We hope you found this video 'insightful' 😆🏸 If you want to get any of the rackets we’ve shown in the video (including ours!), then head to geni.us/sakurasport - and don't forget to use our discount code ‘badmintoninsight’ to get 10% off your orders! And you might need to be fast, as they’re likely to sell out 🏃
If you are a beginner, it doesn't really matter which racket you buy but I'd suggest getting a light head racket. You need to build up that muscle memory and technique in delivering your shots and handling the shuttlecock. Once you feel that the racket is holding you back in developing your skills, then it's time to consider upgrading. I've always stuck with my Yonex rackets just because I've always gone with that brand. You can always just briefly borrow your friend's rackets for a quick test just to get the feeling. There's no perfect racket just off the shelf. I've always had it the other way round, at first a new racket will feel strange, but you always can adapt to it and just tweek your strings and tension. I'm using the Astrox 100zz and have the 1000z. The 1000z has always given me the power I needed, it's stiffer and slightly head heavier, but after two hours of playing, I do feel a bit worn out and I switch to the 100zz, which is slightly head lighter and glides through the air more swiftly which gives me the best balance in attack and defence. Again, my advice (been playing for maybe 20 years), test out rackets before you buy, then just tweek them a little with the tension and strings, the rest is adapting to it! And I play men's doubles 90% of the time btw!
I'm not saying I disagree, but when I first started out, I used a pretty bad racket that was quite heavy especially at the bottom of the head. While this did negatively impact my gameplay, it did help me strengthen my arm, shoulder and wrist. When I got better, I preferred using Head heavy rackets, because my wrist arm and shoulder was more developed. However, I've got no where near 20 years of experience, so your insight is probably better.
Amazing how closely my racket experiences matches you guys, bought the 90k first, then switched to thruster f, and bought the 90km a week ago, been fantastic so far!
Out of all the videos I've seen this is one of the most helpful videos for beginners n infact even intermediate players like me. I got all the info shared here over a period of time by playing with multiple different ppl and styles by asking them lots of questions to improve myself
This is a fascinating subject with a host of attached "urban myths" held by players at all levels. My own entirely subjective hot take on the matter, and an additional factor to those you quite right indicated in your video, is your age and experience as a player. To explain: my son and I both play(ed) at a fairly good level but, obviously, we are a generation apart. As a result the rackets we favor, and are most comfortable with, are also a generation apart. My son is the same age as Greg and favors modern racket designs with their generally lighter and finer racket construction allowing a high degree of manoeuvrability and racket head speed for those big smashes. My favorite racket comes from the early-noughties in the form of the Carlton Airblade 800 (Simon Archer's weapon of choice). It's far more "robust" in its construction, slower, very stable head shape, but not fast through the air so it needs to be swung like you mean it! When we swap rackets the results border on the comical as I find his rackets flimsy and like swing a breath of air, while my son finds my rackets akin to a scaffold plank with a string bed like a motorway divider. Anyway, the point of my ramble is that rackets have dramatically changed through the years and as players our style is, in some ways, governed and shaped by the equipment we are/were using.
I played badminton since 6 years of age and always use my father racket, and it was even balance 3UG5 till today I still use this racket but different tension and string
Was a user of TKFE before this, then changed to 88S Pro (2nd and 3rd Gens). Currently switched to 100X (TUC version), and 90K Metallic on the way. Can't wait to try it since Jenny likes it very much 😊
I use the Thruster Ryuga with VBS66N at 29x31 lbs it’s one of the best power racquets and it has made my power way better than any other racket im a attacking player in singles
@@BadmintonInsight can you make a comparison between ryuga metallic 3u and 99 pro. I'm having good time with mine ryugaM but i want to try out something new.
Thanks for a great, detailed video on this topic. I got my first Victor racket after watching your video today. Couldn't try HS Plus and 90K. But I tried a few and got Auraspeed 90K II and I love it. Since I am not in England, this website couldn't be tried.
Just bought the Auraspeed HS Plus a few days ago and you guys watched this video today. Was having trouble finding any good reviews online as it was a new release. I can safely confirm that it’s a good racket for intermediate to advanced doubles play. It’s like a faster version of the Thruster F! So glad Greg chose it…
@@shamreazahmed8170 hi there, i’m based in Australia, got it from Pro Racquet Sports. It’s stiffer than the Thruster F. Also has way more power output due to the speed I get from it being on the headlight side. I’d say get it if you hit the sweetspot without any problems. If you mishit a lot, stick with the Thruster F.
I'm loving my Auraspeed 100x but have been considering the HS Plus for a stiffer shaft for sharper control. However Im alittle worried about the smaller headframe as I hear that that means a smaller sweet spot. Size of the headframe or sweetspot isn't really covered in this video. I guess that might apply more to amateurs who may be not as consistent as pros.
I play an astrox 22 F which is actually 1 category lighter than 6U. I play an extremely fast paced drive game and never let anyone get away with net shots. I also warm up with the astrox 22 R which is the identical racket just 1 category lighter. Not sure if you guys don’t recommend warming up with a different racket as it could cause inconsistency? But it sure makes me feel lightning fast!
I currently primarily use a ArcSaber 11 (not the pro) racquet and even though its 3U5, i take off the plastic wrap and make it only have the wooden handle. then I apply absorbant grap around it then the usual grap. it works well siince i have a smaller hand
I feel that my smash is my weakest point, and I'm tempted to go for a bit more head heavy racket, thinking that maybe it will help me smash harder. But I'm afraid it will make my problem worse. 😅 Both my current racket are head light, flexible racket.
