The Complete Guide to Yonex Badminton Rackets: Astrox Series

The Astrox FB (short for Flash Boost) is supposedly the successor for the Voltric FB. The Astrox FB is another lightweight racket geared towards beginners who have not yet mastered how to efficiently manage their energy when executing shots.

The Astrox FB’s lightness offers great whip, which is the hitting of the shuttlecock with a short strike. The racket’s responsiveness allows players to excel in control at the net and mid-court play, while still being able to produce threatening smashes.

The Astrox 5 FX uses a technology known as Light Feel Carbon Neo which produces a lighter feel and flexibility upon impact, minimizing the vibrations being felt by the player.

A mid-tier racket, the Astrox 5 FX will require skill to achieve overhead, smash and defensive shots as it does not offer great swing speeds or quick repulsion. Beginners will find that the Astrox 5 FX offers little to no assistance to their game.

The Astrox 6 is an offensive-style racket that is geared towards attacking oriented players.

The Astrox 6 allows for ease of racket handling, allowing the player to maneuver the racket to their will, with ease. With manageable racket control, intermediate players up to deliver powerful shots at their opponents.

The Astrox 7 is a racket that can perform in both singles and doubles matches. The Astrox 7 is able to achieve great power, but requires strong arm power to do so as a result of having a rather stiff shaft. Players without the strength to create their own power will struggle to respond to off-balanced shots.

While the thicker frame of the Astrox 7 impacts the aerodynamics, the racket displays great maneuverability making it a great tool for defensive play.

The Astrox 7 DG is equipped with the durable grade (DG) technology, which enhances the frame with super high elasticity high modulus graphite to make it extra durable.

The Astrox 7 DG has similar technologies to that of the Astrox 3 DG with a stiffer shaft flex. On the other hand, the Astrox 7 DG has similar characteristics to the Astrox 7 with the addition of the durable grade attribute.

While the Astrox 7 DG can generate substantial power, players still developing their swing technique will need to be wary not to overexert themselves through forceful swings to generate power with the racket. As such, the racket is recommended for intermediate players.

The Astrox 10 DG is yet another addition to the line of durable grade (DG) rackets in the Astrox racket series. The durable grade technology found in the racket frame boosts its durability and allows for an increased maximum string tension on the racket.

The Astrox 10 DG most closely resembles the Astrox 7 DG in its versatility as a racket of choice for singles or doubles. Though, the Astrox 10 DG has a lower balance point than the Astrox 7 DG, giving its player better racket handling at the expense of some power.

The Astrox 10 DG would be best utilized in the hands of an intermediate player who can manage its medium flex and head-heavy balance.

The Astrox 22 LT is a variation of the Astrox 22 racket. The biggest difference being the remarkably light weight that the Astrox 22 LT comes in at – 3F (63 g). Players wielding this racket will find it extremely easy to maneuver and have the racket be at the right place to execute any shot.

The Astrox 22 LT will generate adequate power through the Astrox serie’s signature counterbalance technology in the Rotational Generator System. Though, its true shine comes from the ability to play speedy exchanges in the mid-court through fast reactive drives and dominate the front-court with quick and nimble net play.

The Astrox 22 LT uses a Control Support Cap, as opposed to the Astrox 22’s Power Boost Cap. The Control Support Cap provides a wider surface area for the player’s thumb to rest comfortably and aid their control game, which goes hand-in-hand with the Astrox 22 LT’s heightened racket handling capabilities.

The Astrox 22 F is a very similar racket to the Astrox 22 LT in regards to technology and racket material, and even its light-weight at 3F (63g).

Where the Astrox 22 F differs from its sibling racket is in the NANOSCIENCE technology found in its racket frame. The Astrox 22 F includes NANOMETRIC DR, an enhanced graphite, throughout its frame which achieves a longer hold of the shuttle when it contacts the string bed. The elongated hold of the shuttle converts into increased repulsion power for faster and more overwhelming shots delivered by the hitter.

The Astrox 22 RX closely resembles the Astrox 22 LT in its racket specifications. The biggest differences between the two racket is that the Astrox 22 RX is slightly lighter (2F vs. 3F), has a stiffer racket flex, and users the Energy Boost Cap instead of the Control Support Cap at the top of the handle.

