Yonex Astrox 88D Pro Badminton Racket - Camel Gold [Frame Only]

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YonexSKU: YYAX88DPRO-3U4
1 review

Weight: 3U (85-89g)
Price:
Sale price£154.99 Regular price£220.00
  • Weight: 3U (85-89g unstrung), 4U (80-84g unstrung)
  • Balance: Head-Heavy
  • Flex: Stiff
  • Recommended String for Power & Comfort: Yonex Aerobite Hybrid - 0.67/0.61mm
  • Recommended String for Control & Durability: Yonex BG65Ti - 0.70mm
  • Stringing Tension Range: 20-28 lbs
  • Frame: H.M Graphite + Volume Cut Resin + Tungsten
  • Shaft: H.M Graphite + Namd
  • Strung or Unstrung? Unstrung

Yonex Astrox 88D Pro Badminton Racket Review: Unleash Relentless Power!

Badminton enthusiasts, hold on to your shuttlecocks! The iconic Yonex brand has upped its game with the Yonex Astrox 88D Pro, and this is not just any other racket. This is the racket for those who want to dominate from the back of the court with elite level smashing potential.

Aesthetics and First Impressions

First off, the Yonex Astrox 88D Pro comes in a sleek and sophisticated Camel Gold colour, making you stand out even before your first serve. But this racket is not just about looks. It is designed for the player who demands to be in control, dictating the pace and rhythm of the game.

Performance and Playability

As an updated version of the renowned Astrox 88D, the Pro version combines a head-heavy balance, 4U weight, and a stiff shaft to ensure attacking power is at the forefront of every game. And the innovation doesn't stop there. Yonex has introduced a new 10mm longer shaft, which pushes the boundaries of power, making you feel like you're wielding the legendary Z-Force II. This is especially advantageous for players who are in their element at the back of the court, letting smash after smash rain down on their opponents.

The enhanced rotational Generator system adds a layer of versatility, ensuring you're not just a power player but a strategic one as well. On top of this, the Volume Cut Resin strengthens the racket, whilst minor tweaks like a wider frame width, bigger grommet holes, and the improved Energy Boost Cap uplift the overall feel and playability.

One standout feature is the Energy Boost Cap Plus, an innovation by Yonex, designed to boost energy transfer from the player to the racket. This synergy with the cutting-edge Namd graphite means the racket offers extra flex and snapback, ensuring power without compromising on control. And let's not forget, the Astrox 88D Pro flexes at the mid-point, making energy transfer to the shuttle optimal.

Technology

Made in the heart of Japan, this racket is steeped in the pinnacle of badminton technology. With Namd graphite, AERO+BOX Frame, Isometric head, Rotational Generator System, Solid Feel Core, Extra Slim Shaft, and Energy Boost Cap Plus, it's clear that Yonex has left no stone unturned. And if you're wondering about Namd graphite, click here to understand why it’s revolutionizing high-level badminton performance.

Specifications

  • Frame: H.M Graphite + Volume Cut Resin + Tungsten
  • Shaft: H.M Graphite + Namd
  • Strung or Unstrung? Unstrung
  • Weight: 3U (85-89g unstrung), 4U (80-84g unstrung)
  • Balance: Head-Heavy
  • Flex: Stiff
  • Recommended String for Power & Comfort: Yonex Aerobite Hybrid - 0.67/0.61mm
  • Recommended String for Control & Durability: Yonex BG65Ti - 0.70mm
  • Stringing Tension Range: 20-28 lbs

Final Thoughts

The Yonex Astrox 88D Pro is more than just a racket; it's an experience. It's for the player who wants to unleash relentless power without losing an ounce of control. If you're looking to dominate and command respect on the court, this might just be your new weapon of choice.

Game Play Analysis of the Yonex Astrox 88D Pro

1. Front Court Performance:  At the net, the Astrox 88D Pro felt lively and reminiscent of its original model. The frame's design allows for swift maneuverability, making transitions between forehand and backhand net plays seamless. With minimal slack, players can expect a responsive feel, allowing for quick net shots and tight spins.

The racket definitely feels more versatile compared to the heavier Astrox 99 Pro - allowing for quicker interceptions touches during net play. However it still falls behind the Astrox 88S Pro which is one of the best front-court frames made by Yonex so far.

Based on our hands-on experience, we'd rate its front court performance at a commendable 7.5/10.

2. Mid Court and Defence: The mid-court is where the Astrox 88D Pro truly shines. Defence with this racket is an absolute delight. Its versatility is evident as players can effortlessly switch between forehand and backhand defensive plays.

Driving shuttles becomes a breeze, and the head-heavy balance ensures that shuttles are returned with power and precision. While it slightly lags behind the Astrox 88S Pro in mid-court defence, it outpaces the Astrox 99 PRO in terms of speed.

For its commendable performance in this area, we'd give it a score of 8/10.

3. Power: When it comes to delivering power-packed shots, the Astrox 88D Pro stands out as a formidable contender. From the back-court, players can unleash devastating smashes with minimal effort, thanks to the racket's design and balance. Overhead clears are executed with ease, allowing players to maintain court dominance.

Unlike most head heavy frames such as the Astrox 99 Pro or Victor Thruster Ryuga which require a high amount of arm strength to consistenly deliver smashes,we found the 88D Pro to be slightly more forgiving. The lag between repeated smashes is signifcanftly lesser, allowing you to deliver quick compact smashes repeatedly.

For its impressive power dynamics, we'd rate it at a solid 8/10.

Check out our full review here!

Not in a rush? Check out our detailed guide here.

  1. Purpose of Play

    • Beginners: Opt for even-balanced rackets, which ensure ease in learning and versatility in shots.
    • Intermediate Players: Depending on playing style, consider rackets that are slightly head-heavy (for power) or slightly head-light (for speed).
    • Advanced Players: These players often have specific preferences. They might opt for rackets that amplify power, speed, or control, depending on their playing style.
  1. Weight Class:

    • Ultralight (5U,6U,7U): Easier to control, quick swing. Suitable for beginners and defensive players.
    • Standard (4U): Provides a balanced feel. Suitable for intermediate players.
    • Heavy (3U): Emphasizes power, might be harder to maneuver. Preferred by advanced players.
  1. Balance Point:

    • Head-Heavy: Emphasizes power, ideal for smashing.
    • Even-Balance: Offers a mix of power and speed. Suitable for players who play both at the net and the back of the court.
    • Head-Light: Emphasizes speed and quick reflexes, ideal for front court plays and doubles.
  1. String Tension:

    • Beginners: 20-23 lbs. Provides a larger sweet spot and is more forgiving.
    • Intermediate: 23-26 lbs. Offers a good mix of power and control.
    • Advanced: 27+ lbs. Delivers precise control but requires consistent hitting technique.
  1. Shaft Flexibility:

    • Flexible: Easier for beginners. Generates power without much effort but might compromise on accuracy.
    • Medium: Balanced flex and suitable for many intermediate players.
    • Stiff: Preferred by advanced players. Offers precision but requires good technique to generate power.
  1. Grip Size:

  • Smaller Hands: G5 or smaller
  • Average Hands: G4
  • Larger Hands: G3

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      • We offer free shipping on all orders exceeding £70.
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      • The usual shipping duration for our UK customers ranges from 1-3 working days.
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      • If required, we can facilitate return labels at a subsidised fee.
      • Please note that for rackets which had string upgrades, there will be a deduction of £20 from the refund amount.

      Warranty:

      • We stand by the quality of our products. All items purchased come with a 1-month warranty.
      • In the event of any product issues, we will collaborate with the manufacturer to ensure the problem is addressed promptly and effectively.

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