Back from a holiday trip

Resuming play this week.

Happy new year to everybody...

Yonex SHB91 men shoe review

Technology: Ergo Shape, Round Sole, Power cushion, Hexagrip sole, Double russell mesh, Mslite, Power Graphite Lite

First impression: This shoe is silver and green in color, seems very futuristic with a black 'Y' sign near the ankle area. This is the shoe, Peter Gade of Denmark wears on tournaments. Unfortunately this shoe is discontinued by Yonex.

The shoes looks very similar to the older SHB90M in terms of shape and fit

Fit: The shoe fits well enough, with no break-in period needed. Size fits as indicated and feels comfortable. The shoes is neither too low nor too high off the ground and is well cushioned.

Game time: The ventilation is very good. The shoe is very light on the feet and 'standing on the balls of the feet' felt comfortable and explosive first step is easy to achieve. Landing from a lunge or jumps felt comfortable with no excessive forced felt on the ankle and knee.

Pros: excellent cushioning and grip. Feels light and fast on the first step

Cons: none, possibly the inner cushioning on the toe felt uncomfortable (on the outside) especially on the pinky toe.

Fit: 9.5/10
ventilation: 9/10
feel: 9/10
Cushioning: 9/10
Durability: 8/10
movement/: 9.5/10
Grip: 9/10

Comparison between Ti-10 Mesh 2nd and 3rd Generation...

Round 1: The 2nd generation and 3rd generation in comparison.

Frame at 10 to 2 o'clock

Frame lateral view

Differences: 3rd generation (shaft) is made from Ultra high modulus graphite, whereas 2nd generation (shaft) is made from high modulus graphite.

The balance point: the 2nd generation felt slightly head heavier than 3rd generation
The flex: the 3rd generation felt slightly stiffer.

Other than that, the racquet is identical. Playability is the same.

Gosen 6900 vs. Victor SW35...

I decide to dissect the performance of these two racquets.
Victor Super Waves 35 (2010 model) vs Gosen Aermet 6900 (2009 model)
Both are roughly similar at 3U weight, G5 Gosen grip/G2 Victor grip with BG66 at 25lbs.

Why this comparison?
answer: Both are head-heavy balance and have a stiff flex

Round 1

The thickness of the frame if roughly similar. The Gosen 6900 the twin grommets at the 9 and 3 O'clock position making it more 'bumpy' at that position of the frame. String pattern is similar

The shaft are roughly similar, but SW 35 is slightly thinner. The flex of both are stiff and SW35 is somewhat stiffer. The balance point of Aermet 6900 is 290mm+/- whereas SW35 is 295mm +/-. The SW35 felt slightly head heavier.


Round 2
Playability:
Aermet 6900 (2008 model)
Feel: 7/10
Control: 8.5/10
Power: 9/10
Defense: 8.5/10
Maneuverability: 9/10

SW35
Feel: 9/10
Control: 9/10
Power: 9.5/10
Defense: 6.5/10
Maneuverability: 7.5/10

Summary: I find that the feel of the Victor better than the Gosen, but 'feel' is very hard thing to describe. The Victor racquet has good feel owing to the stiffer shaft whereas the Gosen using fibration filter on the 3 and 9 O'clock position, somewhat dampen the 'feel'. Control wise roughly similar, but I feel that SW35 is better. Power wise marginally similar, not much to choose with slight edge to SW35. Defense I rated that Gosen is better and on court, the Gosen 6900 felt easier to defend owing to the lighter head and lighter weight, facilitating backhand defense. SW35 on the other hand felt slightly sluggish in defense and maneuverability compared to the Gosen 6900.

Conclusion: On court and in theory, the Gosen 6900 wins marginally over the SW35. I feel that the Gosen 6900 is more of an all-around racquet whereas the SW35 is a dedicated attacking racquet. The price is roughly the same for both racquets, so it boils down to performance. The SW35 wins hands down in terms of control, feel and power but Gosen 6900 is better at defense and maneuverability.

Pressure movement or shot making pressure?

This question is asked often.

Pressure movement

Pressure movement is more of pulling an opponent out of his or her base position. In Singles, this can be done by hitting to the four corners to 'jerk' the opponent around. This is fundamentally to exploit a slight 'decision-making' mistake of the opponent when he or she is recovering back to base position. This can even be used to exploit the opponent's footwork...and stamina over a long match. This a bread and butter tactic in singles and rarely used in advanced doubles game. Other words, people often used is 'control'. This implies that one can control the opponent's movement in the court. The key is to make the opponent, move 'late' to the shuttle, while you reach the shuttle 'earlier', which means the initiave belongs to you. Once your opponent is late, you can do a deceptive holds/flicks, drops, unreturnable tumbles, outright kill or even clear winners. That's why coaches often tell their students to take the shuttle early and at the highest point...this puts your opponent under a lot of pressure.

