All the 88's have shorter shafts and longer handles EXACTLY FOR MORE repulsion in drives specifically. Especially the 100zz, and the 88 pros. The shaft being stiff is fair, but dont' really think it's that much more stiff than the 11.
I too hope for a new even balance range or an update for Arcsaber series but I think thats not going to happen for the time being as the marketing for Astrox is still going strong. Even most shops recommend 88s for their Arc11, Duora 10 customers. never tried 88s before so I cannot comment on whether to me its an upgrade for Arc11 or not.
The regular 88s I would consider an upgrade. The 88s pro not so much unless you’re Min maxing for control. I will say again I find the 100zz to be a successor to 11.
I’ve got arcsaber 11, 88S and 88S pro all of them in 3U and to me if you really like the arc11 for what it is (allround racquet with maximum control) there is nothing close to it in the actuel range. 88S is head heavier, harder to move, but easier to play, it’s a kind of arcsaber under steroids 88S pro on the other hand feels closer to arc11 in hand, less head heavy than 88S original but the control is not as good as the arcsaber… So to me no valuable replacement for now
Imo Arcsaber 11 is still the most comfortable racket i have used. Went one full round trying different brands/rackets and eventually returning to arc 11.
Agreed with previous posters, once you arc 11 you never go back going strong since 2013. My eldest just gave up so a new one is in the mail! Currently rocking 3U G5 LN no1 at 28lbs with gc100R towel straight on the handle.
Which racquet would you buy if you wanted an arcsaber 11 but with just a little bit more comfort / easiness…?
I've tried the duora 10 and felt like it was easy to change between the rackets, somewhat similar properties and playability. 99 is a bit more head heavy but should work aswell! The others mentioned by precrime i've not tested to that extent.
I’ve had 88S, 88S pro and now 88D pro and to me they’re all bouncier than arc11. Arc11 is so good at the net I can make the shuttle tumble and do great hairpins. Can’t seem to be successful with other racquets… Just bought an astrox 99 pro, waiting for my stringer…
When resuming after the lockdown I began to play with 88S which was good but felt a little uncomfortable because of its head weight. Then I began to play with arc11 and it clicked immediately for defence / counter attack - precision but there was a big big lack of power… which was solved eventually with more playing time with it. Then I demoed 88S pro which roughly is in between 88S and arc11 but then again not the same precision as arc11… I played at least 6h with each racquet but only the arc11 gave me that incredible accuracy / feeling
I agree, the Arc11 is already not available anymore in some European countries. I think Arc11 PRO will be released Q1 2022 to give more time for the new Astrox PRO/GAME/TOUR range and clear Arc11 stocks in the meantime. I hope it won't be too much different from Arc11...