The Arcsaber 11 series from Yonex unquestionably showcases their remarkable craftsmanship. All three rackets are positioned firmly within the top-tier badminton equipment in this series. Still, one standout from this lineup is the Yonex Arcsaber 11 Pro Badminton Racket, which graced the scene with its debut on February 25th, 2022, boasting an updated design with various performance enhancements.
The Genesis of the Yonex Arcsaber 11 Pro
In early February 2022, surprising news was received: the entire Duora range was discontinued, and a new Arcsaber was set to debut!
The decision to retire the Duora range seemed logical, given that it had replaced the once highly popular Arcsaber series. The Arcsaber 11 has maintained its place in Yonex's offerings due to its enduring popularity among professional and amateur players. Thus, the decision to discontinue the Duora line and introduce a revamped Arcsaber 11 Pro was both unexpected and intriguing, especially considering Yonex's existing popular ranges like Astrox and Nanoflare.
However, the emergence of this new Arcsaber 11 Pro raised two important questions:
- Would it genuinely embody the essence of the Arcsaber lineage and deliver the performance that players have come to expect?
- Could this new 11 Pro version outshine the original Arcsaber 11?
It was time to put this intriguing development to the test.
Technical Specifications:
Frame Material: High Modulus (HM) Graphite with Pocketing Booster Technology
Shaft Material: High Modulus (HM) Graphite with Super High Modulus (HMG) and Ultra PE Fiber
Flexibility: Stiff
Weight/Grip Size: 3U with G4 grip size
Recommended String Tension: 20-28 pounds for 3U configuration
Yonex Arcsaber 11 Models
The Yonex Arcsaber 11 series introduces a notable shift in its pricing strategy, departing from the typical four-tier model and offering three distinct models: the Pro, the Tour, and the Play. This strategic move by Yonex reflects a nuanced understanding of badminton enthusiasts' diverse needs and preferences.
Yonex Arcsaber came up with the decision to streamline the series into three models after considering several purposes, including, to simplify the product range, making it easier for consumers to navigate and choose the racket that best suits their playing style and budget. By reducing the number of models, Yonex can focus on refining the quality and features of these three rackets, ensuring each racket serves an exceptional performance to the players.
However, all the models of Yonex racket will not be available in all regions, as Yonex has adopted a selective approach for the three new model racket distribution. For instance, only the Pro and Play models will be available in the UK, with the Tour model omitted from the lineup. To determine which models will be available in your region, it's advisable to check with local Yonex dealers for specific information.
This shift towards a three-model approach demonstrates Yonex's commitment to providing badminton players with a more streamlined and tailored racket selection while maintaining high quality and performance across the Arcsaber 11 series.
Performance in Overhead Shots
Yonex racket has become people’s choice with its quick swings, effortless manoeuvrability, design and other features. A user said, I prefer head-heavy rackets, but an even balance works for me too. Yonex racket impressed me with its aerodynamic design, allowing quick swings and effortless manoeuvrability.
The racket performed well, delivering power and a clean hit with minimal drag on the frame. Speaking of racket’s experience, drop shots felt great, whether using slice, push shots, or fast deliveries. In addition, the racket's head weight provided control, and speed allowed smooth shots to players, making it a right choice.
Moreover, a lighter head means faster-shot execution, and the stringbed's feel was good, which would improve my preferred string and tension setup.
For someone who prefers head-heavy rackets, the Arcsaber 11 Pro's powerful smash is the best choice with its lighter frame, which helps players to aim for quick stick smashes and versatile hand movements.
The Yonex racket truly shines in a flatter game. It instilled confidence in my shot timing and handling without causing early fatigue. I could quickly release a fast, flat shot in the mid-court. The racket's speed and head weight allowed for efficient flat shots, ticking all the boxes once more for a player.
