Although it’s an old model, based on the racket’s condition, it could be from the 2018 reissue. Considering that the original ArcSaber 7 was launched in 2007, judging by the font on the bottom cap, it’s likely one of the earliest batches. The ArcSaber 7 I tested this time has a pure white paint job, which is rarer compared to the yellow-silver version.
Generally, I don’t actively test discontinued old rackets, but I was really curious why the Green Factory’s last new release last year was the Pro version of this racket.
Specifications: 3UG4, bottom cap removed, total weight in use is 94.0g, balance point at 295mm, shaft length of 210mm, medium stiffness, fluid box frame, 76-hole string bed, 9–3 o’clock grommets, 23 lbs tension warranty, strung at 24–26 lbs with XB63 strings.
Does anyone think it resembles the white ArcSaber 10? In my view, the silver-yellow version, with its color blocks on the frame’s wings, is more recognizable, while the current all-white design—though it hides some flaws—lacks a bit of impact. The frame has a symmetrical design, with C.S. Cap technology applied at the 2, 4, 8, and 10 o’clock positions. The decals, due to the similar color scheme, remind me of the Astrox 66. The shaft is silver-gray with minimal design elements. However, the paint quality unmistakably reflects the Green Factory’s craftsmanship—those in the know will understand…
They say the ArcSaber series is a balanced racket. When I used the ArcSaber 11, I felt it had a slightly head-heavy feel, while the ArcSaber 7’s balance might very well be the benchmark for “balanced.” The swing weight isn’t high, but it’s not exactly light either, with a solid grip feel that isn’t too hollow. The swing speed isn’t outstanding, but the rounded frame reminds me of the NS8000, which also reduces wind resistance, making the ArcSaber 7 well-suited for doubles play, offering a decent amount of agility. The handle is quite thick, and the reduced gap in my palm after gripping the racket is a bit uncomfortable for me, but the ArcSaber 7’s comfortable feel mitigates this issue. The shaft is indeed thick, likely a result of material limitations at the time.
During warm-ups, my first issue to address was getting used to the feel of clears with the ArcSaber 7, as I occasionally hit the shuttle out of bounds. To be honest, the ArcSaber 7’s elasticity was impressive when it was released, and even now it performs like an excellent mid-range flexible racket. But the number of shots that went out made me question whether my post-illness condition was affecting my touch. The Green Factory’s tuning of the shaft and swing weight make the ArcSaber 7 a racket with a highly noticeable power-assist feel. The shaft’s flex is easy to activate, contrary to the “stiff” tuning preferences of the time. Setting weight aside, the ArcSaber 7 is incredibly beginner-friendly, and during testing, I found myself instinctively adding extra power—XB63’s elasticity only added fuel to the fire.
However, XB63 may have slightly suppressed the ArcSaber series’ signature “hold” feel. Although the contact time between the string bed and shuttle is still relatively long, during drives and blocks, the racket no longer feels sluggish. Additionally, the slightly lighter head compared to the ArcSaber 11 improves its agility. While it may not give you an advantage in fast-paced exchanges, it at least prevents you from falling behind.
The key feature is the racket’s exceptionally large sweet spot. Unlike the massive sweet spot on the Nanoray Glanz, the ArcSaber 7’s sweet spot still packs some explosiveness, likely thanks to the C.S. Cap technology. Its tolerance for mishits is quite high. Even if you’re unfamiliar with its quirks, mishits during aggressive shots are rare, and the racket remains forgiving and stable.
This makes the racket particularly reliable in defensive situations. Whether you’re lifting a smash back to the rear court or handling tricky shots in the backhand or overhead positions, the ArcSaber 7 offers solid tools to respond effectively. The longer power stroke makes difficult situations seem more manageable, allowing you to escape without much effort. The ArcSaber 7’s low entry barrier makes it extremely user-friendly. Some YouTubers describe it as “desireless,” but that’s exactly what makes it so enjoyable to play with, perfectly matching my current physical condition.
However, as a racket once used by Hendra Setiawan and Marc Zwiebler, its offensive capabilities should be on par, right? Here’s where things get a bit awkward. The ArcSaber 7 certainly has a soft, easy feel, making it easier to hit powerful shots. Compared to its younger sibling, the ArcSaber 11, it may lack a bit of downward pressure, but this can be improved by adjusting your shot timing. While the feel is nice, the racket’s smash potential isn’t exactly top-tier—it lacks that overwhelming, heavy hitting power. Instead, it relies more on continuity to turn small advantages into a winning position. I wanted to unleash its maximum potential with stronger shots, but concerns like “the ArcSaber might collapse,” “it’s someone else’s old racket,” and “it’s strung with thin strings over the tension limit” quickly squashed my plans. That’s where the awkwardness lies—both the racket and I can’t afford to push too hard.
The ArcSaber 7 leaves an impression of being “without weaknesses.” I’m not sure about its current market value, but if you can get one for around $60, I actually think it’s a better choice than the ArcSaber 11 for beginners who are drawn to the “YY” brand, have limited budgets, and aren’t too sensitive to value for money. While it may not be a racket you’ll use for a long time, if I owned it, I wouldn’t mind keeping the ArcSaber 7 in my bag for use during slumps.
It’s a fun and interesting old-school racket. After 15 years, it’s not too surprising that Yonex released a new high-end version based on it, given that professional players surely understand their competitive needs. But I have to admit, its “lack of weaknesses” also leads to a “lack of character.” Upon reflection after the test, I realized it heavily relies on the XB63 string’s performance. To me, it still feels like an old man whose bones are ready to fall apart at any moment…
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