I dont know about shorter handle. cause my good old ISO900SX have the same handle length. i believe. the shaft is long on the Z cause of the slightly smaller head. I dont know. the smash is much faster on the Z, but i still feel my iso900 have more power. maybe cause of the heavier head.
Whether the racket is good or not depends on the user as everyone's preference is different. Other factors include cosmetics & design, technology, durability, price, etc.
Hi Guys Bought my very own ArcSaber Z after reading this forum for a bit. Pretty happy for the racquet overall. Strung it with NGB95 Tension 25. Overall, the racquet definitely gives bit more strength and power to my game. Definitely not up to the 400++ km speeds Yonex claim but I do notice the extra push. However I am bit disappointed with the string, maybe it doesn suit me, I'm not too sure. I do notice that my netplay isnt as good as I expected, could it be the string? I feel that the shuttle doesn't bounce of the racquet enough, not sure if it's just me. Just wanna ask all you guys out there, what string would you recommend for this racquet? Cheers.
1) Welcome to BCBF. I see, this your first post. 2) Regarding your question, yes, NBG95 lack the touch for net plays. I usually use BG85 for my regular racquets. But I tried BG66 this time and it is GREAT! If you do not break string too often, BG66. If you do break string often, try BG80.
Thanks for your reply bro, I regret not getting the BG66 now that I see Lee Chong Wei and Taufik using it too haha. So you've got it on your Z slash too? Tension?
Not sure if it works for you but IMHO the best string for controllable power will be BG65. It's very relative in terms of how much strength you put into your strokes that will govern how far and quick the shuttle will travel. Also when you string it to higher tensions (starting 25lbs and above), you will really feel the shuttle landing in whatever position on the string bed. I'm getting my Arc Z strung with BG65, in around a week's time
At least Taufik can't get used to Arc-ZS.....He kept changing back to Arc-10 during Japan Open.... I might as well wait for second hand Arc-ZS....
Thank you Easy Tiger. I'm about to order this racquet. But this is what confuses me a litte. If it is an even balanced racquet with an aerodynamic frame and a slim structure why aren't these characteristics helping in defense? On the other hand how is it possible that it is more powerfull than Armortec 900 Power? So do the "technological advancements" compensate the need of a head heavy racquet?
1) I measured it last night. My ARC-z is only about 1.5 cm head lighter then the AT900-p and 1 cm head lighter than AT900-t. Given that measurement, it is not too much head lighter to me. 2) I like NS9900 for the defense and faster swing. However, ARC-z feel almost as fast. 3) Only one thing is I have not got use to the thought of narrower frame and I have to be set and ready to smash. It is not as easy to adapt as NS9900. I never got used to ARC-10.
Today was the second time i used my arc-z. It is indeed a very strong offensive racquet than my other Ns9900. Defense wise is not too bad either. However, the weird thing is when i switched back to used my NS9900. A lof my shots hit the top of the frame. In another words, i had a lof of mishits at the top of the frame. When i used the arc z for the first time. I had the same thoughts as silentheart due to the narrower frame. I tend to be more focus in my shots. Probably when i switch back to NS9900. I take it more easy as I thought it's a more accomodating racquet. Before I got my Arz-z I had no such issues at all with Ns9900. I suspect it may have something to do with the handle/grip.
The frame is optimized for most overhead swings, which according to Yonex is at a 45 degree tilt for 70% of the time; plus, it's a long swing, both in terms of duration and distance traveled. Meanwhile, the defensive shot is compact and short in duration, and I think it is divided quite evenly between 45 and 90 degrees in its travel. In another word, the swing trajectory of the defensive swing isn't able to take full advantage of the frame design and, for the duration of the swing, I think the aerodynamic design will have nominal benefits at best. In addition to that, since the shaft is relatively long, that'll create more inertia against the initial acceleration of the racket. So I think for the best in defense, nothing beats a light, head-light, and short-shafted racket. But who'd want such a racket if you can't smash for your life with it?
The new Z just has a smaller head frame, so it has room for a longer shaft, I see no different from the head frame design than the Arc 10 may need more time to examine! Will test it out soon..
You can have mine for 200CAD. Only about 4 hours of playtime. Strung with one string, BG80 @ 26/28 lbs. 3UG3. You can pick it up in Chilliwack.