Product Review
Yonex BG-68Ti
by David Chiu ( January 2001 )
 
After its latest success with the BG-85, Yonex unveiled it's latest product, BG-68Ti, to match BG-85 performance using its new "Titaniumhydride Coating". In 1999, Yonex has released its first titanium string, BG-65Ti to compete with other string manufacturers titanium model such as Gosen Roots Ti and Ashaway Rally 22 Ti. The BG-68Ti is supposedly the hybrid of Yonex Latest research in integrating titanium into badminton racket string. It was predicted by badminton players that BG-68Ti design mimicked the BG-66 performance based on the model number.

After its release, Yonex BG-68Ti has created many commotions throughout badminton discussion groups on the internet. Many of them praises the BG-68Ti for its exploding power and durability. Others just believe that BG-68Ti was "not bad" or "pretty good". For us, we just want to try it to see how it really feels and performs.

We received the Yonex Bg-68Ti in late 2000 and tested on the 2001 prototype of Yang-Yang Ti Power and two of Badminton Alley's best selling rackets, Yang-Yang Tactic 8500 and Tactic 9000. We chose Yang-Yang Ti Power because of its offensive nature from the stiff shaft and head-heavy characteristics. We chose the Yang-Yang Tactic 8500 and Tactic 9000 for comparison because it is an all-around racket, not too offensive and not too defensive. Each racket are strung at 22 lbs, the maximum allowable by most racket manufacturers.

First Impression:
During our test, the first thing that each of our players notice is the stiffness of the string. It was like hitting the shuttlecock with a paddle. This is most noticeable on the Yang-Yang Ti Power. The impact during fast clear and smash can be felt on the wrist and arm. We also notice that we felt more control on our smashes, drives, and clears.

Good:
The BG-68Ti gives excellent control. We were able to drop from the back court easily and consistently. Similarly, smashes, drives, and clears were precise. We believe the precision and control is due to the stiffness of the string which prevents it from stretching the string too much during impact with the shuttlecock and, thus, the angle of the shuttlecock stays precise. Lastly, the string is pretty durable.

Bad:
It's hard to feel the impact of the shuttlecock on string. This "hard-feeling" makes drop shots near the net difficult. We also felt that the string was holding our power back.

Conclusion:
Yonex made a big improvement on BG-68Ti over BG-65Ti. It has increased repulsion/power of the string and improve its control. The BG-68Ti has better feeling, power, and control over BG-65Ti. It is an excellent alternative for users looking for power string with durability. However, the strings has problems that has haunted other titanium strings in the market: it is too stiff and it does not have that soft feel that BG-66 and BG85 are known for. Overall, it's pretty good and deserves a 4 out of 5 © rating.

• Purchase Yonex BG-68Ti from Badminton Alley
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