Astec Aero Prestige 90

Astec's new brand badminton racket from Indonesia, but in the Singapore Open 2014, Simon Santoso used it to defeat the world number 1 - Lee Chong Wei. So it remind me to say about it

Weight (g) : 88-90 (3U)
Length (mm) : 675
Balance (mm) : 290 +/- 2
Shaft Flex : 8.5 +/- 0.1, Stiff
Frame : Iso + Mid Plus
Recommended Tension : 28 lbs
Technology : Astec Aeroleap Technology, Midplus Aero Frame System

Frame shape looks similar to Mizuno GP80. Cone shape, handle and shaft length is similar to Yonex Arc10. Unique feature of this racquet are ridges that run the entire perimeter of the frame on both sides. 

Li-Ning Break-Free N90-III

This here's probably the smartest looking of the new N-III series. Red and white and shiny all over. Apart from the looks, the racket boosts a pretty good feel, with attacks coming through sharp and true a large portion of the time.

It's also not as stiff as the N90, or as head heavy as the N90-II, which put it pretty sweetly for those who are trying to find a good balance between defense and attack.

Note. This review carries my own opinion of the racket from my experience. Comments welcome!

With that said, let's go.

Li-Ning Break-Free N90-III
Est. Dry Weight: 96g (3U)
Grip Size: G5
Balance: Slightly head heavy
Stiffness: Slightly stiff
Strings: Toalson BL-6500 @ 25lbs

I recommend this racket for singles play.

Defense
In my review for the N90 and N90-II I made a comment about how easy it was to send the shuttle to the back of the court with something that stiff and head heavy. Well, with the N90-III, I didn't' find myself punching the shuttle as far, and as a result turned to the much preferred drive defense style that I'm more familar with.

And the Li-Ning N90-III does this with ease. Whether it's a soft block across the net or a quick flick to the other side, I was able to pull this move off without much difficulty.

The decreased weight probably made it work, aided by the popular Break-Free (or Sword, if anyone's a Victor fan) head frame design that's a wonder to swing around.

Speed and reflexes were up with this in my hand, and my singles game with this were pretty much comfortable knowing that I could take most attacks and survive.

There's also the element of control, that makes me almost tempts my opponents to go for the tight net shot. More on that to come.

Attack
Being lighter and less stiff and less head heavy than its predecessors does not bode well for the N90-III when it comes down to offense, but the racket performs admirably by having a quick, sharp swing that allows you to take the shuttle down at amazing angles.

Once again I'll have to mention the sword frame. The Break-Free design practically cuts down on drag and puts the head down at a quicker pace, allowing for a really comfortable contact point. This gives me a lot more room for imagination in my shots - (slightly lesser) power smash, the wrist snap, fast drops, you name it.

Drives with this are pretty much stunted though. Unlike the heavyweights, the 96g (thereabouts anyhoo) Li-Ning N90-III doesn't carry much weight transfer to give you that satisfying explosion when you throw your arm out for a drive shot.

Control
Here's where it gets interesting. I give a good control rating to any racket that makes me feel comfortable and allows me to make any shot that comes to mind. From trick shots to acute changes in direction, the N90-III is one comfortable racket.

It gives me the feeling that I can place the shuttle into any box you place in the court (and I don't even have to try that many times either). The accuracy that the racket gives is unbelievable. When you get a good hit in you really can get that WOW feel.

Backhands were well-executed, forehands were close to perfect. The net shots that I could perform were so close to the net it isn't funny.

One of my worst shots is the cross-court tight net shot. Really horrible. Like shooting flies with a bazooka.

That didn't seem to be much of a problem with the N90-III though. Awesome control.

Looks
For those who have seen Alucard, the Li-Ning N90-III comes in the exact color tone. Freaking awesome, impossibly cool, indescribably desirably. One look is all you need to part ways with your money.

2014 Yonex Voltric Z Force II - Revolution

Before I proceed with my review of the all new ''2014 Yonex Voltric Z Force II'', I would like to state to all who are reading this personal review that this is all based on my thoughts on my experiences with this racquet. All my opinions stated is in my perspective from my 7 days of playing with it. I would also like to mention that not everyone is alike and that a certain racquet may be 1 man's trash but another man's treasure.

