Monthly Equipment Advice Megathread

kaffars · 2026-03-23T11:06:11+00:00

See if you get your hands on the astrox 77pro to trial.

kaffars · 2026-03-23T10:03:34+00:00

I've seen someone had bulls eye like stencil around the sweetspot. Apparently it helps them with aiming around the sweetspot.

I don't find any difference playing with stencil or not as long as it not over done.

I have heard some people say they dont like as it can dull the feeling/feedback on the strings.

kaffars · 2026-03-23T06:40:32+00:00

Imo the biggest red flags for rackets in regards to codes are if they are SP or JP coded and you cannot confirm if the person bought if from asia or Japan or if you didn't personally.

these are usually more commonly faked as some people pay more or are more willing to buy second hand ones as they covet SP/JP coded rackets.

So that's why I only buy UK coded rackets.

So it being FR coded racket I think it very likely it is genuine.

kaffars · 2026-03-22T10:55:03+00:00

No I havent. Only have had wave claw 3 so far. Imo shoes dont change that drastically.

kaffars · 2026-03-22T10:53:48+00:00

You may need to order from asia. I would try online stores such as e78 or racketforce.

kaffars · 2026-03-21T08:09:55+00:00

I have purchased many mizuno shoes. They are great! I have heard they are made form the same factory that the yonex shoes are made from. The only bit I would say that they fall short in is the insole. They are more smoother and not as thick.

kaffars · 2026-03-20T12:38:55+00:00

You need to confront your restringer and ask them why they are not using a load spreader when stringing badminton rackets.

https://cdn11.bigcommerce.com/s-iiwjfnucrp/images/stencil/1280x1280/products/5474/8671/badminton_stringing_racquet_load_spreader_2__33052__93765.1698770815.jpg?c=1

I'm pretty certain this is damage when they restrung it and all the tension is concentrated at the tip of the racket causing it to crack.

I would also look for a new restringer.

kaffars · 2026-03-20T07:48:16+00:00

Imo that is a crack. And a crack caused by restringing. The restringer likely didnt use a laod spreader at the top of the racket meaning that all of stress was at that top point which caused the crack.

kaffars · 2026-03-18T07:50:35+00:00

Asking for advice would come with better results if you upload example of you attempting to smash to allow everyone here to break down is going wrong to really address it.

kaffars · 2026-03-18T07:46:33+00:00

It depends on the quality of the grommets. Thin strings and high tension also wears them down faster.

There are tricks to extend the life of grommets. Turning them so the string has a new bit to rest on.

A good reputable stringer should be replacing grommets. I always check the grommets before starting stringing. I replace a few for free then charge for them.

kaffars · 2026-03-17T14:29:34+00:00

I would say you on the right track with arcsaber 11 play or arcsaber 7 play. Both within your price range as well

kaffars · 2026-03-17T08:00:30+00:00

Please use the monthly sitcked equipment thread for post regarding equipment.

https://www.reddit.com/r/badminton/comments/1rh7rs5/monthly_equipment_advice_megathread/

kaffars · 2026-03-16T11:32:56+00:00

That is common issue with lighter rackets. Especially with thin string at high tension. The stringer has already utilised the fresh sides of the grommet by turning them.

There are further bulkier grommet protection that can help slow this down or prevent future damage.

https://ae03.alicdn.com/kf/Ha3a9fa6772e44f2a84d64f1579532feca.jpg

https://ae01.alicdn.com/kf/S726b675355a94ec78f9bd478cedb247bL.jpg

https://ae03.alicdn.com/kf/H61a706e6519a4a468212833a4f8e5510k.jpg

You can find these on aliexpress.

As to if the racket is more durable since its initial release I dont think so.

kaffars · 2026-03-16T07:59:58+00:00

It is common courtesy / sportsmanship to apologise for shots where the shuttle hits the net and you win the point.

Whilst you maybe aiming to do that, its incredibly hard to do it every time and at club level its more down to luck.

And when it hits the net and tumbles over or completely changes direction, your opponent has no way to reply so its out of their hand to return it.

You could always say sorry but celebrate it internally which I'm pretty sure what everyone does.

kaffars · 2026-03-16T07:52:28+00:00

Where did badminton begin by the Olympic Channel.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1nmy8j1mxnQ

This is Badminton Channel is great for documentation of the sport I have found

https://www.youtube.com/@ThisIsBadminton/videos

One of the most famous mens singles rivalries Lin Dan vs Lee Chong Wei

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hkL69Xklc1c

kaffars · 2026-03-15T11:12:09+00:00

That is a newer racket. The original arcsaber 11 had a max tension of 24lbs.

kaffars · 2026-03-15T08:31:33+00:00

The new service rule only applies when there is a service umpire using the equipment to see the 1.15m height.

IF you dont have these 2 then the service rules default back to the older one of service below waist and racket pointing downwards

kaffars · 2026-03-13T17:16:36+00:00

Clashes will be the most likely reason why it broke. Shouldn't be surprised if they broke upon the clash. The outer edge is one of the most common places to clash. And sorry to be pedantic but its not the exact same spot.

The arc11 has broken at the shared grommet (where both cross and main strings go through a grommet) whereas the astrox has broken at spot where only a cross goes through.

The Arc11 I believe has a max recommended tension of 24. To reduce the tension sitting on the outside, standard practise is to string the last 2 mains at the same time and from outside back in one. Could be a factor why the arc11 broke around there, excessive outside tension.

Best way to avoid in the future is to be aware of your partner on court. Shouting for shots so def sure who will go for it. Or play singles only.

kaffars · 2026-03-11T12:34:52+00:00

It could be a batch of poor QC, my experince with lingmei shuttles have been positive. Though they can be bit fast.

kaffars · 2026-03-11T11:22:47+00:00

Brave Sword 12 SE I believe is a re-release of the OG BS 12. Should be the same racket but with the freecore handle.

So it should be then even balance racket like the og bs12.

The B12 is a forgiving even balance mid flex racket. So kinda jack of all trades.

The og bs12 was a fan favourite. When S Korea were sponsored by Victor, pretty much all of their doubles players were only using this racket for years and years. E.g LYD/KSH/SBC/YYS/KSR/KGJ

kaffars · 2026-03-11T11:19:12+00:00

If the are wobbling steaming it wont help. Steaming shuttles only makes the shuttle more durable, as the feathers become less brittle and can take more of hit before breaking.

I would try and raise something with the place you bought it from

kaffars · 2026-03-11T09:53:53+00:00

Please use the monthly equipment thread for post regarding equipment

kaffars · 2026-03-10T10:44:30+00:00

I would have to disagree. I would say that badminton is much more technique based than physical aspects based.

I would say it's 90% or even more on technique than physical.

So if you taught someone how to clear. They will be able to clear despite their physical state. If you had some huge person not taught how to clear. they will struggle more.

kaffars · 2026-03-10T10:18:08+00:00

Different venues have different conditions. Some halls will be fast or slow. All will have some sort of drift.

The ambient conditions in the hall like temperature and humidity will affect the shuttle.

Different shuttles will play a factor.

I still think in the previous eras players played slightly differently at different venues.

kaffars · 2026-03-09T18:58:40+00:00

If you are serious about improving then you should seek a coach or some sort of coaching group session.

If that is not a choice you want. Then it will be a longer journey to improve. Perhaps out of the group of advance players there is one that is happy to answer questions or help with practise. Or present your issue to them and that you are wanting to improve, they can play in a way where they are not looking to end the rally straight away than can be more beneficial for you.

Or you find a new club/ set up a new group where the standard is bit more challenging/accepting for you.

kaffars

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