While the Astrox 22 RX is still considerably light-weight head-heavy racket, its higher weight than the Astrox 22 LT gives it the additional mass for heftier swings at the trade-off a bit of maneuverability. Players looking for a boost to their power while warding off arm fatigue from swinging a heavier racket would do well with choosing the Astrox 22 RX.

The stiff flex of the Astrox 22 RX is one of the reasons it is recommended for intermediate players, rather than beginners. Intermediate players who have developed the right swing speeds would be able to unlock the benefits of a racket shaft that snaps back quicker to its neutral position.

The Energy Boost Cap found on the Astrox 22 RX allows for an increased racket flex which can provide greater repulsion power, while simultaneously reducing the racket from twisting negatively.

The Astrox 55 is a racket that can pack a punch through steep and powerful smashes. Quick maneuverability is offered by means of the racket’s light weight. Players who use the Astrox 55 can transition smoothly between mighty smashes and defensive blocks or drives.

While overall light, players should not neglect strengthening their wrist as the stiffness of the racket still requires players to exhibit proper technique in their swings.

The Astrox 66 was designed with a female audience in mind. This racket is capable of smooth interchanges between offensive and defensive play within a rally.

The Astrox 66 is an all-round racket that helps players improve on their fundamental game by delivering deep clears and impactful smashes while being easy to handle.

The Astrox 77 is an all-round racket suitable for all players and that receives high remarks across the board. Even the 3U version of the Astrox 77 feels much lighter due to the Rotational Generator System feature, making its usage easier on the player’s wrist and forearm. This racket can produce a rather quick swing through the air, giving players the opportunity to produce smashes and clears effortlessly.

The Astrox 77 is made of a slightly longer shaft – and consequently shorter grip – than the majority of other rackets on the market. This allows for increased energy transfer from the flexing of the racket to the completion of the snapback. The Astrox 77 aids in improving a player’s power and is recommended for those who gravitate towards smashing and back-court play.

The Astrox 22 holds the title as the racket with the lightest frame produced by Yonex, which will be dethroned by the new Astrox 22 LT racket. Contrary to popular belief that power is unachievable by lighter rackets, the Astrox 22 can deliver a strong smash for a racket in its particular weight class. However, it would be inaccurate to compare the Astrox 22’s smash potential to that of the Duora Z-Strike or Voltric Z-Force II.

The Astrox 22 can easily produce back-court to back-court clears and drives to the back-court, while also performing remarkably in defense. True to the nature of light rackets, net kills and net drops are executed without difficulty. The lightness of the frame head helps intermediate players to execute shots that utilize the wrist with precision. However, more technical shots at the net will still require technique and experience to execute with the Astrox 22.

The Astrox 38D (D is for Dominate) is the lowest-tier version of the Dominate series, behind the Astrox 68D and Astrox 88D.

The Dominate series focuses on offensive via back-court play, at the expense of control and finesses of racket handling.

Players should not mistaken the low-price point as appropriate for beginners. The combination of a stiff racket and head heaviness will be unforgiving to those without proper technique and form, leading to higher risk of mishits and/or injury.

The Astrox 38S (S is for Skill) is the lowest-tier version of the Dominate series, behind the Astrox 68S and Astrox 88S.

The Skill series focuses on quick reflexive and offensive play in the front-court as well as impenetrable defensive. The trade off is a loss in the explosiveness behind offensive shots from the back-court.

The Astrox 38S is able to achieve quick swing speeds through the air, but is still advised against beginners due to the stiffness of the shaft, making it harder to handle for those of lesser badminton experience.

The Astrox 39 is the low-tier version of the much more popular Astrox 99. The ability to deliver the steep smashes revered in the Astrox 99 are noticeably dulled by the difference of materials used in the racket’s composition. Most prominently is the absence of Namd technology throughout the entirety of the Astrox 39 racket, as seen in its counterpart.

Players who wield the Astrox 39 can expect for crisp and powerful offensive shots with the caveat that they have the skills to handle this racket marketed towards advanced players. Without proper technique, misuage of the racket can lead to injuries in the shoulder.

The Astrox 68D (the D is short for Dominate) is a cheaper alternative of the Astrox 88D that is more similar in qualities to the Astrox 68S. The main difference with the Astrox 68D is that it is more flexible than the Astrox 68S and is designed to be used by back-court players.