Okay... Firstly, I would like to mention a few informative statements about myself. I am mainly a singles player but sometimes play doubles for leisure purposes. And unlike most people I know and or have met, I find racquets such as 2U ''Yonex Nanoray Z Speed'' and other 2U or even heavier head heavy racquets such as ArmourTecs and Li Ning Woods N90s to be quite a simple and easy task to manuvour over minimal distances when playing in front and swinging in over a few matches doesn't tire my arm out. Okay.. I'll try not to be too long winded and get on with the review.

Racket: Yonex Nanoray Z Force II
Specifications: 3UG5
Flex: Stiff
Grip; Karakal PU Multi Blue(0% Overlap)
String: Yonex BG85 Blue
Stringing Machine: Yonex ES5 ProTech
Stringing Method: 4 Knots
Pre-Strech: 100%

Graphics:
Well, when I first recieve my SP coded ''Voltric Z Force II'', I was astonished by its looks. I always love a matte coated racquet as its texture is much smoother than other racquets and it it stands out from others. The matte coating also adds a sense of mystery to what the racquet beholds and make it seem like a silent whisperer, mysterious and you wouldn't sense what it can do. The matte black and neon blue also helps this sense of mystery as well, but some may like it and some may not. The colour scheme is somewhat like some local food you may find in asia, its either you love it, or you dislike it, in my perspective this is the best looking racquet I've ever seen and takes the top spot ahead of the Li Ning Woods N90s. I happy to say that the stickers/decals that some of you may have talked about in the VTZF-II thread aren't that big a deal in my opinion. As long as you don't treat it like a toy and treat it with the respect that is so truly deserves than it wouldn't bother you 1 minute bit.

First Impressions:
Straight after receiving it, I gripped it with ''Karakal PU Multi Blue'' and strung it with Yonex BG85 Blue so my thoughts on this part of the review is accurate because a racquet with and without strings can make a big difference. Just swinging it in my hand, I could feel the momentum propelling the head down fast. In my perspective, this is not tiring nor causes me physical pain after or during my matches as I've stated above and that I don't feel the same way as others may do. To me, the swing speed difference of the 4U and 3U alternative is not much of a difference.(Yes, I also got the 4U alternative) However, down at the court the 3U seems to have more power and that extra feedback and momentum that I like in my racquets. I shall talk more about this is the later part of the review, so be patient.

Stringing Impression:
The new technology Yonex has built into this beast of theirs also known as ''Tungsten Infused Grommets'' is a delight. The strings lie partially into the frame(From front view) makes it easier to thread from grommet to grommet an ease. And I was using ''Yonex BG85'', very alike to the 'Yonex BG80'' most of you love, it has a super rough texture and is made easy to thread through grommets and shared grommets. Please note that I strung at 25x27Lbs via the 4 knot method with 110% pre-strech.

Transition:
I switched over to this racket from other rackets such as 'Karakal BN60', 'Yonex ArcSaber FlashBoost F', 'Victor LightFighter 7000' and 'Apacs FeatherWeight 200' all weighing from 69-76 grams and being head-light and even-balanced racquets, you'd expect the transition to be quite massive and I would take a super long period of time to get used to it and even tame it. However, after my first 5 minutes with this racket, I was already tied to it and it improved my game superbly.

Clears:
Alike paulstewart64, I always do clears with my opponent before getting on with the all exciting match. I did clears with my friend who had a ''Yonex Nanoray Z Speed'' strung with the same machine and string method at the same tension with 'Yonex Nanogy 98 Black in hand. He switched over from a 'Yonex Arcsaber 11. He isn't the most powerful player but his shots were still in a range. Clears.. well, just a little push can send the shuttle soaring to your opponents rear court and even out by a margin. When using the same strength I used in my even-balanced racquets, all my shots at a 55 degree angle always swiped the celling and still managed to reach my opponent with ease. However, maintain you power, or else it would fly up away and out...

