Yonex Arcsaber 8DX Badminton Racket Video Review by Paul Stewart

[joragh78]

hi paul in one of your replies on your website it says the ones saying made in china are fakes this made me wonder if the ones made in japan where fake

thanks

[TheBadmintonCoach]

@joragh78

8DX is manufactured in Japan. In fact all of Yonex top end racquetsw are manufactureed in Japan.

Paul

[joragh78]

@TheBadmintonCoach which yonex string is thinner bg 65 ti or bg 66 ultimax if the bg 66 is thinner which string is thinner out of the bg 66 and the bg 80

[TheBadmintonCoach]

@joragh78

BG66Ultimax is thinner than BG65Ti. Ultimax and BG80 are pretty close in terms of gauge - I think they're identical but could be a small variance in microns.

Paul

[moneyDancer13]

Whats your opion on rsl rackets i was thinking about buying the rsl x5 silver

[TheBadmintonCoach]

@moneyDancer13

No idea. I can only review racquets provided by my retailers. RSL doesn't really exist in UK.

Sadly, none of the racquet manufacturers send me racquets for testing otherwise I'd review them. That said, I have no wish for my blog to become a racquet review site.

Paul

[samuraibladez]

@TheBadmintonCoach

Hey Paul, I have an arcsaber 8Dx and was wondering if you could help me.

What type of strings are best for the 8Dx and what tension should I use? I am looking for strings that are good for power and control.

Thanks

[TheBadmintonCoach]

@samuraibladez

My preference is BG65Ti, BG66 Ultimax or BG80. Tension is difficult. If playing with plastic shuttles maximum 20lbs. I play with feather shuttles and I have 24lbs mains and 26lbs crosses. You have to find the right tension for you. If you hit well, then maybe begin at 21 lbs and every time you need a restring ask for 1lb more than last time until you feel the playability has diminished. Paul

[jaiind]

Hi Paul, thank you for your review of this racket. My technique is flawed, because I mainly use my arm instead of my wrist. I like a racket that gives me control as I am mainly a touch player who likes creative shots & to feel the shuttle on his racket. my defensive smash returns are drop shots. I also like to generate power when smashing. I only tried the 8DX, it seemed to absorb the impact of the shuttle which felt great for my tennis elbow. which racket do you think would suit my game?

[TheBadmintonCoach]

@jaiind

Nobody can really advise you which racquet to use. You are an experienced player so you need to try a few racquets and decide for yourself. 8DX is a super racquet - I'm using this too.

Please do not buy a racquet because somebody tells you to.

Paul

[TheMrInnocent]

Hey Paul have you reviewed any li ning racquets? And If i want to smash harder what strings are good? BG 85?

[TheBadmintonCoach]

@TheMrInnocent

I haven't reviewed Li Ning racquets yet but may do this year.

All Yonex strings are good. You need to test tension first then different strings to find your favourite combination. I prefer BG65Ti to BG80. I've just finsihed testing the new BG66 Ultimax and I'm really impressed with that string too. In fact I'll be using that string from now on I'm that impressed with it. The other string top players use aside from BG66 Ultimax and BG65 Ti is BG80. Stick with those.

Paul

[TheBadmintonCoach]

@kamarul1901

Remember, racquets are personal choice. I prefer 8DX to Z Slash. Whilst Z Slash may be more powerful, 8DX is far more consistent in hitting and a brilliant all rounder. Paul

[piew101]

Hey Paul,I was wondering if you knew why I can't play my best with a Yonex racket while with a Head I just get more power and I play way better.I really need to know because I baught my Yonex Nanospeed 100 and I am very dissapointed so far since it cost me 65$.Also would you know why When I smashed with my Head,My string just poped because I smash pretty hard and normally it doesen't happen .

