Review of AT900 Power

Flex: Stiff
Balance: Headheavy
Composition (Frame): Ultra H.M. Graphite, Micro Ti, Elastic Titanium
(Shaft): H.M. Graphite, Elastic Titanium
Weight/Grip size: 4U(80.0-84.9g) / G43U(85.0-89.9g) / G3, 4, 5
Technology: Nanoscience, Power Armor System, Elastic Ti, C.S. cap, new grommet system, isometric, built-in-T joint

Review Date : 14th April 2009
Racket Type : Yonex AT900P SP
Specs : 3UG5
Strings: Yonex BG66 Tension: 25lbs ,1 Piece Stringing
Stringing Machine : Victor Stringing machine
Technology : Elastic Ti, C.S. Cap, Power Armor system, New grommet system
Grip: Cyber Plus Beta plus Wilson Pro overgrip

Shuttle Used: RSL Tourney

First Impression: Beautiful color, a mixture of red, maroon and silver, with maroon being the dominant color. It has the word 'Power' emblazzoned at the tip of the frame and on the shaft. The racquet is headheavy at about 295+/-5mm. This racquet feels solid and well constructed, with a handle slightly longer than AT700. I found its flexibility to be extra stiff, rather than just stiff. The racquet has a boxy crosssection on the lower portion of the frame.

Warm Ups: The swing of this racquet is easy as the headheaviness has its own momentum. It is fantastic when clearing or smashing. The clears are easy to excecute. Howver, this racquet has it's own momentum and the follow through can be tough on the wrist and shoulders. Does feel tiring to use if lifting too much.

Game Time: Serving is good with this racquet, as the long grip and cs cap allows good flick serves and receiving service near the net. Driving with forehands is superb, but backhands is a bit more difficult. The clear is also good, but need to control your strength. The smash is fantastic, with a big square head, the follow through is excellent and can generate quite a very loud smash, with a 'snapping' sound. What can I say for defense, it's not exactly one of the best, but if you defend using forehand, you can counterattack. However, it's tough to defend using backhands as the headheaviness impedes quick wrist action. Netkills are easy too with this weapon. Drops and sliced drops are accurate with this racquet, thus, the feel is good too with this racquet.

Conclusion: It's an improved version of Armortec 800 Offensive. This racquet is an attacking racquet by nature, best used by aggressive players as the smash is awesome, on par with AT700. Moreover, this racquet is a proven commodity in international competition, wielded by Lee Chong Wei and Markis Kido.

Feel: 9.5/10

Control: 9/10

Power: 10/10

Defense: 6.5/10

Maneuverability: 8/10

Pros: attacking racquet par excellence.

Cons: A bit trying to defend all day with this racquet.

Suitability: Intermediate/Advance/professional Doubles and Singles player

YONEX/Sunrise sports recommendation for player type:
For players who want rapid counter attacking power

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