NetPlay:
Singles match was an ease, from a head-heavy balanced 3U racquet you would expect that it would be quite weak and slow upfront but it wasn't. The weighted head provided momentum, the aerodynamics provided less drag against air resistance and the small head reducing fatigue when starting off from a standstill all helped together to make this outstanding at the net. I wouldn't say its the fastest racquet obviously.. But, its still super snappy for a Voltric.

Lifts;
Returning smashes was also as ease. The advantages I stated earlier helped get to the shuttle but now the problem is returning it with sufficient power. As you would expect from a head heavy racket, it was significantly easy. The momentum provided but the weighted head could easily repel the shuttle high up and away with the slightest of touch.

Drives;
Drives were crisp, no lag what so ever. However, be careful with your strength, you don't want to hit the shuttle out. 

Smashes:
Yes, yes, yes, yes, yes... You know it. Its a Voltric. That's all I can say... As expected from a Voltric especially the 'Z Force', WOAH!!. I was generating the fastest, harder, loudest smashes I've ever did. However, this is the only part that tires my arm out a little. By doing 3 jump smashes and above in a row, you arm gets tired out and your opponent may use this as a advantage to themselves. So remember, wait for the perfect moment. It ain't all about smashing but also forcing yourself the chance to do so. I would also like to add on that the smashes I could mam=nge were really really steep and all landed deep in the front court.

Doubles:
Most people I know have this to the cause of the harsh decision between 3U or 4U. But I'm happy to say that both of these racquest perform really well in doubles. However, if you really the doubles guy. Get the 4U alternative, there isn't much difference but the small step up in speed may be more important than a little power. With a Voltric is hand, your net kills will be quick smashes, your drop shots will be half smashes so why care about that little power and go fo 4U but the 3U isn't bad at all.

Conclusion:
So, if you're the kind of guy who finds the 2U alternative of the ''Yonex Nanoray Z Speed' and 3U alternative of the ''Yonex Voltric Z Force'' to not require much effort than the 3U ''Yonex Voltric Z Force II'' is just for you. However, for those who play doubles more often, go for the 4U alternative. The VTZF2 -II to me feels much lighter and snappy than the previous VTZF. If you're having a hard timewith the 3U VTZF than go for the 4U VTZF-II. If you're fine with your 3U VTZF-II and think you could go for a little more than go 3U. I'll post some pictures in my next post for head comparison between the ''Yonex Voltric Z Force II', ''Yonex Nanoray Z Speed'' and 'Li Ning Woods N90 II'

LiNing Racket Selector

Mega Power

Mega Power Series is suitable for powerful offensive users. Mega Power Series has higher balance point, heavy racket head and smashing power. Adopting unique multi-polymers carbon fibre reinforcing technology to strength the racket by multiple layers at specific points, increasing the power of the shaft, and reinforces the strength and durability of the racket, sharply makes full strike with all the power exhibited great cohesion.

Li-Ning Woods N90-II Badminton Racket
Li-Ning Woods N90 Badminton Racket
Li-Ning Woods N80 Badminton Racket
Li-Ning Windstorm N70-II Badminton Racket
Li-Ning Flame N55-II Badminton Racket

Multi Control

Multi Control Series is designed for the players who are good at defending combing smashes with drop shots. Multi Control Series adopts moderate racket head design to act in concern with soft shaft elasticity, integrates the mega sweet point, brought by hi-tech of dynamic-optimum frame, to make the racket more stable and powerful, easily face to any circumstances, calmly find chances to seesaw battle and to be certain win.

Li-Ning UC3920 Badminton Racket
Li-Ning UC3900 Badminton Racket
Li-Ning UC3600 Badminton Racket
Li-Ning Rocks N30-II Badminton Racket

Pro Master

Pro Master Series is the optimal choice for balancing players. Adopting proper frame weight and shaft in the racket based on Li-Ning's particular technology, wing stabilizer, makes the racket remain the perfect performance no matter in the skillful or powerful shots. Rough offensive and tough defensive, various skills which both of attack and defensive play can be brought into full play.

