Badminton Racket Yonex ArcSaber 8DX Reviews

Karry September 30, 2024 1 0

There are many consensus points about the ArcSaber series, such as its low entry barrier, shuttle hold feel, and its tendency to collapse under stress. The characteristic shuttle hold is due to the soft frame, which also causes the carbon fiber to fatigue easily, leading to poor creep resistance. Even the ArcSaber 11, reissued just a year ago, still has a 24 lbs warranty, showing that the stiffness has not improved much.

However, in my opinion, the ArcSaber 8 stands out simply because of its “high” 27 lbs tension warranty.

Specifications:

3UG5, bottom cap removed, total weight in use 92.7g, balance point 300mm
7.2mm shaft diameter, 210mm long, stiff tuning
76-hole string bed, 9–3 o’clock grommets, 27 lbs tension warranty, strung at 25–27 lbs with XB63 strings

It seems that among the high-end models of the Duora and ArcSaber series, the 8 has relatively better high tension durability. In terms of appearance, the design of the ArcSaber 8 is consistent with the models of that period. The frame has a simple silver-white base coat, transitioning to black around the 4 and 8 o’clock positions, which continues along the entire shaft. However, the font on the shaft made me think of toffee or coffee. The application of C.S. nanotubes is clearly marked on the frame’s sides, and other than that, it has a clean and simple look.

As always, it has a large racket head and a big sweet spot, but the ArcSaber 8 feels a bit more head-heavy than the ArcSaber 7, giving it a slight offensive edge. Also, when paired with the XB63 strings, the series’ characteristic shuttle hold is slightly reduced, and both the frame and shaft feel stiffer, resulting in quicker shot response. The racket’s power transfer remains excellent, and after just one or two rallies, it’s easy to get a feel for its shot rhythm and power output, with a clear sense of directionality.

Of course, the 3U ArcSaber 8’s swing weight is still very manageable, and this faster response speed would be greatly appreciated by advanced players with a bit more power and technique. In drives and blocks, it performs remarkably well. As a racket once used by Koo Kien Keat, it gave me a similar fast-paced experience to the NS8000 that I tried for the first time last year. I had no issues using the ArcSaber 8 for doubles.

Today, if I were to praise this racket’s elasticity, it would be unreliable. Even its successor, the ArcSaber 11, has a more flexible shaft. Although they both feature Nano Science technology, advancements in technology never stop evolving. However, the ArcSaber 8 has excellent stability, and as long as your technique is in form, the shot quality it delivers is impressively consistent, with a very clear feel.

One significant advantage of its high tension durability is that it allows for higher string tensions, further enhancing its strength in shot control. With its unique characteristics, the ArcSaber 8 excels at tight net play. Some people claim it’s the king of offense in the ArcSaber series, which I’m not sure about, but it certainly has no problem creating offensive opportunities.

Sometimes, it must be acknowledged that when power is sufficient, durability under high tension becomes an offensive asset. When striking with force, you can feel the string bed flex more, and the shuttle stays on the strings longer, allowing for more efficient energy transfer. The ArcSaber 8’s offensive feel is not as “sugar water” as other models—you can’t expect a slow, light downward shot to have much quality. Instead, by focusing power into a heavy smash, you can truly feel its stiffness, stability, and potential. Even after 13 years, it still meets the offensive needs of modern players. Moreover, it keeps up with continuous play.

The backhand power is also great, and aside from the stiff tuning, there’s no other difficulty to overcome. The racket also offers higher tolerance in drop shots, and the consistency in high clears and smashes is greatly improved.

I’ve run out of words. Aside from the generational gap in materials affecting the racket’s elasticity, in every other aspect, it feels like I’ve been testing a very modern stiff and balanced racket.