Next up is the Slayer 88, which is a UK spec, although i have no idea what this spec actually is, as there is no information for it. Not too worry, i will go off the info printed on the racket, and from playing with it. The weight is 85-87g, balance is 290mm (+-5)flex is 8-9, and the max string tension is 30lbs. I had this 88 strung at 28lbs with the slayer 66 string as per the other test rackets in this latest batch.
First thing to note is the flex, which i would rate as medium with this UK spec racket. The balance was even after i added the grip to the handle. So basically it was very similar to the slayer 99 apart from the flex. One other point is that this slayer 88 did not have the reinforcements on the head that the 99 has.
First impressions were very good. The extra flex made the 88 very easy to perform clears and smashes, very low work racket i have to say. The good thing was that this extra flex did not have any noticeable difference on control from the rear court and with over head shots. The head was very stable on impact, just like the 99 was, despite not having the extra stability points on the head. The 28lb string tension would have been a big factor for the control i felt, but i like control hence the higher tension.
I would say the 88 offered a bit more power than the 99, which was a big plus point. The only time i felt the extra flex was around the net and for those defensive shots, such as blocking to the net off smashes. The flex made it more difficult to control the shuttle when compared to the 99. The difference is only small, but when you start blocking to the net you need all the help you can get or else the shuttle will get picked off, especially in doubles. It was the same for lifting to the back off smashes, a little more difficult to get an accurate return.
All in all, i was impressed with this slayer 88. I will give it a 9/10 which is the same as the 99, although for my game i would give the 88 the nod. If you enjoy smashing you will be a bit happier with the 88 compared to the 99. If you enjoy playing at the net, then you would probably be happier with the 99. Both are very good rackets, all rounders that are very usable, consistent and stable on impact. I imagine the slayer 88 will be a bit cheaper than the slayer 99, so that may be a factor in deciding which to go for. The Apacs Slayer 88 comes highly recommended. Next up we have the Slayer 95.
Monday 18 April 2011
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15 comments:
Thanks for the review.
antony, I was just wondering whether you will be reviewing the Yonex Voltric 80 at any stage? I would like to see how you think it compares with the apacs Lethal 70 and Tantrum 300.
Hi there
The Voltric is selling at 160 GBP here, which is very expensive. I have heard great things about it, and Paul from the badminton coach.co.uk who is a yonex sponsored coach who lives near me, has done his own review of it. I am still trying to get some suppliers to send rackets to test, but none of them are bothered, so it may be some time before i get to test it.
Yes, I've read Paul's review, and I'm not convinced. If Paul has genuinely tried the apacs Lethal 60/70 and Tantrum 200/300, then I might be more willing to believe him.
The only problem with Paul is that he is sponsored by yonex, so he has to be a little careful with what he says. However, i know he tries his best to be impartial. As far as i am aware he has not tested any Apacs rackets?
Can you please review the apacs Visible Hollow 2020?
hi, saw the review on the slayer 88 and 99... if you were to choose between the tantrum 300 and the slayer series.. which would u go for..? i have a tantrum and would like to know how the slayer measures up
Hi Perniagaan
I prefer the tantrum 300 over the Slayer series, it has a little bit more stability on impact.
Hi Anthony
I came across your blog over the internet and have been reading you reviews for a little while now. I would like to get your expert advice on some of the models I have short listed based on your reviews.. I am new to Badminton and have developed a liking for the game so am thinking of buying a decent all rounder racquet that will last me for a while. Based on your reviews, I have shortlisted 3 APACS models:
Slayer 88
Tantrum Power 160 International
Nano 999
I can get these in Australia for roughly about the same price so I have two questions for you to answer before I go ahead with my purchase..
Firstly, Please advise me on which one of the above mentioned models I should go for? I am more than happy for you to recommend me anything else (apart from the above mentioned models) that you reckon will be do me best.
Secondly, what strings and string tension I should go for? I can choose any of the yonex strings. I was thinking of stringing my racquet around 28lbs. Since I really don't have any knowledge regarding strings, I would really appreciate your advice.. I want a durable and the best performing string for my racquet so would like you to recommend me the best as I have the option to choose any of the yonex strings.
I look forward to your response!
Many thanks,
Indy
Sorry Antony, I spelt your name wrong in my previous post :(
Hi Indy
I think that any half decent racket will be fine for you, especially as you are just beginning. My advice for all beginners is to buy an inexpensive racket, it is far more important to learn and develop the basic skills before getting too hung up on the actual racket.
Also, DO NOT string your racket at 28lbs tension, this is way too high for any beginner. The factory string will be just fine to begin with, and the type doesn't really matter either, ie be it yonex or apacs string. I would recommend a string tension of around 20lbs. The reason is that at this tension the string bed will be forgiving, and you will be far less likely to break those strings with a mishit shot.
When you have improved and developed your technique, then you can look at increasing your string tension, and perhaps the racket as well. Hope this helps you out Indy.
Hi Antony
Thanks for your prompt response. I sort of thought that you would suggest that :) Don't get me wrong, I thought about it myself too actually. The reason I am tending towards getting a good racquet (not top of the rang e.g. $150 - $220) is because if I get any no brand (by no brand I mean none of the major brands like Yonex, Apacs, Proace etc etc..) half decent racquet it will cost me about $40-50 which will have a steel shaft and an Aluminium head.. Now one of the shops is having a sale here and APACS are gonna roughly cost me about $70 - $80 max with the string of my choice.. They don't have Tantrum Power 160 and Nano 999 in stock at the moment but said that if I want it, they can get it for me. They have plenty of Slayer 88's though.
Personally, I would rather spend $20 extra and get a graphite constructed racquet than getting a steel/aluminium one. Hope you can now see where I am coming from :D I am happy to spend an extra $20 and feel satisfied that I bought something that I can grow with!
So I would still like you to advise on the model and the string :) Because I have a choice without forking out any extra $$, I would like to get the best string for the model you recommend.
Sorry to bug you again but I can't think of anyone better to get an advice on :(
Thanks
Indy
Hi Indy
It is no trouble at all. Take a look at the Slayer 88 and get it strung with yonex BG65, or whatever string they have. My test rackets have Apacs strings, they are just as good as yonex. Ask for a tension of around 20-22lbs and then see what you think.
Hi Antony
Done just that! I will be picking up my racquet soon :)
Thanks for all your advice.
Cheers
Indy
hi antony..thanks for your response...now ill stick to my tantrum 200... and might just get a 2nd and keep it.. haha...
hi anthony...i hv a question here...im currently using slayer 88...but i found that the max tension on my s88 only 30 lbs but all the other s88 on web and shop are all 35lbs max tension...whats wrong with my s88? is it fake apacs?
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