Way back in 1946, Mr. Minoru Yoneyama founded the Yoneyama Company, Ltd. By 1957. The company was producing badminton rackets under different brand names. In 1961 the first “Yoneyama” brand badminton racket was released. This was followed 2 years later with Yoneyama Trading, Ltd., in Tokyo to distribute rackets to the international market.
The history of the change of the YONEX badminton racket is based on the material they used to produce the racket. From wood, carbon to titanium, YONEX keeps on breakthrough the racket technology.
YONEX is a world leader in badminton equipment. As a technology-based company, YONEX has always researched and developed new materials and designs for its products. They constantly explore new ways to improve the quality of the game.
YONEX has been actively researching and developing new materials and technologies as early as the heyday of wooden badminton rackets. They have continued to contribute to the development of badminton ever since!
Since 1973, the “YY” logo of the YONEX blue-green combination has been used and has gradually become a well-known symbol on the badminton court. More than 80% of professional badminton players in the world now choose to use YONEX products.
1962 – Introduced of B-2000 Racket
The Central University, which used the B-2000 racket, won the Kanto League championship. The brown whirlwind that was caused at that time was still a topic of discussion even today.
At that time, there was a particularly striking advertisement for “endurance players to shoot, which is best for practicing.” Its powerful frame has become a central topic of discussion.
1968 – World’s Patented T-Joint Frame
YONEX developed the world’s patented T-joint in the frame and the lever connection, which greatly improved the stability and durability of the racket.
YONEX launched the first metal badminton racket, ALMINA S, with a T-joint in Japan in the same year.
T-joints successfully connect the frame and the lever of the racket with the use of the combining materials of aluminum and carbon. Very soon, the racket became the best-selling on the world’s market.
This best-selling product made YONEX badminton rackets reach the top globally and eventually became the No. 1 brand that can last for many years.
1969 – Introduced of #7000
The company had introduced the first-ever aluminum badminton racket, the #7000. It was the favorite racket for all badminton players around the world at that time. The racket quickly became the best-selling item with its unique sweet spot and powerful sense of hitting.
1973 – YY Logo Changed to YONEX
By 1973 the company’s new blue and green “YY” logo was introduced, soon becoming a familiar sight on both badminton around the world. A year later, the company changed its brand name to Yonex.
In the same year, the company releases another racket, the B-9100. The support of the B-9100 racket released by YONEX was overwhelmed. It is a classic racket with a combination of a wooden frame and a stainless steel slender stick. Rudy Hartono (Indonesia), who won 7 consecutive championships in the All-European Open and won the championship 8 years from 68 to 76, is very fond of this racket.
1974 – Introduced B-8100
YONEX introduces the new racket B-8100 in fine black color. The racket can produce a smash speed of 280 km / h. The badminton players respected its outstanding fast performance at that time. Many of the top badminton players in the world at that time were ever use this racket model.
1978 – Introduced CAB-8
The CAB-8 racket launched by YONEX is made up of a special aluminum alloy frame and carbon. It is the earliest ultra-light racket product with a frame weight of fewer than 100 grams. It was the lightest racket in the history of badminton rackets at that time.
Its carbon stick is very flexible and can be bent freely. With the technology in place, it has further improved the development of badminton sport.
1980 – Introduced of Carbonex 8
The Carbonex 8 was introduced by Yonex in 1980 as the first-ever ultra-lightweight badminton racket.
1982 – Introduced of CAB-15
Four years after a long-time best-selling CAB-8 was launched, YONEX launched the CAB-15 with a full carbon frame and shaft. This means the world’s first full-carbon racket was finally born.
The most famous Indonesian player Lin Shuijing, the “black panther,” starred in the printed advertisement. The overwhelming jumping smash that he showed in the advertisement makes people crazy about playing badminton.
1983 – Establish Company in The United States
By 1983 the YONEX Corporation was established in the US as a subsidiary of YONEX Company, Ltd. A year later, the company became the exclusive sponsor of the All England Badminton Championships.
1984 – Selling CAB-20
YONEX began selling CAB-20 with a full carbon frame and shaft. A T-joint connects the frame and the shaft of the racket. The internal T-joint has been greatly improved compared to the previous one, which also changes the appearance of the badminton racket.
The CAB-20 also effectively improves the looseness of the joint and improves the control of the shuttlecock.
The CAB-20 has an excellent offensive and defensive performance and has been on the market for more than 20 years, but it is still selling very well worldwide.
The 1990′s – Introduced ISO-500
In 1992 the Yonex brand produced the first isometric wide-body badminton racket, the “Isometric 500″. The ISO-500 racket is made of a graphite titanium frame and an ultra-fine carbon shaft. The characteristics of the racket are that the horizontal/vertical line length of the racket is substantially equal, and the sweet spot is extended to the upper surface of the rack to increase the area of the sweet spot.
ISO-500 is the first racket that using a square-shaped surface. The material is made of the composition of flexible titanium fiber and carbon. By using these materials, increases the strength of the frame and improves the stability of the surface. At the same time, the ultra-fine shot with a diameter of only 7mm on the shaft guarantees the speed of the swing.
YONEX was present on 2 fronts as badminton entered the Olympic arena, with Yonex badminton players winning every gold and silver medal that was awarded. It was also the sole supplier of badminton equipment in the 1992 Barcelona Olympic Games. In 1996 Yonex players that competed using Yonex rackets, footwear, and clothing won every gold, silver, and all but one Bronze medal awarded.
Yonex became the Official Badminton Equipment Supplier for the 2000 Sydney Olympics and captured more gold, silver, and bronze medals. In 2007 the brand celebrated 25 years as title sponsors at the Yonex All England Open Badminton Championships.
In 2008 at the Beijing Olympic Games, all 24 Badminton Medals went to Yonex brand contracted players who had never happened to any other sports manufacturer. Today this is a highly successful worldwide company and continues to produce the most technologically advanced sporting equipment globally.
The Yonex brand produces many different badminton rackets that incorporate significant technological advancements to produce rackets that offer exceptional performance, such as:
- The Yonex Voltric Range – This range makes use of the Tri Voltage system that offers a combination of both power and control.
- ArcSaber (ARC) – These rackets are the even-balanced series and utilize carbon nanotube technology.
- Nanospeed (NS) – These rackets incorporate the head-light series, which results in more speed and defense thanks to nanotechnology.
In Closing
When choosing the right badminton equipment, whether you play professionally or for fun, the Yonex badminton brand is the market leader for a good reason. Besides badminton, sportsmen and women in tennis and golf have achieved similarly excellent and first-ever results using Yonex equipment.
With constant innovation, this brand is guaranteed to take your badminton game to a whole new level. You can find out plenty of information about what the brand offers by visiting their website, where you will be able to view the rackets they offer and much more besides. For superior quality and technology, choose Yonex badminton equipment like the world’s champions to do.
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