ASTROX 88S PRO REVIEW
NEW The popular doubles-concept racquets, ASTROX 88 S and ASTROX 88 D, will be reintroduced in March 2021 with new innovations and materials crafted in for enhanced performance. ASTROX 88 S PRO and ASTROX 88 D PRO are designed to complement the evolving, faster style of doubles play, which requires even faster takebacks for continuous powerful attack shots. The release of the PRO will be accompanied by affordable models ASTROX 88S/D TOUR and GAME, designed and crafted with the same performance concept.
Details
| Flexibility | STIFF |
|---|---|
| Frame | HM Graphite, CFR, Tungsten |
| Shaft | HM Graphite, 2G-Namd™ FLEX FORCE, Ultra PE Fiber |
| Joint | NEW Built-in T-Joint |
| Length | 10 mm longer |
| Weight / Grip | 4U (Avg. 83g) G5,6 3U (Avg. 88g) G4,5,6 |
| Stringing Advice | 4U: 20 - 28 lbs 3U: 21 - 29 lbs |
| Color(s) | Black / Silver |
| Made In | Japan |
| Item Code | 3AX88D-P |
Pros
- -Fast Swing Speed
- -Snappy Feel
- -Balanced Performance
Cons
- -Price is pretty expensive
- -Limited Options in Some Markets
Short Review
The Yonex Astrox 88S Pro is a refreshing upgrade to the popular Astrox 88 series. Featuring a lighter head, faster swing speed, and a snappier feel, it’s designed for players who value quick responses and controlled power. The racket’s new stringing pattern and slightly modified frame make it more agile without sacrificing strength. It’s an excellent choice for both defensive and offensive play, offering great versatility across the court. Rating: 4.5/5.
COMPLETE REVIEW
The Yonex Astrox 88S Pro is the highly anticipated successor to the original Astrox 88S, which was withdrawn in 2020. Launched during the 2021 All England Championship, this updated version offers significant enhancements that set it apart from its predecessor.
Design & Build
The 88S Pro continues Yonex's signature opposing color theme, now sporting a sleek emerald blue and camel gold finish. It’s available in both 3U and 4U weight categories, with my review unit being a 4U/G5, which I find ideal for precision and comfort.
One noticeable design change is the fully recessed frame, along with a longer handle and shorter shaft, which boosts responsiveness. The frame’s overall balance feels more even compared to the head-heavier original 88S, which may appeal to players accustomed to rackets like the Yonex Arcsaber 11. Despite its lighter feel, the 88S Pro maintains excellent control and stability.
Stringing Pattern
A standout feature is the new stringing pattern, with a unique arrangement in the top five crosses. This differs significantly from the original 88S, and while it’s unfamiliar, it adds to the racket’s sharp and lively feel on impact. For this test, I strung the racket with Yonex BG80 at 27lbs, which enhanced the feel of the new string bed.
Performance
On the court, the Astrox 88S Pro offers faster swing speed and more agility than the original. The racket delivers a quick, snappy response, especially in overhead shots and power smashes. The lighter head weight provides a sense of balance without losing too much punch, which I found useful during both attacking clears and cut drops.
Flat drives and mid-court rallies felt effortless, and the increased racket head speed enabled me to react quickly during fast exchanges. Defensively, the 88S Pro excels with its rapid reaction time, making it easy to handle smashes and counter-attacks.
Net Play
At the net, the Astrox 88S Pro performs with precision, offering enough head presence to control fast kills while still being light enough to maneuver. The improved handling made net shots feel smooth and accurate, and the racket’s agility made it a joy to use during tight, fast-paced net exchanges.
VERDICT
In conclusion, the Yonex Astrox 88S Pro delivers a solid, streamlined performance, blending power, speed, and control. It doesn’t feel like the original 88S but stands out as an excellent hybrid of features from Yonex’s other popular models like the Nanoflare 800 and Arcsaber 11. With a retail price around £148, it offers good value for its versatility and overall performance. Rating: 4.5/5. If you’re looking for a racket that offers fast swings, solid defense, and controlled power, the Astrox 88S Pro is well worth a test. While I look forward to comparing it with the Astrox 88D Pro, the 88S Pro has set a high standard in this series.
REFERENCES
ASTROX 88S by yonex
Yonex Astrox 88S Pro Badminton Racket Review by pro badminton racket review
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