Badminton shoes-trend towards lightness

The latest Yonex shoe like the F1LTD marketed as the lightest shoes in the market.

It is a trendsetter, imho is a good direction.

There's always an interplay between cushioning and lightness.

Lightness for less fatigue and increase speed in the explosive first step, especially in competitions.

Cushioning for comfort and protection of joints and perhaps durability.

Fortunately, this new shoe has both in very good balance.

Brief Demo-Review on Yonex Carbonex 50

Yonex Carbonex 50

Racquet Type: Carbonex 50 JP version
Specs: 2UG4
Balance: Headheavy (290mm)
Flex: Stiff
Strings: Yonex BG80 Power
Tension: 27lbs
Grip: Karakal Super grip
Technology:  Box frame, ultra PEF, new built in T-joint, solid feel core, GUM METAL
Shuttles used: Apacs Aero-Flight 700/Yonex AS40


First impression: 
The first thing that strikes you about Carbonex 50 is the length of the handle, it's arguably the longest in the Yonex range. Another thing that strikes you is the thickness (rather boxy) structure of the shaft and frame. The frame and shaft are rather thickly constructed. The racquet looks non-descript and have a rather Plain Jane look (which may suit the strong silent type of players).

Game time impression:

Won't go into details on each and every shots tried.
Generally, this racquet feels like an updated Carbonex 30MS than Carbonex 35.
This racquet has a 'long' designation, with an exceptionally long handle, which could be held two handed if one so wishes.
The shaft in effect becomes shorter.
This made the racquet rather stiff to flex.
The thick shaft with Ultra PEF made sure the flex is stiff.


Power: 9.5/10

The boxy frame and the weight of the racquet (2U) gives this beast plenty of power.


Control: 9.5/10

Owing to the stiff shaft, I felt and during shots played, this racquet has excellent control, the smaller head (although inciting errors) improves on accuracy provided; contacted on the sweetspot.


Feel: 10/10


Might be the strings/tension, might be the racquet, might be the grip, but every comes together and this racquet felt SOLID.


Defense: 7/10 (3U may be better)


Defense isn't a strong suit of this racquet chiefly due to the (2U) weight and small sweetspot.

Maneuverability: 7/10 (3U may be better)


The maneuverability of this racquet as expected isn't too great owing to the boxy thick structure (poor aerodynamics) but holding it higher the cone (an advantage of a long handle) compensates for its shortcomings.

Pros: Solid feeling, excellent power and control

Cons: smaller sweetspot and rather un-aerodynamic design (relative to latest models). May cause sore joints especially the 2U version.

Conclusion:
As solid as it comes, old school control/feel adapted to the modern game. 2U version is a great singles racquet while the 3U racquet by hypothesis would be a doubles version.

Player type: Old school control freaks-I mean control type players...and the smash based players

Official YONEX/Sunrise sports recommendation for player type:

For advanced players looking for control & high repulsion power

Yonex rating 1-5

Power 5

Control 5

Flex 5

(Ref: Yonex badminton chart)