Hopefully soon those rackets will be more widely available in Canada... But to answer the earliest messages in this thread, I agree with Dinkalot-- the 'best racket' depends really on one's preferences in terms of rackets. One of the things about sotx is that they have such a large line of high end rackets, with different weight, balance and flex combinations. The challenge of selling sotx rackets ( www.racketsportsmontreal.ca ) is finding one that matches the player based on his preferences. Very close to what dinalot mentioned, my preffered rackets are the Woven 9 and the D-900 ( which I have a prototype of, but which isn't widely available in canada yet)... they my great all-rounder rackets, since I play MXD, MD and some singles. The Woven 11 though is my sledgehammer of choice though if i want to do something just for bombing around. But those are personal preferences.
Initially, I was also disappointed. But, after reading their website, I was glad that the company supports the grass-roots level of Chinese badminton. The Woven 9 is an excellent racquet. I am adding it to my favourite racquet list.
This maybe off topic a bit but how would you compare the RSL Diamond Xl vs Woven 7, 10 and 11? YOu listed previously this RSL model as one of your top rackets before the new SOTX rackets came out.thanks.
The Woven 7, 10 and 11 have more overall power but the X-1 is more mobile. But I have learned, mobility is all relative. The 11 is the heaviest, most demanding racket yet I defend better with the 11 then most rackets. I have come to a conclusion (that I think should be a sticky): though specs, stats, physics come into play to a certain point, overall, racket preference is truly dependent on the wielder.
Sir Dink, while breaking rackets, could you be kind enough to compare the SOTX STB-9080 with woven 11 and 7. It seems that its characteristics are similar to 11 as indicated below but would like to get feedback from the SOTX junky/expert himself. Thanks. SOTX STB-9080 Material: 100% carbon + complete woven Weight: 90+/- 2 grams BP: 295+/-5mm Max Tension: <=35 lbs Length: 675+/-1 mm Stiffness: 8.0-8.5 Grip Size: 4 SOTX Woven 11/11a Material: Super Carbon + woven Weight: 91+/- 2 grams BP: 295+/-5mm Max Tension: <=31 lbs Length: 675+/-1 mm Stiffness: 8.0-8.5 Grip Size: 2 & 3
I've never tried the 9080, looks like I need to get a few and try it out as it's very similar on paper to the 11.
it's shorter though....the 11 is 680mm, the 9080 675mm..at least, that's what my sotx merchandise says..
Jerby, you are correct. 11is 680mm. I just didn't typed-in the correct length when I copied & pasted the characteristics list. Can't wait for Sir Dink's comparison test.
there's a bloke around here called notnimdab or soemthing, he has got a 9080...maybe he can compare it with some other racket (like a w11 )
Since this thread is about SOTX rackets... Yonex has the Us and the Gs for their rackets, but what about SOTX?
Sotx just makes rackets less confusing... Every rackets has a weight, length, balance and stiffness. and sometimes there are soem things that a pretty close. the woven 10 feels a bit like a 3U-woven 11 (2U) all other stats are the same... I personally think 2U/3U/4U versions are misguiding..same name, same looks. just a different wash-off sticker. but totally different performance! the downside though:I you want a 3U, headheavy, normal length (675mm) racket there isn't a mid-range one...the w7 is 2U, the w9 4U.. the closest is the w13...and that's bloody expensive in some parts of the world.. So SOtx has a wide array of rackets..but if you ahve a very specific wish you might have the bad luck they don't make it (within your price-range)
Have used only the SOTX Titanium 8, but I'm starting to love the brand! I think I'll just do a little more looking around for another racket. I have a tight budget when it comes to sports equipment.
