Review of AT900 Technique

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 : 1st June 2008

Racket Type : Yonex AT900T JP

Specs : 3UG5

Strings: Yonex NBG95 Tension: 25lbs ,1 Piece Stringing

Stringing Machine : Pacific 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, white and black, with white being the dominant color. The word 'technique' are emblazzoned at the top of the frame and the shaft. The racquet is headheavy at about 290+/-5mm. The racquet has high swing speed, owing to slim shaft and aero head. This racquet feels solid and well constructed, with a handle slightly longer than AT700. I found the balance of the racquet to be slightly above even balance and the racquet feels lighter than its counterpart, AT900P.

Warm Ups: The swing of this racquet is easy as the headheaviness has its own momentum. It is fantastic when clearing and driving. The clears are easy to excecute and defending is fun with this racquet. The control is excellent at the net. The smash is good, not exactly fear inducing but is enough to finish off rallies. This racquet is easy to get used to.

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 backhand and forehand are superb. The clear is also good, but need to control your strength. The smash is good enough . What can I say for defense, it's one of the better defensive racquet, but if you defend using forehand or backhand, you can counterattack easily. 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. The aero head design has superb maneuverability.

Conclusion: It's an improved version of Armortec 800 Defensive. This racquet is an counter attacking racquet by nature, best used by defensive players as the drive is awesome and the net play fantastic. Moreover, this racquet is a proven commodity in international competition, wielded by Yip Pui Yin and Chai Yun.

Feel: 9/10
Control: 9/10
Power: 8/10

Defense: 9/10

Maneuverability: 9/10

Pros: Excellent counterattacking racquet and one of the best balance racquet.

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

Suitability: Intermediate/Advance/professional Doubles and Singles player

YONEX/Sunrise sports recommendation for player type:
Allows players with more head speed & agile maneuvers

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

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)

Review of AT700 (2nd Gen)

Flex: Extra Stiff
Balance: Headheavy
Composition (Frame): U.H.M. Graphite, gForce Ti
Composition (Shaft): H.M. Graphite, Ultimum Ti
Weight / Grip Size: 4U(80.0-84.9g) / G4 and 3U(85.0-89.9g) / G3, 4, 5
Technologies: Power Armor system, Isometric, Built in T-joint, Ultimum ti, C.S. Cap

Review Date : 4th April 2009
Racket Type : Yonex Armortec 700 SP
Specs : 3UG4
Balance point: 295+/-5 mm
Strings: Yonex BG66 Tension: 27lbs
1 Piece Stringing Stringing Machine : Pacific Stringing machine
Grip: Yonex cyber plus beta + Babolat syntec Overgrip
Shuttle Used: RSL tourney 1

First Impression: This racquet has a very distinct color, bright red. The top part of the racquet from 10 to 2 o'clock is the usual power armor system with the micro titanium tape on top of the grommets. The bright red color starts from the shaft all the way up to the t-joint and and black color starts at 6 to 8 o'clock. Red then continues from 8 to 10 o'clock. Similar on the right side.

Warm Ups: Clears are rather effortless, the headheaviness aids in power generation. This racquet really feels headheavy and 'heavy' compared to all modern Yonex racquets. Other strokes are fine in the begining of warmup. The handle seems shorter than AT900T and AT900P. The flex of the racquet does not seem very stiff as claimed by Yonex, rather stiff.

Game Time: Clears and smashes are outstanding, can't get any better than this. Controls at the net is good and drops are ok. Driving is very tiring with this racquet, similar for defense as well, need to input a lot of energy on the wrist to get any power to lift the shuttle.

Conclusion: This racquet is a double edge sword. On the one hand, you get unsurpassed firepower from this beast. On the other hand, you trade defense for power.

Feel: 9/10
Control: 8.5/10
Power: 10/10
Defense: 5.5/10
Maneuverability: 8/10

Pros: Very good power if you look for an excellent singles racquet, this is it. Clears and smash are very powerful. Defense/maneuverability (or shot making pressure) is not so important in singles, the 3 important parameters for singles play are feel, control and power which the AT700 excels in.

