination is enhanced with gold text and silver accents down the shaft, ending with a nice gold Toalson logo at the cone. Turquoise strings and a white replacement grip complete the look.
First impressions of the racket were pleasant, but there was much in store for me when it came to the Toalson racket. Made of the same grade Japanese graphite that runs along the shafts of Yonex rackets, Toalson rackets are well-made and offer a good game for your dollars.
This is also my first woven graphite racket, and it left me wanting for more.
This review stems 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 questions that my review failed to answer.
Ok, here goes.
Toalson Camblade Rev 3
Est. Dry Weight: 84g (4U)
Grip Size: G5
Balance: Feels Even-Balanced
Max String Tension: 28lbs
Flex: Stated Medium, but feels Stiff
Strings: Yonex BG66 @ 24lbs
I use this racket for singles play, but am sooo looking forward to taking this to my doubles games.
Defense
This racket is amazing when it comes to twisting and turning to get the shuttle back across the net. The even weight distribution and the overall light weight of the Camblade Rev 3 allows for very quick reactions. Moving the racket head up to take the loose shots are no problem, as is taking the shuttle early from the smash to direct a nice drive to the other side of the court.
Clearing from end to end wasn't that much of a problem, as I would have expected from a 4U even-balanced racket. The clears were rather effortless and accurate. I have two things to credit for this - at the four corners of the racket head (2, 5, 7, and 10), there are slight protrusions ala the Tri-Voltage from Yonex's esteemed Voltric series of rackets. Toalson calls this the Camblade Design, and they released the racket first.
These, along with the increased stiffness from the woven graphite, gives the racket a bit more power without sacrificing on the swing speed. It's a marvel of engineer, really, and I appreciate with every swing I take.
If you're a player who likes to take the double motion shots, this trait of the Toalson Camblade Rev 3 will prove to be helpful since you compromise less on power when you want to take the shuttles late.
Attack
Perhaps the most surprising thing about this 4U racket is how it's so powerful! I had with me the Yonex Voltric 60 on the same evening and I found myself craving the power of the Camblade Rev 3 over the head-heavy Voltric.
Light weight equates to a faster swing speed. Woven graphite gives you more power with stiffness. Two factors again combine to give you one heck of a smash.
I found recovery after a smash rather quick too, what with the light weight 4U racket coming into play. You'll be able to take a good follow-through for your smashes and then recover quickly enough to tackle whatever the opponent throws at you.
Being a 4U racket, I couldn't resist taking a few wrist smashes with it. The result was also amazing. The shuttle leaves the string bed so quickly, and it allows me to catch the opponent off guard so that I can follow in with a harder smash.
Harder smashes are great with this racket as well. I've been trying out a revised smashing technique that uses more pronation of the wrist instead of the arm, and it's coming together really well with the Toalson Camblade Rev 3.
It's one of those powerful smashes Asian players have grown to love, but it's quick as hell, and that's the way I like my smashes.
Control
I've always had good control with my 4U rackets, and this one is no different. Perhaps the only thing I can gripe about is how I can't seem to get a good height off receiving a smash. With the lighter weight I guess it's hard to gather enough force to counter a strong downward smash.
Other than the above, shots are pretty well placed. I dare say this racket almost makes me feel as good as my Yonex ArcSaber 10.
One thing I have to note though - backhands with this racket lack power. I'd advise against using the Camblade for backhands. I've had a few hit half court this evening already, and the backhand smashes only come back to haunt me.
Looks
If you're read my reviews before you'll know that I place a lot of emphasis on how a racket looks. I've never bought a racket that looks ordinary, and how a racket looks with its stings and grip is usually the first consideration that I give when buying.
The Toalson Camblade Rev 3 comes in a deep, serious grey, woven graphite patterns running all along the frame of the racket, ending with the handle. Complementing the dark grey is a noble blue, streaking down the interior of the head Camblade Design and peaking again down the faces of the shaft and cone.
The grey and blue combination is enhanced with gold text and silver accents down the shaft, ending with a nice gold Toalson logo at the cone. Turquoise strings and a white replacement grip complete the look.
Toalson Camblade Rev 3
Defense: 9
Attack: 9
Control: 8
Looks: 9
Badminton Racket First Impressions: Toalson Camblade Rev 3
I chanced upon this racket when digging around some newly acquired equipment, and it stood out because of its good looks.
It's also my first woven graphite racket - so I had to a little research to find out what in the world it meant. Turns out that woven graphite gives the material a higher strength-to-weight ratio, which means less flex and more power from the same weight.
This was apparent from the Toalson Camblade Rev 3. It's got a 85g frame, but it hits like a heavier racket while delivering the swiftness of a light one. I can't imagine how a heavier one would feel, but it's got to be awesome.
I'll give this a few more tries before typing out a full review, but so far it's impressed.
It's also my first woven graphite racket - so I had to a little research to find out what in the world it meant. Turns out that woven graphite gives the material a higher strength-to-weight ratio, which means less flex and more power from the same weight.
This was apparent from the Toalson Camblade Rev 3. It's got a 85g frame, but it hits like a heavier racket while delivering the swiftness of a light one. I can't imagine how a heavier one would feel, but it's got to be awesome.
I'll give this a few more tries before typing out a full review, but so far it's impressed.
