Badminton shoes Asics vs. Yonex

Am currently using and alternating both shoes for badminton.

Model Asics Gel Blade 3 and Yonex SHB65CF. Currently, the Yonex SHB65CF is my go to shoe.

These older model shoes are not the highest end models but roughly upper mid range.

I bought these shoes as they are reputable brands and offers a lot of cushioning and looked good to boot.

The Yonex shoe felt somewhat lighter and more comfortable. The Asics shoe is somewhat bouncy (owing to its gel cushioning) and slightly lower to the ground.

In terms of cushioning, both are comparable and felt there's no difference. But on hindsight of Asics reputation, one would give it the benefit of the doubt that it has better cushioning. On the other hand, this cushioning comes at the cost of extra weight and hence heavier. The Yonex model felt so lighter and more mobile.

I guess to each its own pros and cons. On a lazier day I would stick to the Asics and on a more active day the Yonex shoe.

It's great to be able to choose. Bah! now I know why the ladies are so into shoes...

Shuttlecocks

I have been neglecting the topic or subject of shuttlecocks in this blog.

But basically, the best shuttlecocks is currently the Goosefeather shuttlecock.

This is superior to the synthetic shuttlecocks made from nylon/plastic.

The goose being a natural biomaterial is a sustainable/renewable resource, a by-product of the poultry industry.

 Above is a tube of Victor Master Ace shuttlecock.

Above are tubes of APACS shuttlecocks.

White, Red and Black racquet stencil ink

Racquet stencil ink comes in primarily 3 (or 4) colors, chiefly red, black, white (and blue).

Many players dislike stencil inks as it  fades easily after games (and need reapplication). Not only that, shuttles and other player's strings are 'stained' with the colors.

The most inoffensive stain is the more uncommon White Stencil Ink. It works only on Black (or very dark color) strings.

On the other hand, some coaches or players stated that the use of stencil inks during games/tournaments showed that the player is good enough to be sponsored by a badminton company and hence have some psychological advantage.

The opposing player may feel that he/she is up against a superior player and may have some inferiority complex especially in a singles game. This sort of only works on non-international tournaments or lower levels as at higher levels/professionals, most (if not all) players are sponsored.

Gosen Ryoga Issen Vs. Yonex VT80

A head to head comparison between a top head heavy Yonex and Gosen raqcuet.

Why this review?

Both are premium Japanese badminton brands and have produced top of the line racquets over the years. 

The Yonex VT80 has a very slim shaft that is of stiff flex, made of Nanopreme. Similarly, the Gosen shaft made of M40 graphite is also of a very slim design with other enhancement as claimed by the manufacturer.

The shape of the frame is of standard isometric. The Gosen one is thinner at the top of the frame whereas the Voltric 80 is of tapered design.

Conclusion: The Voltric 80 has more power than the Ryoga Issen but the Ryoga Issen is much quicker in handling.

NR700RP-For sale @ SGD200

3UG5 NanoRay 700 RP selling for SGD 200

Age: Less than 1 month

Strung recently with Yonex BG66 Ultimax @ 25lbs (4 knots)

Condition: 10/10 (Brand new)

PM me in badmintoncentral for deal. Preferbly in AMK or Kent Ridge MRT

 Serial number of racquet. Date of manufacture is covered by genuine SUNRISE sticker. Original grip + wrap intact. Specs is 3UG5.

 Comes with Bag

 Condition of frame

Condition of racquet, frame + shaft


Please refer to this (for people new to Yonex products) to check for authenticity:
http://www.yonex.com/badminton/counterfeit_products/

Ti-10 vs Nanoray 700RP

                                                                Ti10 vs NR700RP

               
Power: Ti10 > NR700RP
Defense: Ti-10 = NR700RP
Feel: Ti10 = NR700RP
Control: Ti10= NR700RP
Maneuverability: NR700RP > Ti10


Conclusion: There is little to choose from between these two racquets. Ti10 has an edge in power whereas NR700RP has the edge on maneuverability.

Intangible benefits of NR700RP: The NR700RP is easier to use compared to the Ti-10 and NR700RP doesn't cause joint pain like the Ti-10.

Self improvement

I find the videotaping oneself is a great way to find one's error.

From the video clips, one can also co-relate one's thought at the time and then ask the question, what shots could I have taken? What options do I have at that moment?

These mental picture and the video allows one to critically dissect the proper cause of action.

Better still if you have someone to point out your errors and suggest the correct course of action.