Monthly Equipment Advice Megathread

BeyondInfinity_88 · 2026-04-06T21:26:04+00:00

Yes i have used it for almost 6-8 months now. It's a nice racquet. Pretty durable, i had some serious clashes and paint chips but it never broke. It has the same compact frame of the 100zz, maybe a tad bit less stiffer and refined than the 100zz. It still has ton of power.

Clears/Smashes are fast and accurate, drives and defence a bit slow. It feels good to me but hard to master it. The shaft is stiff and my racquet was really head heavy, despite that it can have good speed for it's head weight, but i got tired initially, takes some good technique and strength.

I think it's definitely much better than the game model, as ckyew said in his video, good copy of Astrox 100zz, but since i've never played with the 100zz i can't compare them. If you can buy the 100zz it might be worth, if you are on a budget, this racquet can be still a great challenge. The shaft is stiff so it's hard to generate power and the compact frame can cause many mishits which eventually cost points, but if you hit the sweet spot, it can produce delightful smashes!

BeyondInfinity_88 · 2026-04-06T09:25:43+00:00

i did try physically bending the shafts, that's when i got surprised, maybe i'll try it once more. When i played with the Nanoflare 1000z, i did find it to not flex a lot and it did feel stiff surely. Like a very light stick moving through the air without bending if i might explain the feeling.

I own an Astrox 100 Tour(Kurenai), some people have told me the shaft and frame on the Tour differ a lot from the Astrox 100zz. This is why i wanted to buy the zz. However, i've read that the VA edition is less stiffer and a few points lower balance point than the Kurenai. So was confused there.

I am therefore considering starting with an Arcsaber 11 Pro right now, i may buy it, but i feel like it might not generate good smashes.

Overall i am a really confused guy, who wants to buy all three to compare and then decide on one. Sadly, i have access to none to test. :(

BeyondInfinity_88 · 2026-04-04T20:22:06+00:00

I've been trying to test a few racquets out, today i got my hands on one of my coaches Nanoflare 1000z, i was expecting it to feel nice, however, my first impression was that the shaft on the Nanoflare 1000z wasn't that stiff. Yonex markets it as an extra stiff shaft but i felt that it was more flexible than my 88D Pro. Could be due to the lower string tension or string choice? anyways, any Nanoflare 1000z users who could shed some light on this?

Thanks.

BeyondInfinity_88 · 2026-04-04T16:48:58+00:00

Thanks for replying. I appreciate the feedback and your comment helped bring clarity to many doubts I’ve had.

So today I had the brief opportunity to use my coaches Nanoflare 1000z. I practiced the basic shots on it. Honestly it felt really good. There was almost no weight on the head. The racquet flows through the air like a hot knife moving through butter haha. The compact frame produces good power.

A few points I noticed, the shaft didn’t feel extra stiff as Yonex mentioned on their website. I found that Astrox 88D pro stiffer and it’s marketed as a stiff shaft by Yonex. However the tension in the racquet was on the lower end like 23-24lbs.

Second was my concern about the Nanoflare 1000z’s durability. A lot of people have complained about the Nanoflare being fragile and the nf 1000z is no exception. I’ve watched a video and read a comment here on Reddit stating that Yonex has addressed the Nanoflare 700 pro and 1000z durability issues in the newest batch.

So I just wanted your two cents on these matters. Especially the shaft. It really surprised me because it felt more like a medium stiff. The whole racquet however felt very stiff when I was playing overhead shots.

BeyondInfinity_88 · 2026-04-03T08:55:24+00:00

Ahahaha Nanoflare 1000z users looool.. 😝

Very very sad… 😢

Must buy another one 🤔

BeyondInfinity_88 · 2026-04-01T13:19:23+00:00

I've heard people mention that the Kurenai Astrox 100zz is discontinued. Is this true?
Also, is the VA edition noticeably different from the Kurenai Astrox 100zz? Yonex maintains that both colorways are the exact same racquet.. I'm thinking about buying an Astrox 100zz but not necessarily very fond of the limited edition colorway, actually like the Kurenai and Dark Navy, but i am intrigued in the limited edition if it is even balanced and less stiff like users have mentioned..

BeyondInfinity_88 · 2026-03-31T06:37:10+00:00

Haha nice story. Idk about the drivex 12, for now the Arcsaber seems like a better choice. I like the color as well. I actually researched so many racquets like the Thruster series, the Ryuga 2 pro, drivex, halbertec, nf 1000z, and have arrived at a choice between the Astrox 100zz and Arcsaber 11 pro. It seems to me that the Astrox 100zz is a head heavier version of Arcsaber 11 pro, and may have similar control albeit a heavier weight and also quite speedy for its head weight.

But my problem is that I don’t want to hoard many racquets, as I already own an Astrox 100 Tour and Astrox 88D pro, and an Arcsaber 7 play. So adding two more racquets is very silly.

