Saturday, December 1, 2018

Update on rest of Babolat 1 shuttles after usage

(continuation from Babolat 1 post)

Here is the pix of the remaining 11 shuttles after usage on our next regular session.

Resultant after usage of the remaining 11 shuttles

Most of the feedback from my regulars were not favourable to 👎👎. It seems the Babolat 1 has a tendency to "shake in flight" after experiencing 2 or 3 above average smashes. This is due to the ribcage structure not being rigid enough which  could be due to the type of glue used and/or feathers not position deep enough into the cork structure.


In summary:-

DURABILITY: The Babolat 1 lasts for roughly about the same duration as per Babolat 2 for us. 

Many of the shuttles developed an annoying "shake" during flight after a few above average smashes. This "shake" motion in the flight was caused by a minor "lob-side-ing" of the ribcage structure.

Looking back at the Babolat 2 review, the "shake"s seem to be characteristic for this brand of shuttlecocks.

PERFORMANCE: Initially quite fast. Speed lowers a bit after a few hits and the speed remains quite consistent afterwards.  Initially a nice crisp feel upon usage but then the feeling disappears after a few points. 

COST:  In Malaysian, the Babolat 1 sells for RM89-90 per tube - that's roughly in the Yonex AS40&AS50 territory. Hence this is VERY expensive for what it offers.



To be honest, I would consider the Babolat 2 better value for money, if you intend to buy Babolat shuttlecocks.

In general the Babolat 1 is an average shuttle and VERY expensive "for what you get". 


Cosmetic wise, feather(s) on several shuttles were not bleached properly (see pix(s) below) but this does not impact performance in any manner or form
Improperly bleached feather on 1st shuttle
Improperly bleached feather on shuttle#2
Improperly bleach feather on shuttle#3