The stiffness of the Astrox 68D is not one that is beginner-friendly, but when used properly can translate into quick responses and great control. The Astrox 68D is a Jack of all Trades as it can deliver each shot well, but none of them exceptionally.

The Astrox 68S (the S is short for Skill) is a mid-tier version of the Astrox 88S. This racket is able to deliver good power at the cost of player fatigue. The Skill sub-series within the Astrox line of rackets is geared towards players who prefer the front-court.

While the Astrox 68S does not boast impressive swing speed or movement through the air, it can aid a player in producing solid net play with a high degree of accuracy.

The Astrox 69 is a solid racket that is even more head-heavy than the Duora Z-Strike. The racket sports a 10 mm longer shaft than a regular racket’s shaft. True to the series, the Astrox 69 performs well in the smash category.

While the Astrox 69 consumes a player’s energy, the investment is paid off in the form of breaking down the opponent’s defense. The area of caution for the Astrox 69 is with net play, as the racket feels a bit sluggish at the net.

The Astrox 88D is the brother of the Astrox 88S that produces big hits. Even though it is head-heavy, the racket weight is not concentrated at the top of the frame, as the Astrox 88D has a flex point at the middle of the racket frame which allows for more generation of power from the racket to the shuttle. Fearsome smashes can be produced while still allowing the racket to be nimble, quick and easy to maneuver in the air. While a full smash from the Astrox 88D is just shy of what can be produced by supreme smashers Voltric Z-Force II or Voltric 80, the half to 3/4 smash is truly devastating.

This racket is the front-runner for players who prefer the back-court in doubles. Clears are effortless, smashes are pressing, and drop-shops catch opponents off-guard as the Astrox 88D can disguise the back drop masterfully as a smash or clear. While having a heavier head in comparison to the Astrox 88S makes it a little slower at the mid-court, the Rotational Generator System allows for the player to recover from each shot quickly to be ready for the next shot. This quality is the saving grace for a head-heavy racket in doubles play, where players are required to constantly shift between offensive and defensive shots to stay on par with their opponents.

Author’s pick. The Astrox 88S is a top of the line racket designed for the ultimate front-court player in a double’s setting. The Astrox 88S is the perfect complement to its formidable brother, the Astrox 88D. The Astrox 88S sports a lighter frame for a head-heavy racket, which allows for quicker swinging speeds. The potential for great racket maneuverability makes the racket optimal for front-court play, where players can execute delicate net drops and placement with masterful precision.

The Astrox 88S has a unique flex point near the T-joint located at the bottom of the frame, allowing the player to hold the shuttle on the string-bed slightly longer and be able to dictate the direction of the shot with more finesse. While the smash from the Astrox 88S is not as great as the Voltric 80 or its Astrox 88D counterpart, it remains true to its strengths in the front-court. Drives can be discharged with power and speed for a prolonged period without tiring the player. The racket supplements shots that require subtle movements in the wrist and fingers such as backhand shots, cut-offs or deceptive drop-shots from the back-court.

The Astrox 88S is the ideal racket for play makers who seek to transform a defensive position to an offensive opportunity for their partner deliver the decisive final blow.

The Astrox 88D Game is one of six variations introduced in 2021 to the Astrox 88 racket line. The Astrox 88 Game rackets are arguably the easiest in the racket line to use due to its medium flex in comparison to the stiff flex of the Astrox Tour and Pro rackets.

True to its name as a racket of (D)omination, the Astrox 88D Game performs well in the back-court and is an ideal weapon for a doubles player. The new line of Astrox 88 rackets includes a new technology known as the VOLUME CUT RESIN. This is a revolutionary upgrade to the Rotational Generator System in introducing lighter and stronger materials into the racket frame. This boosts the unique science of weight distribution for an even quicker transition between consecutive shots.

The Astrox 88D Game is made with the NANOMETRIC NEO NANOSCIENCE, giving it increased frame and shaft flex for more explosive power.

Pick up the Astrox 88D Game if you enjoy dominating the badminton court from the rear and are looking for a companion to match your offensive prowess.

The Astrox 88S Game is the sister racket to the Astrox 88D Game. One of Yonex’s newest additions to the Astrox 88 line of rackets, the Astrox 88S Game shines in the mid-to-front court play.

Made with a slightly shorter overall length, 5 mm less than the Astrox 88D Game, the Astrox 88S Game provides its player ultimate feedback and racket feel and handling. Users of the Astrox 88S can be confident in being ready for any and all shots their opponent may fire their way.

