Yonex NANORAY 900- Review
What we like… | What we don’t like… |
Great repulsion and feedback. | Very low max tension for the price. |
Good manoeuvrability during defence. | Control can be difficult sometimes. |
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The Yonex NANORAY 900 was released in 2014 along with the VOLTRIC Z-FORCE II. With a stiff-shaft and a revolutionary frame design, the racket was immediately adopted by the world champion Indonesian doubles duo Hendra Setiawan and Mohammad Ahsan.
Although the racket (in 3U) comes with a recommended max tension of 24 LBS, it’s safe to say the NANORAY 900 can be strung at much higher tensions. However, when a manufacturer sets their max tension at only 24 LBS, it shows that they do not have much faith in their own product.
Not something we as consumers like to see.
The NANORAY 900 was given a new colour recently in blue/ navy. A good change compared to the slightly boring grey colour of the original.
Tested Specifications
YONEX NANORAY 900, 3U, G5
Strung with- Yonex BG80, 25 LBS
Gripped with- Yonex AC102
Weight- Head Light
Flex- Stiff
OVERHEAD- (Clears, Drops, Smash)
The NANORAY 900, hands-down, has the most satisfying repulsion out of all the rackets we have ever tested. Clears are simply too easy with the NANORAY. The shuttle bounces off the racket string-bed very quickly and gives a nice, solid hitting feel.
The NANORAY has a more controlled swing when compared to the JETSPEED S10,
Drops are quick and sharp. As long as you can get behind the shuttle in time, a little flick of the wrist will send the shuttle on a quick trajectory towards the opposite court. The 3U weight really helps push the shuttle down. Furthermore, the lack of weight in the head makes the NANORAY 900 amazing at back-court deceptive shots. Both slice drops and cross-court drops can be carried out with minimal difficulty.
Now the smash. The NANORAY 900 seems to be a racket designed for quicker players; players that have the agility to get behind each shot and place the racket above the shuttle. As long as you’re able to do this, generating a steep smash will certainly not be an issue.
The racket just thunders when you hit a good smash.
All we can say is that the NANORAY 900 delivers pleasantly on both full smashes, half smashes and stick smashes.
Net and Defence
When it comes to the net, the player’s skill is usually a bigger factor than the racket. That being said, the NANORAY 900 is a very smooth racket to use at the front court. There is just enough weight in the head to feel out each shot, but the racket is still fast enough to react to quick drives or taps.
When defending, manoeuvrability is excellent and the repulsion on the string-bed is outstanding. Because the racket is so quick to return every shot, the NANORAY 900 will never give your opponents a moment of rest when attacking.
Final Thoughts…
The NANORAY 900 requires good technique to use to its full potential. This is because of its incredible repulsion which (although it may be useful to catch your opponent off-guard) means that you may lose some control over the rally.
The racket performs to a good standard in both singles and doubles. In doubles, stick smashes, deceptive drops, quick defence and fast paced exchanges are all compulsory. The NANORAY 900 ticks all of these boxes.
In singles, quick, aggressive players will adore the NANORAY. With this racket, you’ll find yourself controlling the pace of the rally more.
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