Cons: Introduced in 2004, this racquet lacks new technology, some questioned its durability and harder to defend with it in doubles. Some hardcore players feel a sentimental longing for the 1st generation AT700.

Suitability: 3U for High intermediate/Advance Attacking type singles player and 4U for doubles player

YONEX/Sunrise sports recommendation for player type:
For young adults-advanced players looking for greater power, speed and more maneuverability

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

Injuries in Badminton is low, mostly owing to overuse

Peter Gade's forehand trickshot

Pretty sick forehand.

Titanium Mesh 10 Review (Ti-10 3rd generation)

Flex: Stiff+
Balance: Headlight
Composition (Frame): U.H.M. Graphite, Ti-Mesh
Composition (Shaft): U.H.M. Graphite
Weight / Grip Size: 3U (85.0-89.9g) / G5
Technology: Built in T-joint, Muscle Power, Ti-mesh

Review Date : 22 March 2009

Racket Type : Yonex Ti-10 Mesh SP
Specs : 3UG5
Strings: Yonex BG66 Tension: 25lbs ,
1 Piece Stringing Stringing Machine : Pacific Stringing machine
Technology : Titanium Mesh, Muscle Power, Ultra High Modulus Graphite, T-joint
Grip: Cyber Plus Beta plus Wilson Pro overgrip
Shuttle Used: RSL Tourney

First Impression: Beautiful color, a mixture of purple, silver and black. There's a hint of red on the sides at 9 o'clock and gold decorating the shaft. There are 2 x ti mesh decals at the sides. Looked somewhat similar to the 1st generation Ti-10 except for the purplish color. The racquet is headlight about 285+/-5mm. The racquet has high swing speed, owing to slim shaft. The racquet is 'long' compared to a shorter carbonex series. This racquet feels solid and well constructed. I found its flexibility to be stiff, rather than extra stiff.

Warm Ups: The swing of this racquet is very fast. It is fantastic when lifting the shuttle and driving. The clears are relatively easy/comfortable to execute. However, this racquet has it's own momentum and the follow through can be tough on the wrist and shoulders. The racquet is headlight and aids in backhand. Does not feel tiring to use.

Game Time: Serving backhands with this racquet is excellent, I can feel that this is a dedicated doubles racquet. Flick serve is easy with this racquet. Hitting drive shots with backhands and forehands is superb. One flick and the shuttles almost touch the backcourt baseline. 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 powerful smash for a headlight racquet. What can I say for defense, this racquet is arguably one of the best defending racquet. The combination of headlight balance and square head gives momentum, allows quick short swing action, allowing easy crosscourt lifts to baseline. Netkills are easy too with this weapon. Drops and sliced drops are average with this racquet, thus, the feel is average with this racquet, hence it's less suited for singles play.

Conclusion: It's the 3rd reincarnation of the popular Yonex Titanium Mesh 10. The racquet is perfect for the doubles game. It is designed for superb defense, great in fast flat shots/drives and powerful smashes. For its price, its performance rivals the top of the line Arcsabers, Armortecs and Nanospeed. Moreover, this racquet is a proven commodity in international competition, commonly wielded by Malaysian and China doubles national team.

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

Pros: Fast Racket Speed, Maneuverability, power and performance over price ratio

Cons: May not hold very high tension and may cause sore joints for less advance players

Suitability: High intermediate/Advance/professional Doubles Players. Not suitable for beginners.

YONEX/Sunrise sports recommendation for player type:
For Advanced players looking for ultimate control and solid feeling

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

Racket Type : Yonex Ti-10 Mesh SP
Specs : 2UG5 ;2U (90.0-94.9g)
Strings: Yonex BG66 Tension: 24lbs , 2 Piece Stringing Stringing
Technology : Titanium Mesh, Muscle Power, Ultra High Modulus Graphite, T-joint
Grip: Cyber Plus Beta plus Wilson Pro overgrip
Shuttle Used: APACS AeroFlight 800/700

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

Conclusion: Similar to the 3U version, except this racquet is slightly more powerful and have better feeling. Defense/maneuverability suffer a tiny bit due to the extra weight.

