Badminton Racket Review: Toalson Ti Max Power Axe
It's been awhile since I had a review out, and I've been trying quite a few of the rackets that got left behind. There was this one particular one that I've been wanting to buy, but didn't get enough conviction of acquire... until the store gave me a good discount :)
It's got a bad design, but I managed to convince myself that it bears the colors of Captain America (and so it got its nickname) and that gave me some peace in terms of its looks.
It's got a few technologies that I like - the sharp head frame that's characteristic of the Victor Bravesword series, and the tapered inner core from the Yonex Armortec series. These two, coupled with a nice thick and stiff shaft adds to quite a power boost.
Note. This review is my opinion of the racket from using it in my games. Take this with a pinch of salt since we all play the game differently. 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.
Toalson Ti Max Power Axe
Est. Dry Weight: 85g (3U)
Grip Size: G5
Balance: Head Heavy
Stiffness: Stiff
Strings: Pro Kennex Pro Flex 85 @ 27lbs
I recommend this racket for when you need extra power in your attacks.
Defense
For something with the word "axe" inits name, I wouldn't start off by expecting its defense to be any good. Top heavy, stiff shaft and high tension basically adds to my worries of a glass cannon racket which can only attack and will start giving away points on the defensive.
But looks can be deceiving! The Ti Max Power Axe is able to generate quite a good speed on its swing, and that allows you to bring the weight of the racket along swift enough to take on most defensive shots you like to make.
People who play with me know that one of my favorite shots is the backhand return drive, where I place a smash from my left side down to the opposite side of the court. The Toalson Ti Max Power Axe does that with ease.
However, the racket does fail on its drive defense. I found it slower the the upwards lift and downward swipes, the weight of the racket coming through evidently when kept in the horizontal position for extended periods of time.
Attack
Axe. The word comes into play again when we talk about power. This racket is raw power. Raw. Power. That means it hits hard. Well.
A fast swing speed generated from the head frame shape brings along the power and reinforcement from the tapered inner core and the stiff shaft to create one of the hardest-hitting racket I own. This puts quite a bit of force onto the receiving racket, which weakens the quality of the reply and opens them up for the second stronger attack.
From jump smashes to a full arm destroyer (like what they do in women's singles / doubles matches), the Ti Max Power Axe performs superbly.
Though the same problem applies for the drives. Somehow the racket doesn't yield properly in the drive shot position.
Control
When you're running on so much power there really isn't a need to aim much, is there? I just place my sights somewhere in the middle of the court and let loose. They know it's coming, but getting it back well is a whole different ball game.
When it comes to the more delicate shots, expect a little inconsistency from your hands because they're likely more used to blasting the shuttle away by now. I managed to control the shuttle pretty well around the court, but it's just not one of those rackets that you'd want to use for a control-type game.
Looks
Captain America colors. But fugly otherwise.
It's got a bad design, but I managed to convince myself that it bears the colors of Captain America (and so it got its nickname) and that gave me some peace in terms of its looks.
It's got a few technologies that I like - the sharp head frame that's characteristic of the Victor Bravesword series, and the tapered inner core from the Yonex Armortec series. These two, coupled with a nice thick and stiff shaft adds to quite a power boost.
Note. This review is my opinion of the racket from using it in my games. Take this with a pinch of salt since we all play the game differently. 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.
Toalson Ti Max Power Axe
Est. Dry Weight: 85g (3U)
Grip Size: G5
Balance: Head Heavy
Stiffness: Stiff
Strings: Pro Kennex Pro Flex 85 @ 27lbs
I recommend this racket for when you need extra power in your attacks.
Defense
For something with the word "axe" inits name, I wouldn't start off by expecting its defense to be any good. Top heavy, stiff shaft and high tension basically adds to my worries of a glass cannon racket which can only attack and will start giving away points on the defensive.
But looks can be deceiving! The Ti Max Power Axe is able to generate quite a good speed on its swing, and that allows you to bring the weight of the racket along swift enough to take on most defensive shots you like to make.
People who play with me know that one of my favorite shots is the backhand return drive, where I place a smash from my left side down to the opposite side of the court. The Toalson Ti Max Power Axe does that with ease.
However, the racket does fail on its drive defense. I found it slower the the upwards lift and downward swipes, the weight of the racket coming through evidently when kept in the horizontal position for extended periods of time.
Attack
Axe. The word comes into play again when we talk about power. This racket is raw power. Raw. Power. That means it hits hard. Well.