Shot making pressure

This is a fundamental concept in high level badminton. The bread and butter of doubles is the attacking play, meaning hitting the shuttle downwards. As a good doubles pair work togetther in an attacking position, e.g. the front/back position the net person covers the net while the partner pumps in smashes and fast drops. By smashing and even driving, you put your opponents under shot making pressure. This means they must return the shot quickly and safely so that the you and your partner cannot kill the shot. For example, in the defensive stance, it's difficult to continuous lift smashes cleanly to the baseline or blocks (to surprise opposing net player). The defender is under tremendous shot making pressure and can easily make mistakes. As for drives, another important tool in doubles is to sieze the initiative by forcing opponents to lift the shuttle. The mishit of a fast drive usually end up at the net. The drive or a fast push (in this example) can also be use as a pressure movement shot by placing it fast and low to an unprotected corner.
GIFSoup
A slight mishit or a half-court lift can result from a well place drive or slower push. But basically a drive must be remembered as a shot to force opponent to lift the shuttle. GIFSoup

Victor Super Waves 35 vs Yonex Armortec 900 Power comparison

I decide to dissect the performance of these two racquets.
Victor Super Waves 35 (2010 model) vs Yonex Armortec 900 Power (2007 model)
Both are roughly similar at 3U weight, G5 Yonex grip/G2 Victor grip with BG66 at 25lbs.

Why this comparison?
answer: both occupy a niche in the attacking player's style: Head heavy and stiff

Round 1

Both have some metallic-like tape/structure at the top of the frame.
Victor named it E-Titanium whereas Yonex named it Power Armor system

The thickness of the shaft; I found are similar.
The Victor racquet has slightly longer shaft/shorter handle whereas conversely is true for the Yonex.
Victor adds Nanotec resin to stiffen the flex of the racquet to extra stiff whereas Yonex has elastic titanium in it, to stiffen the flex. Not much to choose between the stiffness of the two. The Yonex felt just as stiff perhaps of my perception owing to the shorter length of the shaft. The SW35 is in my rating considered very stiff.

Regarding the frame: Both are roughly similar in thickness. The differences are:
1) The armortec has a more boxy frame at the lower-half portion of the frame
2) The SW35 has a more aerodynamic lower-half portion of the frame

Round 2
Playability:
AT900P
Feel: 9.5/10
Control: 9/10
Power: 10/10
Defense: 6.5/10
Maneuverability: 8/10

SW35
Feel: 9/10
Control: 9/10
Power: 9.5/10
Defense: 6.5/10
Maneuverability: 7.5/10

Summary: I find that the feel of the Yonex marginally better than the Victor, but 'feel' is very hard thing to describe. The Yonex armortec 900P has one of the better 'feel' even among the Yonex range, but on the other hand SW35 holds it's own. Control wise roughly similar. Power wise marginally similar, not much to choose. Defense I rated on par, but on court, the AT900p felt easier to defend owing to the longer handle, facilitating backhand defense. Possibly the difference in handling of the racquet is the longer handle of the AT900P, made it better suited for doubles game (especially maneuverability near the net and in driving and maybe a 'faster' racquet).

Conclusion: On court and in theory, the Armortec 900P wins marginally over the Victor SW35. But in the hands of a good or advanced players, it boils down to preference, negating the marginal differences in performance. On performance/price ratio, the SW35 wins hands down, e.g. for every 2XAT900P, one can get 3X SW35.

Relegation of my SW35 to a training racquet...

Am now using it for warm up...and as training racquet.

Probably should have gotten the 4U version...but hey lesson learnt.

4U should retain most of the head heavy balance and stiffness but with easier or more agile (wrist/finger) handling.

With a heavy 3U version, it's harder to do those reflex based half-court drive shots seen in doubles. Here the professionals exchanging drives to force the others to lift, to kill the shuttle. e.g.


GIFSoup

Asian games 2010

With the conclusion of the Denmark and France Open super series, the focus is now on the 2010 Asian Games.

This time, Lin Dan, Chen Jin, Lee Chong Wei on the Men's singles are taking part...

Likewise for the top men's doubles players like KKK/TBH, FHF/Cai Yun and Lee Yong Dae/JJS...

Victor Super Waves 35 review

Super Waves 35
Review Date : 09 November 2010
Racquet Type : Victor Super Waves 35
Specs : 3UG2
Flex: Stiff+++
Balance: 295+ mm
Strings: Yonex BG66
Tension: 25lbs , 1 Piece Stringing
Grip: Karakal contact PU grip + Victor overgrip
Technology : Aerodynamic Frame, E-Titanium, Super Waves and Nano-tec
Shuttles used: Yonex AS40, speed 2

First Impression: Am eager to try this racquet, since practically the whole Korean men's team are using it. This racquet looks like a marriage between Yonex Nanospeed 9900 and ASG Tornado 800. It has the shaft that looks like NS9900 and the frame of ASG Tornado 800. The shaft is overall black whereas the frame is black at the bottom and red at the top with white and silver color in between. The racquet felt head heavy and felt rather very stiff. The dry weight of the racquet is rather heavy close to 90g (sub-2U) and the frame felt solid and very heavily constructed. The swing felt that it had momentum and weight into it.

