Yonex ARCSABER 11- Review
What we like… | What we don’t like… |
Amazing repulsion that just works. | Recommended tensions are too low for a high-end Yonex racket. |
Excellent defensive control. | Can still be quite expensive. |
Great net and half-court performance. (Drives, taps, nets). |
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The ARCSABER 11 was released in February of 2013 along with the ARCSABER FlashBoost. While it is one of the oldest models in the Yonex catalogue, it still remains in the hands of many professional players and on the shelves of all (if not most) badminton stores worldwide.
The ARCSABER 11 has been wielded by star players such as Lee Yong Dae, Kevin Sanjaya Sukamuljo and Viktor Axelsen.
The racket is available in the 3U and 2U weight categories and is equipped with Neo CS CarbonNanotubes. This technology is present in all high-end ARCSABER rackets and provides greater flexibility, durability and repulsion to the rackets. The ARCSABER 11 also comes with some tried-and-tested Yonex technologies such as the Sonic Metal, Isometric frame shape, AeroBox frame and the Solid Feel Core which absorbs all harmful vibrations in the racket and allows for an extremely smooth and solid feel.
So why has this racket been able to maintain its position at the top for so long? Let’s jump right into our review of the ARCSABER 11!
Tested Specifications
YONEX ARCSABER 11, 3U, G5
Strung with- YONEX BG66 ULTIMAX, 25 LBS
Gripped with- AC102EX
Weight- Even Balanced
Flex- Stiff
Overhead- (Clears, Drops, Smash)
An even-balanced racket is best for players that desire a smooth, uninterrupted swing that carries enough weight behind the head to control the shuttle accurately without having to sacrifice power. The ARCSABER 11 delivers exactly this.
Clears with the ARCSABER 11 are solid and accurate. The racket, although available in 3U and 2U feels relatively lightweight when swinging overhead. This allows for some extremely satisfying and quick punch clears that take little to no effort.
Drop shots with the ARCSABER 11 are swift and precise. However, the added repulsion from the Neo CS CarbonNanotubes does reduce the accuracy of some deceptive slice drops. Especially when compared with a racket like the ASTROX 99.
When it comes to the smash, the ARCSABER 11 is somewhat unimpressive. Although still an effective smashing racket in the right hands (just take a look at Lee Yong Dae using this racket!), the ARCSABER lacks a certain oomph associated with the top smashers such as the VOLTRIC Z-FORCE II or the NANORAY Z-SPEED. Although the added repulsion does allow the racket to deliver fast and solid half-smashes that are ideal for doubles, it struggles to produce those nuclear smashes that are needed in singles.
Net and Defence
Like most even-balanced rackets with a high level of repulsion, the net area and mid-court is where the ARCSABER 11 shows it’s true colours. The light and evenly distributed weight of the racket makes it very easy for the user to produce a spinning net shot or tap down an easy net kill.
When defending, the racket is highly manoeuvrable (again thanks to its excellent weight). But, the ARCSABER 11 shines brightest during defence because of the truly astounding control it is able to deliver. The repulsion of this racket is so finely tuned, an experienced player will be able to pull off some mind-boggling defensive shots. A simple flick of the wrist sends the shuttle flying towards its intended destination. Whether you’re lifting a drop, blocking a smash, controlling the opponent at the net or playing a cross-drive, the ARCSABER 11 will never disappoint.
Final Thoughts…
The ARCSABER 11 is truly one of the most precise and accurate rackets in the market even after almost 7 years. Its use of CS CarbonNanotubes at the sides of the racket allow the ARCSABER to maintain its excellent level of control while still delivering a surprising amount of kick-back repulsion.
Being an even-balanced racket, the ARCSABER is suited for all disciplines. Whether you play singles, doubles or mixed-doubles, this racket is a Swiss-army knife. A jack of all trades.
When playing singles, the racket is able to produce solid, accurate shots. Controlling the pace of the rally is made so much easier thanks to the immense precision the racket offers.
In doubles, the ARCSABER 11’s lightweight and outstanding defensive control makes it ideal for a front-court doubles player. (Like Kevin Sanjaya!)
Because of its stiff-flex and relatively high price tag, the ARCSABER 11 may not be a good choice for beginners. However, committed intermediates may grow to enjoy this racket immensely.
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Thanks for this amazing information, I hope this article will be really helpful for all beginner badminton players.