Yonex Arcsaber 8DX review

Yonex Arcsaber 8DX

Review Date : 4th March 2010
Racket Type : Yonex Arcsaber 8DX
Specs : 3UG5
Flex: Extra Stiff
Balance: 285mm (Even Balance)
Strings: Yonex BG66
Tension: 26lbs , 1 Piece Stringing
Grip: Karakal Contact PU grip + Toalson overgrip
Technology : Slim isometric head, CS Carbon Nanotube, Ultra PEF, New T-joint and CS cap

First Impression:
The racquet looks unassuming but have a rather classical hybrid kind of look. The overall color is black with half the frame in white and orange on 8 and 4 o'clock. For the first time I handle it, the racquet feels like an even balance racquet but slightly towards head heavy. Frame shape is isometric, with the stringing pattern of an Arcsaber Z-Slash. The racquet is claimed by Yonex to be able to withstand up to 27lbs. The swing seems comfortable and cuts thru the air similar to Arcsaber 10/7 but not as fast as Arcsaber Z-slash.

Warm Ups:
Clears are excellent, feeling of the shot is solid and input of energy is acceptable. Drops are good as I can feel that the control is there. Smashes are nice and pretty powerful for a even balance racquet. The drives are excellent and flat pushes are fast and accurate. Racquet feels slightly headheavy and the flex is stiff/hard.

Game Time:
This racquet is an all-around racquet. Backhand serves straight to the 'T' is accurate as in sliced flick serve. The shuttle goes in where you want it to be. When driving, the racquet is responsive and maneuvarable. The overhead shots like smashes, drops and clear are above average, similar to arcsaber 10 and 7. For normal standing smashes it is good, but to hit a hard smash, one needs to put body weight into the smash by jumping, as the racquet felt very stiff and hard to flex. The clears are excellent, and especially good for punch clears. The drops are ok, sliced and straight. For defense, I rated it as in the class of Ti-10, fast and responsive.

Conclusion:
An all around racquet, combining excellent control and counterattack. The racquet has good feel and is easy to get used to. The racquet feels like it combine the best features of Arcsaber 7 and Arcsaber 10 but is a stiffer version.

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

Pros : Excellent durability and solid attack + defense

Cons: price and not suitable for beginners owing to the extra stiff flex of the shaft.

Suitability : doubles and singles racquet suitable for high intermediate and advance players.

YONEX/Sunrise sports recommendation for player type:
For hard hitters looking for high performance with high tension

Yonex rating 1-5:
Flex-5
Power-5
Control-5

(Ref: Yonex badminton chart)