You will also find the VOLUME CUT RESIN state-of-the-art technology within the Astrox 88S Game, which amplifies the benefits of the Rotational Generator System for even faster racket recovery.

The Astrox 88S Game is equipped with the Energy Boost Cap which stabilizes the shaft, while also allowing it greater flex to generate additional power.

Become a menace in the front-half of the court to set your partner up, or clinch the point yourself with the Astrox 88S Game.

The Astrox 88D Tour is one of the six new rackets introduced into the Astrox 88 line of rackets in 2021. The Tour rackets can be considered the middle tier of the three sub-series: Pro, Tour, and Game.

The Astrox 88D Tour builds on the idea of being a racket designed for power-hungry players who play the rear-court, especially in the doubles discipline.

Similar to the other new additions to the Astrox 88 line, the Astrox 88D Tour also contains the VOLUME CUT RESIN, which optimizes the weight distribution characteristics of the Rotational Generator System, allowing for speedier recovery and transition between shots.

The Astrox Tour and Pro rackets also have an enhanced Isometric Head Shape, which enlarges the sweet spot on the string bed to maximize the surface area players can hit for the best shot response.

The Astrox 88D Tour exhibits the revolutionary Namd material in the shaft, which is capable of storing and unleashing tremendous power through powerful shots. This particular technology makes the Astrox 88D Tour racket a force to be reckoned with through its dominating potential in the back-court.

The Astrox 88S Tour is the partner in crime to the Astrox 88D Tour racket. The Tour sub-series in the Astrox 88 line is the middle tier of the new 2021 additions.

Similar to the Astrox 88D Tour, the Astrox 88S Tour is made with the New Isometric Head Shape which gives the racket a larger sweet spot for the player to execute their shots with the best result. Additionally, the Astrox 88S Tour is also found with VOLUME CUT RESIN which supplements the Rotational Generator System by means of lighter and strong materials to maximize the racket’s recovery and readiness for each consecutive shot.

The Astrox 88S Tour, part of the SKILL side of the Astrox 88 line, is 5 mm shorter in length for increased racket control. Speaking of control, the built-in T-joint, strengthens the connection between the frame and shaft for heightened control. This, coupled with an extra slim shaft, and Namd technology, takes control, precision, and racket handling to the next level. All together, these attributes make the Astrox 88S Tour a formidable racket to command the front court.

The Astrox 88D Pro was introduced in 2021 as part of the six new rackets to the Astrox 88 line. The Pro sub-series is considered the top of the line in comparison to the Tour and Game sub-series.

The Astrox 88D Pro, true to its Dominate designation, is geared towards players who enjoy dominating their opponents with mega powerful shots from the back-court.

Similar to the Tour sub-series, the Astrox 88D Pro has Namd technology in its extra thin shaft to unleash colossal smashes through the transfer of increased stored energy in an incredibly speedy swing. The New Isometric Head Shape aids the player’s shot effectiveness in increasing the area on the string bed players should strike the shuttle with, otherwise known as the sweet spot.

With each of the new additions to the Astrox 88 line of rackets comes the VOLUME CUT RESIN. This technology boosts the weight distribution concept of the signature Astrox hallmark Rotational Generator System. This extra compact and strong material allows players to execute clean shots in one second and become immediately alert and ready for the next shot in another.

The Astrox 88 Pro sub-series is also equipped with the New Built-In T-Joint which is a lighter weight version of the Built-In T-Joint. The New Built-In T-Joint is able to provide the shuttle greater stability on the strings, which can boost the delivery of power.

Meant for the truly menacing back-court player, the Astrox 88D Pro found in the hands of the right player will truly be unstoppable.

The Astrox 88S Pro is the perfect complement to the Astrox 88D Pro. The Astrox 88S Pro is part of the super Pro sub-series of Astrox 88 rackets which does indeed deliver to its name.

Designed with control players who tactically and strategically command the front-to-mid court, the Astrox 88S Pro’s stiff and extra slim shaft gives its player phenomenal racketing handling capabilities, feel, and responsiveness. This is further elevated through the inclusion of VOLUME CUT RESIN which amplifies the Rotational Generator System’s weight balance and distribution mechanics for optimal transition between shots.