-Vince

[TheBadmintonCoach]

@piew101

There could be a number of reasons why. My hunch is that you're not comparing like for like. I don't know which Head racquet you have but the characteristics of the racquet could be different e.g. head light versus head heavy, flexible shaft versus stiff shaft, tight string versus slacker string.

All these factors can make a huge difference to playability of a racquet and hence your enjoyment of the game.

Strings get old or mis-timed shots cause breakage.

Paul

[piew101]

@TheBadmintonCoach Thanks for the reply! Anyways,My Head was a Nano Rave Carbon Graphite .As for the strings I don't know how to see if they were tight string or slacker but they were very tight Unlike my Yonex.I get no power out of my smashes with my Yonex while with my old Head I could get alot of power with it.

Vince

[K1TSTERx]

Hello Paul,

Thank you very much for this video review of this racket. I have also read your review on your website which I think is great. After a lot of research and looking for a racket to suit my game I have finally decided to go for this racket from central sports.

I decided to go for NBG98 at 26lbs on this racket. I shall let you know how it goes.

Thanks

Kit

University of Kent Club Player

[jammy123ism]

Hi, I have just bought an armortec 900 power for £95 and the strings on it seem very slack and the yonex sales man said it's the factory strings. Is he correct?

Thanks, Merry Christmas!

[TheBadmintonCoach]

@jammy123ism

Most shops sell racquets pre-strung from Yonex. The tension is anything around 18-20 lbs and could have been strung months ago. It's standard for UK.

If you know how you like your racquets t be strung, then it's been to get it done again becuase factory stringing has to cater for a very wide market.

Paul

[lostenfound]

Hi Paul, have you reviewed Voltric 70 as well? (can't find it on your channel). I wonder which racket (Arc8DX or VT70) should be more suitable for doubles.

[TheBadmintonCoach]

@lostenfound

Yes, I've reviewed Voltric 70 but not on video yet. Go to my blog for the full review.

Paul

[KnockoutMagic]

Do you remember me when mentioning about either getting the 8DX or the Z slash. I actually got the Z slash and about 2 week ago it snapped!!!!!

Many of the people i play with have ashaway rackets. Have you played with any could you recommend some? I'm thinking of the Ti-130 or the Arch Striker 9 however they have differences in weight.

Happy Holidays :)

[TheBadmintonCoach]

@KnockoutMagic

Sorry to hear about your loss.

I don't know a huge amount about Ashaway racquets. Whilst they are sold in UK, they're not popular but I don't know why.

If you live in USA try Panda racquets. Check out BC forum and I'm sure you'll be able to track down a supply from Dinkalot.

Without trying to offend, we still say Merry Christmas here. Whatever your persuasion, enjoy this time of year!

Paul

[atharva101]

@TheBadmintonCoach can u pls suggest me a racket

see i am 14 i am a more offensive player and like to drop shot a lot

i preffer light rackets

[TheBadmintonCoach]

@atharva101

Suggest you look at the Nanospeed range as they are the light-headed racquets in Yonex range.

Decide whether you prefer flexible, medium flex or stiff shaft and choose a price you are willing to pay. The rest should be easy.

Paul

[atharva101]

@TheBadmintonCoach thnks a lot and my freinds are also telling me tht the voltric 70, carbonex series and armotech 900 are good for offensive play pls help i am really confused i prefer racquet which gives more speed thn power

[TheBadmintonCoach]

@atharva101

There are many racquets that are very good for offensive play. Instead of getting confused, try as many racquets as you can and get a feel for what you like and what you don't.

It may be that you love head heavy racquets and totally dislike head light racquets. This way, you are narrowing down your selection. It takes time but it's the only way you can understand what works for you.

Paul

[gaidenx522]

@TheBadmintonCoach I dont know the model type but it's Dunlop

[TheBadmintonCoach]

@gaidenx522

This doesn't help much.

The best thing you can do is pick up as many racquets as possible and find out what feels good and what you don't like. Once you can narrow down what works for you I will be in a better position to help you choose a racquet.