Yonex Nanospeed 9900 review

Flex: Extra Stiff
Balance: Headlight
Composition (Frame): H.M. Graphite, X-Fullerene
Composition (Shaft): H.M. Graphite, Fullerene
Weight / Grip Size: 3U (85.0-89.9 g) / G3, 4, 5 2U (90.0-94.9 g) / G3, 4, 5
Technologies: X-Fullerene, Isometric, Built in T-joint, Nanoscale Fullerene, C.S. Cap

Review Date : 22nd March 2009
Launch Date : Feb 24 2009
Racket Type : Yonex NanoSpeed 9900 JP
Specs : 2UG5 (JP)
Balance point: 285+/-5 mm
Strings: Yonex Nanogy98 Tension 26lbs
1 Piece Stringing Stringing Machine : Pacific Stringing machine
Grip: Original Grip + Wilson Pro Overgrip
Shuttle Used: RSL tourney 1

First Impression: The anticipation is finally over, when I opened my shipment fron shuttle house Japan, I am amazed how beautiful this racquet look. The racquet has 1 dominant color, black. Red is present at 10 and 2 o'clock, striped ala AT900P. The Metallic orange stripes adorned with white stripes looks beautiful, sort of break the silhoullete of the racquet. The orange color reminds me of a twirling stick candy common in Western counries. Moreover, the bright orange also gives the impression that you are charging up power/electricity to be unleashed. It feels comfortable when I handle the racket, I balance the unstrung racquet on my pinkie finger and measured the balance point, which is true to Yonex specs, headlight. The flex of the racquet is rated extra stiff which is accurate. I did a comparison with a 3UG5 SP version as well.

Warm Ups: The racquet has a solid feel, kinda like the NS9000 series. The speed at which the head swings is extremely fast, exactly like a Ti-10. For less advance players, this can cause some pain in your wrist and shoulders. The racquet has a very aerodynamic slim head which translate into superfast reaction/swing speed. During clears/drives I did feel some vibration. Nevertheless it does not interfere with the control of the shuttlecock as well as drop shots. Baseline to baseline hits is comfortable. Smashes are on par with AT900P, and placement is very accurate. The racquet has a combination of the power of a head heavy racquet and speed of a headlight racquet.

Game Time: Accuracy with backhand serve is excellent, forehand high serve goes high and far. Drives are excellent, both offensive and defensive drives, due to headlight balance. Defense is par excellence, especially backhand defense. This racquet is like a wall to repel steep smashes and easy to backhand lift all the way to the backcourt. The new CS cap and the long handle allows thumb grip for faster reaction time and easier for netkills as well. The clear and smashes are excellent. Although the follow through feels like a headheavy racquet, due to the very fast head speed. Lifts and net shots are easy. This racquet has very good playability both front court and back court. This racquet really shines at defense with the backhand. Backhand with this racquet is superb, the swing speed allows easier clears and smashes.

Conclusion: NS9900 is the latest Nanospeed high end series. It definitely has the fastest racket head swing compare with the rest of the NS Series. Combined with the extra stiffness of the shaft, this racquet can really sting with smashes and drives. Durability of the racket frame is enhanced by doing away with the extra grommets of the NS9000 series making it strung the same way as an Arcsaber 10. The 3U version of the racquet is lighter and has the same characteristics as the 2U and but 3U easier to use in doubles. I would recommend a 3U for doubles and a 2U for singles.

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

Total: 9.2/10

Pros: Very fast head speed, excellent defence, power and maneuverability

Cons: Price and probably best used by high intermediate or Advanced players. Owing to the headlight balance and very fast swing speed, it may cause sore joints.

Suitability: 3U for Intermediate/Advance Doubles Players and 2U for singles player

YONEX/Sunrise sports recommendation for player type:
Solid feel impact for smash based hard hitters looking for more power and durability
Yonex rating 1-5
Power 5
Control 5
Flex 5
(Ref: Yonex badminton chart)

Racket Type : Yonex NanoSpeed 9900 SP

Specs : 3UG5 (SP)
Balance point: 285+/-5 mm
Strings: Yonex BG66 @ Tension 25 lbs
2 Piece Stringing Stringing Machine : Yonex ES5 PROTECH
Grip: Karakal super PU grip + Toalson Overgrip
Shuttle Used: APACS Aeroflight 700

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