Li-Ning Phoenix Shuttlecocks

Li-Ning has introduced a technology that we have all been dreaming about. With time there is progression, and Li-Ning has jumped into the sea and has been the first to try and real in the fish.



They call it the Phoenix Shuttlecock. Not your average birdie! Li-Ning has designed these shuttles to have interchangeable feathers. When one feather breaks, you can simply replace it with another. Unfortunately I myself have not has an opportunity to try out these shuttles as I am unable to get my hands on them! Backed by a few Li-Ning players, they claim it will be useful during social place and training.

The feedback I have received has not been the best though, as players have claimed it to be different to the real thing. First the time and effort required to change these feathers. Secondly is the weight of an artificial shuttle as appose to our contemporary shuttle may make players uneasy. Some quotes specifically the heaviness of the shuttle on your racket and the inconsistent net play. Many of you have played with nylons before and they aren't the best shuttles in the house.



However I believe there is a future for this as shuttles do restrict a lot of players from playing the sport. I know tennis balls can last a long time and don't cost a fortune, but shuttles get very expensive and costly depending on how good you are. I hope technology and investment keeps being pumped into it's development. I will keep and eye and update shortly about this future for the sport of Badminton.

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Article Writer: Ray Chan
Date Written: March 15th 2012

Yang Yang Blitz 700 & 701 Review

The Yang Yang Blitz 700 & 701

Essentially the Yang Yang Blitz Series consists of 4 different rackets split over 8 different models, they are:

Blitz 600
Blitz 601

Blitz 700

Blitz 701

Blitz 800

Blitz 801

Blitz 900

Blitz 901

Where the extra 1 at the end represents a colour change and design for individual preference. But the architecture of the racket is exactly the same, it is the same racket with a different colour, just as you would find with cars. Unfortunately I do not have the Blitz 601, nor do I have access to it, so I am unable to take a photo.

The Blitz 700

The Specifications

Model: Blitz 700
Level: Advance
Racket Type: All Rounder
Flex: Medium
Weight: 85g ± 2g (4U)
Grip Size: G2

Frame: H.M 40 Tonne Graphite + Woven
Shaft: H.M 40 Tonne Graphite
Stringing Tension Main: 22-24lbs
Stringing Tension Gross: 24-26lbs
Stringing Tension Optimum: 28lbs
Balance: 285-295mm

First Impression
There is a lot more subtleness to this racket than that of the ever so shiny Blitz 600 however this racket has it's own appeal. It's quite delicate in that it used a solid colour throughout as to not attract attention but mean business. The 700 is the White Colour and the 701 is the Red Colour. I personally own this racket and have for the last 6 months, it is my choice in the Yang Yang Blitz Range. I own the 701 because I like the dark red colour that doesn't attract too much attention matched up with some black strings to have a stealthy look.

Blitz 700 - It's Brand New so it was a bit hard to take a photo because it is so white!

Blitz 701 - It appears more cherry because of the lighting I used. (My Personal Racket)

The Performance
All my badminton life I have used Balanced Rackets, Balanced Rackets have no sense of Head Heavy or any other unbalance. When the racket is picked up, it feels very firm and worn't work against your grip when you hold it up horizontally. Because my last racket was very balanced this change to the 701/700 by feel doesn't make much of a difference. Their in similar weight classes, and same flex, it wasn't until I had a hit with it then I realised the difference. It is normal for a racket to degrade over time as this is known as ware and tare. A top end racket can last you a very long time, but like all things, it will wither with time. Either I had gotten use to my old racket or my old racket always had this problem, with every hit there was a vibration that was sent from the head down the shaft into the grip and felt on my hand. When I swapped over to this 701, the racket was rock solid, vibrations weren't felt at all, each shot was solid with no recoil. The 700/701 comes strung like all other Blitz Rackets with top Yang Yang strings.

When hit the racket delivers unbelievable power. Even when rated at a medium flex, it seems to push both boundaries, stiff when you need it to be and flex when your trying to deliver power. With it's more resistant shaft and frame it produced a noticeable amount of power without the extra weight. Moving with this racket worn't be too difficult and a change of shot or trick shot wouldn't be too difficult with this racket, you will always be in control.

The Verdict
After using this racket for a few months, I feel I have not made a mistaken in choosing this racket as my first racket's successor. I have used a range of rackets, through the brands, and I believe my investment in this racket is by far the most worth it. It's not too expensive and has all the qualities of what a pro is after. I have also given this racket to other advance players, and they enjoy playing with it a lot. In a generous test with out brand discrimination, they would not mind using this racket because it is so balanced.

The stings it comes strung with are excellent, however as mentioned before they are strung at pretty high tension at first, and it worn't forgive you if you miss hit!

