Specs: Weight (g) : 88-90 (3U) Length (mm) : 675 Balance (mm) : 290 +/- 2 Shaft Flex : 8.5 +/- 0.1, Stiff Frame : Iso + Mid Plus Recommended Tension : 28 lbs Technology : Astec Aeroleap Technology, Midplus Aero Frame System Frame shape looks similar to Mizuno GP80. Cone shape, handle and shaft length is similar to Yonex Arc10. Unique feature of this racquet are ridges that run the entire perimeter of the frame on both sides. This can be seen on the last picture.
This is an Indonesian company founded by ex-Olympic gold medallists and World Champions Alan Budikusuma and Susy Susanti who are also husband and wife by the way. Check out their company's website and their range of products. www.astec.co.id or read this thread: http://www.badmintoncentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=33261&highlight=astec The AeroPrestige 90s is their top-of-the-line racquet followed by the AeroLegend racquets.
It was sent to me from Indonesia. The retail price for this racquet is listed at 2 million rupiah (about SGD292) at their website. I heard you could probably get it from Batam. Make a day trip there and visit the sports shop in the shopping centres. I am planning to do just that myself within the next couple of weeks.
Yep... The 2 mil IDR Racket >.<... Actually it was 1.9mil IDR in Local Store . I saw, hold, and make a photos of it. I'm planning to post it earlier but hasn't got the time yet T_T.... I actually swing it several times... But without string, it can't be certain. This thing is too pricy for me -.-... I'm looking forward for the Aero Hurricane or Aero Tornado... Here's the picture I took at the local store.
the black + silver = nice the black + gold & black + red = bling bling too shiny for my personal taste. I'm conservative
AeroPrestige string pattern. Strung with BG65 Power 28 lbs (Main), NBG98 28 lbs (Cross), 2-piece stringing.
Aramis... How's the testing going? Just Curious ... Since there's no further reply in this thread ~_~...
I got a few games out of it the past couple of months. Very powerful and a head heavy racquet. As a result I don't find it as fast and nifty but I still find it adequate for quick reflex shots and net play. Surprisingly easy to play with as I think this is due to the large sweet spot.
The quality and performance is definitely there. Whether the price tag justifies it is subjective to the individual. The stated price is the RRP in Indonesia. Similar to other more established brands like Yonex, one will be able to obtain a discount from the RRP in the retail shops.
is it as good as yonex? or more of an Apacs quality? Well i guess they have a wide range of model which also include a lower range rackets to penetrate the market and then perhaps gradualy they plan to compete head to head with the big guns, just like Victor and Li Ning did. I would love to get my hand on one of Astec rackets. I hope they will do well a long with Flypower, they are both INA brand. Its a good news that MK/HS signed for Flypower sponsorship, this opens the posibility for Astec to sponsor INA non-pelatnas player in the future, or perhaps sponsoring the pelatnas itself