Hi, on paper i can see that 3U is heavier than 4U, but can you feel it but just swinging it? and when it say head heavy or head balance.. I saw people finding the mid point of the racquet by putting the finger in the middle, but can you really see if it is head heavy? because the grip sweat may make the grip end a little more heavier than original.. So, is the best way to test it out is to hit a birdy really hard, like practicing clear to see it is a 3U/4U and head heavy or not.
yea, i can easily tell the differences in these in just swinging it, not even needing to hit anything yet. trying to hit a shuttle will be very obvious, as the timing is going to take a little while to adjust to, unless i've used that racquet before. then it doens't take very long at all. i personally find balance to affect our timing more so than weight.
Just waving the racquet in the shop you can feel the difference. Mind you, this esp true when deciding between a 3u or 4u of the same model. But if asked to tell the difference (blindfolded) between a 4u AT700 and a 3u MP99, I would be hard pushed - due to their inherent balance difference. As an aside, do all racquets feel light or everything feel heavy to you?
How about trying a 5U racket? For those players that tends to clear out alot, try a lighter racket. It may help keep those fast attack clears inside the lines.