Yonex Astrox 100 ZZ Badminton Racket (Kurenai)

The Astrox 100 ZZ badminton racket, introduced in March of 2020, has a sleek matte black finish with a blue and white design that trails along the racket. Used by Former World Champion Victor Axelsen and Former World Number 1 Akane Yamaguchi, the Astrox 100 ZZ badminton racket features new technology including a hyper slim shaft with a solid core. This new flagship racket provides a hyper-slim shaft, and an enhanced snapback because of micro core. In this article, BW tests out the new Astrox 100 ZZ.
First Impressions
Coming in two different grip sizes and weights, this racket is able to fit any player’s preferences. The Astrox 100 ZZ badminton racket has a unique head shape, providing a flatter head compared to other models. Moving on to the play, at first glance, the Astrox 100 ZZ is extremely powerful. The significantly stiff and slim shaft combined with the head heaviness of the racket generates exceptional power. This racket is an excellent, all-around racket, making it suitable for different playing styles.
Smash - 10 The NAMD technology utilized in this racket produces more flex with a quicker snapback, adding an extra punch when smashing. The new built-in T joint gives this racket a stability boost, allowing for extra control and accuracy when smashing. During testing, they were able to send smashes across the court in a forceful fashion, with impeccable accuracy.
Drop - 9.5 Drops are outstanding with the new Astrox 100 ZZ badminton racket. The new Aerobox frame and solid core shaft allow the racket to move smoothly through the air, providing accuracy and touch. Additionally, the energy boost cap, which introduces a new structure on the handle, brings comfort and control to the drop game.
Clear - 9 The new micro core allows the absorption of 2% more vibration, calling for more stability when clearing. Similar to the smash, the NAMD technology allows for an extra punch when clearing, making the shot more powerful and effective.
Drive/Defensive Lift - 8 While this racket provides immense power, it doesn’t match the speed and maneuverability of the Nanoflare 800 or the Nanoray Z-Speed. With that being said, this racket still performs at a high level. Defensive lifts and drives are still easily producible without fatigue or difficulty.
Net Kill - 9 Generally, head-heavy rackets make it difficult to master the timing of the net kill. However, with the extra slim shaft, the player is able to whip their racket through the air with ease and power. Net kills generally require great skill and timing, but the Astrox 100 zz provides the technology which makes the net kill easy.
Summary All in all, the Astrox 100 ZZ badminton racket is the perfect racket for the flagship title. This racket is an all around badminton racket that meets the expectations in each category. Whether you’re a doubles player, who needs a powerful smash and racket speed, or a singles player who needs control and accuracy, the Astrox 100 ZZ provides you with that. Compared to a longtime favorite, the Z-Force 2, the Astrox 100 ZZ has multiple new specs which make it more versatile and usable for different playing styles. With multiple highlighted technologies used in this racket as well as its high retail price, this racket is a good fit for an advanced and experienced player.