TOKYO, Japan – Introducing the cutting-edge NANOFLARE 800, designed to deliver the fastest drive shot. While the core concept of the "Drive" remains consistent with the existing NANOFLARE 800/800LT, its performance design has undergone significant enhancements, resulting in a more aggressive drive that outpaces opponents with sheer speed. The worldwide launch of the NANOFLARE 800 is scheduled for November 17, 2023.
In recent years, the playing style in badminton has evolved to seize opportunities in every rally. Instead of allowing opponents to lift the shuttlecock after a net shot for a subsequent smash, players now create smash opportunities through rapid drives that disrupt their opponent's response and cause the shuttlecock to rise. Consequently, our primary focus has been on augmenting the speed of drives, enabling more assertive shots.
Incorporating the NANOFLARE DNA to enhance maneuverability and repulsion, the NANOFLARE 800 has been further strengthened with an Enhanced Sonic Flare System, Wide Profile Frame and a new stringing pattern. The repulsion capabilities of the NANOFLARE 800 significantly amplify the speed of drives, compelling opponents to struggle in their attempts to react to the shuttlecock. They will find it challenging to anticipate your shots.
For more advanced players, the NANOFLARE 800 PRO and TOUR models combine the Wide Profile Frame and the new stringing pattern with the Enhanced Sonic Flare System. This innovative system in the new model leverages the steep angle from the stringing area to the T-joint, along with the integration of copper at the bottom of the frame to increase rigidity, ultimately enhancing the overall repulsion of drives.
The design of the NANOFLARE 800 is unique because it incorporates semi-exposed stripes of carbon graphite. These stripes appear differently depending on the viewing angle under the light, expressing unexpected speed.
The new NANOFLARE 800 will be wielded on court by 2022 men’s doubles World Champion, Soh Wooi Yik (MAS) and 2022 YONEX All England women’s doubles champion Chiharu Shida (JPN). These racquets are scheduled for a global launch on November 17, 2023, in four distinct models: PRO, TOUR, GAME, and PLAY, each developed with the same performance concept but featuring variations in the materials used and technologies equipped.
INNOVATION
Sonic Flare System
The Sonic Flare System is built through a careful combination of high modulus graphite at the tip of the frame, and a strong yet elastic graphite, at the base of the frame. These graphite materials provide high repulsion for maximum shuttle acceleration, but the carefully calculated placement, volume and combination of the graphite materials also deliver stability and control.
Enhanced Sonic Flare System
The Enhanced Sonic Flare System is built through a careful combination of high modulus graphite, high modulus graphite at the tip of the frame, at the tip of the frame, and a strong yet elastic graphite, M40X (PRO model), at the base of the frame. The repulsion of drives is further improved with the steep angle from the stringing area to the T-Joint as well as the addition of copper in the bottom of the frame for select NANOFLARE 800 models. These materials provide high repulsion for maximum shuttle acceleration, but the carefully calculated placement, volume and combination of the graphite materials also deliver stability and control. (See chart for which models these additional technologies apply)
Wide Profile Frame
NANOFLARE's characteristic wide frame and aero shape with sharp edges reduce frame warp during swing, improving repulsion and follow through.
Stringing Pattern for Enhanced Repulsion (PRO, TOUR, GAME)
By adding one cross string and narrowing down the interval to heighten surface pressure, the new pattern increases the repulsion of drives.