Warm Ups: Warming involves baseline to baseline clears. However, owing to the new/high tension of the new string, I have to adjust to the timing. Initially the racquet felt too stiff to hit a defensive high long clear, instead produce a short and flat clear effect, like a punch clear. Without proper technique like pronation of the forehand, the racquet felt like 'deadwood'. But adjusting to the weight and flex of the racquet with proper forehand pronation, this racquet felt really solid.
Clears are long and far owing to the solid frame and weight of the racquet. If one word is to describe this racquet is 'solid'.

Game Time: The racquet has a good feel to it and solid feel owing to its weight and stiffness. It took me a few games to get use to draw some conclusion. I'm still trying to get a feel on the timing and hitting the sweetspot when hitting shots. This racquet definitely need good arm power (pronation) to handle well and definitely not a wristy player's racquet who uses a lot of backhand (supination). The 3U racquet doesn't handle fast near the net or halfcourt position especially push shot and fast flat drives...possibly the 4U version handles better. Generally, overhead shots using forehand (pronation) is excellent...owing to the weight/stiffness it is very good like drops and smashes. The smash (power) of SW35 is one of the best amongst mid to high-end racquets in the market. It is very good in control like sliced shots and checked drops. The defensive strokes like lifts are slighly less responsive as expected by a head heavy racquet. For drives, this racquet maybe weaker/slower owing to the weight. Nevertheless, as a niche attacking racquet it is one of the best...as must be recognised as such so that one is not disappointed.

Conclusion:This racquet's playability is excellent owing to its feel, control and power. The thing that strikes you quickly when wielding a SW35 is how stiff and heavy it felt. As such it has loads of power for smashes. It's an attacking racquet meant for singles or backcourt players who need power for baseline clears and smashes. The stiffness also made this racquet accurate as well, handy for singles player aiming for the tramlines or the corners. Definitely not beginner friendly racquet as the stiffness of the racquet discriminates against weaker badminton players. Oh...come'on? the pros like Lee Yong Dae, Park Swung Hwan etc...are using it. Oh wait!...they are pros. Lastly, I also find that SW35 plays roughly similar to Yonex AT900P as well for comparison sake.

Feel: 9/10
Control: 9/10
Power: 9.5/10
Defense: 6.5/10...(possibly 4U is better)
Maneuverability: 7.5/10... (possibly 4U is better)

Pros : Reasonably priced, excellent power, control and feel (the 3 parameters of a great singles racquet)

Cons: almost none, except for slightly sluggish in backhand defence and halfcourt drive. Not suitable for beginners.

Suitability: intermediate/advanced players for singles 3U...(4U for doubles)

Player type: attacking and aggressive player for singles and doubles

Footnote: this review was done as a hobby and as an interest to inform fellow badminton enthusiast. This is my personal opinion and in no form to promote this racquet.

Conflict of interest: None

Reference: Victor website (accessed @ 09/11/10)
Badmintoncentral.com (accessed @ 09/11/10)

Ti-10 Mesh with grommets

Top is Ti-10 with the 2X and 6X continuation grommets.
Bottom is Ti-10 with default grommets.

The tools I used an(awl and nipper) to remove and adjust the grommets.

Karakal grip

Just bought this new karakal grip with the contour surface.

I prefer this type compared to the smooth PU as it adds more 'bumps' or grip surface when I layered with an overgrip.

Will test it out compared to my go-to grip, Yonex cyber plus beta.

AT900T with 6 continuation grommet

Just got my AT900T restrung (Yonex BG66) with the 6X and 2X continuation grommet.

Looks very sleek.

However, I found that the fitting is very snug.

I took me roughly 10 minutes or multiple attempts to fit the 6X continuation grommet into the frame.

Apacs back support

Just got this back support from APACS.
Pretty comfortable with Neoprene + Nylon.
It comes with 2 sets of velcro fastening on each side.
The size is preset and not free-size however.

Controversy in Women's Doubles Commonwealth game finals 2010

Today I witness the controversy regarding the common tactic used in tournaments.

This tactic is when the reciever of serve raises his/her non-racquet hand to indicate not ready to receive serve. This can be used as a delaying tactic to slow the momentum of the opposing player who just won the point.And it can also be use as a mind game.

In this example Cai Yun of China raises his left hand to indicate he's not ready.

This time, the umpire did no give a 'let' as usually is given. According to the commentator, the reciever moved her legs when the flick serve was done, hence no 'let' is given and the server was awarded a point.

Quote,
"The controversy in the women's doubles match occurred in the second game when Gutta served with scores level on 18-18.

The Singaporeans claimed that Sari, who was the receiver had held up her hand to signal that she was not ready.

But Gutta went ahead and served an arched lob that fell behind Sari. Chair umpire Ian Spear awarded the point to India despite vociferous protests by the Singaporeans.

The Singaporeans leveled the scores again to 19-19 but the Indians won two straight points to take match.

Gutta claimed Sari had lowered her hand just before she served.

"The umpire was pretty fair. I saw her (Sari's) hand going down and that's why I served," she said. After winning, Gutta broke down in tears.

She said the winning strategy was simple - Machinda, one of the hardest smashers of the shuttle cock in women's badminton would attack and Gutta would play at the net."