Thans for the video! I've been using the 98K for a number of years, but consistently struggle with clearing. I've ordered an Astrox 99 in an attempt to try something head heavy with a little mote flex. 🤞
Thanks 😀 We always make sure we take enough to last us in the tournament and tournaments we’re playing in - usually between 6 and 8 and we pack them in our suitcases very carefully 😀🏸
i have put in an order for the the yonex 800 pro. the technologies have come so far that head lighter rackets come very close to head heavy ones without many trade offs
Great video and one I know I will share with badminton friends who are always looking for the best racket to buy. Perhaps a question for your next AMA, if not Victor, then which racket have you tried that you'd like to spend more time playing with?
I first tried the 77 pro and found that it produced a lot of power but it wasnt doing well for doubles whenever i was in the front court. So when I switched to nanoray 600 which is a light head and very flexible racket, I found that I was able to produce more power in my drives and still maintain my power in my smashes. Then I tried the 90k II which is a light head but medium stiff racket and realized that it was a perfect fit for me.
Great video! Even if I prefer one racket .. it might not suit all other players the same way. And I can only emphazise to test the rackets in a match for some time! IF you find the racket which suits you best: BUY 3 rackets more ;p I have 2 remaining 2019 babolat rackets left .. tried out some more .. but only in 2024 I found my next replacement for the 2019s because they run out of production. .. and its a pain if you MUST get a new one but you are still not satisfied with its handling
I never had a victor racket currently have Yonex astrox 77 ( tried 88d 100zz from friends) Lining windstorm 78 ( had a windstorm 72 previously one of my favorites) and new addition of Kawasaki nehza 35 (not as popular as the others yet to try).would love to try a victor
Excellent video ,I have all the rackets which are damn good, except 90k metallic which is not yet launched in my country, but you missed the amazing Racket Ryuga metallic LZJ ❤
I am pretty new in the rackets, i have been using the same one for the last 5 years that I received as a gift. Based on the video, I want a stiff racket, balance, 4U. I am an intermediate player and mainly do double with different people, so I switch between front and back a lot. Anybody got good racket recommndation for that for a budget of less than 200? Also is there website where list all the rackets with the specifications ?
Congratulations on your racket change from the favourite Victor Thruster F ED. Looks like @ckyew will be interviewing you soon at your next tournament.
I play with a Nanoray 750, so very headlight because my defence wasn’t great and it’s medium flex which helps a recurring elbow issue I have. I used the steps guys went through years ago to figure out what to pick and I’ll have to do it again soon as they don’t make it anymore 😅
I am so envious. Victor rackets (perhaps all merchandise) are so difficult to find here in Japan. I loved my Victor Thruster F. Sadly though, it got a crack so I can't use it anymore.
Hi you guys, your videos have helped me a lot to improve my technique so my matches get better and better day by day. I see that the man (sorry I don't remember your name, honestly so sorry) had a time that used 90K and I really love it, I owned one but it's broken and I can't find a new one in my country, there's a successor 90K II but they aren't the same, the 90K has a longer grip (205mm) so its shaft is shorter than 90K II, had made it to be more maneuverable but still generate a decent power smash on back court. So I wanna asking you that is the 90K Metallic has the same length specs as 90K? Thank you so much, best wish for you and keep your health, looking for next videos.
Just ordered my li ning fire as i want a flexible power racket to contrast my thruster f witch is more all rounder im thinking about getting a head light racket as well for net play
Thanks for another wonderful video. It was very clear and simple. I learned a lot about the stiffness of racquets. I have two racquets, Thruster F and Arcsaber 11 pro. The reason why I have two different types of racquets is funny 😂. I play for 1 to 1.5 hours every morning. I use Thruster F at the beginning and switch to AS 11 after 2 or three matches when the shoulder is not as strong as at the beginning 😅. I am looking to buy a head light racquet now to use when the shoulder becomes a lot weaker at the fag end of the session.
Hey I’m new to this channel I’ve loved your tips and it really helped me win more games than I thought I would, but my physic is quite lacking and i really wanted to get better, could you make a video about a badminton workout unless there is already one Thanks, love from malaysia❤️🇲🇾
I was wondering if you could review a racket i've been using and its really matching my playstyle for singles. The racket is Babolat I-Pulse Blast, and it was a great one for me. If you could review I would love it.
When I first started a few weeks ago, I had no idea on brands, there's just too many out there. No one tells you which brands to avoid or which ones to go for. This video only shows Victor. Are they sponsored by Victor? Is there another reason why only Victor and not Yonex?
Hi I have been watching your videos for a long time it would be nice to see a tutorial with doubles rotations and shots because I feel like I'm hitting shots my opponent would've got and I don't really understand the concept of splitting in doubles!
I really loved my Duora Z Strike But since it’s discontinued, can you suggest a racquet of the same caliber? (Same price range ; even balanced, yes from any manufacturer)
look, if you don't know what racket to get. just get medium flex racket. it's very easy to tame and it is a good start point for you to feel what you really want. brand don't really matter.
Note that although the high end (or expensive) racket can withstand higher max tension, it does not mean the player should string up to the max tension that is stated on the cone. Player should always go for a tension that is most comfortable to them (even if it is lower than max tension) to prevent any potential injury. I have seen a worrying trend that new comer often strung their racket as high as 30 just because their favorite player strung their racket at that particular tension.
Hi Greg and Jenny, I started playing badminton this year and I'm thinking of joining my high school badminton team next year. The issue is, I'm not sure where to start. Could you give me some recommendations for a racquet that suits my preferences? I prefer being in the rear, having a flexible and balanced racquet, and 5u weight. 🙏
