Broken racket! and I don't really like my spare racket!

[2001jack]

I had carlton megaflex f3 but I broke it recently... It could be just because Ive been playing with that racket for 3-4years but I REALLY liked the racket..

I have a spare racket sotx pitched battle P198 which I am using now but I find it much harder now to do a proper clear and do a good smash. (as in it has gone slower than usual) Because Im not an expert in badminton rackets I don't think I can say much but I can definitely say I play worse with sotx p198.

I think I am more of attacking player than defensive player and I love doing smashes! And I think all the megaflex series are designed to increase the power of the smash..

So basically what I want is a racket like Carlton megaflex f3.. is there any racket which is a bit like the racket?? (I would happily buy the identical racket or other megaflex series but they don't sell it any more)

Also if possible what my present racket is supposed to be good for? (I suspected it would be better for control but I havent felt better in terms of control)

Cheers!

[2001jack]

actually I found all the megaflex rackets.. but what are the difference between them?? I thought F1 was supposed to be better model compared to F2 and F2 better than F3 so on but the price suggests otherwise (well it was about the same in my korean website)

[Sketchy]

You could definitely do worse than just getting another of the same:
http://www.sunrisesports.net/badminton.htm

I haven't used one in ages, but I remember I loved the Megaflex series - they just made it so easy to generate power.
Otherwise, I guess any flexible (ideally long) racket with a bit of weight at the head would do.
You should probably stay away from the more expensive rackets, as they tend to be quite stiff (a bit harder to use).

Maybe a Carlton Air Rage ST if you want another Carlton?
I guess other brands all produce an equivalent model, but you'd have to shop around...

[Sketchy]

Search results:

2002 specs
F1 Ti 93g, Even balance, flexible shaft, high tension frame (up to 30lb)
F2 90g, Head-Heavy, flexible shaft, high tension frame (up to 30lb)
F3 85g, Head-Light, flexible shaft, high tension frame (up to 30lb)
F4 90g, Even balance, flexible shaft, up to 24lb

2003 specs
F1 Tour 96g, Even balance, stiff, high tension frame (up to 28lb)
F2 94g, Head-Heavy, ?, high tension frame (up to 28lb)
F3 90g, Head-Light, ?, high tension frame (up to 28lb)
F4 94g, Even balance, ?, up to 24lb

So whichever generation you have, the F3 is the lighter, more useable one.
Anything over 90g is really quite heavy by current standards - only recommended for hard-hitting singles players.

[LD rules!]

it's about time you got a new racket, and seeing as youdont like your spare, a new spare as well.
What sort of budget would you have if you considered buying a new racket and spare ?

[LD rules!]

if it was a 2002 spec F3 then for less than £90 you could get a yonex nanospeed 6000 which fits the description if the Carlton megaflex F3
(flexible shaft, headlight, 85g-89g) I reckon you would enjoy it, but if you are looking for cheap (under £30) then look no further than the nanospeed 100, flexible, headlight 85-89g like the 6000 except with less technology

[2001jack]

Thank you very much for answering my questions... now im not sure whether I should buy megaflex or the other ones its my decision iguess

and I am not thinking of spending too much but defo ready to spend more than 50 quid at least...

nyways cheers again!

[LD rules!]

It is your choice, like you said. Most of the nanospeed range from yonex are suitable, but as you like flexible rackets then the 100,200,300,500,4500,6000 are probaly the ones that would suit you best and you should avoid the 8000,9000 and 9900 as they are extremely stiff