Source: thestar.com.my

Comparison of lateral view of racquet frame: Ti-10/Voltric70/Arcsaber 10

The comparison of the crosssection of the frame of my go-to racquets right now.

Ti-10, Arcsaber 10 and Voltric 70

Evolution of Yonex racquet bag

From bottom:

Nanospeed racquet bag

Armortec racquet bag

Arcsaber racquet bag

Voltric racquet bag

Conclusion of Japan Open 2010

Almost a clean sweep by China Badminton team.

The best match was the men's singles between Lin Dan (CHN) vs Lee Chong Wei (MAS).

The match was a rubber game more than 1 hour long, which was very closely fought.

The game was exactly a test of fitness as some of the rally really stretch the physical limits.

There is very little seperating the two players except perhaps luck and self-belief.

Anyway, a very good game for purist badminton enthusiast.

Japan Open 2010 semifinals-thoughts

As expected, in men's singles, Lin Dan (CHN) over came Peter Gade (DEN) to set up a meeting with Lee Chong Wei (MAS) [who beaten Boonsak Ponsana (THN).

Tmrw, would be interesting to see the Men's doubles and Men's singles, which will be Malaysia vs China.

The Chinese badminton is so dominant at the moment, as China kept producing young talents to complement and supplement their current talent.

Unfortunately for World general interest, the other disciplines of Women's singles and doubles and the mixed doubles will be a internal affair of China.

So far in WD and XD, only South Korea can challenge China, with the unexpected decline of Indonesian talent. Whereas, in WS some talents from other countries may occasionally win some Super series titles but she still have to beat the gauntlet of Chinese female shuttlers.

China may sweep all the titles tmrw at Japan Open.

Thickness of Voltric 70 frame vs Armortec 900s

VT70 is in the middle flanked by AT900T and AT900P
I just realised that the thickness of the frame of voltric 70 is reduced compared to Armortec 900 T/P.

The lateral part of the frame is generally thinner with the exception of the 'bulge' at the Tri-Voltage system.

The VT70 has the same thickness of the frame as AT900 at the Tri-Voltage system 'bulge' area, whereas, the tapered frame is thinner than AT900s.

I supposed this reduces the air drag and hence improved upon the Armortec series.

I guess, that's good news for folks who like head heavy balance racquet with reduce air drag.

Yonex Voltric 70 review

Voltric 70 SP
Review Date : 21 september 2010
Racquet Type : Yonex Voltric 70 SP
Specs : 3UG5
Flex: Stiff-
Balance: 290++mm
Strings: Yonex BG66 Tension: 25lbs , 2 Piece Stringing
Grip: Yonex cyber plus beta + Yonex overgrip Technology : Isometric head, Tri-Voltage system, Ultra PEF, new Control Support cap and New T-joint
Shuttles used: Protech Pt-10, speed 77

First Impression:
This racquet is the new flagship Yonex head-heavy balance racquet to replace the armortec series. This racquet is overall black in color. There are bright white/chrome color at the 10 to 11 o'clock and 1 to 2 o'clock position and flanking the T-joint. There is some form of black 'plastic material' lining the lateral side of frame at the Tri-Voltage system area. This black plastic material occupies roughly a similar position to the armortec series 'Power armor system' Titanium-mesh tape. These 3 so-called 'joints' formed the Tri-voltage system and create a 'bulge' on the frame. The top of the frame at 12 o'clock and the rest of the frame is tapered. The tribal tattoo-like motifs highlights the frame from 7 to 9 o'clock and 3 to 5 o'clock. The lateral view of the frame is black in color except the 7 to 9 o'clock and 3 to 5 o'clock which is metallic red. The CS cap is similar to the Arcsaber Z-slash octahedron shaped CS cap.

Warm Ups:
Just based on the swing alone, I can feel this racquet is head-heavy, probably around the same class/balance as AT900T. The shaft is pretty slim. The overhead swing, I can hear a different 'swoosh' sound compared to Amortec series. The swing sound is quite close to the Arcsaber 10/Z-Slash but the racquet head is noticeably heavier. The flex of the racquet felt rather stiff. As usual, I start off with a basic overhead clear, baseline to baseline. The clear is generally excellent and the feel of the shuttle leaving the string bed can be felt, but the feeling is a bit different, owing to the 'new sound filter' . Then I tried the flat push or drive, which is generally easy and relatively fast. The new CS cap (similar to Arcsaber Z-slash) is ergonomic and easily aid in the short handle grip. When it comes to drop shots and net play, I guess the general 'feeling' of the racquet is there. The control is above average as the selected shot goes where it is supposed to go. The unique tapered frame and the 'bulge' at the Tri-Voltage area has a different 'feel' to the cutting/slicing of the shuttle. The smash is excellent as a combination of aerodynamics of the racquet and heavy balance. Generally, overhead shots like smash, clear and drops are excellent, very similar to the very best other Yonex racquets in the market.

