.....times of refreshing.....

opps.....I did it again! I went to a badminton shop two weeks ago and got tempted again. With the blessing of my wifey since it's not as expensive as the high Yonex or Li Ning rackets, I got myself another new racket - Apacs Lethal 11. It cost me RM140+ including string and grip.
This is not really a new racket but it is one of the popular and affordable Lethal series together with Lethal 7 and Lethal 9. According to Apacs website, this is an head-heavy offensive racket. However, I find that it's ultralight, though at 4U. However, after trying it out on three occasions, I find it's really a good racket despite being light which many believe light rackets may not generate that much power. I like their hollow shaft which really gives excellent power generation while producing a 'whip' sound, as listed in their website. It did produces good and sharp smashes and I guess this racket suits doubles play more.  I find that this is a light head and balance racket. I'm loving it now, it's like a 'sword' to me!

Here are the specs as according to Apacs :-

Frame Material	30T HM Graphite ( Toray M30 ) + CNT
Shaft Material	24T HM Graphite ( Toray T700) + CNT
Flex	Flexible (9.5)
Weight	4U (84-86g) G2
Length	675mm
Balance	285 ± 3mm (Even Balance)
Max String Tension	35lbs!

• New high speed frame design
• Head heavy balance
• Unique UK specification
• Special apacs internal muscle wave frame

Check the full description of the product here.

I just placed an order for the above racket which is similar to the Yonex ArcSaber Z-Slash, but very much cheaper. haha..! Oh..if you have been following my blog, you must be wondering if I am badminton or racket crazy cos I just bought one racket 2-3 months ago. Well, this is my fourth racket that I bought this year. LOL And, I sold off two of the rackets while gave away one to my nephew.This gear cost me $S69. I almost go for the Yonex Voltric 70 which cost S$250 but after listening to some experts' advice, I decided against it as it may be too stiff for me.


These are the specs for the racket (got it from Apacs UK website) :-

Frame	Hi Modulus Graphite + Whip-Slim Frame
Shaft	Hi Modulus Graphite + CNTs Carbon Nanotube
Flex	Medium
Weight	85g +/- 1 (4U)
Grip	G2
Balance	285 +/- 5mm

I understand this racket weighted 4U and slightly head heavy but not so stiff and fast in attack. I searches the Internet and it seems lots of folks gave good review for this gear. WIll hope to try it out next Tuesday and see if it's really good. haha... Let me know if you want my personal report on this racket. Btw, I'm not a good player but just someone who enjoys playing badminton. LOL

I walk into a dangerous zone this afternoon after lunch, and left with S$100 poorer! OK, don't get me wrong, I'm well and not robbed. I visited a badminton shop and again, got tempted with the varieties of rackets over there and got home a new racket - Pro Ace Ultralight. The S$100 came with a grip, bag and string. I guess it's very 'dangerous' for me to step into a badminton shop each time, especially those selling cheaper brands like Pro-Ace, Apacs, Fleet, Head and etc compare to the branded ones like Li-Ning and Yonex. I'm liken to a lady who went into a Gucci or LV shop! :P


Before this new acquisition, I have three rackets - My almost 16 years old Victor Lightning (which will remains as a souvenir for now), Apacs Nano Fusion Speed 976 and Head NanoPower 600. I've been using a 'posh' Yonex Armotec 700 (this was Lin Dan's favourite before he switched over to Li-Ning's racket) for three years but have sold it off recently as I don't have the shoulder power to wield this powerful gear, and always ended up with a shoulder injury.

Lin Dan with Yonex Armotec 700

I love my Apacs Nano Fusion Speed 976 as it's very light at 5U.Check out badminton weight units here. It's fast and easy to maneuver but then, I find that smashes were weak and not hard enough. I got a heavier Head NanoPower 600 at 3U, and I actually love it's wide body frame. It packs power but then, it's a little heavy for me especially towards the end of the two hour session.

Thus, I may have got my 'dream' racket today - a light 5U but slightly head heavy and wide-frame for power shots like smashes. It seems like this Pro-Ace Ultralight is a best seller though it has been around since 2008.
I haven't really tried it yet which I have to wait until next Tuesday and Wednesday for my next badminton sessions. However, the 'feel' of this racket seems good. Anyway, last but not least, at the end of the day, it's the skills that matters most  and not the gears.

Have a good weekend and enjoy badminton!