A Quick Rundown On Yonex Main Badminton Rackets
Yonex, probably the brand that comes to mind to most when someone thinks about Badminton. And speaking about Yonex rackets, the most iconic ones these days would be either the Arcsaber, Astrox or the Nanoflare series, each representing either a balanced, head heavy or head light type or racket.
These rackets also come in a tier list of play, game, tour and pro not to mention it’s offshoot ones going under feel, clear and ability as well as it’s lite series. But perhaps, for the sake of reader interest, it would be better to narrow down this subjective view on Yonex rackets to the Pro series.
Arcsaber 7 Pro
Easily distinguished by it’s grey and neon yellow color, the Arcsaber 7 is a balanced racket that thanks to it’s “Pocketing Booster” technology helps gives it’s user greater control over the shuttle. How the Booster actual works is the rubber like material in certain sections of the Arcsaber’s frame allowing the rackets frame to slightly flex in order to “hold the shuttle” a few milliseconds longer elevating the players precision when placing shots.
Having a medium flex shaft, the Arcsaber 7 is relatively easier to handle compared to it’s counterpart the Arcsaber 11 pro. Though this does come at the cost of a bit more control since more flexible shafts stay in motion longer then stiff ones causing more variability when the guard(strings) hits the shuttle, especially on harder hits.
Overall the Arcsaber 7 Pro would probably suit someone who prefers a more control playstyle, someone who places their shots rather then hitting the shuttle a hard as they can. And the more flexible shaft easily caters to players who still want to generate that power without the need to overexert themselves.
More here on the Arcsaber 7 Pro
Arcsaber 11 Pro
The Arcsaber 11 Pro follows most of the characteristics of the 7, I’ll add some extra here as to not repeat myself. Such as the “Enhanced Arcsaber Frame” which is stiff at the top and bottom and flex on it’s sides which along with the Pocket Booster further increases shuttle hold as well as reducing the instability and twisting during impact on hits.
Besides the stiff shaft the other things that sets the Arcsaber 11 pro apart from the 7 is the Control -Assist Bumber ( The little red plastic thing on the top of the racket), This help keeps the vertical strings locked in placed for improved accuracy.
Though sharing many properties with the Arcsaber 7, the small variants the Arcsaber 11 offer do drastically effect how the racket itself feels. Though more physically demanding on ones forearms there is a noticeable level of of precision especially on the smashes. It’s a racket that has a bit more of a learning curve to it, but it’s higher popularity might be due to the satisfaction of mastering a more difficult racket.
More here on the Arcsaber 11 Pro
Astrox 77 Pro
The Astrox 77 is one of the few medium flex pro series Yonex rackets in the market, Most would probably why spend the extra if the feeling is the same as the game series, but thanks to the “Namd” graphite tech which produces more flex with a fast snapback, it’s easier to unleash the rackets whipping power without sacrificing too much control.
Another feature shared among most high-end Astrox Pro rackets is the “Rotational Generator System”. The way it works is there is a counter balanced located at the frames top, joint and the the bottom of the handle in order to counter balance weight and vibration on impacts with the shuttle to make the transition between shots to be performed smoothly, even in rapid succession. The 77 also comes with the Aero+Box frame allows for faster swings without reduced the feeling of the solid impact during smashes.
Though one of the lesser popular Astrox rackets, the 77 Pro is both easy to handle and versatile, a decent choice for both for singles and double players. One might akin this racket to high quality vanilla ice cream: It tasted nice, you enjoyed eating it but you can't pin point why you liked it if someone asked you.
More here on the Astrox 77 Pro
Astrox 88 D pro (3rd Gen)
One of the more popular power hitting Yonex rackets. With it’s upgraded “2G-Namd Flex Force” system in tandem with the Rotational Generator System gives the 88 series it’s quick flex and snapback that maximizes shot power without the disadvantage of high vibrations in the shaft. Another unique feature of the 88 series is the “Stability Weight Distribution” which shifts some of the top heavy weight to the corner sides of the frame allowing for more stability during swings.
The racket along with some other Astrox series also come with the Power-Assist Bumper which is a tungsten-infused weighted grommet attached to the top of the frame. This grommet in contrast to the Control Assist Bumper found on the ArcSaber 11 Pro adds 55% more weight compared to standard grommets, transferring a lot more kinetic energy into the shuttlecock during impact.
Probably one of the more preferred choices for head heavy rackets for doubles games. The 88D pro was clearing built for hard hits with enough fast snapback to perform efficiently during the most fast paced doubles games. If you’re looking to do a bit of backcourt jump smashing, the 88D pro is a pretty easy choice.
More here on the 88D Pro
Astrox 88S Pro (3rd Gen)
In contrast to the 88D pro the 88S is probably one of the least popular Astrox rackets. Kind of like that guy who has the talent and looks of someone popular but chose to do something most people find boring like geology. Because the 88S has a lot of similarities to the 88D just that it comes with a slightly shorter handle( which is meant to help with front court defensive play) as well as a expanded sweet spot frame design meant to optimize precision, for efficient use during fast rallies and securing points from front court aggressive shots.
Though not used by any high ranking professional play at the conception on this blog. 88S pro might suit your needs if you tend to play more defensively in doubles and you enjoy doing killing net shots. After all geology can be pretty interesting once you go deeper into it, maybe you’d find it interesting as well like the 88s Pro.
