Let's start with a quick recap of the physical measurements of the Yonex Astrox 100ZZ.
On the visuals side of things, I really love the glitter and holographic Astrox 100ZZ decals on the racket's frame. Not sure if the photo is doing it any justice but the colour is absolutely amazing and you all know I'm a sucker for matt finishing on rackets as I think they just look super classy. The hyper slim shaft really does stand out at how thin they are.
In terms of hitting experience, I am surprised at how easy it is to play with considering the fact that the Astrox 100ZZ is supposed to be the crazy super stiff, super head-heavy, sledgehammer. However, it turned out to be just an amazing super speedy racket! The shaft is pliable enough to generate power with simple short swings or squeeze action, it does not need any big long swings at all.
The swings from the Astrox 100ZZ is buttery smooth and this is due to the fully recessed frame profile which really aids and reduces the drag from the frame and helps it slice through the air as fast as possible.
However, I do feel that the sweetspot of the Astrox 100ZZ is ever so slightly smaller compared to my Arcsaber 10 because of its slimmer frame. The Astrox 100ZZ's frame width is measured at 18.3cm but the Arcsaber 10 has a bigger frame with a frame width of 19cm, and also a bigger sweetspot area in that sense. So if I am late to a shuttle or am sent the wrong way and having to really scramble for the shuttle, I find that it is slightly more unforgiving. If you are ready for a shot and are able to apply good timing to it, the Astrox 100ZZ feels amazing and rewards you with tons of solid feel and power.
Another bit I'd like to point out is although the Astrox 100ZZ is fast, I still struggle slightly in all-out defensive situations when everything is just pure reaction and needing short sharp shots in return, but this is to be expected from a stiff, super head-heavy racket. It actually performs miles better compared to previous generations of flagship head-heavy rackets. With the longer handle, I can just move my grip position towards the shaft of the racket when things get a little too fast to compensate for that.
If we compare the Astrox 77, Astrox 99 and Astrox 100ZZ, in terms of head-heaviness, the Astrox 77 is the lightest, followed by the Astrox 100ZZ then comes the sledgehammer, and lastly the Astrox 99. In terms of stiffness, it's exactly the same with the Astrox 77 being the most pliable, followed by the Astrox 100ZZ which is really responsive and good to play with, and lastly the Astrox 99 with incredible stiffness. In terms of speed, I will put the Astrox 99 as the slowest racket, then the Astrox 77 before ending with the Astrox 100ZZ which is very impressive considering the amount of head weight and power you have access to with it.
You may also want to check out the new Astrox 100ZZ Kurenai which is the latest colour update to the original Astrox 100ZZ currently being used by Viktor Axelsen and Hiroyuki Endo. The Astrox 100ZZ Kurenai is part of the Yonex Astrox head heavy badminton racket series and is super popular with the pros and amateur players alike.
Do you own an Astrox 100ZZ and what do you think about it? Leave me a comment and let me know! Also, check out my Youtube videos below where I compare the Astrox 100ZZ, Astrox 99 and Astrox 77, and my cinematic shots on the Astrox 100ZZ Kurenai!
Hey CK, thanks for the post and videos. I've been considering to try out the 100zz, currently got back to baddy and am playing with the old victor mx80s. Just wondering if you had played with those before and if so, what's your opinion for the comparison between the two?