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.