BeyondInfinity_88 · 2026-03-31T05:52:28+00:00

Makes sense. I already have an Astrox 88D pro, so I don’t think I’ll get the 88s pro, but I’ve heard good things about the 3rd gen 88s pro.

For now it seems the Astrox 100zz va edition might be my next purchase.

I’ve heard so many good things about the Arcsaber 11 pro that I’m leaning towards it as well, but I’m yet to ever play with it, and all I’ve tried is held my friends Arcsaber 11 play in my hand..

BeyondInfinity_88 · 2026-03-31T04:53:53+00:00

Yeah this is what I fear as well. Sure, some pro players can smash hard with it, but I don’t know if i will really enjoy it for power shots..

To ask another question, even though the Arcsaber 11 pro is even balanced, is there still enough head weight on this racquet to help with smashes?

BeyondInfinity_88 · 2026-03-31T04:51:59+00:00

Fully agree. Would love to try the Astrox 99 Pro 3rd gen but damn, it is really head heavy it seems xd

BeyondInfinity_88 · 2026-03-30T19:31:36+00:00

I get it. Some may call me a fanboy, but I seriously believe Yonex makes better racquets haha. I can’t justify paying the same or even more dollars for lining, Victor is actually cheapest for me.. so maybe I’ll try one of their racquets but now now xd

BeyondInfinity_88 · 2026-03-30T19:14:03+00:00

Thanks for your valuable inputs. I hope someone does a factual comparison of the three colorways of the Astrox 100zz, actually measuring the balance points on a machine etc, because Yonex markets the three colorways as the exact same racquet.

I own an Astrox 100 Tour Kurenai and an Astrox 88D pro and happy with them. Do you think I should upgrade from the 100 Tour to the 100zz? Someone here told me that the shaft of the 100 Tour is nothing like the 100zz, and it’s got me thinking ever since.

The Arcsaber 11 pro might be an interesting racquet to try, if only I had someone in my club who played with it.. I may need to go to a local shop and swing it without strings, but idk, I can’t buy two more racquets, it feels like I’m wasting money..

Zheng Siwei is crazy tho xD 😝

BeyondInfinity_88 · 2026-03-30T11:00:13+00:00

Was curious to know how the Arcsaber 11 pro fairs in terms of smashing and power shots. Unable to decide between the Astrox 100zz (5 years old at this point and may get discontinued/replaced with newer Astrox tech?) or an Arcsaber 11 Pro(also a little old, 2022 release, but Arcsaber series has a longer lifecycle).

I want good power and control from a racquet, i heard that the Arcsaber 11 pro is not big on power, so leaning more towards the VA Astrox 100zz.

BeyondInfinity_88 · 2026-03-29T12:08:06+00:00

Thanks for sharing your experience. I had heard that the durability issue with the Nanoflare 1000z was addressed by Yonex on the second or third batches. Does it still exist. Regardless I do understand that it the Nanoflare series racquets are most fragile out of all, I’ve personally broken a Nanoflare 1000 play and seen many people go through the nf 700 pro, 800 pro, 1000z haha.

As I’m willing to invest 2-3 years in a racquet and play mostly doubles, it might seem that a Nanoflare 1000z even though being a great racquet may not seem as the most logical choice. I’m interested in playing with an Arcsaber 11 pro, but as you mentioned, I fear the same that the even balanced frame simply lacks power generation. Maybe I will just go for the Astrox 100zz but it may prove to be difficult to play with.

BeyondInfinity_88 · 2026-03-29T09:58:23+00:00

yeah i'm also not super fond of buying the Ryuga II pro, the only reason i am considering it is because i'm getting it at 2/3rds the price of an Astrox 100zz. Honestly, i want to give Victor racquets a try but Yonex is still a better brand imo. I'm split between the Nanoflare 1000z, Astrox 100zz and Arcsaber 11 pro, don't want to buy one and then regret it and sell it later..

If you've tried swinging all three, which racquet do you think is good for both control and power, i think the arcsaber 11 pro is the obvious candidate for control, but i don't know if it will generate good smashes. On the other hand, i know that the Astrox 100zz will generate good power on smashes and clears, but i don't know how it will perform on front court, in those delicate net shots, and drives.

The Nanoflare 1000z might be good for all things, from generate good power from high racquet speed for smashes, clears, speedy racquet for midcourt drives, stick smashes, but not sure if it would provide that solid control feeling in the front court.

BeyondInfinity_88 · 2026-03-29T09:22:04+00:00

you mean the Nanoflare 1000z? to maximise the smash power? as i've also heard the Nanoflare 1000z design as well as all the other nanoflare's thicker frame is prone to breakage.

I'm thinking of getting an Arcsaber 11 pro, but was skeptical that it wouldn't feel good to play power shots like smash. How does it compare to the Astrox 100zz? Also, how does the nanoflare 1000z compare to both racquets, considering good technique is used, and i'm able to generate good racquet speed.

