The successor to the 1st generation Astrox 88 D has not only been given a new design in terms of colour, but has also been optimized in many areas such as material, frame and shaft. That sounds like a whole new racket. Of course, we wanted to know exactly from the BADLAB TEAM whether this is the case and we took a very close look at the usual long-term practical test.

First of all, the YONEX ASTROX 88 model was introduced in 2018 and for the first time delivered a racket series that was specially tailored to two different types of double players in order to optimally bring out their respective strengths.

The ASTROX 88 D (like "dominant") variant for the offensive backcourt player with a preference for sharp drops and hard smashes and the ASTROX 88 S (like "skill") for the more variant all-rounder with a tendency towards the net. It should not go unmentioned here that this revolutionary concept has established itself not only among advanced amateur players but also among the world's top badminton players. The best example of this is the world's best men's doubles from Indonesia for years, Kevin Sukamuljo (AX 88 S) and his partner Marcus Fernaldi Gideon (AX 88 D). The 88D variant is also very popular with single players.

Now for the hard facts about the new YONEX ASTROX 88 D PRO. It belongs to the row of top-heavy rackets towards Z Force II. According to the Yonex table, the ASTROX 88 D PRO is in the upper range of top-heavy rackets. In contrast to the ASTROX 88 S PRO, the ASTROX D PRO has kept the same stringing pattern as its predecessor. In our practical test we used the ASTROX 88 D PRO in 4U (80-84g) with handle size G5. The YONEX AEROBITE (0.67 / 0.61 mm) was strung to 11 kg / 24 Ibs.

The new colour combination of the basic colour camel gold / black and additional design elements in emerald blue immediately catches the eye, suggesting that something really noble has been created here. The head of the racket is still isometric, but slightly wider in the upper part than on its predecessor. That is supposed to enlarge the sweetspot. A further developed material (Volume Cut Resin) has been used in the top of the head and in the T-piece to increase stability. A continuous recess for the eyelets in the entire club head reduces the weight.

The Super Slim Shaft has now been turned into an Extra Silm Shaft that has been shortened by 1.5 cm, making it a faster and more reactive racket. As a result, the feel of the shot has become more flexible, although the shaft has been shortened in order to lengthen the handle a little, which in turn allows more leeway in holding the handle. At the end of the shaft towards the handle, a noticeably improved shape was developed as a hold for the thumb in order to give the backhand more stability.

Conclusion: When testing the new YONEX ASTROX 88 D PRO on the field, our test team immediately agreed: This is a conceptually improved, more playful version of the predecessor. Contrary to what is feared, the D PRO does not feel uncomfortably top-heavy and still delivers endless power. To all advanced single and double (backcourt) players: Definitely give it a try!