I recommend this racket for the advance players, in particularly singles players. It is a full all rounder that gives power without needed to shift weight throughout the racket. For deceptive shots, this racket is in the game. Your drop shots will be sharp, your smashes will be fast, and you'll feel like this racket isn't weighing you down!

Conclusion
My Recommendation

This racket is best Suited for:

Strong Players
Singles Players
Players who enjoy deceptive shots
Players with power but would like to conserve it in a stamina draining singles game

And last but not least, it is a Yang Yang, and this again goes to show that the name of Yang Yang isn't just that of a former world champion, but a product backed by the champion himself. It is a badminton racket designed by a badminton player, for badminton players.

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Article Writer: Ray Chan

Date Written: November 16 2011

Yang Yang Blitz 600 & 601 Review

The Yang Yang Blitz 600 and 601

Essentially the Yang Yang Blitz Series consists of 4 different rackets split over 8 different models, they are:

Blitz 600
Blitz 601

Blitz 700

Blitz 701

Blitz 800

Blitz 801

Blitz 900

Blitz 901

Where the extra 1 at the end represents a colour change and design for individual preference. But the architecture of the racket is exactly the same, it is the same racket with a different colour, just as you would find with cars. Unfortunately I do not have the Blitz 601, nor do I have access to it, so I am unable to take a photo.

The Blitz 600

Model: Blitz 600
Level: Advance
Racket Type: Offence
Flex: Medium
Weight: 85g ± 2g (4U)
Grip Size: G2

Frame: H.M. 30 Tonne Graphite (Chrome Frame)
Shaft: H.M. 30 Tonne Graphite (Chrome Shaft)
Stringing Tension Main: 22-24lbs
Stringing Tension Gross: 24-26lbs
Stringing Tension Optimum: 28lbs
Balance: 285-295mm

First Impression
At first glance, this racket is really something, it's shiny and really reflects the light. It really captures everyone's attention once you pick it up out of your bag. The paint job is really glossy and gives you that nice feel. The flex is as stated, medium and as a Yang Yang it comes strung and ready to go, so once you slap on a grip and it's ready for action. The strings also match the racket it self, being coloured orange and the orange metallic shine with black detail really makes it look elegant yet aggressive.

The Performance

The string is at a very high tension, as expected from a racket that targets the advance level of players, and they are of a solid quality. Strung to approx 27lbs, a few miss hit's and it's not very forgiving. When first picked up, the feel is completely different from any other racket I have used. I have grown up with very balanced rackets, that give a even feel throughout the entire racket. This Blitz 600 is definitely head heavy. This would explain it's offence nature, it tempts you to just attack all the time. After a few hits with the racket, the feel is very solid and there's minimal vibration felt at the grip. Changing from a 8 year old racket to a brand new one, there's bound to be a big difference. With the head heavy, I felt I was able to return attacking shots easier with the help of the extra weight at the head, as well as smash harder.

The Verdict

After giving the racket a generous amount of time for testing, I feel that this racket is not something I would personally play with all the time. Because I am so use to balanced rackets, and just prefer them in general.

The strings are excellent, and the power it gives me is definitely more than other rackets I have tried. However I am far from the very strong players out there.

I recommend this racket for strong players, who have a lot of wrist power and would like to take their already very strong smash to the next level. If your fairly strong already, this racket is for you as you will be able to tame it.

In terms of what it is best used in, I believe it would be best utilized in doubles, it is great for returning very fast smashes and great for delivering very fast smashes. It is a weight that is familiar to all badminton players (85g), and has that little bit of extra weight at the head end to give you that extra power.

Conclusion

My Recommendation

This Racket is best suited for:

Strong players

Doubles players

Players who enjoy playing offensive

Players who would like that extra bit of power without sacrificing flex

And last but not least, it is a Yang Yang, and this again goes to show that the name of Yang Yang isn't just that of a former world champion, but a product backed by the champion himself. It is a badminton racket designed by a badminton player, for badminton players.

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Article Writer: Ray Chan

Date Written: October 18 2011

Yonex Badminton

Yonex Badminton

Yonex has the biggest history in any sporting company. Yonex manufactures goods for all types of sports world wide. One of their many specialities is Badminton.

Yonex has manufactured badminton rackets since 1957 but it wasn't until 1980 when Yonex created a legend. The Carbonex 8, The world's first ultra light badminton racket. With this technology Yonex pushed racket manufacturing of all disciplines to new levels. 1984 was when Yonex became the exclusive sponsor for the All England, and is now the major sponsor for most major ranking tournaments relating to badminton.

Another strong achievment was the Olympic Games in Barcelona, where the power of Yonex rackets was shown to the world.

At one point in time might I add, Yang Yang and other top world players of the time were under Yonex's sponsorship.

