Apacs Slayer 88 Review
Next up is the Slayer 88, which is a UK spec, although i have no idea what this spec actually is, as there is no information for it. Not too worry, i will go off the info printed on the racket, and from playing with it. The weight is 85-87g, balance is 290mm (+-5)flex is 8-9, and the max string tension is 30lbs. I had this 88 strung at 28lbs with the slayer 66 string as per the other test rackets in this latest batch.
First thing to note is the flex, which i would rate as medium with this UK spec racket. The balance was even after i added the grip to the handle. So basically it was very similar to the slayer 99 apart from the flex. One other point is that this slayer 88 did not have the reinforcements on the head that the 99 has.
First impressions were very good. The extra flex made the 88 very easy to perform clears and smashes, very low work racket i have to say. The good thing was that this extra flex did not have any noticeable difference on control from the rear court and with over head shots. The head was very stable on impact, just like the 99 was, despite not having the extra stability points on the head. The 28lb string tension would have been a big factor for the control i felt, but i like control hence the higher tension.
I would say the 88 offered a bit more power than the 99, which was a big plus point. The only time i felt the extra flex was around the net and for those defensive shots, such as blocking to the net off smashes. The flex made it more difficult to control the shuttle when compared to the 99. The difference is only small, but when you start blocking to the net you need all the help you can get or else the shuttle will get picked off, especially in doubles. It was the same for lifting to the back off smashes, a little more difficult to get an accurate return.
All in all, i was impressed with this slayer 88. I will give it a 9/10 which is the same as the 99, although for my game i would give the 88 the nod. If you enjoy smashing you will be a bit happier with the 88 compared to the 99. If you enjoy playing at the net, then you would probably be happier with the 99. Both are very good rackets, all rounders that are very usable, consistent and stable on impact. I imagine the slayer 88 will be a bit cheaper than the slayer 99, so that may be a factor in deciding which to go for. The Apacs Slayer 88 comes highly recommended. Next up we have the Slayer 95.
First thing to note is the flex, which i would rate as medium with this UK spec racket. The balance was even after i added the grip to the handle. So basically it was very similar to the slayer 99 apart from the flex. One other point is that this slayer 88 did not have the reinforcements on the head that the 99 has.
First impressions were very good. The extra flex made the 88 very easy to perform clears and smashes, very low work racket i have to say. The good thing was that this extra flex did not have any noticeable difference on control from the rear court and with over head shots. The head was very stable on impact, just like the 99 was, despite not having the extra stability points on the head. The 28lb string tension would have been a big factor for the control i felt, but i like control hence the higher tension.
I would say the 88 offered a bit more power than the 99, which was a big plus point. The only time i felt the extra flex was around the net and for those defensive shots, such as blocking to the net off smashes. The flex made it more difficult to control the shuttle when compared to the 99. The difference is only small, but when you start blocking to the net you need all the help you can get or else the shuttle will get picked off, especially in doubles. It was the same for lifting to the back off smashes, a little more difficult to get an accurate return.
All in all, i was impressed with this slayer 88. I will give it a 9/10 which is the same as the 99, although for my game i would give the 88 the nod. If you enjoy smashing you will be a bit happier with the 88 compared to the 99. If you enjoy playing at the net, then you would probably be happier with the 99. Both are very good rackets, all rounders that are very usable, consistent and stable on impact. I imagine the slayer 88 will be a bit cheaper than the slayer 99, so that may be a factor in deciding which to go for. The Apacs Slayer 88 comes highly recommended. Next up we have the Slayer 95.
0 Response to "Apacs Slayer 88 Review"
Post a Comment