Badminton Racket Review: Yonex Astrox 99 (AX99)

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First Impressions here.

I first caught sight of the Yonex Astrox 99 when Kento Momota used it to dominate the World Championship - a bright orange racket that seems to add a new dimension to his game. There was a certain poise to his movement on the court, and a brightly colored racket sure helped the illusion!

I didn't know what it was at that time, but that racket in his hand checks all my boxes.

So I rang up my regular dealer and was told that I wasn't the first to ask for the racket that day. And you can imagine how I felt from my buddy told me that it was released. We were supposed to go down and have a swing after our Sunday game, but I decided to front-run him and grab it the day before that I can test it on the courts during our 2 hour singles session.

The initials thoughts were captured on the first impressions, and I must say that it got better the more I used it. What seems to be a heavy and loose handling racket is now a sturdy partner in-game that packs a good punch on the attack.

And now with a few extra hours of game play under its belt, I'm ready to give a review.

Note: This is a review of my experience after using the racket for a few sessions. I am by no means a professional player, and so you should take my judgment with a pinch of salt. I welcome comments of any sorts.

Yonex Astrox 99 (AX99) 
Est. Dry Weight: 87g (3U)
Grip Size: G5
Balance: Head Heavy
Stiffness: Listed as stiff, but feels medium flex
Strings: Yonex BG66 Ultimax @ 29lbs

Defense 
Of all the things I enjoy about badminton, I probably enjoy defending the most. That feeling when the opponent attacks you, allowing you a chance to turn the tides or win outright with one properly timed block or counter drive. The Yonex Astrox 99 is one racket that has allowed me to do that time and again on the court - even to the extent of my showing delight when the opponent lies up for a jump smash!

I am comfortable receiving attacks with the racket, it's grace allowing me to address offensive moves with a myriad of defensive options. I've blocked shuttles diagonally to the front to force the run, swerved the body sideways to counter a body shot, blocked high so the shuttle drops straight down from the net, or gave the shuttle a nice top spin to sent it dipping over to the back line.

Although distinctly heavy, the Astrox 99 doesn't feel so when you're up against a barrage of shuttles, instead allowing you to turn the tides more often than not.

Attack
Very similar to the Astrox 88 Skill, the AX99 allows me to throw off very steep smashes with the flick of a wrist. While it took me some time to calibrate the technique needed to perform the smashes, but once that happened I was a kid in a candy store.

The amount of speed and power that comes off the wrist is also translated to the drives that this racket can put out. Shuttles zip from left to right at the slightest command, granting you an awesome time on the court in attack.

The Yonex Astrox 99 is also able to produce on those big jump smashes as well. With the proper set up and technique, you're really able to throw down a grand slam.

Control
Net shots, clears, drop shots, drives, blocks... you're going to be able to do a lot with this racket once you get over the apparent 'looseness' in its swing initially. Because the head of the racket is really heavy, and the shaft coming off as a little mid-flex, the racket may appear to be hard to control at first.

But hang in there and every shot will come off your wrists like magic, whether you're in control or chasing to turn the tide.

Looks
A smoldering orange is contrasted with a glossy black in the rackets color scheme. Take a look at teh picture above and tell me that's not an attractive racket!

Yonex Astrox 99

"Take some time to know this guy."

Defense: 10

Attack: 10

Control: 9

Looks: 10