Yonex Astrox 100 Badminton Racket: Are you ready for Power and Versatility?

The Astrox series from Yonex has been quite popular. Over the years, the company has added several successful racket models to it. The recent Yonex Astrox 99 took the world by storm when the company launched it in September 2018. AX88S and AX88D rackets were truly innovative with a focus on doubles players. Now, Yonex is introducing the latest addition to the Astrox series: The Astrox 100 badminton racket.

In a press release on 25^th February, 2020, Yonex announced the launch of Astrox 100 racket that will offer the next level of power and versatility to your badminton skills. Yonex Astrox 100 is available in two versions: Astrox 100 ZZ and Astrox 100 ZX racket models. The previous model has two color options: Dark Navy and Kurenai.

Astrox 100 ZZ Racket

Viktor AXELSEN (Denmark), CHOU Tien Chen (Taiwan), Akane YAMAGUCHI (Japan) and many other players will start using the newest Astrox 100 racket during the 2020 season.

DAIHATSU Japan Open 2023: Viktor Axelsen used the AX100ZZ badminton racket to win his third BWF title this year. Ever since its launch, the racket has been a trusted partner for the World No. 1 men's singles player.

What's Different about Yonex Astrox 100 Badminton Racket?

By developing racquet technologies in weight distribution, shaft, frame shape and cap, the ASTROX 100 enables access to power that controls the quick changes of pace in the game.

With this racket, Yonex is trying to solve the issue that affects most head-heavy rackets in the market. When the weight distribution is biased towards the head, it often makes the shots a bit clumsy. The weight causes fatigue during long rallies. To counter the effects of extra weight and add more speed and control to the shots, Yonex has enhanced existing technology and created the Astrox 100 racket. You get to enjoy more powerful and quicker consecutive shots with it.

A Detailed Look at the Technology for Better Understanding

Before you decide to buy a racket from Astrox 100 series, learn what technology additions will elevate your game to the next level.

1. Innovative Rotational Generator System

If you have been using Yonex Astrox badminton rackets in the past, you might be aware of the company's Rotational Generator System. It allows the rackets to have a balanced weight distribution so that they do not wear you down. Yonex has gone one step ahead with the Astrox 100 and enhanced the system with a more precise weight distribution from the top of the frame to the grip end. Due to the changes, the racket will become quicker than the other models in the Astrox series.

2. NAMD

The company has used NAMD graphite material in the frame as well as the shaft of both the racket models. The material ensures that there is an enhanced flex in the racket for a faster snapback. This way the Astrox 100 racket comes back to its original position effortlessly. You get to unleash incredible power while playing smashes. It produces stronger shots rapidly with increased swing speed.

3. Super Slim Shaft

Yonex has created the slimmest shaft to this date with the help of high-quality graphite material. The company claims that it has helped in reducing air resistance. It also aids in enhancing the rotational power with a faster snapback than before.

4. Improved Isometric Shape and Expanded Sweet Spot

Nowadays, most rackets have an isometric shape for an expanded sweet spot. Yonex has improved its isometric shape and created a shape resembling almost a square. This change has increased the area of the sweet spot by 2.9%. It allows the players to hit powerful shots in rapid succession even if they are unable to place the shuttlecock at the center of the racket.

5. Energy Boost Cap

Yonex has even improved the cap on top of the racket handle. The Energy Boost Cap is made better with a new structure that increases flexibility and offers more support to your thumb while hitting the shuttlecock. This transforms into more power without compromising on comfort. It also helps the racket shaft from twisting and keeps it stable.

A Quick Overview of Astrox 100 ZZ and Astrox 100 ZX Variants

Overall, both the badminton rackets focus on enhancing your power and speed on the court. However, there are a few differences in terms of the technology used in creating them. Let's take a look:

1. The Differences in Frame Material

If you consider the differences, the frame material used in Astrox 100 ZZ is a new one. The Black Micro Core material at the top of the frame increases rigidity by 4% and absorbs vibration by 2%. The extra weight of the material is refuted by the new built-in T joint that makes the racket 1.3% lighter than other Yonex racket models. With the innovative design of the Astrox 100 ZZ racket, you can get more power from your smashes.

On the other hand, Astrox 100 ZX racket has the Nanomesh NEO material in the frame. It was also used in other Astrox rackets such as Astrox 22, Astrox 9, Astrox 7, Astrox 6, etc. The material acts as an adhesive to combine the graphite fiber with resin. It results in a stronger and more flexible frame. It allows the shaft to come back to its original position in a quick succession. This enables you to play attacking shots quickly and continuously.

2. The Differences in the Shaft

The Astrox 100 ZZ has a Hyper Slim Shaft. It includes a graphite material at the core of the shaft that delivers an 11.8% reduction in air resistance. With the solid material, the racket becomes more resilient than before and ensures stronger shots every time.

The Astrox 100 ZX has an Extra Slim and Rexis Shaft. It is a high-performance shaft with an advanced molding technique and high-quality, high-performance graphite material. The new Rexis technology allows the racket to slice through air and generates enough speed and power.

In Summary...

The Astrox 100 badminton racket with its two variants: Astrox 100 ZZ and Astrox 100 ZX seem to be a natural progression of the Yonex Astrox racket series. The company had not introduced any racket in the Astrox series after the highly popular Astrox 99 and the limited-edition Astrox 99 LCW racket with Lee Chong Wei.

Everyone was expecting a newer model in 2020. It is smart of the company to not make any drastic changes in the racket and bank upon improving the existing technology to offer a more powerful and versatile racket.

Update: After the successful release of Yonex Astrox 100 ZZ and Astrox 100 ZX badminton rackets, the company introduced several new racket models in Astrox 100 series:

Yonex Astrox 100 Tour Badminton Racket: Ideal for intermediate players who have enjoyed playing the AX100ZX model and want a similar racket feel but at an affordable cost.

Yonex Astrox 100 Game Badminton Racket: The most budget-friendly AX100G racket for beginners and recreational players who want to experience the power and speed of the Astrox 100 series, but at an affordable price.