Hello All, Longtime user of 88D pro 2nd gen (4U), planning to get an head heavy, medium stiff racquet or similar to 88D pro 2nd gen characteristics. Previously I had played with TKFE, not really a fan of free-core and numb feeling. Is it the same with Ultra? Anyone who had played with all three racquets, please share their feedback. Thanks
Do you mean 88D Pro 2024 when you mention 2nd gen? Or the orange colored one? I'm about to get the Thruster F Ultra within a week or two from now, so I'll let you know here.
After checking few reviews I went and bought 88D pro 3gen in 4U weight. Immediate reaction after dry swing- it's too light and shaft is definitely stiffer compared to previous gen. Strung it with VBS 66 Nano at 27x29, first three hours of play I struggle to time it. But the lifts and stick smashes were awesome with this one. I would need to spend more time and get used to this one, but overall it felt like 100zx.
Oh any specific reason? Which strings are you using currently and tension? I generally play with Adidas F66, my stock got over and next favourite is No 1, that was also out of stock so went with VBS 66 nano. So far I am happy with this string- Good control and power balance
3 more sessions with the racquet, I am in absolute love with this one. After three hours of play, my hands used to be tired with old gen 88D pro, but with new racquet it's not that tiring. It feels light, swings faster. Yonex did a great job with materials and rotation generator system on this one Stiffer shaft helps in steep angles and response. Feedback from the racket is great. My friends told me that my smashes are faster with new gen. Overall this racquet gives you the confidence you need once you get used to it. Definitely not a beginner friendly one, I would recommend this to higher intermediate to advanced players only. Final verdict - worth upgrading from 2nd gen to 3rd gen? Definitely YES.
Final update - restrung it with my usual No 1 at 27x29. Oh boy, this combo is deadly. It feels like racquet listens to you and push the shuttle in that direction. Got used to the flex now, it's short and quick compared to old gen. Now I reach out to this one more often than my 2nd gen 88D pro. I am set for few years with 2x 88d Pro 2nd gen and 1x 88d pro 3rd gend
Thanks for the update. I too have the second gen 88D Pro, 4U, have two rackets. Now thinking to upgrade to the third generation. I like my current racket and wondered if the newer generation is better but you have said that you found it good. I usually strung my yonex racket with BG65Ti with tension of around 23/24 lb. Some people think 4U is too light frame, what do think and is it a definite improvement from the 2nd gen?
For me it's a good upgrade, it's not tiring and control is good too. It surely feels like compared to 2nd gen but you can generate same power with 3rd gen once you get used to stiff shaft. My usual strings are No 1 or Exbolt 65. This combo works well
