VT80 replacement

Discussion in 'Racket Recommendation / Comparison' started by white91, Apr 7, 2017.

  1. white91

    white91 Regular Member

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    Hi looking to replace my VT80 and I've found two options

    Lin Dan Force 3U
    ZForce 2 4U

    I would say I'm intermediate player, play at local clubs with some league players, and mainly play doubles.

    Being left handed I win a few points off a misplaced lifts to my forehand, I do struggle to backhand clear.

    I know people will say spend on coaching, but I just fancy a new racket!
     
  2. Roughorsmooth

    Roughorsmooth Regular Member

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    Well, of those two, the closest in spec to VT80 is LDF. Paul Stewart rates it even better than VT80.

    I play regularly with LDF and absolutely love it. The best I can say is that it has made me feel 30 yrs younger... back to my true 'power' days! The last time I felt the combination of power/ direction/ sound in a smash that left my opponent so befuddled was with Carlton 3.7S in the mid-80s!

    Although I have played with ZF2, I've never owned one, and by all accounts it is a 'niche' racquet, one which only elite players can get the very best from.

    I'd go LDF, especially if mainly doubles play.
     
    #2 Roughorsmooth, Apr 7, 2017
    Last edited: Apr 7, 2017
  3. whatever001

    whatever001 Regular Member

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    LDF. I think it is easier to play with than VT80
     
  4. white91

    white91 Regular Member

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    The ultra stiff shaft and small head does worry me in the VTZF2, however a 4U racket might suit my game?

    Has anybody been able to compare both VT80 and LDF?


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  5. Rob3rt

    Rob3rt Regular Member

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    Why not VT80 E-Tune?
     
  6. white91

    white91 Regular Member

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    That's another I might consider, however lots of users state it's not as good as the original VT80 for some reason


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  7. max2017

    max2017 New Member

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    Which one is better
    LDF OR ZF LD2
     
  8. Licin

    Licin Regular Member

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    Go with ZF 2, either 3U or 4U.
    Comparing VT80 3U, LDF 3U and ZF2 3U, i prefer ZF2.
    I owned VT80, and trying out LDF3U & ZF2 3U every now and then, ZF2 is clearly the winner.
     
  9. Zen Zi

    Zen Zi Regular Member

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  10. white91

    white91 Regular Member

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    I'm being heavily swayed to try a VTZF2 in 4U, I'm a little concerned it will be too stiff, that said I am probably stronger than the average man so hopefully shouldn't be a massive issue. Shame I can't get a VTF in 4U in the UK


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  11. offbad

    offbad Regular Member

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    yeah why don't you try it first before buying that seems like a good idea.
     
  12. shreyas666

    shreyas666 Regular Member

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    if you're going towrds zf2 and you're saying intermediate play. i would suggest you voltric force, somewhat less stiff than zf2 but retains the character and is a lot cheaper. difference in stiffness is not that much and it should be in the league of vt80 stiffness and headweight. Nevermind this post i saw you cant get a voltric force in your country. May i suggest ashaway phantom x fire? it is rated stiff and is a good racket! very sturdy frame!
     
  13. offbad

    offbad Regular Member

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  14. white91

    white91 Regular Member

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    I can get a LDF but only in 3U, I can get the ZF2 in 3U or 4U. I've always fancied getting a ZF2 but unfortunately I cannot try before I buy. I wish we had LDF in 4U here, it's madness not to offer it!

    The Voltric Force looks interesting


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  15. shreyas666

    shreyas666 Regular Member

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    Voltric force is the zf2 for cheaper economies and intermediates.
     
  16. white91

    white91 Regular Member

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    The VTZF2 is around £125 and the VTF is around £70 in UK, I don't buy rackets often so I think if I go for one it will be a top end racket


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  17. swsh

    swsh Regular Member

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    VTF user here. Yes both are very similar but the difference is easily visible when you're warmed up.

    ZF2 (Ones I've played with anyway) requires your best to get the desired results but VTF is very forgiving and will let you off even on your off days. I've never returned with a sore arm after the 5-6 hour sessions even once with it even after using not recommended tensions.

    Backhand clear struggle could be due to the stiffness in shaft. Seen loads of people struggle recently because of their rackets and after giving them a flexible racket, they were the happiest person in the club. In that regard while zf2 is the better racket, are you sure you are the right guy for it? I've just recently found out that as much as I love my force, it's not what it's cracked up to be.

    A zfII me will win against a force me if we matched. Sadly my force is giving in so I doubt I will have it for much longer. But please try to grab hold of a more free-er / flexible racket to see how it feels. You might just be buying yourself a bad performance in court.
     
  18. white91

    white91 Regular Member

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    Just for clarity are you referring to the Voltric Lin Dan Force or the Voltric Force?

    I was looking at a 4U racket to be a bit quicker for doubles


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  19. swsh

    swsh Regular Member

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    Voltric force. Mine just snapped on me mid rally and I'm so annoyed LOL. Guess that's a queue for a new racket. It had started bending ever so slightly but seems 31lbs for hard everyday playing is too much for it :[
     
  20. lurker

    lurker Regular Member

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    i am also looking for a vt80 replacement
     

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