Review of AT700 (2nd Gen)

Flex: Extra Stiff
Balance: Headheavy
Composition (Frame): U.H.M. Graphite, gForce Ti
Composition (Shaft): H.M. Graphite, Ultimum Ti
Weight / Grip Size: 4U(80.0-84.9g) / G4 and 3U(85.0-89.9g) / G3, 4, 5
Technologies: Power Armor system, Isometric, Built in T-joint, Ultimum ti, C.S. Cap

Review Date : 4th April 2009
Racket Type : Yonex Armortec 700 SP
Specs : 3UG4
Balance point: 295+/-5 mm
Strings: Yonex BG66 Tension: 27lbs
1 Piece Stringing Stringing Machine : Pacific Stringing machine
Grip: Yonex cyber plus beta + Babolat syntec Overgrip
Shuttle Used: RSL tourney 1

First Impression: This racquet has a very distinct color, bright red. The top part of the racquet from 10 to 2 o'clock is the usual power armor system with the micro titanium tape on top of the grommets. The bright red color starts from the shaft all the way up to the t-joint and and black color starts at 6 to 8 o'clock. Red then continues from 8 to 10 o'clock. Similar on the right side.

Warm Ups: Clears are rather effortless, the headheaviness aids in power generation. This racquet really feels headheavy and 'heavy' compared to all modern Yonex racquets. Other strokes are fine in the begining of warmup. The handle seems shorter than AT900T and AT900P. The flex of the racquet does not seem very stiff as claimed by Yonex, rather stiff.

Game Time: Clears and smashes are outstanding, can't get any better than this. Controls at the net is good and drops are ok. Driving is very tiring with this racquet, similar for defense as well, need to input a lot of energy on the wrist to get any power to lift the shuttle.

Conclusion: This racquet is a double edge sword. On the one hand, you get unsurpassed firepower from this beast. On the other hand, you trade defense for power.

Feel: 9/10
Control: 8.5/10
Power: 10/10
Defense: 5.5/10
Maneuverability: 8/10

Pros: Very good power if you look for an excellent singles racquet, this is it. Clears and smash are very powerful. Defense/maneuverability (or shot making pressure) is not so important in singles, the 3 important parameters for singles play are feel, control and power which the AT700 excels in.

Cons: Introduced in 2004, this racquet lacks new technology, some questioned its durability and harder to defend with it in doubles. Some hardcore players feel a sentimental longing for the 1st generation AT700.

Suitability: 3U for High intermediate/Advance Attacking type singles player and 4U for doubles player

YONEX/Sunrise sports recommendation for player type:
For young adults-advanced players looking for greater power, speed and more maneuverability

Yonex rating 1-5
Power 5
Control 5
Flex 5
(Ref: Yonex badminton chart)