Evaluate of my expertise with the Astrox 88D Professional after 11 months. Observe: I play at a mid-intermediate degree – principally doubles. Play-style: Pace/flat exchanges. I take advantage of a fairly large grip on mine additionally (I do know some folks like skinny grips so hold this in thoughts), personally I like bigger grips to generate energy/cut back vibrations.
Strung with BG80 (27lb mains x 29 lb cross)
Management – 8.5/10
The racket feels good and the hen goes to the place I would like it go more often than not (as a lot as my capability permits lol). Drops are fairly good and web play is surprisingly sharp. The racket’s sharper flex provides it extra shuttlehold whereas nonetheless feeling stiff (larger pressure helps steadiness this out for me).
Pace – 7/10*
Not the quickest racket, however I do not assume that is one thing you are on the lookout for if you need the 88D, loads of higher choices there.
*That being stated I do not thoughts the slower feeling since I basic play fairly agile on the court docket. So making me decelerate and be affected person helps me with shot choice.
There are occasions in flat exchanges the place I’ve to lock in with my very own response time because the racket is a bit slower.
Energy – 9.5/10
I prefer it, good and straightforward energy. I am not an enormous particular person so having a racket on the pinnacle heavier aspect helps hold stress on my opponents after I get pinned within the backcourt. It additionally provides me extra confidence to place the hen away from the backcourt with out fear a few excellent return by my opponent. Provides the sensation of smacking the hen with a newspaper (like these ones within the asian grocery retailer, the thick ones). Once I first used it, I instantly felt like I may get extra out of the racket, which over time it actually did get extra highly effective.
It nearly seems like its acquired a multiplier enhance on smashes, if I put 100% of my energy right into a smash, it comes out with like +80% energy vs. on my nanoflare 800 3u (outdated one) I am not getting that multiplier and my presence within the backcourt is non-existent ;-;. Clears are nice too, once more good and straightforward.
Protection – 7.5/10
Not excellent, however returns really feel direct. You gotta lock in if you need these sharp returns due to the smaller head and added head weight. However the further shuttlehold from the bizarre flex it has helps. It really works although.
Total, it is my favorite racket I’ve tried thus far and it is the one I carry out the perfect with. Most individuals may assume it is counter-intuitive to make use of an influence targeted racket for a speed-type participant, however I feel the alternative. It permits me to play within the backcourt with out being deadweight and provides that further tempo/energy when killing on the web. It is extremely a lot geared towards offense targeted gamers, leaning in the direction of backcourt heavy gamers, however for those who acquired the physicality to take care of velocity then go for it. I’d say it’s a very straightforward racket to make use of when you get timing proper. Some folks say different smart and to them I say observe with it extra (I do not wanna hear, “I used it twice and did not prefer it” – meaning you did not actually attempt it).
NOTE: In the event you’re a fast participant, simply know you will must work in your footwork, physicality and pure quickness to take care of the identical velocity you’ll usually play at with a head-light/even steadiness racket,.
In the event you’ve tried it, let me know what you guys give it some thought.
Finest,
L
