Latest player reviews

A high-intermediate UK league player who normally uses the Astrox 88D Pro found the Astrox 77 Tour effortless on clears and smashes and easier on the arm in drives at first. Over time the more flexible shaft made placement and defensive timing harder, so it is now a backup for days when their footwork is sluggish.

“The more flexible shaft was making it slightly harder to place my shots accurately, and I struggled a bit with timing on defensive plays due to the added flexibility as well as the lighter head.”

A beginner-to-intermediate doubles player has used the Astrox 88 Play since taking up the game a year ago and loves it: versatile, with plenty of power when attacking. Now looking for something similar with a bit more control.

“I quickly purchased the Yonex 88 Play after starting and have loved it ever since I started using it. I like how versatile it is while also allowing me to use great power when attacking.”

Compared with the original Astrox 77, finds the 77 Pro slightly more head-heavy and stiffer, with more punch from the back court while staying quick for flicks and pushes at the net. Also liked having it in G6 for more control at the net.

“I personally enjoyed the 77pro more as it packed more punch in back court but was still fast for flick and pushes at the net like the og77.”

A heavy smasher about a year into the game plays the Thruster Ryuga TD strung with BG65. Enjoys the raw smash power, but the very head-heavy balance and demanding shaft punish late shots, defence against fast drives and reactions at the net.

“While the raw smash power is fun, the extreme head-heavy balance and demanding shaft heavily penalize me whenever I'm late on a shot, defending fast drives, or reacting at the net.”

Tried the Auraspeed 100X Ultra recently and disliked it: the Free Core handle gives very little feedback, and smashes felt far less satisfying than with the Astrox 88D.

“I tried the 100x ultra the other day I hated it, it’s a free core handle racquet, the feedback is very small some people love it I hate it.”

An upper-beginner singles and lower-intermediate doubles player who owns the Thruster F Claw Ultra finds it not demanding: stiff but whippy, with a forgiving sweet spot thanks to the larger head. Power comes easily from the head weight, though it gets a little tiring and they feel they only get about 80% of their power on clean hits.

“It's stiff, but whippy like the Auraspeed 99 (thanks WES 3.0). It's maybe not as repulsive due to the head being on the larger side, but it in turn has a more forgiving sweet spot.”

Broke their Nanoflare 1000Z on a clean hit and thinks an earlier clash had created a weak point. Treats rackets as long-lasting consumables rather than something that lasts forever.

“Racquets inherently will have weaknesses and small cracks can develop over time from clashes etc. I broke my 1000z from a clean hit before, most likely a previous clash creates a stress point.”

A beginner playing the Nanoflare 1000Z strung at 24 lbs finds it very unforgiving on mishits and says the sweet spot is hard to find.

“I'm a beginner who uses the Nanoflare 1000Z and it's incredibly unforgiving on mishits and feels hard to hit the sweet-spot. The tension is 24lbs.”