A fast swing speed generated from the head frame shape brings along the power and reinforcement from the tapered inner core and the stiff shaft to create one of the hardest-hitting racket I own. This puts quite a bit of force onto the receiving racket, which weakens the quality of the reply and opens them up for the second stronger attack.
From jump smashes to a full arm destroyer (like what they do in women's singles / doubles matches), the Ti Max Power Axe performs superbly.
Though the same problem applies for the drives. Somehow the racket doesn't yield properly in the drive shot position.
Control
When you're running on so much power there really isn't a need to aim much, is there? I just place my sights somewhere in the middle of the court and let loose. They know it's coming, but getting it back well is a whole different ball game.
When it comes to the more delicate shots, expect a little inconsistency from your hands because they're likely more used to blasting the shuttle away by now. I managed to control the shuttle pretty well around the court, but it's just not one of those rackets that you'd want to use for a control-type game.
Looks
Captain America colors. But fugly otherwise.
Toalson Ti Max Power Axe
Defense: 8
Attack: 10
Control: 7
Looks: 3
Badminton Racket Review: Li-Ning Flame N36
Those looking for an ArcSaber 11 review or an ArcSaber FB review may have to wait for awhile. The two rackets, though very popular on my search ranking, have yet to appeal to me. (Although I have to state officially that the ArcSaber 11 with the yellow strings are awesome).
I will take this chance to revisit an old racket of mine that I've not been able to use. I took it out to court this morning and felt that it was about time to write a review for this gem.
The Li-Ning Flame N36 was my first Li-Ning racket. Prior to this, I have had a lousy impression of the brand. To me it was lacking in research and all it did was throw together some graphite into a mound.
This racket changed everything.
Note. This review is my opinion of the racket from using it in my games. Take this with a pinch of salt since we all play the game differently. 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.
Li-Ning Flame N36
Est Dry Weight: 96g (3U)
Grip Size: S2 (Yonex G5)
Balance: Even
Stiffness: Stiff
Strings: Yonex Nanogy 98 @ 25lbs
I recommend this racket for shot accuracy and control.
Defense
Being even-balanced basically means that the N36 is fast to swing, and offers a little more power than head-light rackets. I had little difficulty blocking smashes with this racket, and with a little proper footwork I do see myself directing the shots into empty areas of the court.
Lifts to the back court might take a little beating though, since the weight of the Flame N36 is a on the lower end of the 3U scale. I found myself missing the back lines a couple of times, but at least the speed of the racket in defense gives me a better bet when the shuttle comes flying down.
Drive defense is great. I could turn the shuttle downward and with good speed, thanks to the lack of gravitational forces pulling down the head of the racket.
Attack
Here's where the Li-Ning Flame N36 lacks. I was able to get a good angle on my smashes, but the speed and power were sorely lacking. There just isn't enough weight to get a good punch in.
I would recommend using drives as your main point clincher, since the racket excels at the flat exchanges. I was able to get a very good pace on the drives, much better than how I performed on the smashes.
If you're a fan of drop shots, then this racket might just make your to-buy list. Thanks to the very good control rating, the Li-Ning N36 allows you to perform almost any sort of drop shots you want.
Control
If there was any racket that could practically hit any corner of the court, this would be it. I felt very at ease with the N36, and the shots that I performed showed it.
The best plays were when I was casually throwing the shuttle around, picking and dropping the pace when I wanted to. There was no fear of losing control of the shuttle because it became so easy to place. From forehand clears to backhand drops, there was no shot that felt out of control.
This quality supplements the lack of punch in its power play, allowing you to win points through superb placement and by simply out pacing your opponent.
Looks
Gold and red go very well in the Li-Ning Flame N36. The oriental motifs around the head frame give it a very asian feel, and is seldom seen in rackets these days. The usual sleek lines and illustrations are replaced with tasteful curves and shimmer.
I will take this chance to revisit an old racket of mine that I've not been able to use. I took it out to court this morning and felt that it was about time to write a review for this gem.
The Li-Ning Flame N36 was my first Li-Ning racket. Prior to this, I have had a lousy impression of the brand. To me it was lacking in research and all it did was throw together some graphite into a mound.
This racket changed everything.
Note. This review is my opinion of the racket from using it in my games. Take this with a pinch of salt since we all play the game differently. 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.
