1. Yonex Nanoflare 1000 Z
This right here is Yonex's latest flagship racket, and it claims to be the fastest racket ever made. So, let's dive right in and explore what makes this racket so special.
First things first, let's talk about the colour - it's a striking yellow! The marketing team at Yonex truly hit the mark with the lightning strikes – it makes you think fast straight away.
Aero Compact Frame: The first thing you'll notice is that the head shape is different, and the shaft may seem a bit unusual. The Nanoflare 1000Z incorporates a new Aero Compact Frame. "Aero" refers to the wider edges of the frame compared to traditional rackets. This wider frame reduces air resistance and concentrates the power into the central sweet spot, making this racket a true weapon built for power.
Shaft: - Interestingly, while the shaft appears shorter, it's actually 10mm longer when compared to the Arcsaber 11 Pro, thanks to the smaller head size that maintains the overall length of the racket. This unique design enables enhanced manoeuvrability while retaining the desired racket length. The shaft is also extra stiff, ensuring maximum power transfer and precision control during your shots.
Speed Assist Bumper: - This connected grommet system, previously used on the Arcsaber 11 Pro for control, is positioned at the bottom of the Nanoflare 1000Z to help generate swing speed and improve repulsion.
Sonic Flare System: - And like the Nanoflare 700 and 800, the 1000Z also features the Sonic Flare system. This incorporates the M40X Graphite, developed by Toray Industries, and Yonex's renowned hi-modulus graphite at the top and bottom of the racket head, optimizing power and stability.
Shop the Yonex Nanoflare 1000 Z
RRP - £230
Balance - 295mm
Grip - G5
Weight - 85.7g
Swing Weight - 84g
PSW - 86.6g
2. Arcsaber 11 Pro 3U
The Arcsaber 11 Pro is Central Sports’ fastest selling racket of all time. Arcsaber 10 and 11 eat your heart out - the 11 Pro, featuring pocket booster technology, is an incredible piece of equipment. With a stiffer shaft than the 7 it produces more power and solid feel, but doesn’t have that addictive easiness that the 7 boasts. Available in 3U and 4U, it feels like an extension of your arm.Power: The Arcsaber 11 Pro is designed for players who like to play with power, featuring a balanced weight distribution and a stiff shaft.
Control: The racket has a smaller head size, providing good control over shots, allowing players to place the shuttlecock precisely where they want it.
Manoeuvrability: The Arcsaber 11 Pro is designed to be light and well-balanced, making it easy to handle and manoeuvre during play.
Brand reputation: Yonex is a well-respected brand in the world of badminton, and their products are known for their quality and performance.
The Yonex Arcsaber 11 Pro uses the following technologies:
Control Support Cap (CSC) Technology: The Arcsaber 11 Pro features Yonex's Control Support Cap (CSC) technology, which provides players with better control over their shots by reducing the size of the frame's rim and providing a larger sweet spot.
Isometric Head Shape: The Arcsaber 11 Pro features an isometric head shape, which provides players with a larger sweet spot and improved accuracy.
HM Graphite: The racket is made with high-modulus graphite, a strong and lightweight material that helps to provide power and stability during play.
Dual Optimum System (DOS): The Arcsaber 11 Pro features Yonex's Dual Optimum System (DOS), which enhances the power and speed of shots by providing a flexible and stiff shaft.
These technologies, combined with Yonex's quality construction and design, make the Arcsaber 11 Pro a top-performing badminton racket for intermediate to advanced players who are looking for a powerful and well-balanced racket.
Shop the Arcsaber 11 Pro
RRP - £210
Balance - 294mm
Grip - G4
Weight - 88.5g
Swing Weight - 86g
PSW - 88.9g
As used by: ZHAO Junpeng, Michelle LI, Aaron CHIA, Chirag SHETTY, ZHENG Siwei, Dechapol PUAVARANUKROH, Sapsiree TAERATTANACHAI
3. Arcsaber 7 Pro
The boss says he’ll eat his hat if you can’t play with it! The easiest racket in the range by far, featuring the pocket booster grommets and the ultra PE Fiber shaft. It’s literally like having a get out of jail card but in every single shot!
Balance: The Arcsaber 7 Pro has a balanced weight distribution, which makes it easy to handle and control.
Flexibility: The racket has a flexible frame that provides good shock absorption, reducing the impact on the player's arm during long games.
Power: The Arcsaber 7 Pro is designed to deliver powerful shots, making it ideal for aggressive players.
Control: The racket's aerodynamic design and head-light balance allow for quick, accurate shots and good control over the shuttlecock.
Brand reputation: Yonex is a well-respected brand in the world of badminton, and their products are known for their quality and performance.