Li-Ning TB Nano 120 Badminton Racket
Li-Ning Flame N50-II Badminton Racket
Li-Ning UC3500 Badminton Racket

Ultra Sharp

Ultra Sharp Series is the specially made for the player who are used to fast attacking and quick switching back. By using high elastic shaft and lighter racket weight, the Ultra Sharp Series performs fast swing speed and great repulsion power, to combine with dynamic optimum frame, aerotec-beam system and other li-ning’s unique technologies, “Ultra Sharp” Series could make a total attack in a second, sweeping and smashing, make the opponent caught off guard.

Li-Ning N60 Badminton Racket
Li-Ning Rocks N33-II Badminton Racket
Li-Ning Flame N36 Badminton Racket
Li-Ning UC3300 Badminton Racket
Li-Ning HC1550 Badminton Racket
Li-Ning HC1350 Badminton Racket

Extra Skill

Extra Skill Series is good tool for smart players. Most of them adopt light frame and soft shaft to make the racket more active. Integrating with UHB shaft and aerotec-beam system to reduce drag coefficient and improve the flexibility of the racket head. You could control your rackets as you wish to create various shots just like the flowing wind, whatever you want in the forecourt and back court.

Li-Ning HC1500 Badminton Racket
Li-Ning Windstorm 680 Badminton Racket
Li-Ning Windstorm 690 Badminton Racket
Li-Ning Windstorm 660 Badminton Racket
Li-Ning Windstorm N77-II Badminton Racket

Footwork in badminton

Badminton Footwork is the most fundamental skill that you need to possess in order to become a successful Badminton player.

Your opponent will most certainly try to play every shot away from you and the only way to reach the shuttle is to have a good footwork. So how to define what good footwork is? Good badminton footwork is simply having the ability to reach the shuttle early while on balance. You can skip, shuffle, bounce, glide, chasse step or lunge on court. So long as you reach the shuttle fast, depriving your opponents of time, you can use all the above movement that suits best to you depending on the situation. Although there are no fix movements on performing the badminton footwork, there are some basic things to remember. Bent your knees slightly with your feet shoulder width apart. Stay on the balls of your feet and hold your racket up in front of your body. This is the ready position you shall assume in the centre of the mid-court area. This centre area which can be referred as your base is not fixed. It is an area where you are in your ready position and can possibly reach all shots hit towards your court. Position your base accordingly after considering yours and your opponent's strength and weaknesses. Let say that you are strong and good at hitting shots from the back court. You may consider positioning your base slightly nearer to the service fault line to gain an advantage. If you are not certain where your strength lies yet, just make your base on the centre of the mid court area. You won't go too wrong from there. For all shots that are played in the frontcourt, take a small step first followed by a bigger step, extending your racket leg to reach the shuttle. The bigger step performed is known as a lunge. The timing of the shot will be improved if the landing of your racket leg is simultaneous with the shot. For all shots that are played in the midcourt, extend your racket leg to reach shuttle that are hit towards your racket side of your body. Extend your racket leg or non-racket leg to reach shuttle that are hit towards your non-racket side of your body. For all shots that are played in the backcourt, rotate your hips and shoulder and move back far enough so that your body is behind the falling shuttle. This will increase the power and variety of your stroke. If you can't get back fast enough, you will most likely be forced to hit a weak clear. Below is a diagram showing you the direction and area that you have to cover during play. Unless you are confident where your opponent will play the next shot, try to return to your base every time after you make a shot. Always be ready to react quickly and be alert. Remember...Badminton Footwork is the most fundamental skill in Badminton. You must master it to progress further...

