hai all... just got to play regularly again after sometime, and need a racket recommendation now i play 1-2 times a week, intermediate level. only play doubles, i like to play from the back, mix of smash, attacking lob, off-speed smash, and some drops. history of rackets that i really enjoyed include Armortec 800 Offensive, Apacs Lethal 70, and finally Voltric Z-Force II. you know that i've been out of the game for sometime. btw, all are 4u. and my string now is BG66 Ultimax, 25lbs. for these rackets, i really like the head-heaviness when smashing, and the stiffness for placements. notably really, really like the solid feeling (and the shaft repulsion) for back hand. is it just me, but defense against smash, either short placement returns or high lifts, feels really good with head-heavy, stiff rackets. for me, drives and netting are not really an issue. i don't mind high-end racket, but if there are other options why not. some rackets i've been reading on (would love to get comparison with any of the ones i've mentioned above) Astrox 88D, 99, E-Tune 80. Also Li-ning N55, N70, N80, N90, although not sure about version I, II, or III, have not followed Li-ning rackets previously, which makes it really intriguing to use. using charts, i usually look for the most high-up north-east direction. besides those maybe Ashaway, Carlton, Babolat, Mizuno, Apacs? its a jungle for me now. if i can sum-up might be: if there actually exist such racket, almost play like ZF2 but bigger frame and larger sweet spot
didn't mention Victor ok going to search more on K9900. how bout K9000 in the chart it is more head-heavy?
The real truth is that nothing is like the zf2. You're out of luck unfortunately. If you can get an original VT80, perhaps that would suit your need for a larger head but similar feel. Nothing else is like the zf2, no matter the specs on paper.
Totally agree. It's like a beast that has to be tamed and how long it takes depends on your skill level. I'm only intermediate so I took quite a while to appreciate the racquet. It tries you out easily after several smashes and is very unforgiving for off centre shots. Sweet spot is so modest that it makes me reflect on my general stroke quality as well. Long story short, I'd you're looking for something like zf2, then buy another zf2. If you can settle for less, I'd suggest Duroa 10 or Z Strike. Not over the top head heavy and good stiffness.
yeah zf2 has no match. You may find something else head heavy, stiff instead of xstiff but easier to play and more forgiving than zf2. Victor: tk9900 is quite good. Frame is a bit small if I remember correctly. Lining: Maybe 3d calibar 900? 4u, not that much hh and stiff tho. There is also the Aeronaut 9000D; looks very interesting on paper. yonex: Astrox 99, Astrox 88D, 80Etune with parts. You can also add Voltric Lin Dan Force. I have one, 2019 version. Quite HH and stiff. All good choice. 88D is quite popular for double, fast but with good power.
thanks, i think each high-end Yonex racket feels good (for me as long as its head heavy & stiff, a long time ago i tried nanospeed and didn't work), will take in to consideration..
i see 2 recoms for TK9900 so far, but if small frame then as those posted above, maybe stick with zf2 or other yonex. also 2 for VT80 family. VT80 original sounds interesting @llrr, might be less pricey if i can get it. reading up maybe 88D or 99 might be the best choice for yonex. 9000d huh? interesting.. lining is really enticing, since i've never tried any high-end ones.
Having used both 88D and 99, I can say that neither feels like zf2. They're close, but not the same. 88D is lighter, 99 is head heavier than 88D (still not zf2 level), but it's a bit softer in the head.
I can't really describe it any better. It just flexes more and feels softer. 88D and zf2 have very solid heads, like nf800.
Probably because of the NAMD material in the head of the 99. It flexes more the harder you hit it. While the 88D only has NAMD on the shaft.
got it, thanks... i kinda have no doubt Yonex high-end would be great somehow. anyone with more Lining experience & knowledge? really, really interested to get one.. or other brands