Defensive Performance
The Arcsaber 11 Pro impresses with its swift swing speed, making it an excellent choice for defensive play. It handles defensive maneuvers effortlessly, allowing for precise timing when lifting the shuttlecock, with just the right weight, providing a solid sense of control and direction without sacrificing maneuverability. Yonex rackets are different from lighter frames and offer a stable platform for confident return blocking.
Players using Yonex rackets expressed that their hands felt comfortable and responsive, enabling to retrieve powerful smashes effectively. Furthermore, players shared that the racket's ample power allowed them to respond with speedy drives or execute quick shots to the rear court in response to high returns.
Net Play
The Arcsaber 11 Pro boasts exceptional ability at the net and offers precise control for executing delicate net shots while delivering added speed for swift pushes, interceptions, and net kills. The racket also has the ability to perform specific shots with just the right amount of speed, allowing for precise racket head control, along with a balanced frame intensifying the advantages. It also ensures a harmonious blend of power and speed for an optimal playing experience.
Design
The Yonex Arcsaber 11 series boasts a distinctive and visually captivating design for players. It might not be eye-catching at start, but improvises with constant use and grows on you once you hold the rackets in your hands. Exuding an air of sophistication and style, the fiery red exterior, adorned with a classy matte finish, commands attention. Notably, the leaked photos had made some reservations and assumptions, but the actual rackets exude a unique charm that defies expectations and could be experienced only when used personally.
A captivating shade of red dominates the colour scheme, but there are subtle differences between the three models in the series. The Arcsaber 11 Pro's red hue leans towards a more profound, almost maroon-like shade, while the Tour and Play models opt for a brighter, more vibrant red. This distinction adds a touch of individuality to each racket within the series for players
Speaking of the design, there is one notable quirk, the placement of the 'Arcsaber 11' wording on the shaft. On one side, it appears right-side-up, while on the other, it's upside-down, adding a playful element to the sleek and elegant design making it attractive.
Furthermore, a unique visual characteristic is available for the other two 'Tour' and 'Play' models in wording, which is tastefully painted onto the frame of the respective rackets. However, the 'Pro' model deviates from this pattern by omitting any such language. The silver colour chosen for the wording decals complements the red backdrop perfectly, adding a touch of sophistication and class to the design.
Beyond the color and branding, the frame design sets the Arcsaber 11 series apart. The Pro and Tour models introduce a new frame design featuring four recessed sections on the frame. The recesses are strategically placed to enhance performance, except for the 2 to 4 and 8 to 10 o'clock regions.
In contrast, the Play model has a shallower depth of recession, with only the top half of its frame recessed.
This design variation distinguishes the models and reflects Yonex's commitment to optimizing performance for different playing styles.
In terms of frame dimensions, all three models match the Arcsaber 10's head frame dimensions but are slightly wider and longer than many top-end rackets from other Yonex series. This provides players with a unique balance of control and power.
One noteworthy departure from some of Yonex's other high-end models is the absence of larger grommets around the 3 and 9 o'clock sections designed to increase the sweet spot. Instead, the Arcsaber 11 series opts for consistent spacing between the strings, prioritizing stability and control, a hallmark of the Arcsaber line.
Winding Up
The Arcsaber 11 Pro racket offers an excellent even balance, performing just as expected for a racket with such specifications. It not only lives up to the Arcsaber reputation but also surpasses the original Arcsaber 11 in several ways. It feels more robust, faster, packs more punch, and offers enhanced power, providing a tighter stringbed feel for better shots.
Yonex has carefully considered and successfully executed a significant upgrade to this popular racket, which can be a challenging task. This is unmistakably an Arcsaber, offering efficiency, power, speed, and strength that will attract many players. Revisiting the Arcsaber name was a smart move that players will likely appreciate.
This racket is likely in high demand, so we recommend ordering yours soon to avoid missing out. The initial batches sent to retailers sold out within days, which is unsurprising given its quality. Hopefully, you won't have to wait too long to try out the YonexArcsaber 11 Pro, as it's a great racket that deserves a spot on your test list.
