We're back with another look at the Japanese badminton brand, Composite Techno. This S7 racket is the speed stick of their top tier 7 series, featuring higher quality and more difficult to master shafts than their 6 series (see the P6J previously reviewed). Their expertise in golf shafts mean that CT have the ability to create some very well made 4 and 6 axis shafts.

Unexpectedly, the 7 series rackets, despite featuring their top tier Japanese shafts, are actually assembled and finished in China! It's interesting to note that only the 6 series is assembled and finished in their own Japanese factory. This results in an odd situation where their 6 series rackets are actually more expensive than their 7 series ones!

Keeping this in mind, let's take a look at the S7.

Handling

The S7 is a heavier speed stick at 3u, and features a stiff shaft which has a high (closer to head) flex point. The head-light balance means that the overall stiff frame requires good power and technique to flex, especially playing from back court.

The hitting feel is quite nice and the frame is balanced closer to the handle to allow very dextrous play. Drives and pushes are excellent. Bigger hits are slightly more taxing.

Control

The stiff shaft and very stable frame allows excellent precision, but directionality is average due to its true head-light balance. Net play is easy. Defence is quick but requires a bit of extra push. Overall, a very steady and accurate racket.

Speed

The S7 is a very fast racket and could easily be mistaken for a 4u stick during swing. This racket is meant to be swung fast - the faster it goes, the better it feels. It's speedy and fairly sharp through the air.

Power

The S7 does eat some of your power and feels a little dead on big hits unless you have fairly good swing speed. The demand of physicality is more obvious at the back. The high nodding point doesn't lend itself well to smashes from beyond mid-court. The birdie can travel fast with a high swing speed, but extension & weight is less than average.

Overall

This is a great speedster for front court MD specialists. The S7 rewards high swing speed with unusual stability (for a speedstick) and great driving, pushing, blocking and interception performance. However, it lacks the fire-power of other speed flagships (Vertex 9000, 1000z, etc) and is fairly demanding of physicality when playing outside of front court. Worth trying but I wouldn't seek it out over speedsters from the Big 3.