Thoughts on The Yonex Astrox 99 (3U) - Racquet Review

A few months ago, I reviewed the 4U version of the Nanoflare 800 in response to chatting to badminton players about what they would like to see more of in the badminton world. So here I am again, presenting you a review on the Yonex Astrox 99 (3UG5) with my co-founder Jeff. 

If you'd prefer to watch our review, please see this video below: 

 So let's cut to the chase, we reviewed this fella in early December 2019 in collaboration with Badminton Clickin Melbourne, Australia. Although it officially dropped in September 2018, we reviewed it because it's still a highly sought after racquet. Maybe because one of our favourite badminton players at Volant Wear, Kento Momota (current world no.1) uses it as his weapon of choice! 

but why? We'll get to that. Firstly, here's a bit of background and technical details about the racquet for those that aren't familiar with this racquet:

General Specs of the Astrox 99 we tested:

• Head Heavy 
  
  
• 4U (83g) - most popular version according to Badminton Click
  
  
• G5 (Smallest grip size)
  
  
• 3U (88g) is also available

 A few of the key features that Yonex promotes for this racquet include: 

1. Energy Boost Cap: The new shape allows the shaft to flex, which ensures the maximum effect of “NAMD (more flex and faster kick-back graphite material) and stabilizes the racquet face by preventing the shaft twisting, increasing control
   
   
2. Rotational Generator System: By applying the counterbalance theory, weight is distributed throughout the grip end, frame top and the joint for maximum control. The transition to the next shot can be performed smoothly with a rapid succession.
   
3. Nanometric: 

   NANOMETRIC* improves the bonding strength between the carbon fibres enabling us to take racquet shaft construction to another level. By reducing the amount of carbon in the shaft to make it 60%* thinner than a conventional racquet whilst retaining stiffness, YONEX has created a revolutionary lightweight racquet with lightening head speed and control.

   *NANOMETRIC is the new material which applies the NANOALLOY^TM Technology of Toray Industries, Inc.

A full list of technical specifications of the racquet and more information can be found at the yonex website: http://www.yonex.com/products/astrox-99

Before you read below, please keep in mind that this is based on our opinion only and your own personal views may be different. Whether you choose to use or consider this racquet for yourself will depend on your own playing style, ability and preferences.

Our Review

My likes: 
It's really easy to generate power and because of its rotational generator system, it feels rather evenly balanced until swung (when it feels head heavy). 

Jeff's likes: 
It has a very nice swing through the air, it's very swift and has great aerodynamics.

My dislikes: 
It's a fairly unforgiving racquet due to it's small sweet spot, which means if you hit beyond the sweet spot, you don't get a very clean shot out of it. It also requires very good form and technique to be able to use it to its potential.

Jeff's dislikes: 
Because the racquet has quite a stiff shaft, the feel when contacting is quite hard. The sweet spot being quite small is also not favourable. 

Our Ratings

Handling/Feeling:

• Henry - 9/10
• Jeff - 8/10

Control:

• Henry - 8/10
• Jeff - 8/10

Power:

• Henry - 8.5/10
• Jeff - 9/10

Speed:

• Henry - 7.5/10
• Jeff - 7/10

Aesthetics:

• Henry - 7/10
• Jeff - 7/10

 
Overall Comments & Who's It For
This is a very solid racquet that handles well and you can generate power very easily with.Our general recommendation is that this racquet is for experience/advanced players with great form and technique with a preference towards singles players and hard hitting doubles players that enjoy a harder feeling when contacting the shuttle.