Li-Ning Flame N36
Est Dry Weight: 96g (3U)
Grip Size: S2 (Yonex G5)
Balance: Even
Stiffness: Stiff
Strings: Yonex Nanogy 98 @ 25lbs
I recommend this racket for shot accuracy and control.
Defense
Being even-balanced basically means that the N36 is fast to swing, and offers a little more power than head-light rackets. I had little difficulty blocking smashes with this racket, and with a little proper footwork I do see myself directing the shots into empty areas of the court.
Lifts to the back court might take a little beating though, since the weight of the Flame N36 is a on the lower end of the 3U scale. I found myself missing the back lines a couple of times, but at least the speed of the racket in defense gives me a better bet when the shuttle comes flying down.
Drive defense is great. I could turn the shuttle downward and with good speed, thanks to the lack of gravitational forces pulling down the head of the racket.
Attack
Here's where the Li-Ning Flame N36 lacks. I was able to get a good angle on my smashes, but the speed and power were sorely lacking. There just isn't enough weight to get a good punch in.
I would recommend using drives as your main point clincher, since the racket excels at the flat exchanges. I was able to get a very good pace on the drives, much better than how I performed on the smashes.
If you're a fan of drop shots, then this racket might just make your to-buy list. Thanks to the very good control rating, the Li-Ning N36 allows you to perform almost any sort of drop shots you want.
Control
If there was any racket that could practically hit any corner of the court, this would be it. I felt very at ease with the N36, and the shots that I performed showed it.
The best plays were when I was casually throwing the shuttle around, picking and dropping the pace when I wanted to. There was no fear of losing control of the shuttle because it became so easy to place. From forehand clears to backhand drops, there was no shot that felt out of control.
This quality supplements the lack of punch in its power play, allowing you to win points through superb placement and by simply out pacing your opponent.
Looks
Gold and red go very well in the Li-Ning Flame N36. The oriental motifs around the head frame give it a very asian feel, and is seldom seen in rackets these days. The usual sleek lines and illustrations are replaced with tasteful curves and shimmer.
Li-Ning Flame N36
Defense: 9
Offense: 7
Control: 10
Looks: 10
First Look: Adidas Badminton Rackets
Looks like the badminton world is crazy over the Adidas brand of rackets. They've not come to my country, but I've managed to dig something out from their Facebook page.
Split into categories, they've divided us players into four separate colors - Red for power, Yellow for speed Bronze for precision, and Green for versatile play.
With these four categories, you'll pretty much find every variation of weight / flex distribution. Expect the stiffer head heavy rackets in the red zone, while the light-weights will be yellow and the evens in the bronze.
Also on their Facebook are specifications for some of their rackets. I've included some of the top end ones, probably the ones I'll be looking for when they hit my shores.
Nothing new in the technology, but I'm more interested in the Precision and Zeros - these are the rackets more suited to my style of play. The head-heavy but light weight Precision Pro might actually be worth considering, while the Precision series offer one of the best designs in the range that they're let us preview so far.
The power rackets and the versatility aren't really a game-changer for me. There's loads of head heavy rackets around and I frankly think it actually takes less skill to make a head heavy racket than a useful light-weight one.
RSL tried their hands on the EVO series, offering up switchable weights around the rackets to give you the option of changing. But who cares, really.
Check out more rackets on their Facebook page, and also an interview with their first capture from the Yonex lineup - Viktor Alexsen.
Split into categories, they've divided us players into four separate colors - Red for power, Yellow for speed Bronze for precision, and Green for versatile play.
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| Full range of Adidas badminton rackets All images from the Adidas Badminton Facebook Page |
With these four categories, you'll pretty much find every variation of weight / flex distribution. Expect the stiffer head heavy rackets in the red zone, while the light-weights will be yellow and the evens in the bronze.
Also on their Facebook are specifications for some of their rackets. I've included some of the top end ones, probably the ones I'll be looking for when they hit my shores.
Nothing new in the technology, but I'm more interested in the Precision and Zeros - these are the rackets more suited to my style of play. The head-heavy but light weight Precision Pro might actually be worth considering, while the Precision series offer one of the best designs in the range that they're let us preview so far.
The power rackets and the versatility aren't really a game-changer for me. There's loads of head heavy rackets around and I frankly think it actually takes less skill to make a head heavy racket than a useful light-weight one.
RSL tried their hands on the EVO series, offering up switchable weights around the rackets to give you the option of changing. But who cares, really.
Check out more rackets on their Facebook page, and also an interview with their first capture from the Yonex lineup - Viktor Alexsen.
