The string test

Tomorrow I will try to give a final decision on which strings I will stick to.

Currently my rackets are strung with 4 types of strings - Yonex BG6, BG66, BG66 Ultimax, and Nanology 98.

The test is simple - I have 2 games of singles with each string, and then judge them based on hitting feeling and sound.

Yonex BG6 (0.66mm gauge)
- Strung on the Dunlop Aerogel 4D Tour @ 26lbs
- White in color, but comes in all sorts
- Packaging says it's got a soft feel
- Hits sound duller, I expect less control when it comes to net play

Yonex BG66 (0.66mm gauge)
- Strung on the Carlton Fireblade FX8 @ 25lbs
- White in color, only other option seems to be neon green
- Medium feel
- Sounds like strings should sound? I've had a nice experience with my Fireblade so I'm expecting great things from this string

Yonex BG66 Ultimax (0.65mm gauge)
- Strung on the Yonex ArcSabre Z-Slash TH @ 25lbs
- White in color, with neon green as only alternate
- Medium feel
- Sounds great on the smash, but I personally think it's also for something to do with the racket; best control I've had so far for net play

Yonex Nanology 98 (0.66mm gauge)
- Strung on Prince Black Pearl XP @ 26lbs
- Gold strings!
- Medium feel
- Used it on two occasions and they sound decent; net play was good, but it didn't make me notice there was an improvement.

Badminton Racket First Impressions: Prince Black Pearl XP

I took the racket out for a test drive today after applying the replacement grip to see how much different it will feel compared to the Oversize Black.

Had about 4 games of singles with it, and it felt more or less the same. I guess it's expected since the specs of the rackets are similar.

I expected a faster swing speed because of the conventional head shape, but it didn't feel like it.

Will give it a more detailed run and get a review out when I'm ready.

The Wish List

Juggling

My room's a little cramped, so it's a nice place to practice juggling the shuttle.

The rules are simple - the session is to 500, accumulated, and I have a checkpoint every 50 hits. I can go as fast or as slow as I like, and I can't let the shuttle touch the ceiling.

After the 500 counts I go freestyle and see how much I can go without the shuttle touching the floor - my best is 468 so far.

It's a fun way to train the reflexes and to test out how fast a racket can go (4U rackets have the noticeable edge here), as well as string testing (I currently am deciding between 3 strings - BG6, BG66UM, and NG98).

I'd supplement the juggling with wall hits, but that kills off shuttles really fast in exchange for a great control and reaction training. Also, there're no walls here I can practice on...