Game Time:
Testing the undearhand shots like backhand serve, lifts and defensive drives: This racquet like all head-heavy racquets are in general slightly less responsive in defensive stroke. On the one hand, the new slim/aerodynamic desgin improved on the defensive capabilities of this racquet. I would say that the defense of this new racquet is better than most of the armortec series. Lifting smashes is pretty comfortable for a head heavy racquet. The net play is generally good and quite comfortable to netkill using the short handle grip. Serving backhands and forehands are good so is the receiving of service like push/drive shots. Drives are superb, as counterattacking with offensive drive is very responsive. For offensive strokes like punch clear, smashes and fastdrop, this racquet is excellent. For defensive stroke like receiving smashes, this racquet is excellent, roughly the same class as AT900T/Arcsaber 8DX. After 2 hours of play, I did not feel lactic acid building up on my wrist. I found this racquet comfortable to use for all around play and in my humble opinion is a keeper.

Conclusion: 
This racquet has superb combination of offense and defense. One can confidently smash and drop with this racquet. Not only that it is very good for counterattacking smashes by drive and lifts. This racquet is an aerodynamic version of the armortec series but the feel of the racquet is different from the armortec series owing to the thinner shaft/frame and new sound filter. The thin frame felt less solid than the armortec series.

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

Pros: Reasonably priced, new technology, excellent power and defense

Cons: almost none, except for the less solid 'feel' of the racquet compared to the armortec Yonex racquets.

Suitability: 3U suitable for both doubles and singles. (4U primarily for doubles) For all around player and counterattacking player

Skill level: intermediate and advanced.

Footnote: this review was done as a hobby and as an interest to inform fellow badminton enthusiast. This is my personal opinion and in no form to promote this racquet.

Conflict of interest: None

Reference: Yonex website (accessed @ 20/9/10) Badmintoncentral.com (accessed @ 20/9/10)

YONEX/Sunrise sports recommendation for player type:
Brand new Tri-Voltage technology. For professional and advanced player looking for power and fast handling.

Yonex rating 1-5
Power 5
Control 5
Flex 5

(Ref: Yonex badminton chart)

Voltric 70 SP
Review Date : 21 November 2011
Racquet Type : Yonex Voltric 70 SP
Specs : 4UG5
Flex: Stiff-
Balance: 290++mm
Strings: Yonex BG66 Ultimax (Pre-stretched)
Tension: 25lbs , strung with Yonex ES5 PROTECH
Grip: Yonex cyber plus beta + Yonex overgrip Technology : Isometric head, Tri-Voltage system, Ultra PEF, new Control Support cap and New T-joint
Shuttles used: Yonex AS40 Speed 2

Pros: Reasonably priced, new technology, excellent power and defense 

Cons: almost none, except for the less solid 'feel' of the racquet compared to the armortec Yonex racquets.

Feel: 7.5/10 
Control: 8.5/10
Power: 8.5/10
Defense: 9.5/10 
Maneuverability: 9.5/10

Yonex Voltric 70

I just got my hands on the Yonex latest racquet, Voltric 70.

The specs I got is a 3Ug5.

First impression of the racquet:
The color is beautiful, quite a departure of red/bright color of the arcsabers.
There is a tribal-tattoo like motif flanking the frame.
The 3 new Tungsten joint makes the racquet 'fat' on the 10 o'clock and 2 o'clock part and the T-joint as well.
The grommets seem thicker than the armortec series and the shaft is roughly the same thickness. The shaft has the following label; 'ultra light weight, head heavy balance, made in Japan' and on the other side: 'high modulus graphite and super slim shaft'.

Composition (Frame): HM graphite + Tungsten
(Shaft): HM graphite + Ultra PEF
Technology: Ultra PEF, Tri-Voltage System, New T-joint, New cs cap, new grommet system, isometric head


Will update the review soon, once I played some games with it.

But all I can say at the moment is the racquet feels head heavy..

ASG 800 Vs Yonex Arcsaber 10

The color of the two racquets are pretty similar. Therefore, I am doing a comparison just for fun.

A general comparison:

Yonex Arcsaber 10 vs ASG Tornado 800
Even Balance+ vs head heavy balance
Stiff +++flex vs Stiff flex
USD 200 vs USD 90
Strings used for both Yonex BG66 @ 25lbs Yonex grip and Toalson red overgrip

Excellent control vs very good control
Excellent feel vs above average feel
Very solid feeling vs solid feeling
Excellent paint job vs average paint job

Yonex Voltric 70 (released late September 2010)

Yonex is releasing the new line of racquets- the Voltric series.

This usually conincide with Japan Open 2010.

The specs is head-heavy, with Tungsten used to tip the balance point above 290mm.

It's about time Yonex, revamp its line of head-heavy racquets. Most pros, prefer the head-heavy racquets as the attacking shots like smashes are becoming more important in the rally point system.

Looking forward to write a review on it if...if I managed to get it.

Shocking results

Lin Dan and Lee Chong Wei are eliminated today by Park Sung Hwan and Taufik Hidayat respectively.

World Championship 2010 in Paris

Today is the quaterfinals of the World Championship.

So far, the majority of seeded players have won their respective games.

