The YONEX NANOFLARE 800 PRO is "Made in Japan" and located in the upper price segment. The concept idea: "Counter Drive" via fast, deep attacking strokes such as drives and mid-range smashes. This concept, which is characterised by maximum reaction speed and manoeuvrability, is supported by a combination of a stiff shaft, light grip weight and an aerodynamic medium-sized racket head (aero frame).
We strung our test rackets in the 4U/G5 specification (83-85g) with the YONEX EXBOLT 63 (control) and, for comparison, also with the YONEX EXBOLT 65 (power) - each with 24 lbs.

First visual impression: The dark petrol green colour design of our test racket looks very plain at first, but on closer inspection the hologram-like design embellishments on the shaft and in the racket head in metallic neon turquoise come into their own, especially under light, and give us a hint of the wolf in sheep's clothing - we are excited!

The DNA of the YONEX NANOFLARE models is manoeuvrability and speed through head lightness. This has been significantly improved in the new YONEX NANOFLARE 800 PRO thanks to the new Enhanced Sonic Flare system, a wide profile frame with a narrow diameter and new stringing patterns. The characteristic wide frame with sharp edges reduces the deformation of the frame during the swing and thus improves the repulsion and penetrating power of the swing speed.
Good to know: The current NANOFLARE 800 and 800 LT are being phased out and will be replaced by the new YONEX NANOFLARE 800 series: PRO, TOUR, TEAM and PLAY, so there should be something for everyone.

But enough theory and let's move on to the core competence of the BADLAB "racket team", the practical test.

No doubt about it, after the first few strokes it is immediately clear that the new YONEX NANOFLARE 800 PRO no longer has much to do with its predecessor, the NANOFLARE 800. It feels more like a further development of the NANOFLARE 700, which the same frame concept suggests. Compared to the NANOFLARE 1000 Z, the larger club head provides more security for fast shots such as the drive.

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

The BADLAB "racket team" rated the category "Power for long clears and hard smashes" differently. With good stroke technique, the stiff shaft supports the fast smash from the half court. For long clears from the baseline, most of our testers had to exert considerable power. Accordingly, our testers rated the NANOFLARE 800 PRO with 3.75 stars, which is above average for a racket with a heavy grip.

The advantage of the aerodynamic, medium-sized racket head was immediately noticeable for the testers in the "forgives inaccurate hitting" category. Favoured by the larger sweetspot, the shuttlecock found its target on the opponent's side without any problems, even with less accurate shots. In this category, the BADLAB "racket team" was therefore more unanimous: 4 stars.

In the "feel and ball control" category, there was no longer any doubt - the frame delivers in practice what the theory promises. With the NANOFLARE 800 PRO, you have a racquet in your hand that immediately allows you to play with confidence and control. No ifs and buts: 4.75 stars.

In the "Handling" category, the practical test also clearly showed that the YONEX NANOFLARE 800 PRO has found its calling in this discipline. All testers were delighted with the perfect handling on fast drives and smashes from mid-court. It also left nothing to be desired in short game at the net and in defence and scored highly - maximum rating: 5 stars.

Overall verdict of the BADLAB racket team: The high-end racket YONEX NANOFLARE 800 PRO is a high-quality and responsive speed racket with a lot of control, rather than a power racket. Ideal for advanced doubles and mixed players who like to play from the front court with fast drives and at net. Across the entire NANOFLARE model series, we would categorise the NANOFLARE 800 PRO as a "top all-rounder" with a very convincing playing experience. It's worth trying it out!

Tip: Some of our testers prefer the YONEX AEROBITE White / Blue string. An absolute eye-catcher in combination with the new YONEX NANOFLARE 800 PRO.