At the moment, I really can't make a suggestion because I don't have enough data.

When you test a racquet make sure you find out whether the shaft is flexible, medium flex or stiff and if it's head heavy, even balance or head light

[gaidenx522]

Hey Paul can you help me on finding a light racquet that has a powerful smash because I practiced smashing with my racquet and its fast but not strong enough

please give me some advice !!!!

[TheBadmintonCoach]

@gaidenx522

What are you currently using? Why do you think a light headed racquet will give you more power? Usually this is true if you are naturally powerful. If you need a racquet to give you power, then head heavy and medium flex shaft may be better.

Let me know so I can try and narrow down your choices.

Paul

[markspolos]

what kind of string does this racket come with? o.0

[TheBadmintonCoach]

@markspolos

Arcsaber 8DX is strung in Yonex BG65Ti string. Don't expect maximum tension as factory stringing is usually around 20lbs.

Paul

[khalistan1112]

Hey Paul can you make a video on what grip are the best or make a suggestion what grip is the best im deciding on a towel grip or a more stronger grip ??

[TheBadmintonCoach]

@khalistan1112

There is no such thing as a best grip. Grips are like racquets and string - they are so personal. What is perfect for one is awful to another.

All I can suggest is that you test until you find a grip you're really happy with.

Paul

[apish1337]

really nice racket! i've tried it for some days , and i love it :)

[TheBadmintonCoach]

@apish1337

Totally agree!

Paul

[lb8068]

Really keen on just about everything to do with this racquet, apart from the graphics.

Hmm... I wonder if there is a "Pimp my Racquet" on MTV...

[TheBadmintonCoach]

@lb8068

LOL - that's funny! It really is a brilliant racquet so get over the colour and give it a go.

Paul

[xboy720]

Where's the video review showing the inconsistencies of the Z-Slash that you mention when comparing to the 8DX?

[TheBadmintonCoach]

@xboy720

There isn't a video about this, it's a written racquet review on my blog.

Paul

[ches12nanurluk]

I should buy it because i already have nanospeed 9900 .. im a black knight user

[TheBadmintonCoach]

@ches12nanurluk

8DX is a very good racquet and I prefer it to Nano9900. However, if you really like Nano 9900 then why buy another racquet?

Paul

[Blazerfreak2Gunz]

awesome racket review!! planning on buying it i string most of my rackets at 29 lbs :D i love the control that you achieve with high tension in the string :D and plus just the hitting sound from the BG 65 :P

[TheBadmintonCoach]

@Blazerfreak2Gunz

Many thanks for your comments. I hope you took the time to visit my blog as there's lots of free information to help you make the right choices for rackets and to improve your badminton.

Paul

[pipzstv]

i had bad news on my ARC8DX.... minor clash and few games after, broke at the point of 9 o'clock on the frame... and now im just hoping for the claim... pray for me to get it back.... this is really sad... i only had the racket for 2months!!!! erghh!

[TheBadmintonCoach]

@pipzstv

Good luck with your claim. Most racquet manufacturers will not replace a racquet that has been broken in a clash. You can get them repaired for very little money.

Good luck

Paul

[pipzstv]

i had bad news on my ARC8DX.... minor clash and few games after, broke at the point of 9 o'clock on the frame... and now im just hoping for the claim... pray for me to get it back.... this is really sad... i only had the racket for 2months!!!! erghh!

[pipzstv]

i had mine and i think it's a great racket. using it for a month now, in love with it. works everywhere in the court. i personally think that paul is the only person on earth has an ARC8DX review and it seems like from most forum saying positive regarding this 8DX. mine was strung at 27lbs with NBG98 repulsion.. great clears from base line to base line :) just a problem smashing hurts my hand alot due to high tension i guess. i'll re-string soon at 24lbs together with BG80. what do u think paul?

