Hello all from this old guy from Bonny Scotland. I must be going through a very late midlife crisis or just bored. Was thinking back to my first Yonyama YY racket and cannot find anything on it . Perhaps someone can help . It was the model below the Blacken , I believe it was the 1st Blacken but may be wrong . I think it was around 1978/79 I got it for my 14th Birthday . It had a Gold aluminium top , stainless shaft , white cone with YY { I cannot remember what B number it was I though B700}. It had a beige/brown grip and a white endcap with Green YY . I loved it until someone at the Carlton tournament deliberately stood on it and broke it ,, Gutted . Got another but just wasnt that one bought for me by my Dad . Thanks in Advance Frank.
Hi Frank. The model no. for the Blacken is B8100. The next model below is the Alumina Hy-power B8000 but this has a metallic light green head. Your description seems to match the next model down, the Alumina Ace B7000, which has a gold coloured head and a beige/brown leather grip. This is the world's first t-joint metal racket introduced by Yonex in 1968.
Awe many many thanks Ubootsg . I had for whatever reason thought the Gold Top I had was next to the Blacken so thanks you for the update . Still got me to the semis of the Carlton .
Coincidentally, I managed to pick one up (your B7000) today at an Op Shop for $3. It was in pretty good nick as well, no rust on the shaft and the leather grip in good condition.
Lucky you. To me the Blacken or "Blacky" was lighter but not as balanced as the B7000 . Just my opinion .
Yes Frank. When the Blacken arrived on the scene, it was 'state of the art', being the lightest and most powerful racket on the market I dare say. I would like to think that the B8000 Alumina Hy-power was a useful compromise: having the balance of the B7000 but a stiffer shaft that would give it some of the smashing power of the Blacken.
Thanks for the info . As I say I wasnt aware of the B8000 in between the Blacken and my B7000 . I am still on the hunt for one to stick on the wall if there`s enough space along with all the other sports stuff gracing said wall . I assume your still playing ? If so do you ever play with the older rackets ? Frank.
Hi Frank. Yes I'm still playing, and I also still play with my vintage rackets. Just as there're people who take their vintage/classic cars out for a drive and not put them into a museum, I take mine out for a 'spin' and get to enjoy them! These include a number of 'woodies' as well as a no. of the old T-joint Yonex and Carlton ones. I no longer play competitively but just social and recreational games at a local club.