The Namd technology found in the shaft remains extra rigid during slower shots, which is music to the ears of control player. This characteristic allows control players to have the utmost authority over where they want to place the shuttle.

The New Built-In T-Joint, also found in the Astrox 88D Pro, provides a different type of benefit for the Astrox 88S Pro users. As a player who enjoys the technical and precise game play, the New Built-In T-Joint’s ability to stabilize the shuttle provides increased control.

And finally, with the Energy Boost Cap Plus, twisting of the shaft is minimized for better stability, while the Solid Feel Core in the frame reduces discomfort to players from disruptive vibrations.

A racket that offers comfort and control at the peak of what the market has to offer, the Astrox 88S Pro will surely not steer you wrong.

Best value. The Astrox 99 has gained the attention of the badminton world as the racket of choice by the World No. 1 Men’s Singles player Kento Memota. The Astrox 99 sits between the Astrox 88S and 88D in terms of its weight distribution in the frame of the racket. It is the first racket to boast the Namd technology throughout the entirety of the racket (frame and shaft) in contrast to the other rackets in the Astrox racket series which deploys this technology in the shaft only.

A defining characteristic for the Astrox 99 is its ability to produce a stellar smash with a noticeably steeper angle. The racket maneuvers well through the air, with a quick and nimble feel. The Astrox 99 has a more solid feeling in comparison to the Astrox 88D, as observed in its crisp clears. Contrary to the typical fatiguing from conventional head-heavy rackets, the phenomenon is not felt through continuous drive exchanges. However, as it pertains to offensive drives, the Astrox 99 is outshined by the Astrox 88S and thus is not suitable for offensive doubles play.

While the benefits are clear, beginner and intermediate players should be cautious in selecting the Astrox 99. The benefits of the Astrox 99 are fully unlocked by players who have mastered hand speed, timing, technique and physique. Players with not enough practice or wrist/arm strength may put their bodies at risk of injury. As such, this racket is an exceptional choice for experienced players.

The Astrox 100 ZX is a pair to the Astrox 100 ZZ, which are the latest edition to the Yonex Astrox line of rackets. These rackets feature a new isometric frame which gives players the punchy feel of a compact frame without sacrificing the larger sweet spot offered by an isometric frame. With more weight distributed at the top of the racket, the Astrox 100 ZX produces solid and powerful smashes that are just a hair less than the Astrox 88D.

The relatively fast snapback of the racket allows for the Astrox ZX to recover from a shot quickly, whether that is executing fast flat drives or delicate shots at the net. The touch of the racket does not match that of its Astrox 100 ZZ counterpart.

While the Astrox 100 ZX is swift through the air, it can be difficult to nimbly change the racket’s direction or achieve the highest degree of reactive response times. The Astrox 100 ZX, with its extra stiff shaft, is designed for advanced players who are back-court oriented attackers who enjoy a harder feel, with enough control for precise shot generation.

The Astrox 100 ZZ is regarded as the true successor of the legendary Voltric 80 racket. The Astrox 100 ZZ was introduced alongside its twin, the Astrox 100 ZX but seemingly outshines it in many aspects. Both of the Astrox 100s sport a new isometric frame for better feel and new support cap for better comfort for thumb placement.

The Astrox 100 ZZ exhibits a Hyper Slim Shaft, Yonex’s slimmest shaft to date, produces unparalleled snapback speeds while also being able to slice through the air with lightning fast swings. Yonex boasts that this revolutionary shaft can reduce air resistance by up to 11.8%! The Astrox 100 ZZ joins the Astrox 99 as the only other racket that displays the new Namd technology through the entirety of the racket, which aids the racket in achieving devastatingly steep smashes. A Black Micro Core works to absorb more vibrations to give players exquisite feel and control of the racket.

The Astrox 100 ZZ can deliver an arsenal of shots magnificently, ranging from elegant net drops and kills to impeccable defensive and speedy flat drive exchanges. The racket exhibits similar qualities to that of the Duora Z-Strike, with differences in the technology – namely the frame shape and dual optimum system vs. rotational generational system. However, the Astrox 100 ZZ has ease in employing whip to generate power without the feeling of fatigue that is felt from the Duora Z-Strike.

This racket is crafted for advanced players who prefer front-court or defensive doubles play, but can also be lethal in singles. The Astrox 100 ZZ ascends from being a Jack of all trades to a King of all trades because of its all around excellent capabilities.