Yonex Astrox 100ZZ review

My advice is blunt: I don’t recommend the 3U to anyone with less than six years of playing experience. I gave it 75 for ease of use. This racket makes me work, and I need the technique and strength to get something worthwhile back.

Power that makes the effort worthwhile

I can feel the force travel straight through the shaft into the head. At contact, it gathers into a remarkably tight hit. The shuttle leaves quickly, and the frame stays solid instead of wobbling through the finish. That concentrated release is exactly what I want from an attacking racket.

I scored power at 96 in both of my 100ZZ tests. The 3U takes a lot out of me, but once I get it moving properly, the quality of the hit is superb.

The control is even better

Control is my favourite part of the 100ZZ. The head resists twisting, contact feels firm, and the feedback reaches my hand immediately. I know where the shuttle has met the strings, and I can put the next shot exactly where I want it.

The 3U takes effort to position, but once I have it there, the release is beautifully steady. My slices and net shots come off with a precision I really enjoy. I gave control 98 in my first test and 95 in the 3U test.

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Repeated shots wear me down

This is where the weight starts annoying me. Every individual shot feels solid and forceful, but the longer I keep going, the slower and clumsier I become. I feel the load in my arm as I keep bringing that heavy head back for another stroke.

I gave rally play 90 in my first test and 92 in the 3U test because the contact stays so good. For fast doubles, though, I would pick something quicker. I can send the shuttle off fast with the 100ZZ; keeping the racket moving fast is the problem.

I prefer the dark blue finish

The dark blue and black version gets 95 from me for looks. The colours work together, the graphics are restrained, and it looks properly expensive. I gave the red version with blue accents 90. I like both, but the darker finish is the one I would choose.

My choice against the Tour and Game

After trying the 100 Tour and 100 Game alongside it, I still rate the 100ZZ highest for control and feedback. The Tour feels like an ordinary high end racket to me. The Game is the one I would recommend to a beginner: its lower balance point makes it easier to move.

For an experienced attacker, I would choose the 100ZZ for that concentrated power and exceptionally steady contact. I would leave the 3U alone if I struggled to swing it. I want to enjoy the shot, and hauling a lump of iron around before I can use it properly is miserable.

My scores

(All scores are out of 100. A higher ease of use score means easier handling.)