Seems like quite a lot of reviews saying that the 4U 88D is lacking in power. I guess I should buy the 3U 88D or the 4U 99. but hesitant to buy the 99 since many QC issues reported. Locally, the people I asked don't seem to be having the issue.
+2 I have both 3u 88d and 4u 99, the 99 hits harder for sure. Clears / smashes are way more effortless with the 99 (same strings and lbs).
Yep QC it seems like. I wonder if it is w/ specific country issue, mine is SP (I guess Singapore) bought in US through ebay, it seems fine.
Actually this is because the AX99 is more flexible than the 88D, and so it is easier for you to generate power. It does not mean the racquet itself is more powerful because if you got the one that feels like the 88D, then there's really no more power inherently in the head weight.
Headweight =/= weight distribution one racquet can have same headweight and play completely different
someone must have lied to me on this thread and said all were made in japan and his japan racket had qc issue
don't think anyone has disputed that this model is MIJ. do you understand what the regional distribution codes are?
I believe they meant they are made in Japan , but distributed via country code that is printed. Again none probably really knows for sure, so safe to go by country code engraved on the racquet
All high end Yonex are made in Japan. It's written on the shaft and also on the butt cap. It's only the distribution code that differs. Some people have claimed that the QC level is different for different countries but Yonex always maintains that all racquets are the same.
I have been testing Astrox 99 for a few weeks and will soon be posting my review. Paul www.badminton-coach.co.uk
Testing my 3 Astrox siblings... 88S (3U/G4); 88D (4U/G5) both strung on BG80 29lbs. Strung the 99 on Aerobite 27lbs. Had to try for myself & I do agree with the reviews of the forum testers. Astrox 99 (4U/G5) = singles oriented or back court doubles racket. Much more head heavy than 88D. Clears are easy & smashes pack a punch. The feel of the head hitting the shuttle is a delight. Superb on control & drops. Hard to use as a front court player, much slower than the 88D & S. The 88S moves faster, but lacks the punch. Where the 88D gains more power but looses a bit of speed. The 99 will demand more arm & wrist strength but to the reward of that extra power, definitely lives up to the Hulk Slogan, Hulk likes to Smash.. Had a VTZF 2 (3U/G4), felt it was faster maneuvering than the 99. Hope this helps those who are plannning of purchasing the AX99.
AX99 users! I have a victor tk9900 and yonex zf2, both 3UG5. looking to get 1 spare, shld i get ax99, zf2 or tk9900?