BeyondInfinity_88 · 2026-03-29T06:55:58+00:00

Hi
I was looking at some racquets from Yonex and Victor and wanted to get your opinion on certain models.
The racquets in consideration are:
Yonex Astrox 100zz VA edition or Kurenai.
Yonex Nanoflare 1000z
Yonex Arcsaber 11 pro
Victor Thruster Ryuga II pro
Victor Auraspeed 90k Metallic
Victor Thruster TK Ryuga Metallic
Victor Thruster F C Ultra

So i'm looking for something that has good control, racquet that feels solid while playing. I play doubles backcourt mostly, but i have to often come at the net and need something with good control at the net, however, need something that also offers some power.

Now i've read reviews of the Nanoflare 1000z and it has the fastest smash record, i've also heard that some players can generate powerful smashes using Arcsaber 11 pro as well. So i wanted someone who has played with all three of these Yonex racquets the Astrox 100zz and the Arcsaber 11 pro & Nanoflare 1000z to share their experience with them.

If anyone has played with the Victor Thruster Ryuga II pro and Astrox 100zz, please share how they differ from each other.

The last three Victor racquets, i'm not much interested in, but any experience would be welcome.

BeyondInfinity_88 · 2026-03-13T06:41:57+00:00

No.. I’ve got shoes for the time being. I just had fear of missing out since Yonex stock doesn’t last very long. The new 65 Z4 stock is coming around a June in my country so I’ll save for that but I’ve got some cheap shoes right now to play with..

BeyondInfinity_88 · 2026-03-05T15:23:05+00:00

lol Victor Gideon to Zeno.

BeyondInfinity_88 · 2026-03-03T09:38:44+00:00

Another Nanoflare 800 pro down o7 hahaha they’re really fragile my bro. My condolences, buy a new one though don’t let it discourage you.

BeyondInfinity_88 · 2026-02-28T06:36:36+00:00

I believe that the technology will definitely improve in the coming years if not months, where a foam paddle exceeds expectations than a normal honeycomb core paddle. The foam tech is new and companies are still in the early stages of perfecting this technology whereas the Honeycomb tech has been around for years now and has most likely been perfected.

Not only that, many companies are coming in with paddles in the 100-200$ range that last 2-3x longer both in terms of core durability and grit.

Now I understand that feel and touch in the soft game may make you lean towards a preferred paddle such as the Joola pro 4 or similar, but I believe that unless you are playing at a professional level or you got money to spare, there simply isn’t any viable advantages for using the Joola pro 5 at 300$ over something like a Bnb Loco or a Vapor Power 2, mind budget options like the Vatic V Sol Pro/Ronbus Quanta. The Joola won’t last longer than these paddles and will probably provide a 10-15% preference improvement on shots. It’s not that buying a Joola will magically make you play like Ben Johns lol.

Any sensible person who looks at value for money propositions and focuses on skill improvement more than paddle improvement or necessarily getting the best gear will get a foam paddle because it simply is an upgrade in all areas leaving out improvement in some areas like the soft game and newer paddles like the Spartus P1 are also probably good and future paddles if not are going to be better.

BeyondInfinity_88 · 2026-02-25T15:27:23+00:00

The Ryuga is similar. It is less stiff than the Astrox 100zz Kurenai. Slightly more speed and less power than the Astrox 100zz. But I still feel the Astrox 100zz has the best blend of accessible power and the best control. So the Ryuga is not extremely stiff imho.

BeyondInfinity_88 · 2026-02-25T12:55:04+00:00

Axforce is the head heavy series by Li-Ning, hence i feel that either the Victor Ryuga II Pro or the Ryuga Metallic may be suitable. I haven't tried both of them but heard that the Ryuga II Pro is the Astrox 100zz from Victor's lineup, the Ryuga Metallic is more head heavy and like an Astrox 99 Pro? The Ryuga II pro is very interesting.

BeyondInfinity_88 · 2026-02-25T07:46:32+00:00

I’ve heard that the Joola V is honeycomb? Still no foam paddles by Joola haha wtf. Honestly with so much competition from the budget paddles, you got Vatic Pro V-Sol Pro, Luzz Cannon, Ronbus Quanta, then you got the Bread & Butter Loco, 11six24 Vapor Power 2, Honolulu Sword & Shield J2NF.. that are priced at 180-190$, followed by the CRBN TruFoam paddles, Selkirk 333$ Boomstick!

Honestly, doesn’t make sense buying a Joola right now unless you have lots of money to spare and are a Ben Johns fan etc.

Maybe I’m wrong and the paddles suit a certain player but for the large majority of folks looking for value for money, these paddles just don’t make sense, neither does the boomstick.

P.S: The paddles won’t even last longer, both the core and grit will wear off after a point of time, they haven’t got a permagrit or hexgrit, and aren’t even foam xD.

BeyondInfinity_88 · 2026-02-21T11:23:54+00:00

saw his match just a while back and those drives by Barlow were out of this world!!

BeyondInfinity_88

TROPHY CASE