It seems like the Astrox 77 Pro is getting more popular these days. I went to my local badminton store and the owner said his stock was sold out. He said not many people are buying the Astrox 88D Pro these days.
After coming from my retired Z Force 2s, I've played with both the 77 Pro (4U) and 88D Pro (4U) for a couple of months each. My feeling is that they are both equally good rackets. Obviously people's opinions and experiences will be different, but being an all rounder type of player, my preference is for the 77 Pro. However, I must say, smashing with the 88D Pro is rather delightful and it's definitely not just a racket for smashing.
The Astrox 77 Pro allows for great control shots, yet when the chance to attack comes, it still has even power for playing an outright winner. Added with the faster swing speed, it can really catch your opponent off guard. Even though smashes are weaker than the 88D Pro, I find the control, angles and even steepness of smashes even better with the 77 Pro.
The 88D Pro definitely has more power, but for me personally, I find that there is sometimes too much power. A simple clear sometimes sends the shuttle too far and out of court, and I am hardly even putting any effort into my overhead swing, which unfortunately reflects on my lack of finesse at times. I don't have this issue with the 77 Pro and I often find my clears lands very close to the rear tramline/singles service line.
For defensive play, I find both rackets equally great to defend with. Even with the 88D Pro being more head heavy than the 77 Pro, defending and swing speed is not a problem at all. The edge will go to the 77 Pro for more directional control when returning smashes.
Drives are definitely more punchy with the 88D Pro, and backhand clears/drives are also excellent, this racket definitely has the horsepower. I also prefer slice drop shots with the 88D Pro, seems absolutely effortless and very very consistent.
For interception, pushes and net shots I feel these are better with the 77 Pro. Also, as briefly mentioned, the control aspect of the 77 Pro is awesome. Perhaps owning it to be less head heavy, I find it enjoyable to place shuttles where I want, with very decent accuracy. The 77 Pro is also more forgiving when I'm having an off day and not timing my shots as well.
I don't use very high tension. The strings I have been using lately is either the Yonex Exbolt 63 or the Victor VBS-66 Nano, at my standard 26x28lbs. I'll welcome any string recommendations for the 77 Pro, as I am open to experimenting too.
It would be great to hear from more players regarding their experience with the Astrox 77 Pro too.
After coming from my retired Z Force 2s, I've played with both the 77 Pro (4U) and 88D Pro (4U) for a couple of months each. My feeling is that they are both equally good rackets. Obviously people's opinions and experiences will be different, but being an all rounder type of player, my preference is for the 77 Pro. However, I must say, smashing with the 88D Pro is rather delightful and it's definitely not just a racket for smashing.
The Astrox 77 Pro allows for great control shots, yet when the chance to attack comes, it still has even power for playing an outright winner. Added with the faster swing speed, it can really catch your opponent off guard. Even though smashes are weaker than the 88D Pro, I find the control, angles and even steepness of smashes even better with the 77 Pro.
The 88D Pro definitely has more power, but for me personally, I find that there is sometimes too much power. A simple clear sometimes sends the shuttle too far and out of court, and I am hardly even putting any effort into my overhead swing, which unfortunately reflects on my lack of finesse at times. I don't have this issue with the 77 Pro and I often find my clears lands very close to the rear tramline/singles service line.
For defensive play, I find both rackets equally great to defend with. Even with the 88D Pro being more head heavy than the 77 Pro, defending and swing speed is not a problem at all. The edge will go to the 77 Pro for more directional control when returning smashes.
Drives are definitely more punchy with the 88D Pro, and backhand clears/drives are also excellent, this racket definitely has the horsepower. I also prefer slice drop shots with the 88D Pro, seems absolutely effortless and very very consistent.
For interception, pushes and net shots I feel these are better with the 77 Pro. Also, as briefly mentioned, the control aspect of the 77 Pro is awesome. Perhaps owning it to be less head heavy, I find it enjoyable to place shuttles where I want, with very decent accuracy. The 77 Pro is also more forgiving when I'm having an off day and not timing my shots as well.
I don't use very high tension. The strings I have been using lately is either the Yonex Exbolt 63 or the Victor VBS-66 Nano, at my standard 26x28lbs. I'll welcome any string recommendations for the 77 Pro, as I am open to experimenting too.
It would be great to hear from more players regarding their experience with the Astrox 77 Pro too.