The more interesting match would be Lee Yong Dae/Jung Jae Sung vs KKK/TBH (MAS).

asg (Arbi Sporting goods) Flypower Tornado 800 review

Review Date:22 August 2010
Racquet type: asg Flypower Tornado 800
Specs : 3UG2
Flex: Stiff
Balance: 295mm
weight: 85+/-2 g (3U-)
Strings: Yonex BG66
Tension: 25lbs , 2 Piece Stringing
Grip: Yonex JP towel grip
Technology : Woven graphite, high control system, woven carbon tech

First Impression:
This racquet is the Pro player model used by Indonesia's Markis Kido. Initially , I thought that this color is very nice comprising of overall metallic red on the frame with symmetrical woven/white/silver on the 4 corners. For the first time I handle it, the racket feels slightly even balance rather than headheavy. The weight is rather light for a 3U racquet. Frame shape is regular, aero shaped (similar to AT900T) and have a rather standard isometric shape. The flex of the shaft is rather stiff. The shaft is primarily made of woven graphite and the cap is a control support equivalent of Yonex.

Warm Ups:
The racket indeed feels really solid. Still getting used to the timing since the strings are new (BG66). But as usual, I start off with baseline to baseline shots. Clears are good, feels like a Yonex AT900T in terms of stiffness. Racket head is stable and well balanced. Reaction time is fast and the driving or flat play is good. The racquet is stable in cutting thru the air and feels a bit stiff when hitting with backhands.

Game Time:
I like the feel of serving low using this racket, the ergonomic cap/cone aids in the accuracy. Flick serve is great as well. Net play is good and control is excellent as the 'feeling' is there. Sliced and reversed sliced shots are excellent as one can 'feel' the shots coming off the string bed. When comes to time reaction, I would say that this racket is good. Above average defense since the racquet is not too head heavy. Smashes are good with this racquet as the stiffness is where the power comes from. Control is good. Overall, I find this racquet plays very similar to Yonex AT900T.

Conclusion:

What can you complain when you can have a good all-around racquet? Probably the racquet paintjob quality is not aesthetically pleasing upon close inspection. I’m satisfied with how it plays though. This racquet is excellent for control at the net, clears to the corners, sliced shots and general all round play. Probably, not the best smashing racquet, but the control makes up for it.

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

Pros : affordable price, general all around play

Cons: Rather poor paint job

Suitability : beginner/Intermediate/Advance doubles & singles racquet.

Yonex Towel grip

Got this made in Japan towel grip.

Feels like gauze but surprisingly no vibration.

Malaysian Thomas Cup team jersey

Bought this from the Malaysia GP Yonex-Sunrise Open

Front view

Back view with Malaysia + Yonex logo

Bought it at a bigger size, as found the collar is too tight for my neck.
It's a pretty nice jersey, the color is darker than the mostly white Indonesia jersey.

Gosen Roots Aermet 6900 Pro

I just examined and test the Gosen new replacement for 6900 Boonsak model, the new 6900 Pro.

The colors are more traditional and not the bright yellow of the Boonsak model.

The difference between this racquet and the Boonsak model is the 'muscle power' twin grommets have been shifted from 9 and 3 o'clock to around 7 to 5 o'clock.

Seems like a solid racquet but is expensive.

Some photos from Malaysia GP 2010 at Johor Bahru

Malaysia's Hafiz hashim in action against a youngster from Indonesia.


Shiota and Ikeda of Japan in smart Adidas jersey. Ikeda was spotted with a Wilson racquet??gold in color with a red butt cap.

Reiko Shiota and Shintaro Ikeda of Japan in action.

Malaysia GP 2010

Managed to watch the game today.

The shocker was Taufik Hidayat lost to Wong Choong Hann in straight sets.

Managed to string my racquet at the local badminton shop.

Markis Kido also strung his Flypower racquet there. According to the shop owner, Markis Kido's prefered tension is 30lbs.

Managed to buy the Malaysia Thomas cup team jersey.

Logging off

Badminton jumpsmash and spinning netshot in Chinese

Conclusion of Li-Ning Singapore Open 2010

WS-expected Saina Nehwal to win as China sent only Lu Lan

MS-unexpected for Sony Dwi Kuncoro to win. But after taking down LCW, he is the clear favourite

MD-Totally unexpected for the unheralded Taiwanese pair to win the title. The defeat of Markis Kido and Setiawan helped their cause

XD-no surprise as the veteran Danish pair claimed the title

WD-unexpected as the Singapore pair defeated the Olympic silver medalist from Korea


The tournament is somewhat dampened by team China's no show. Otherwise, the other top players came and play.
There was some draft owing to the air-conditioned, the stadium is pretty cold. Spectators need a jacket in order to keep warm.

Day 4 Li-Ning Singapore Open 2010

Further upsets of the day

Danish pair Carsten Morgen/Matthias Boe lost to unheralded Taiwanese pair,

While Lee Chong Wei lost to Sony Dwi Kuncoro.

Li-Ning Singapore Open 2010 day 3

Further upsets:

Koo Kien Kiat/Tan Boon heong lost in straight sets to Korean MD Ko Sung Hyun/Yoo yeon Seong.

While Hafiz Hashim lost to Dicky Palyama in straight sets.