Overall, the Yonex Arcsaber 7 Pro is a good option for intermediate to advanced players who are looking for a racket that offers a good balance of power, control, and flexibility. It features several technological advancements designed to enhance its performance. Some of these include:
Flexible Frame Technology: The Arcsaber 7 Pro features Yonex's Flexible Frame technology, which helps to absorb shock and reduce the impact on the player's arm during long games.
Control Support Cap (CSC) Technology: The Arcsaber 7 Pro features Yonex's Control Support Cap (CSC) technology, which provides players with better control over their shots by reducing the size of the frame's rim and providing a larger sweet spot.
Isometric Frame Shape: The Arcsaber 7 Pro has an isometric frame shape, which enhances its power and accuracy by expanding the size of the sweet spot.
Aero-Box Frame: The Arcsaber 7 Pro has an aerodynamic frame design, which allows for quick, accurate shots and improved control over the shuttlecock.
HM Graphite: The racket is made with high-modulus graphite, a strong and lightweight material that helps to provide power and stability during play.
Shop the Arcsaber 7 Pro
RRP - £190
Stiffness - 50%
Even balance
Balance - 294mm
Grip - G5
Weight - 82.9g
Swing Weight - 81.5g
PSW - 84.0g
As used by: HUANG Dongping
4. Astrox 88D Pro 4U
One of our best selling rackets, it was originally designed as a doubles racket but is now also used by top level singles players. It’s powerful, yet not too hard on your body, with precise control – overall, it’s easy to use.
The Yonex Astrox 88D is designed for advanced level players who have developed a high level of skill and are looking for a racket that can enhance their game.
It features Yonex's latest technology - "Dynamix Dual Orthotic" - which is designed to help players maximize their power and control. This technology involves the use of two different materials in the shaft of the racket. The first material, called Namd, is a high-performance graphite that provides a flexible and responsive feel. The second, called Rotational Generator System, helps to increase the stability of the racket and enhance the player's control.
The Astrox 88D also has a unique head shape that is designed to provide a larger sweet spot and enhance the player's ability to generate power. Additionally, the racket has a balance point that is located closer to the head, which helps to increase the player's swing speed and generate more power.
Power: The Astrox 88D Pro is designed for players who like to play with power, featuring a balanced weight distribution and a stiff shaft.
Control: The racket has a smaller head size, providing good control over shots, allowing players to place the shuttlecock precisely where they want it.
Manoeuvrability: The Astrox 88D Pro is designed to be light and well-balanced, making it easy to handle and manoeuvre during play.
Brand reputation: Yonex is a well-respected brand in the world of badminton, and their products are known for their quality and performance.
The Yonex Astrox 88D Pro uses the following technologies:
Control Support Cap (CSC) Technology: The Astrox 88D Pro features Yonex's Control Support Cap (CSC) technology, which provides players with better control over their shots by reducing the size of the frame's rim and providing a larger sweet spot.
Rotational Generator System (RGS): The Astrox 88D Pro is equipped with Yonex's Rotational Generator System (RGS), which enhances the racket's rotational power and stability during play.
HM Graphite: The racket is made with high-modulus graphite, a strong and lightweight material that helps to provide power and stability during play.
Dual Optimum System (DOS): The Astrox 88D Pro features Yonex's Dual Optimum System (DOS), which enhances the power and speed of shots by providing a flexible and stiff shaft.
Shop the Astrox 88D Pro
RRP - £220
Balance - 303mm
Grip - G5
Weight - 84.4g
Swing Weight - 85.0g
PSW - 86.9g
As used by: Wooi Yik Soh, Muhammad Rian Ardianto, Kim So Yeong, Kong Hee Yong
5. Victor Thruster F C
For some, this is the best racket in the world. That’s a pretty subjective statement, and while we love it, we’re not so sure. But, take nothing away from this top performing racket.Power: The Thruster F is designed for players who like to play with power, featuring a head heavy balanced weight distribution and a stiff shaft.
Control: The racket has a smaller head size, providing good control over shots, allowing players to place the shuttlecock precisely where they want it.
Manoeuvrability: The Thruster F is designed to be light and well-balanced, making it easy to handle and manoeuvre during play.
The Victor Thruster F uses the following technologies:
X-Fullerene: The Thruster F features Victor's X-Fullerene technology, which enhances the strength and durability of the racket frame.
High Tension Frame: The racket has a high tension frame design, which provides increased power and stability during play.
T-joint: The Thruster F is equipped with a T-joint, which enhances the stability and power of shots by distributing the tension evenly throughout the racket frame.
Aero-Box Frame: The racket features an Aero-Box Frame design, which enhances the aerodynamics of the racket and reduces air resistance, allowing players to generate more speed and power during play.
Shop the Victor Thruster F C
RRP - £244.99
Balance - 299mm
Grip - G5
Weight - 83.9g
Swing Weight - 84.0g
PSW - 86.1g
