Racket Recommendation to replace my VTZF 2

Discussion in 'Racket Recommendation / Comparison' started by Nicky_Boy02, May 12, 2022.

  1. Nicky_Boy02

    Nicky_Boy02 Regular Member

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    Hi all, I am a doubles player and have been using my VTZF 2 4U for the longest time, probably since it was launched. I own both the black/blue and yellow LD version. I notice that the yellow version is slightly lighter and less stiff (just a tiny bit) than the regular black/blue version. I say that because the blue/black version would give me shoulder ache sometimes, but I don't feel that when playing with the yellow one (both with the same string (Nanogy 98) and tension (28 lb)). Unfortunately, most stores are only selling the black/blue version and discontinued the yellow one or some stores are selling at a ridiculous amount of $$$ for the yellow version. There is one on eBay selling for $500 USD. I need a backup in case I break it one day.

    I have tried my friend's Astrox 88d Pro 4U but I felt it was too light and couldn't execute the smash I have with VTZF 2, maybe I just need more time to get adjusted to it? I also tried 100zz 4U and it felt worse than 88d Pro, probably because of the string tension (26lb). I have not had the chance to try out 99 pro. I would like to hear from guys who retired from VTZF 2 and found their new favorite weapon. Thanks!
     
  2. Shamwow

    Shamwow Regular Member

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    There's nothing quite like the ZF2 with it's specs. Legendary racket. Outside of the 99's you might want to try the addidas wucht p8 as it's very stiff, has a compact head and is head heavy. Probably closer to the DZS but it might be worth a try. I'd personally wait it out with the 88dpro for a month to fully adapt to it before moving onto something else if it's still not working out. Happy hunting :D
     
  3. DuckFeet

    DuckFeet Regular Member

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    100ZZ?
    NF800 maybe.

    I have a yellow one, tempted to use it as my "silly high tension" demo, but we can look into export cost if you like. A couple of people here got them recently, one from Europe one from India, so i eould hope you can find one retail that could be posted.

    Sent from my SM-A315G using Tapatalk
     
  4. Budi

    Budi Regular Member

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    The closer one might be the OG 99.
    But still it will feel somehow different.
    Each racket are unique & ZF are legendary unique racket to, so need to move on & accept the current new lineup friend.
     
  5. Nicky_Boy02

    Nicky_Boy02 Regular Member

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    Thanks for the replies guys. I guess I will give 88d pro a month "probation period" and see if I could find Astrox 99 from my club players to test it out. In the meantime, I will keep hunting for the yellow z force 2.
     
  6. Cheung

    Cheung Moderator

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    I find with the 88D pro 4U, you need to have a very technical smash stroke technique to get the full power. It took me a few weeks to get a smash going with it and I had to readjust my technique.

    However, the 3U version was much easier to adapt to.
     
  7. Nicky_Boy02

    Nicky_Boy02 Regular Member

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    Thanks for the tips! I will give that a shot. What's holding me back with 88d pro is the lack of head heaviness. I couldn't "feel" the bird when I smash or doing drops. My friend said that my smash is about the same when I use 88d pro vs VFTZ 2. Right now, I am juggling between 99 pro and 88d pro. I just need to find someone who has a 99 pro for me to try out.
     
  8. Cheung

    Cheung Moderator

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    Many racquets that you try will feel like that if you start comparing them to the VTZF2 :)
     
  9. alternat0

    alternat0 Regular Member

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  10. BadmintonDave

    BadmintonDave Regular Member

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    I can relate to this. I have an Astrox 100zz and while it is a really nice racquet, I only use it for when I play singles as it does affect my shoulder if I play for longer than an hour with it. I can really feel the head heaviness when compared to the usual racquet I play with, the Nanoray 800.

    I had the same issue where you don't have multiple of the same racquets in case you break a string at a crucial moment. I got VERY LUCKY and found another Nanoray 800 on Ebay that was someone's spare racquet. And I paid a good price for a 2nd hand racquet (£100 iirc. Sold for £170ish brand new on release). Keep trying market places and maybe try to buying and selling part of this forum.

    Unfortunately, it does take time to adjust to other racquets. I am very well adjusted to the Nanoray 800 and when I try using my Nanoflare 800 it's like I can't even feel where the head is anymore, or see if it's in the right place when I am defending a smash. What I ended up trying to do was to hold the nanoflare in a long grip position until I get used to where the head of the racquet is at all times of swinging. It's sort of working, but I can be impatient if I don't see instant results.

    You could also maybe try other brands of racquets.
    jnice black panther, or whatever carlton / li ning / Victor racquets are head heavy.
     
  11. DuckFeet

    DuckFeet Regular Member

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    I've got a ZF2 and NF800 here, one for restring. The frame shape when laid on top of each other has the same dimensions. ZF2 stiffer and head heavier though I think. Not had enough playtime with both to comment.

    Sent from my SM-A315G using Tapatalk
     
  12. Kwarevo

    Kwarevo Regular Member

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    Astrox 88 D Pro 4u is heavy for setter but good for attacker, try 28 lbs or more
    Astrox 99 pro 4u probably suit with you.
    If 4u is not then try 3u
     

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