Which chart did you see that suggested the 77 is rated the same stiffness as the 88s? Since the 77 was released, yonex site has been showing that the 77 is medium stiff. And now on the 88s, yonex site is showing stiff. I attached two screenshots that I took from yonex site. Maybe that made a mistake from the start?
Yonex defined astrox 88 as doubles refined rackets and now world top singles players using it for singles. What a joke to Yonex marketing.
I wouldn't look at it that way. Look at it as a testament to how good the rackets actually are. 88s is all about frame stability, accuracy and control which can make all the difference. Without the drawbacks being like DZS for example. If you're a generally powerful guy, this is as good as it can get imo. You can hit hard with practically any racket but not every racket can produce the consistency this does with every shot you take.
I just want to say i love the 88s 3u. I was able to adapt almost instantly coming from playing these rackets regularly bs12, d10 and ax77. I also use zf2 very occasionally. With the ax88s so far I'm winning all drive battles even with friends who are more highly skilled than me. Drive is so amazing good and net play is equally as good. Clear, lift and smashes were effortness. I have to readjust my power as they were going out beyond the back line (maybe its the conditioning of using lighthead bs12 for awhile?) . Holding the racket to me feels like a heavier bs12 3u but once you start swinging it is a different racket depending on the shot play. For a better perspective the bs12 makes the shuttle fly like a spear, it's sharp and directive whereas the 88s flies like a hammer packing a punch and just as responsive in defense. I felt the ax77 charactistics in the 88s perhap due to the rotational generator. Mind you i didnt like the ax77 (4u)it felt dull and lacking but the 88s is a beast. All in all this racket is fantastic. Weilding this racket gives me confidence and control in game especially when it comes to drive. Its accurate and effortness. Its really an easy racket to use and transition into. This is all based on my personal opinion of the racket. Ofc everyone may have different experiences. I hope that help. Cheers!
I was surprised too about it. Especially, as the z-strike was marketed with him as the front player, not that long ago. Anyway, here is the link from the Scandinavian agent who promoted a video saying Viktor is going to play with the new Astrox88S starting next week when the European Championship begins. Let us see then whether he will be using it or not. Perhaps, a 5mm longer racket is enough for a player that already is +190cm in height.
