Yonex Arcsaber 7 review

Yonex Arcsaber 7 (1st Generation)
Review Date : 09 May 2011
Racquet Type : Yonex Arcsaber 7
Specs : 3UG4
Flex: Medium
Balance: 285 mm
Strings: Yonex BG66 ultimax
Tension: 24lbs , 1 Piece Stringing
Grip: Victor towel grip
Shuttles used: Yonex AS40, speed 2

First Impression: Am eager to try this racquet, since it is/was a popular racquet in mixed/women's and men's doubles. The shaft is overall silver whereas the frame is black laterally with highlights of yellow. The racquet initially felt somewhat headheavy and felt stiff (like most Yonex racquets) without grip and when not swung. However, when swung, the racquets cuts through the air very well and does not feel heavy nor stiff. Rather it is quite comfortable to swing this racquet.

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. Clears are long and far owing to ease of swing and the flex of the racquet. If one word is to describe this racquet is 'comfortable'. Within minutes of picking up this racquet, it felt easy to wield this racquet in overhead strokes, lifts, drives and netplay.

Game Time: The racquet has a good maneuverability and control to it owing to the thin frame and mid stiffness. This racquet feels at home both on the forehand and backhand. This racquet handles very fast near the net or halfcourt position especially push shot and fast flat drives. One of the reasons it is a choiced racquet for front court players examplified by Hendra Setiawan of Indonesia (at one point) and Liliyana Natsir of Indonesia. Generally, overhead shots using forehand (pronation) is good (owing to the flex) like drops and clears. The smash (power) of ARC7 is above average. The defensive strokes like lifts are excellent, both forehand and backhand. For drives, this racquet excels in speed as it is somewhat light and less stiff.

Conclusion: This racquet's playability is excellent owing to its defense, control and maneuverability. The thing that strikes you quickly when wielding an ARC7 is how comfortable it is, even beginners would not have problem adapting to it. It's more of a doubles front court player's racquet meant for fast/sharp exchanges. Not only that, India's Saina Nehwal, used this racquet for women's singles. Definitely a beginner friendly racquet as the stiffness is medium flex and the balance point is light to mid balance.

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

Pros : Ease of use, excellent control, defense and maneuverability.

Cons: Shaft maybe too flexy for accurate hard smashing at the backcourt.

Suitability: beginner/intermediate/advanced players for singles 2U...(3U for doubles)

Player type: defensive and control player for singles and front court/mid court player for 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

YONEX/Sunrise sports recommendation for player type:
For professional player looking for smash power as well as control

Yonex rating 1-5
Power 5
Control 5
Flex 3

(Ref: Yonex badminton chart)

Reference: Yonex website (accessed @ 09/05/11)
Badmintoncentral.com (accessed @ 09/05/11)