Yonex Nanoray Z Speed

The big news from Yonex in 2013 is the launch of the much-awaited Nanoray Z Speed. Official video from Yonex quotes a new world record smash speed of 493km/h, exceeding the previous “record” set by Arcsaber Z Slash. This will surely tempt many players with the promise of delivering a powerhouse smash but is this reality or the marketing talking? Let’s find out…

First off, this is supposed to be a Nanoray racquet. Since the birth of this range we have been conditioned to expect Nanoray to deliver light-headed racquets. So why on earth are Yonex calling this racquet a Nanoray because it is certainly not light headed? For a brand that has always carefully separated its racquets to clearly define what each range represents, why are they suddenly throwing confusion into the market?

The Yonex Nanoray Z Speed is a head heavy, stiff shafted racquet with a new shape isometric head, a touch smaller than standard size. Credit to Yonex here that they have re-designed the head shape and for me this was an improvement, especially compared to the numerous framing issues me and many other players had with Z Slash. I’m not so sure I would class this as a stiff shafted racquet as I have seen stiffer medium shafted racquets before.

The racquet is a 3U (85-89g), G5 which is the smaller grip usually on offer in UK. However Yonex UK are also advertising a G6 version although I cannot confirm availability on this. Z Speed is presented in the usual Nanoray cover. Colour is very striking although not to everyone’s taste. It’s a bold brash statement in bright orange for most of the head and ferrule with black and other decals on the throat and shaft.

The racquet was manufacture strung and yet again it was annoying the stencil ink wore off after only a few points. Generally racquets of this stature are custom strung for the player as only a few will leave a retailer without a restring. That said the racquet should be stencilled properly.

It’s hitting time…

With all the hype, and making allowance for a considerably lesser tension than I like I walked onto court expecting great things from Z Speed. Personally I would have called it a Voltricand saved the confusion, but at least I knew what to expect…

Z Speed disappointed from the first shot. Frankly I was expecting effortless clears even with manufacturer stringing. And bear in mind most of my tests are undertaken this way, except for top-end Victor racquets which are always delivered unstrung.

Instead of me witnessing shuttles flying towards my opponent’s rear court with very little effort, I really had to concentrate hard and put in more effort to hit a length. The good news is that they were clean hits without the framing issues previously mentioned with Z Slash.

Drop shots performed so much better, nice and tight. It’s nice to feel the weight in the head pulling down to provide that solid connection although the feeling falls short of that produced by Z Force.  The frame felt reasonably fast too.

Onto smashes where I expected Z Speed to come alive and really show me what it could do and was primarily built for according to the marketing. Sorry to say I hit harder with Mark’s racket than I did with Z Speed. Mark also had a go and he has a very powerful smash. Same result, he could not get a better result compared to his own racquet. This goes totally against the grain and to be honest I’ve not experienced this before where a racquet does not deliver. Could it be the stringing? If so, why should it make such a difference? Every other racquet I hit with on that evening delivered perfectly good smashes, regardless of string tension.

Fast flat exchanges clearly demonstrated that although Z Speed can recover well and overall I was satisfied with the result. Shots were clean and there wasn’t the fatigue in my arm which I experienced with Z Force.

        

Here’s the strangest thing…

Moving on to defence, it’s usually expected a racquet like this will be a touch slower and require a lot of work to ensure the racquet face meets the shuttle early. However, for some reason Z Speed reacted extremely well and proved to be a great asset defensively. Despite Marks best efforts I returned most of his smashes with a combination of lifts, drives and blocks. Drives weren’t as crisp as I would like but the lifts were so easy.

Moving on around the net, there’s a noticeable need to force this racquet to move. It does reward however but without that little extra it’s not going to be in the right place at the right time. I didn’t have this issue with Voltric 80 and really wasn’t expecting it with Z Speed because so far it had proved it was a relatively fast frame.

How to use trick shots

This Badminton Video shows a compilation of badminton single trick shots and deceptive shots played by world class players. Some of the shots are really unbelievable. It takes years and years of practice to be able to do it.

Don't try to use these shots during competitive games though if you have not mastered it. It will look wonderful if you can pull it off, but you would be silly to lose a point easily if you couldn't. Practice will get you where you want! Just click on the arrow to play this badminton trick shots video clip. If you have a dial up or slower Internet connection, click on the pause button after starting the video and let it load all the way so the video plays through without any problems.