More here on the 88S Pro
Astrox 99 Pro (3rd Gen)
Ever wanted to play badminton with a hammer? With the Astrox 99 Pro you can come close. With the Rotational Generator system along with the Power-Assist Bumper and now the 99s Lightweight End Cap, the 99 Pro is currently the most head heavy in the Astrox series increasing the shot power from heavy smashes.
This racket also comes with a more compact frame, so the sweet spot is more concentrated. Meaning the sweet spot might get smaller but it also gives more precise and powerful smashes. To get a better feel of the impact the 99 pro also comes with the “Shot Information Connector” which takes out the weight from the shaft and end cap to increase flex during swings along with the “Anti-Torsion Shaft” which is designed to lower torque, keeping the racket face straight: provides the player with more “feel” of the shuttle during contact without the lost of swing speed or power.
The 99 hits hard, very hard but it’s extreme head heavy nature makes it more practical for singles use( being slightly slower in pace compared to doubles). But if you want to smash hard and want to feel the weight in your smash, the 99 pro is the best Astrox to go “Unga Boonga” with.
More here on the Astrox 99 Pro
Astrox 100zz
Arguably one of Yonex’s most iconic of rackets for singles, the Astrox 100zz boasts fast power generation for each swing. The ideal racket for advance players looking to go for a more aggressive playstyle. Especially with it’s “Nanometric” material that gives the Astrox 100zz a thinner shaft, along with the Nanoalloy technology the racket gives advance players at least 30km/h swing speed.
Because of the extra speed the 100zz uses a “Solid Feel Core” in the frame that reduces vibration travelling down the shaft for more comfort in the hands during strokes. And to allow the extra stiff shaft to flex, the 100zz has been given a new booster cap, the Energy Boost Cap plus, which also helps the racket face to stay stable as well as keep it from twisting.
Despite the learning curve, the Astrox 100zz still remains as one of Yonex’s more popular rackets. Probably the satisfaction of hitting those clean fast smashes that racket can generate when someone gets their aim and timing just nice. The Astrox 100zz is for those looking for a racket that elevates their play as they getting better at Badminton.
More here on the Astrox 100zz and here for the VA model
Nanoflare 700 Pro
The Arcsabers are your control rackets and Astrox your hard hitters; Nanoflares cover your speed playstyles. The Nanoflare 700 Pro with it’s Super High Modulus Graphite and the M40X carbon fibers gives the racket fast yet stable swings.
Of course the biggest factor that sets Nanoflares apart from the rest is the head light and aero dynamic frame. On top of that the Nanoflare series has the “Sonic Flare System” a modulus graphite material is place in parts of the bottom of the frame to provide some power as well as stability when hitting the shuttle.
Of the three main Nanoflares( As of the writing of this blogpost), the Nanoflare 700 is the fastest and the lightest feeling( Not scientifically proven). Great for defensive as well a net killing playstyle. This racket is great at defending against smashes and punishing those whose net shots end up being too high.
More here on the Nanoflare 700 Pro
Nanoflare 800 Pro
Not much to type write about the 800 Pro since a lot of the technology is shared between the 700 Pro and the 800 Pro. Thought overall you could put 800 Pro as a head light control racket, having a stiffer shaft allows for shorter vibration durations between swings, allowing the players more precise shots.
If you’re looking for a versatile head light racket and have a more control playstyle the 800 Pro would be a decent choice. Especially if you like the feel of a stiffer shaft and a more solid feel when hitting the shuttle.
More here on the Nanoflare 800 Pro
Nanoflare 1000z
Iconic for it’s black and yellow design. The Nanoflare 1000z if a speed racket designed for aggressive play. With the Nanometric DR technology which is a graphite enhanced by Nanoscience to help generate maximum repulsion. And with it’s aero and compact frame reduces air resistance and improves smash quality. It’s also enhanced with the EX-HMG technology which is a ultra-elastic material for a better whip and sharper shots.
With all this power, the 1000z also comes with the “Speed – Assist Bumper” which is a grommet at the bottom sides of the frame which helps limit deformation; generating greater initial acceleration.
A great versatile racket for both singles and doubles play. Able to meet the demands of players who want to attack fast as well as have a racket that is quick for defensive play.
More here on the Nanoflare 1000z
Duora Z-Strike
A highly technical racket with unique technology for enhancing power, speed and control, giving players a tactical upper hand in court.
Imbedded in the racket is much of Yonex’s high end technology such as the Nanometric DR and the Ex-HMG. As well as the Isometric and compact frame. What sets the Duora Z-Strike form the others is it’s “DUAL Optimum System” with two contrasting frame profiles gives the rackets either better control or speed, enhancing either the forehand or backhand based on which side of the rackets face is hitting the shuttle.
Another unique feature is the Duora Grommet Design which has 8 linked grommets made with differing thickness on either side of the frame. These grommets are designed to pull the string harder for increased power. Another feature of the Duora’s frame is it’s “Horizontal – A Concept” design, which gives the top part of the frame a larger sweet spot, despite being a compact design.
An interestingly built racket, which Yonex strangely only produced in 3u( Avg.88g) or 2u( Avg.93g). Which personally I think set the racket back from being more popular. But if you enjoy the weight and feel of the 3u and looking for a technical style of play, the Duora Z Strike might be perfect for you.
More here on the Duora Z Strike
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