Are Yonex really that good?

[Michael Banks]

Yonex clearly have the largest market share in rackets in nearly all badminton playing countries. Is this because the provide the best rackets?

Or are they bought because

a) they are the most expensive so perceived to be the best

b) They have more outlets than an other maker

c) The top players play with them

d) people have utmost confidence in the brand rather than the product itself?

[ukplayer]

It's not because they make the best rackets in my opinion. I think it's because of all of the points you list there and because other people recommend them

[rachyuk]

I think it's because they are seen to be more dominant in the market place and so get more exposure.

They've been around a long time too....seem to have fought off their competitors quite convincingly over the years.

Even brands using the 'elex'...Tronex, Yellex etc...don't have it like Yonex!

[coops241180]

Good question, when i was younger i was usually told that it is not anything to do with your racquet, but age does teach you a few things. really each person has an ideal racquet and this changes with their style of play. a lot of the england players now use Carlton. i have changed racquets on numerous occasions beacuse me strength and skill has increased and hence my style of play has changed.
probably the main reason for yonex being bought tho is because top players use them

[Grover]

99 people out of 100 couldn't tell the difference between a Yonex racket and any other without labelling. The Yonex success is down to marketing.

Then again, many people I know couldn't tell the difference between a Yonex racket and a wet fish.

[Alex]

I would say that you cant get a better racquet than Inflight. They are pretty much Yonex at better prices. However, this new Inflight Evolution Power Ti200 is incredible. All i can say is try it!

[Grover]

I think rackets are very individual. Just because a you like one Yonex racket it doesn't mean that the rest suit you.

Most *lesser* brands have rackets that play and feel identical to Yonex, it is just trendier to play with the Yonex brand.

[Alex]

thats where i will have to disagree with you Grover.

most makes of racquet are not the same at all. they feel and play a lot different.

obviously i dont know what standard you are but as a county player at the standard i am at now ( i am not suggesting what standard that is) i can certainly tell the difference

[Balmforthk]

To respond to the original thread entry, point a), the cost of a racquet is no indication of how good it is. I recently tried a Yonex Muscle power-77 and thought it was pretty awful.

And a choice of racquet is a personal thing anyway. I used to use Carbonex 8's, tried for 6 months to use Carlton 3.7S and just couldn't get used to them so went back to Carbonex 8s.

Someone in our club uses a Carlton 3.7X ! Someone else in our League still uses a wooden headed racquet !

[Michael Banks]

You are so right Kevin but try telling that to all the people who go for the £100+ racket, because it is £100+ ;o)