[TheBadmintonCoach]

@pipzstv

I'm a bit concerned about your hand. Haven't come across a hand injury due to high tension before. By all means drop your tension for a while to see if the injury gets any better.

Have you been following my armchair exercises? If not have a go, especially before you play.

If your injury does not clear up I suggest you see a physio and get it looked at.

To your success

Paul

[pipzstv]

@TheBadmintonCoach

hey thanks for your concern paul. yup i tried the armchair exercises quite a few time and i think my wrist work now is much better than before. my main problem is shoulder, i went to physio twice and they suggest me to make a surgery and they gave me a month to think. well as far as i still can play and im not playing for such tournaments i will continue play.. just avoiding lots of overhead smashes. i am just enthusiast in badminton sports... it's an itchy sports!

[TheBadmintonCoach]

@pipzstv

Hope you shoulder problem is resolved so you can play properly again.

Paul

[TheBadmintonCoach]

@MrWatevr

That's great. I think you're one of the few that have tamed the racquet. It takes some breaking in and I hadn't got the time to work with it. 8DX really is a superb all rounder but won't have that extra oomph you get from a sweet hit on a Z Slash.

Paul

[TheBadmintonCoach]

@MrWatevr

Hi there

Both are excellent. If you can tame Z Slash, then it's probably the most offensive racket you can buy. But, for many, it's also the most difficult racket they've very played with and that includes me.

Let me know what you choose.

Paul

[laya1313]

ge8 review coach....i've been following u in BC...i've been wonderin if u can come up with something abt Arc5...i'm using a an old school CAB 20....tryn to get some thing with same balance and less weight...(mine is 2U G5)....thanks....

[TheBadmintonCoach]

@laya1313

Written review of Arc 5 is already on my blog. Details can be found in video titles as I cannot publish here.

Glad to know you like what I say. I do try to be fair although some would say I am biased as I am sponsored by Yonex. That said, I always say their racquets are expensive.

Why not go to my blog, join the forum and email me personally with a coaching question or suggestion.

To your success

Paul

[r0llerc0aster0o]

Nice review Coach Paul.

I upgraded from my Nanospeed 300 to Arcsaber 8DX. Strung it with BG-66; 24lbs. It has high repulsion, power and control. The racket fits me well.

[TheBadmintonCoach]

@r0llerc0aster0o

Not surprising - good string and racket combination.

Paul

PS Have you checked out my blog yet?

[peterdafly]

I bet it is a good racket for angled shots xD, too bad it is so expensive for my earnings which are none I think so

[TheBadmintonCoach]

@peterdafly

You're right, it is great at angled shots!

Paul

[pridurak]

good review

[TheBadmintonCoach]

@pridurak

Many thanks

Paul

[VaanOfDalmasca]

takdek ar... mne tau knal.. ko area mane? mss? ?

[TheBadmintonCoach]

@VaanOfDalmasca

English please?

[selamberz]

@VaanOfDalmasca pro mende...aku main pukul2 ja selama ni...lama2 tingin nak train betol2...main pun best nnt...utk kepuasan...hehe

[selamberz]

which grip do you use?

[TheBadmintonCoach]

@selamberz

I am using Yonex grip AC133 at the moment.

Paul

[selamberz]

nice review paul...looking forward to this...

this is my 1st high en racket from yonex...bought it for €129 with string tension of 11kg (is't the best for this racket) after recommendation of a former professional since i'm still learning to master the techniques...really a good feeling racket though...high capabilities in attack and defend duties...

any other experiences?

[TheBadmintonCoach]

Respond to this video...

I just love the racket and I'm hopefully going to be using it next season.

Paul

[GingerDaveRocks]

one little thing try and do the commentary separately it was quite hard to heard what you were saying at times

[TheBadmintonCoach]

@GingerDaveRocks

Dave - sadly just as we were about to record a court was taken so it's not us hitting in the background. Just my luck!

Paul

[Blitzzards]

Pretty interesting review, Paul. Keep it up!