Get it Together Carlton!! (Badminton Racquets)

Member Name: newb00ts

Product:	Badminton Racquets
Date:	25/02/04 (3277 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: light

Disadvantages: Poor construction

This was the fourth Carlton racket I came to own and the most expensive. The previous two Carlton rackets had been great rackets, perfectly balanced and light. Unfortunately both these two rackets had suffered from what Iam now coming to believe is the curse of Carlton. They both broke within three months of receiving them the first snapped and the second cracked. The strange thing about the last of these rackets is that it was a replacement racket for the previous one which Carlton said had been faulty. When this one broke too I sent it back to Carlton and they sent me the next model up, the airblade 2000.

When I received this racket I found out that it was used by a number of professional players including Richard Vaughan the former UK number 1 at singles. According to Carlton UK

----Specification----

The AirbladeTM 2000 is the most techically advanced racket of its generation.

It features a Titanium 'ultra' aerodynamic frame profile, which reduces drag and increases head speed for maximum power.

It has a High Tension FrameTM which can withstand up to 40lbs of string tension and Carlton Flex SystemTM which lowers the racket flex point to produce maximum power in over head shots.

Weight 91grams, balance 305mm

Plastic Racket carry case with shoulder strap

----My Impressions----

The racket looked good, it had a relatively thin frame with Aluminium inserts. The majority of the frame was comprised of carbon graphite ensuring that the weight remained relatively low though a little higher than what I was used to at 95grams.

The racket flexed well along the shaft, hopefully this was going to ensure strong smashes and was strung to a very high tension. This means that the strings produce more power but it can also reduce you ability to control the shuttle when initiating slow shots.

The handle had the usual carlton grip on it. First impressions the racket looked
good, well designed though perhaps a little fragile as I was soon to find out.

----After playing----

After playing with the racket now for over a year I can honestly say its a good racket. It won't suit people who don't power play as its all built around achieving the greatest power. The BG 80 strings have lasted well and are only just starting to wear thin.

The only problem though is I've have'nt played with the racket for two months. Why? The graphite on the racket's shaft is peeling away in layers the top of the shaft is cracked and I fear that if I play with this racket again the head could break off and injure someone. The curse of Carlton strikes again.

Perhaps Carlton who have always been very helpful changing previous rackets and who design and make good rackets should think about better quality control. I've noticed that all Carlton's rackets are now made in China perhaps this is one reason for the drop in their quality.

I've owned a Yonex Ti 60 racket alongside my carlton racket for over 2 years. Its not as light as the Carlton but it smashes just as well and looks and feels more well built. Carlton insist on putting shiny paint on their rackets which peels off in no time Yonex on the other hand put matt paint on their rackets and none has yet peeled off my Ti 60.

----To Conclude----

The Airblade 2000 is a good racket it does the job very well. The only problem is its bound to break within a few months if you play a power game as its not constructed particulary well and if your paying around £120 for a racket you don't want this to happen.

I recommend having a look at Yonex's rackets, the majority of which are made in Japan. they look and feel stonger than Carlton's and they produce just as good results.

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