Coming from the mid-price segment, the YONEX ASTROX NEXTAGE was developed in Japan and produced in Taiwan, which certainly makes the attractive price possible. The concept: a combination of flexible shaft and strongly pronounced head weight for maximum power. Since the NEXTAGE comes with a YONEX factory string, we did not string it differently in order to test for you what you will later hold in your hands for the first time.

First impression: The noble design of our test racket in matt black with green decorations in the 4U/G5 specification (83-85g) is really impressive. The YONEX ASTROX NEXTAGE scores visually at the highest level. Respect to the designer from Japan.

On the first few strokes you immediately get the feeling that this is an attacking racquet - a typical ASTROX that puts a lot of pressure on the court.

Good to know: The YONEXASTROX NEXTAGE features the Rotational Generator System, Energy Boost Cap Plus and Nanomesh Neo material, which is also used in many Yonex Astrox models. The highlight, however, is the so-called VDM (Vibration Dampening Mesh), which has already been used in the grip of Yonex tennis racquets and now for the first time in the new ASTROX NEXTAGE. This is a stretchable mesh material with vibration-reducing properties for more arm protection. But enough material information now. Off to the Badlab "Racket Team" practice test!

Practice test: The evaluation was again made in the categories "handling", "feel/ball control", "power" and "forgives inaccurate hitting", all on a scale from 1 star (hardly applies) to 5 stars (fully applies).

The YONEX ASTROX NEXTAGE, unlike the YONEX ARCSABER series, has a slightly smaller head that requires accurate hitting. In the category "forgives inaccurate hitting", which our testers were only able to fulfill to a limited extent due to some frame hits, it is therefore awarded: 3.5 stars.

In the "Handling" rating, the testers of the BADLAB racket team all agreed that the top-heavy alignment of the YONEX ASTROX NEXTAGE stood in the way of top handling during fast defensive movements and at the net. Still a good 3.5 stars

As expected, the DNA of the YONEX ASTROX NEXTAGE became clear in the category "Power for long clears and hard smashes". Offensive pressure is the Astrox racquets' parade discipline. Especially testers of the BADLAB "Racket Team" with a not-so-mature hitting technique were supported by the whip effect of the flexible shaft during smash and clear and rewarded with decent power. Accordingly, our testers rated the YONEX ASTROX NEXTAGE with a top score: 4.5 stars

The YONEX ASTROX NEXTAGE provides a solid feel during the swing. The ASTROX series' mix of innovative technology and tried and tested material impressed our test team with its good dampening properties and secure ball control at the net. In the discipline "feel and ball control", the NEXTAGE achieves its second highest rating by the BADLAB "racket team": 3.75 stars.

Overall verdict of the BADLAB racket team: Without ifs and buts, a typical Astrox attacking racket with plenty of power. The new YONEX ASTROX NEXTAGE stays true to its line as the newest member and combines in our opinion many advantages of the YONEX ASTROX 100 ZX and YONEX ASTROX 77 with an incomparable price-performance ratio. Ideal for all badminton players who prefer an offensive game and are still on the way to a mature technique. A good introduction to the Astrox series as an intermediate step to the much more expensive YONEX ASTROX Pro racquets.

Tip: If you also want to get an incomparable sound out of your racquet without sacrificing power or control, we recommend stringing with the Yonex Aerobite or Yonex Exbolt 63 at 24 lbs.