Just got the AX99 4u jp version. I'm surprised it has slightly less head weight than my AX88D 4u jp... was hoping it would be head heavier, oh well. Maybe it will have more power with full NAMD and the same speed?
I tested an AX99 4U today. I normally use a AX88D 3U. I was amazed how much easier it was in hands. I almost regret not getting one!
But because I read a few reviews on this forum saying that the 4U AX99 is as heavy as the 3U AX88D. However it is not the case, it felt considerably lighter and more flexible! I'd kill it with this racket. I still love my AX88Ds though but yeah.
Someone from China made a small sample swing weight and balance point comparison among AX99 that was produced in June and after July. What they found is that Yonex had reduced the head weight of AX99 due to the high amount of complaints about the ridiculous head weight from first batch of AX99 produced in June. I do not recall the exact difference in swing weight but the number is rather high (~5-7g). So I wouldn't be surprised if ppl find their new AX99 to be not as difficult to use as the older ones.
This makes sense! I came to the shop the other day and was checking out many racket and when I compared the balance point of other rackets to Ax99, I was so surprised because the balance point is clearly lowered than the Ax99 that I have. Approximately, I think they shifted the balance point from 315 down to about 307mm or even 305mm....essential you are buying an 88D.
This is the comparison chart I saw. The yellow column shows the swing weight and the far right column shows the production month. Do note that I don't remember whether did the author claimed all the rackets were measured on the same machine.
If you look at it strictly from the point of view of balance point, then yes, you're essentially buying an AX88D. But keep in mind that AX99 does have NAMD (IF you believe it) as head frame material. From my experience, AX99 produce a softer feeling on drop, net, clear shot while a harder feeling when I smash or punch clear. AX88D for me just feels hard for all the shots. So for me, there's a difference no matter it's placebo or actual difference.
Sad. AX99 got a hard Nerf. Now listen YY and give us bloody 3U NF700s. Sent from my SM-G975F using Tapatalk
I would like to see them do that even though I am feeling good with my 4U NF700, just so that I could compare them
When I said softer, I meant to say more holding power, something like Arcsabers. Because numb to me means I can't feel the feedback when the shuttle made contact with my racket's stringbed.
I have 4UG5 Astrox 99 and 4UG5 Astrox 88D. Now I know some people complain about QC, but honestly though I can kind of relate Astrox 99 with Z Force II, but its much user friendly and much easier to get control. Now on the comparison between 88D and 99, I have both strung at 26 LBS. When I started with clears, 88D feels like a hollow tube, that offers a lot of power, 99 here feels like a Duora 10 but with a tiny less effort. Onto smashes, it definitely goes to Astrox 99. Even my drives are steep. Astrox 88D gives you the feeling of a combination of Duora Z Strike and Victor Hypernano X800. For drives, both are perfect but I lean towards 99. For dropshots or trickshots, 88D is much better, which leads to control. If you are into more control then power, go for 88D. Now some people hate the 99 because of QC while others hate it because they are doubles player. If you play more doubles I recommend 88D, if you are into more singles, Astrox 99 over anything. This is just my opinion and you dont have to agree but I hope it helps someone.
Now try 88D 3u vs 99 3u&4u. 88D 3u trumps over 99 4u in both control and power. And for most players... 88D 3u also trumps over 99 3u due to much faster head speed. Look at Axelsen.... he hit 416 km/h against Momota using z-strike. This racket is even less head heavy than 88D. Clearly, u don't need a very head heavy racket to hit a super powerful smash because it factor in both racket head speed and the head inertia (swing weight). I own 88D 3u, 99 4u and 3u. I hit much better smash with 99 4u than I do with the 3u. Anyways, the original Astrox 99 is no longer in production, Yonex now rebrand full namd 88D as 99. Luckily, I have both 3u and 4u original 99. The 4u is a gem because u can't find a relatively fast racket with this high balance point (315-320 mm) with any brand.
The Arcsaber Flashboost and Victor Lightfighters beg to differ (can't remember the LN model off the top of my head) BP without further information is useless. A fairly HH 4U will for all intents and purposes be as heavy/fast/whatever you want to call it as a balanced/slightly HH 3U racket. Pls don't continue to spread this misinformation.
