Yonex ArcSaber 11 Badminton Racket, Taufiq Hidayat's favorite badminton racket
First Impressions
The Yonex Arc Saber 11 badminton racket is a flashy looking robust frame. It features the Neo CS Carbon Nanotube technology for increased strength and the ability to hold the shuttle for a split second longer on the string bed. This creates a repulsion effect which adds power to your shots. The Yonex Arc Saber 11 with its even balanced frame and stiff shaft feels similar to the Duora Z-Strike or the Duora 8XP. The larger head size which is a unique feature of the Arc Saber series gives players an oversized sweet spot and makes the racket more forgiving. The overall feel is responsive and that of a good defensive racket It can be used for doubles or singles. The maximum allowed string tension is 24lbs. Our team of experts tested the 3U4 version of the Yonex Arc Saber 11, a favorite of the legendary singles badminton player Taufiq Hidayat, over a two week period.
Smash - 8.0
The stiff shaft with the combination of the heavier (3U) frame – strung weight of 91 gms and a larger head helped control smashes. The smashes weren't as heavy as our experts would have liked. The Sonic Metal material in the head does help create a booming sound while smashing which our experts thought was enjoyable and could intimidate opponents. A four-corner test conducted by our experts demonstrated increased precision over time but the power generated was a tad disappointing.
Drop – 9
As with every badminton racket, our team tested several variations of the drop including the cross drop, slice drop, reverse drop and even the backhand drop. The Arc Saber 11 performed admirably. The frame provided adequate control and consistency. Our team could play variations of the drop with precision. The Yonex Arc Saber 11 stood out in playing high drop shots from the middle of the court and backcourt as well.
Clear - 8.5
Clears are extremely important to control rallies during matches. Clears were effortless and clean with the Arc Saber 11. The larger head size and an enlarged sweet spot helped. The stiff shaft helped controlling clears and the even balanced frame was easy to maneuver. The BW experts felt the aerodynamic box frame felt minimal drag. Our BW team of experts gave 8.5/10.
Drive – 9
Our team felt that the Arc Saber 11 is ideally suited for drives both attacking and defensive. The frame was easy to maneuver and felt responsive. This makes it an ideal doubles racket despite being a heavier (3U) frame.
Defensive Lift - 8
Defensive lifts are an important shot in a player’s arsenal and is quite often used to extend rallies and get back into a point during a match. The Yonex Arc Saber 11 performed really well when it came to returning drops and smashes back to the front of the opponent’s court. The frame had a nice soft feel despite the stiff shaft. BW experts gave it an 8 out of 10.
Net Kill - 8
Yonex Arc Saber 11 was effective in executing sharp net kills. Despite the fact that the strung weight of the tested frame was 91 gms, the accuracy and control on net kills was admirable. The even balance makes the racket easy to maneuver and helps player kill rallies quickly and effectively. Our team gave 8/10 for the racket.
Summary
BW experts concluded that the Yonex Arc Saber 11 is an ideal racket for for intermediate or advanced players who are looking to add precision and control to their game. It feels faster and compact compared to other badminton rackets in its weight class (3U). A larger head with an oversized sweet spot and a longer handle makes the racket ideal for shorter players increasing their ability to get to shuttles. Inability to string this racket at a high string tension might be a limiting factor for advanced players who like their frames strung at 26 lbs or higher. Playing with rackets strung at lower string tension reduces risk of injury though.
Players considering the Yonex Arc Saber 11 should also consider the following badminton rackets:
Yonex Duora Z-Strike Badminton Racket
Victor Auraspeed 80X Badminton Racket
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