Badminton Racket First Impressions: Victor Thruster K8000

So I took the new toy out for a spin and here's how it felt. I had mix of singles and doubles games lasting about 3 hours in total.

Right off you can feel that it's got that natural weight that will save you a lot of energy when playing, especially singles. It's a little whippy than the other Victor rackets (which can be stiff as heck), and you really can see that from the very long clears that I can get from my backhand strokes.

I didn't get a chance to restring my racket after procurement, so the feel's a bit off when I try the more intricate shots like the net drops and the drives. Smashes came off ok, the catapult system from the TK8000 working like a charm.

The Thruster K8000 didn't feel sluggish in defense, in fact it weighs a little less than what my impression of a 3U racket would be. This made the shots a little easier to pull off, and I found myself sticking to the racket for my singles game that day.

Overall the Victor Thruster K8000 performed well. I got it restrung at the end of the day and will await the next session so I can test it out for a proper review.

New hotness: Victor Thruster K8000

It's nice to get my hands on a new racket. It's even nicer to get to know a fellow enthusiast in the process.

Thanks for the nice conversation Calvin! I'll give this a swing tomorrow and hope your ankle gets better!

New record-breaking racket from Yonex?

Saw this on their website. Looks like they're trying to break another speed record.

http://www.yonex.co.jp/smash/

Badminton Shoe Review: Yonex SHB-01 Limited

My second pair of Yonex badminton shoes! And aren't these a beauty.. Couldn't resist the purple and green combo. 

When you can't play a very good game of badminton, at least you can make them look at your shoes in envy!

Note: This review is my opinion of the shoe 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 the shoe feels and if it added to the game. Comments welcome!

Comfort

The SHB-01 is meant to wrap around your entire foot - top and bottom - so as to achieve a non-slip feel as you move around the court. The tight hold it has probably means it's not really suitable for those with broad feet. 

For those whom it serves, it will serve well. The shoes offer very good comfort as they hold firmly. Apart from the feet getting really warm over time (it's not got a lot of ventilation like the Mizunos), the Yonex SHB-01 really did offer a lot of comfort.

One thing I did feel, however, was the tongue cutting into my ankle as I ran around. This was rectified by making sure you pull it right up when you wear em. Prolonged use will also soften it up. 

Stability / Grip

The soles of the shoe look like they're of some mid / low end range. No more of the complex sole mechanics that came with my previous SHB-101LTD. This one's more of a two-piece, no nonsense make. Not that it doesn't get the job done, but you get the feel that Yonex was probably pulling your leg about the previous one. 

Those who are used to a broader shoe (I'm talking to the Li-Ning users out there), watch your step with these narrower tips. 

One the court

I constantly find myself looking down at the shoe to see how nice they were. Other than that I don't feel any need to worry about my footing.

The Yonex SHB-01 Limited gives a very good grip, with excellent stability and a nice firm hold on your foot. Non-slip, fast-paced.

Badminton Racket First Impressions: Victor Meteor X Jung Jae Sung and Li-Ning Woods N80

I recently got my hands on these two rackets and took them out on a test in this evening's game of singles. While the MX X JJS only had a one-game run, the N80 stood out more and had the opportunity to be tested further. I'll write for both of them anyway, since I've got quite a good experience from the two rackets.

Victor Meteor X JJS

From what little time I had on the court with this (about one game actually), I can probably only say that this racket can smash! When you first hold the racket it didn't feel as head-heavy as you think it is. Even on the swing you're probably looking at an even-balance racket at most. 

But all that chances once the shuttle hits the stringbed. The Meteor X JJS produces a relatively fast swing, which translate to a really satisfying crack at the shuttle when you get behind it. It made me want to smash even more. And I did, though I did notice that the shuttles came off harder than faster. 

Defense seemed to suffer a little, but that one will have to be tested more. On hindsight, the Victor Meteor X Jung Jae Sung felt a little like a Li-Ning Woods N90.

Li-Ning Woods N80

First off, I want to just say that this racket looks like a dream. Gold and silver mixed in just right to form a very elegant piece of art. 

The Li-Ning N80 swings heck of a lot faster than the Meteor JJS. The sword-like design cuts through the air with a very satisfying swish. Add that to the slightly flexible shaft and you've got yourself a pretty good weapon.

I found the N80 quick on the defense but more importantly, wonderful in control. It seemed to be able to put out the shots that I wanted, easily and without my wrist taking too much trouble. Straight drives down the side tramlines were effortless, as were wrist smashes that could cover both sides of the court. 

The racket feels good to hold, and is really quite an experience to play with.

From the get-go it seems like the MX JJS will be more suited for doubles, while the N80 will be a really good singles racket.

Looking forward to reviewing them both.