Was browsing through the Li-Ning stuff, but found the merchandise too expensive.

Li-Ning Singapore Open day 2

One of the matches today pitting former 2003 All-England champ Muhd Hafiz Hashim vs Andrew Smith.

There was a heavy downpour of rain in Singapore in the morning.


This cause a leak in the roof of the indoor stadium.

Therefore, the matches were delayed for up to 3 hours. The night games were postponed to 9am on Thursday.

Li-Ning Singapore Open 2010 Day 1

A demo machine that shoots shuttlecock.

A Vietnamese player volunteers to defend against the fast shuttle shot from the machine.

1st day, there's a lot of qualifying round players.

Was surprised to see 2008 Olympic bronze medalist WS player of Indonesia,Maria Kristin Yulianti.She lost in a rubber game.

Another surprise was the partnership of Singapore's Ronald Susilo and Chandra Wijaya of Indonesia.

World Cup fever

With the World Cup this month, badminton games and tournament will live under the World Cup's shadows.

It's gonna be interesting still to attend the Singapore Open and see what's going on.

Indonesian Badminton Movie

Here is the original link to the Youtube movie.

But I guess it's taken down by Youtube for copyright infringement.

Brief synopsis, it's a kiddie/teen movie about badminton set in Indonesia revolving around concept of rags to riches, feel good movie and overcoming hardship.

Muscle Power grommets

Just bought some of these from Japan.

Interesting to fit it to my racquets.

Singapore Open 2010

The games are around the corner. Coniciding with the FIFA World Cup and Singapore Youth Olympics.

Excited to watch the games again live and on tv.

New Gosen racquet ad

Backhand clinic

A somewhat unorthodox way of backhand...

Conclusion of 2010 Thomas and Uber Cup

China won the Thomas cup again with a dominating performance sweeping aside South Korea, Malaysia and Indonesia.

On the other hand, South Korea pulled off a major upset by beating China 3-1 to take the Uber cup.

APACS Tantrum 200 Review

APACS Tantrum 200 Review
Date : 15 May 2010
Racket Type : Apacs Tantrum 200
Specs : 3UG2
Flex: Stiff-
Balance: 285+/-5 mm
Strings: Yonex BG66 Tension: 25lbs , 1 Piece Stringing
Grip: Karakal Super PU grip + Toalson overgrip
Technology : Isometric head, Super P-F frame, Hi-modulus graphite(Toray M30 and M40 grade graphite)

First Impression: Initially , I thought that this color looks a bit cool and relaxing, with light green as the main color with subtle colors of gray, silver and black. The racquet looks pleasant and is 'well-built'. For the first time I handle it, the racket feels even balance, solid and somewhat stiff. Frame shape is rather standard isometric. The 'T-joint' and shaft is rather thick.

Warm Ups: The racket indeed feels really solid. But as usual, I start off with baseline to baseline shots. Clears are good, feels like mid flex in terms of stiffness when swung overhead. Racket head is stable and well balanced. Reaction time is above average and the driving or flat play is good. The racquet is stable in cutting thru the air and feels easy to control shots.

Game Time: I like the feel of serving low using this racket, very accurate to hit just nicely to the 'T' area. Flick serve is great as well. Net play is good and control is excellent as the 'feeling' is there. Sliced and reversed sliced shots are excellent as one can 'feel' the shots coming off the string bed. When comes to time reaction, I would say that this racket is adequate. Smashes are solid with this racquet and easy to generate power. Control imho is above average. Defense is slightly above average but not as maneuverable/aerodynamic as the best headlight racquet due to the thick T-joint/thick shaft. Driving is good with this racquet.

Conclusion: What can you complain when you can have solid feeling, power and control? Probably the racquet is not that aerodynamic. I’m satisfied with it and how its made. This racquet is excellent for control at the net, clears to the corners, smashes and general all round play. Probably, not the best defensive racquet, but the control and power makes up for it. An all-rounder racquet that would suit most players.

Feel: 8.5/10
Control: 9/10
Power: 9/10
Defense: 7.5/10
Maneuverability: 7.5/10

Pros : Excellent control, power and an all-rounder racquet

Cons: slightly less aerodynamic than the modern slim racquet hence slightly lower defense and maneuverability

Suitability: Advance/Intermediate/high beginner all-around player

Yonex Arcsaber 10 Review

Arcsaber 10 SP
Review Date : 10 May 2010
Racket Type : Yonex Arcsaber 10 SP
Specs : 3UG5
Flex: Stiff+
Balance: 285mm
Strings: Yonex BG80
Tension: 26lbs , 1 Piece Stringing
Grip: Yonex Cyber Plus Beta grip + Toalson overgrip
Technology : Isometric slim head, Cup-Stacked Carbon Nanotube, Ultra PEF, Super HMG, Control Support cap and New T-joint

First Impression:
Initially , I thought that this color is a bit too bright comprising of overall metallic red flanked by white laterally from 2-5 O'clock. The racquet looks fierce and from a distance, one could tell it's an arcsaber 10. For the first time I handle it, the racket feels even balance rather than headheavy. Frame shape is thin and have a rather standard isometric shape. The 'T-joint' and shaft is rather thin and the flex of the shaft is rather stiff.

