Badminton Racket Yonex ArcSaber 1000 tour Reviews

Karry September 30, 2024 4 0

In the review of the Black Cut, it was mentioned that its introduction suggested that the Green Factory might be adopting a new strategy for the production and marketing of mid-range rackets, aiming to compete in the mid-to-low-end market. At that time, I thought this was an operation led by the Taiwanese factory.

However, a friend lent me this racket, and I discovered that a similar approach existed a decade ago, but it was led by Sunrising Japan, which had more influence than Taiwan YY at the time.

Moreover, it’s not lacking in prestige—it’s clearly marked “Made in Japan” on the bottom cap, which satisfies the social needs of many young players.

Specifications: 4UG5, bottom cap removed, total weight in use is 86.9g, balance point at 305mm, shaft length of 205mm, medium to high stiffness, fluid box frame, 72-hole string bed, 9–3 o’clock grommets, 28 lbs tension warranty, strung at 25–27 lbs with Steel Armor 5.

Despite its all-black appearance, I quite like the matte dark color scheme. The ArcSaber 1000T has a restrained style that doesn’t leave a deep impression at first glance. However, the gradual transition from the deep blue color on the racket head to burgundy is smooth, and the symmetrical distribution satisfies my OCD, making it look very harmonious. People often criticize the ArcSaber series for not being able to handle high tension, but this mid-range racket can withstand up to 28 lbs—satisfied now?

I’m still not used to seeing a 72-hole string bed on an ArcSaber, but the racket face performs just fine, with a large sweet spot and a noticeable shuttle hold. Aside from the string pattern, the frame has been adjusted as well, with a thinner, more rounded aerodynamic frame on the 1000T. This is undoubtedly a faster-swinging ArcSaber, which enhances its user-friendliness—so no more complaints about it being too difficult to handle.

In terms of materials, I believe the cutbacks are more evident in the shaft, as there’s no difference in the frame’s technology compared to higher-end models. During warm-ups, the 1000T felt well-balanced and easy to get along with, although its elasticity was still a bit lacking compared to premium models like the ArcSaber 7 or ArcSaber IS.

However, this didn’t affect its performance. I tested this racket while recovering from a cold, with my body not yet fully recovered, and its ample flexibility helped me regain control on the court.

Although the softer shaft and strong shuttle hold can be a hindrance in fast-paced rallies, the short shaft and lower head weight make the racket more agile, compensating for its shortcomings. Whether it was defending against continuous smashes from below or executing backhand drives, it felt very responsive and showcased its strong transition capabilities in passive situations.

However, the racket’s torsion resistance was a bit lacking, resulting in less solid feedback on long shots and making it difficult to control the shuttle’s placement accurately. It often failed to hit my desired target, falling short of expectations.

The racket’s weakness in downward attacks didn’t bother me too much, as its short shaft and high explosive power still added some shine to its performance. It’s clear that the 1000T isn’t suitable for heavy, powerful attacks, as it likely wouldn’t be able to handle them. During full-power smashes, there’s a noticeable disconnect in power transmission. However, by lowering my expectations and focusing on continuity, I found that the racket could still deliver decent downward pressure during quick flicks, making it much easier to use than expected.

This is a racket that relaxes you mentally, though you’ll need some understanding from your teammates. I’m used to hitting high, powerful downward shots, but during this test, my teammate teased me all evening about my soft hits.

Overall, this racket serves as a great example of a well-executed mid-range product. Among the Green Factory’s mid-range models that I’ve tried, it stands out for its performance and value. It brings out the signature characteristics of the series and emphasizes the tuning focus, meeting my expectations for a mid-range Green Factory racket. It’s definitely worth recommending to those looking for a good deal.