Yonex string chart

Badminton racquet dampener(s)

Recently saw someone with a dampener on a badminton racquet, was wondering if anyone could share their experiences using them?

Visiting the shops, I founf these two different types of dampeners available in the market.

Button type

String type

Searching the net, there was mention of simply tying a rubber band between some strings towards the bottom of the racquet frame on BadmintonCentral.

String Diameter Verification (SDV) - Yonex BG66 Force

The results show a slightly thicker diameter, but within +/-0.01mm of the specification (1.538% deviation of the specified diameter on the packaging). Still acceptable ... 

String diameter verification (aka SDV) - Yonex BG66 Ultimax

Again, not much of a surprise here as still within 5% of the stated diameter.

String diameter for BG66UM in mm

String diameter verification (aka SDV) - Yonex AeroSonic

No surprises here, which is good news for players who like using this string

Salvaging handle from broken racquet

Saw a broken Yonex racquet at one of the badminton halls I frequent - handle and shaft was in good condition, just a broken frame. Though not frequent, I do hear of accounts whereby the handle actually broke during usage. Hence decide to give salvaging the handle from the latter a go.

Ok, tool required are as per in the pix.

1. Power drill with correct drill bit size(depends on the shaft on the handle)

2. Pliers with cutting edge at the rear of the teeth or small burner

3. Pressurised air blower (for computers)

Tools required

First step is to cut away the shaft at the end of handle. You can use the cutting area on the pliers to do so. I used the small burner to heat it 1st before cutting - to soften the shaft 1st (turn out not necessary to do so).

Once done, you will to determine the proper drill bit size to use - 5mm for myself. Please note there are several types of drill bits - for wood, concrete or general purpose. I found the GP version worked well for my case.

Before drilling, please ensure you have something to hold the handle firmly in-place. Otherwise you may risk injuring yourself.

As you drill, blackish material will appear from the activity. If you see wooden bits, you are either drilling at the WRONG angle or have drilled too far into the handle. I had to stop to clear the debris twice till reaching the maximum length of the drill bit.FInally used the pressured air to clear any remaining dust from the newly formed hole on the handle.

Final result

Yonex racquet(s) selector chart

Another find from the trolling the net.

Yonex classification of 2018 racquets for skill level

Discovered the following Yonex chart while trolling the net.

Looks like the Yonex view of suggested racquet(s) for a certain skill level.

Overstretched badminton strings

I am high-lighting this concern due to a recent incident by a friend.

He is one with the adamant belief that badminton strings should not move AT ALL after a restring and will have MAXIMUM repulsion as well  as durability aka philosophy of "good, fast and cheap" in a different guise???

He made such a request to his usual stringer (not me) for tension of 24lb and that the string must not move at all during usage ... his wish came true and upon every hit of the shuttle - only goes to  midcourt and sounds like he was playing with a wooden plank upon every hit😝!!!

Reason is because for the badminton string to have repulsion, it must not have been overstretched eg still able to stretch and shrink back to it's original shape - exactly like a spring. Otherwise you should request to use steel wire instead of string!

So be careful what you wish for, you may just get it😇

String diameter verification (aka SDV) - Japan only issue Yonex BG66 Maxima

Good news here since it's suppose to have been their primo stuff... unfortunately I have discovered not all strings with a declaration of  Made in Japan  to be up to spec - will reveal in the following months.

BG66 Maxima is currently no longer in production. If you are lucky enough to locate any, they would cost an arm&leg!