Yonex now has created, dare I say, the most formidable line up of top end rackets in the entire industry. With the ARCSABER Z-Slash recording 421km/h which is now recognised as the current world record.

Yonex today still sponsors major tournaments, and has a very strong catalogue of badminton equipment.

The challenges today for Yonex is it's authenticity. As Yonex is the world leader in badminton, the demand for it's product is high, however their prices are top dollar, and I will stand by it, you get what you pay for. Imitations and Fakes do not carry the same technology found in a legit racket. Paying high dollar for a Yonex means your getting the Yonex Quality guarantee.

This Blog will attempt to review Yonex Rackets and Products. And give the best review it possible can. This Blog will also do Reviews on other brands as well.

Need to find a product?

Type it in the Search Bar

Can't find a product?

Contact Me and I'll try my best to get my hands on that product and do a review on it!

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Article Writer: Ray Chan

Date Written: October 15 2011

Sources: http://www.yonex.com/

http://www.yonex.com/badminton/counterfeit_products/

About This Blog

This Blog is called Talk Badminton

What this Blog will attempt to do is create a data base of information about products. This website will give reviews about badminton rackets and equipment as well as information and tips when buying badminton equipment.

This Blog is in collaboration with Oz Sports Retail, a eBay shop selling sporting equipment.

If you have any questions regarding products or wish to purchase products you can do so by e-mailing ozsportsretail@live.com.au

Yang Yang Badminton

Who is Yang Yang?

What is the Brand Yang Yang?

History

Yang Yang is was born December 9th 1963 in China. He is a former Chinese badminton player. He started playing badminton in 1975 when he was 12 years old and begun his badminton training. He was recruited by the Chinese National team in 1983. In 1984 he won his first Chinese national championship title. In the following year, 1985, he won the Hong Kong open defeating the formidable, Morten Frost. The following year, 1986, not only did he come back to Hong Kong to defend his title of Hong Kong Open Champion, he also conquered the Japan Open and help China regain the prestigious Thomas Cup from Indonesia by winning key matches.

During the late 80's he dominated the international stage in singles play and winning the World Championships over Morten Frost in 1987.

Badminton was on exhibition at the Olympic event in Seoul in 1988 which Yang Yang also won and it was from then on Badminton was recognised as a Olympic Sport. With all these achievements to top off the cake, 1989 he added the All-England Championships to his list of achievements. At the age of 25 there is no other title by legend that should be associated with this name.

He is one of two badminton players in the world to have won two World Badminton Championships consecutively.

Chinese Badminton

Yang Yang was the start of Chinese domination in badminton, the great names of Xiong GuoBao, Zhao JianHua and Yang Yang were feared internationality. The formidable Zhao JianHua today has been recgonised as the greatest player to ever hold a badminton racket. Needless to say during their time, Zhao JianHua was only playing number 3 in the Chinese team, Xiong GuoBao the GranPrix Champion played number 2 and Yang Yang needless to say was playing Number 1.

These three players in my own opinion were the greatest players badminton has seen today and are still remembered till this day by all badminton players. To play badminton and have not seen these 3 play, to them I say "you don't know what your missing out on".

Yang Yang Later Years

As in most sports, athletes retire at a considerably young age. In 1991, Yang Yang retired as a player and started coaching in Malaysia. Who would of thought the next year, he guided Malaysia to it's first Thomas Cup Victory in 25 Years. He then finally started the brand we all know as Yang Yang, putting his reputation on the line for a product he stands for.

Yang Yang (The Brand)

Yang Yang saw potential for a high quality badminton equipment, however for high quality equipment you need to pay top dollar, Yang Yang challenged this and created his own brand. Affordable top of the line badminton equipment.

Yang Yang puts his name on the line, he did not make another name for his line of rackets, he used the world recognised name Yang Yang. His reputation is on the line. Unlike other brands such as Yonex, Yang Yang is a dedicated Badminton Specialist that manufactures top quality products that are just as good as the market leaders for more affordable prices.

This Blog

I feel as if the Yang Yang brand should be more known to the world, it does not receive the recognition it should. Many badminton players always just go for brands that are well known such as Yonex and Li Ning. But I believe Yang Yang products are just as good. I have been playing badminton for a little over 7 Years, and I have been using Yang Yang since.

This Blog will give reviews on Yang Yang Rackets and equipment. I will do my very best to explain technology involved. This Blog will also do reviews on other products from different brand also.

Need to find a product?

Type it in the Seach Bar

Can't find a product?

Contact Me and I'll try my best to get my hands on that racket and do a review on it!

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Article Writer: Ray Chan

Date Written: October 15 2011

Sources: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yang_Yang_(badminton)

http://www.badmintoncentral.com/forums/attachment.php? attachmentid=51502&stc=1&d=1235077943