Warm Ups:
The racket indeed feels really solid. Still getting used to the timing since the strings is BG80, a bit different from my usual BG66. But as usual, I start off with baseline to baseline shots. Clears are good, feels like a Yonex MP99 in terms of stiffness. Racket head is stable and well balanced. Reaction time is fast and the driving or flat play is good. The racquet is stable in cutting thru the air and feels a bit stiff when hitting with backhands.

Game Time:
I like the feel of serving low using this racket, very accurate to hit just nicely to the 'T' area. Flick serve is great as well. Net play is good and control is excellent as the 'feeling' is there. Sliced and reversed sliced shots are excellent as one can 'feel' the shots coming off the string bed. When comes to time reaction, I would say that this racket is very good. Above average defense since the racquet is not that head heavy. Smashes are good with this racquet as the stiffness is where the power comes from. Control is on par with a singles Yonex racquet like AT900P/AT700. Not only that, this racquet is as maneuverable/aerodynamic as the best headlight racquet due to the slim T-joint and slim shaft. Driving is excellent with this racquet.

Conclusion:

What can you complain when you can have solid feeling and control? Probably the racquet is not beginner friendly as it feels very stiff when swung. I’m satisfied with it and how it is made. This racquet is excellent for control at the net, clears to the corners, sliced shots and general all round play. Probably, not the best smashing racquet, but the control makes up for it.

Feel: 9/10
Control: 9.5/10
Power: 8.5/10
Defense: 8/10
Maneuverability: 8.5/10

Pros : Superb control and excellent feeling

Cons: Price and lack of pure smashing power

Suitability : Intermediate/Advance. More of a singles racquet or an all-round racquet.

YONEX/Sunrise sports recommendation for player type:
For professional players looking for striking power and control for managing speed

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

Spinning net shot

A bread and butter shot in men's singles especially to setup a half-court lift from opponent, so that one can put it away by a jumpsmash.
If the netshot is good/high quality, you can even get a freebie netkill.
However, it is less useful in doubles.

Thomas Cup

Thomas cup fever starts in Malaysia.

As the host, they will be a favourite to win. But it is not easy as China the powerhouse is still too strong with depth at the singles.

China won the finals again.

Lin Dan doing a victory dance, er...taunt (depending on which supporter's point of view) after beating Lee Chong Wei.

GIFSoup

Yonex Limited edition shoes

Yonex has just release two new limited edition shoes.

Basically recolored version.

http://www.yonex.com/badminton/shoes/limited.html

Yonex AS-50

Just finish a doubles game today.

The organizer suprisingly used Yonex AS-50 today.

Awesome shuttlecock, lifts and clears seldom go long of baseline.

Speed is just nice and control is superb owing to high quality aerodynamics.

Smash really has the 'pow' sound of the professionals.

It's true, you get what you paid for.

Singapore Badminton Open 2010 (Li-Ning)

Just bought my earlybird season pass.

SGD19 for 1 week.

Grip bands

Another badminton product.

Pros: Good for securing the grip near the cone especially the the 'towel grip' and won't peel off the paint of the cone.
Cons: extra cost while basically a masking tape will do?

Overgrips?

Yonex acetec Overgrip AC742E
Pros: dirt cheap
Cons: not as tacky and under layer tends to stick and soiled the grip underneath

Toalson Ultra Grip
Pros: long enough for tennis racquet, tacky and long lasting
Cons: slightly more expensive

Yonex shoe sole spray (Dash-up)

It's a chemical spray to loosen dirt build-up.

I find it somewhat useful compared to just plain water.

The advantage is it evaporates pretty fast unlike water and the dirt just fell off as powder.

Badminton racquet made to order in China

http://www.badmintonoem.com/

Wow, customized racquets. Wonder which brand used their services?

I can made my own brand?

Yonex MP-3iSP (Tennis)

My only tennis racquet. Pretty nice racquet with a small head.

It's a pretty old racquet, came out in 2001 or earlier.

It has muscle power technology, isometric head shape and ultimum titanium.

Weighs about 300grams. Wrap with Karakal super PU grip + Toalson overgrip.

I used it for wall practise or tennis game.

Sometimes I use it to hit shuttlecocks to strengthen my backhand.

Addidas Response (Tennis Shoe) Review

Fit: 9/10
Comfort: 9/10
Ventilation: 7.5/10
Movement: 9/10
Durability: 8.5/10

Pros: Excellent grip and lateral movement. Cushioning is excellent and so is the fit like all Adidas models
Cons: the sole may wear out easily after sudden stops and a tennis game under the scorching sun.

Yonex SHT-305EX review (Tennis Shoe)

Excellent Tennis shoe

Fit: 9.5/10
Cushioning: 9.5/10
Movement:9.5/10
Durability: 5/10
Ventilation: 9/10

Pros: Sexy looking, has excellent fit, ventilation and cushioning
Cons: a bit too high off the ground and durability is low as the rubber lining on the exterior peels off easily