Yonex Co., Ltd. is proud to announce the ASTROX 99, the newest racquet in the ASTROX series, which continues to gain a never-before-seen level of trust among the world’s top badminton players. Targeted at advanced players, the ASTROX 99 is designed to deliver power from hit after hit. Worldwide release is scheduled for mid-September 2018.

Until now, the ASTROX series has utilized next-generation graphite “Namd” in the shaft, which results in a large increase in the snap back speed of the shaft, producing greater smash speeds. But the ASTROX 99 has adopted Namd in the entire body of the racquet, including the frame, doubling contact time with the shuttle*2, resulting in an explosive shot as the racquet returns from flexed to straight at the end of the swing. Additionally, the Energy Boost Cap shape is designed to encourage even more flex in the shaft, further benefiting from the effects of the Namd graphite.

The series trademark technology, Rotational Generator System, which contributes to a smooth transition from shot to shot also helps the player maximize the effects of the entire Namd body.

The design of the ASTROX 99 is inspired by the power and energy of the sun. The base of orange and black echo the sun spinning in the vast blackness of space, while red highlights recall the explosive solar flares that occur on its surface.

*1 Namd is a technology developed by Nitta Corporation to “uniformly disperse carbon nanotubes into carbon fiber composites.”
*2 Based on machine test results, compared to conventional racquets

INNOVATION

New dimension graphite Namd

A world-first, new dimension graphite material, Namd, greatly improves the adhesion of the graphite fibers and resin by attaching nanomaterial directly to the graphite fiber.

In high performance racquets, it is common to combine nanomaterials with resin that connects graphite fibers, but in Namd, nanomaterials are directly adhered to the graphite fibers and resin is greatly increased. This major improvement produces a shaft that flexes and stores energy, delivering explosive force on impact with the shuttle. In the ASTROX 99, Namd has also been incorporated in the racquet frame, which helps it to “hold” the shuttle, increasing contact time and, resultingly, the speed and force with which it is expelled.

Below left: A shuttlecock hit by the ASTROX 99 reaches the target fast and penetrates deeper than when hit by a conventional racquet.

Below right: The contact with the shuttlecock is twice as long with the ASTROX 99 than with the conventional racquet, and the shuttle is ejected faster and further.

Rotational Generator System

By applying the counterbalance theory, weight is distributed throughout the grip end, frame top and the joint for maximum control. The transition to the next shot can be performed smoothly and in rapid succession.

New Cap Design “Energy Boost Cap”:

Maximizes shaft performance

The new shape allows the shaft to flex, which ensures the maximum effect of “Namd[1](more flex and faster kick-back graphite material)” and stabilizes the racquet face by preventing the shaft twisting, increasing control.

Yonex Astrox 99 — Technologies

Yonex Namd

A world-first, new dimension graphite material, Namd, greatly improves the adhesion of the graphite fibers and resin by attaching nanomaterial directly to the graphite fiber.

In high performance racquets, it is common to combine nanomaterials with resin that connects graphite fibers, but in Yonex Namd, nanomaterials are directly adhered to the graphite fibers and resin is greatly increased. This major improvement in Yonex racquets produces a shaft that flexes and stores energy, delivering explosive force on impact with the shuttle.

Yonex Badminton Racquet Full Frame Namd

The ASTROX 99 has adopted Namd in the entire body of the racquet, including the frame. This doubles contact time with the shuttle, resulting in an explosive shot, as the racquet returns from flexed to straight at the end of the swing.

Yonex Nanometric

NANOMETRIC* improves the bonding strength between the carbon fibres enabling us to take racquet shaft construction to another level. By reducing the amount of carbon in the shaft to make it 60%* thinner than a conventional racquet whilst retaining stiffness, YONEX has created a revolutionary lightweight racquet with lightening head speed and control.

*NANOMETRIC is the new material which applies the NANOALLOYTM Technology of Toray Industries, Inc.

New Grommet Pattern

Yonex’ new single-pass grommet hole construction provides more grommet holes and fewer shared holes than other brands. This permits for a more high-performance stringing pattern.

Rotational Generator System

Yonex rotational generator system applies the counterbalance theory in Yonex racquets. Weight is distributed throughout the grip end, frame top and the joint for maximum control. This ensures a smooth and rapid transition to the next shot.

Solid Feel Core

The built-in solid feel core in Yonex premium racquets reduces harmful miscellaneous vibration at impact. This technology, called “solid feel core” is a feature of all Yonex racquets manufactured in Japan.

Super Slim Shaft

This is the slimmest shaft ever produced by Yonex. It vastly reduces air resistance whilst providing maximum feel.

Aero+Box Frame

Yonex frames are contoured differently on different parts of the loop. Some areas feature an aerodynamic shape to reduce air resistance. Other areas feature a box shape to provide strength and power. This combination offers a quick swing with a solid feel.

Built in T-Joint

Moulded deep into the layers of graphite where the frame connects with the shaft, the YONEX Built-in T-Joint creates a durable and high-strength one-piece frame that is torque-free.

Energy Boost Cap

The new shape of the energy boost cap allows the shaft to flex, which ensures the maximum effect of “Namd (more flex and faster kick-back graphite material)” and stabilizes the racquet face by preventing the shaft twisting, increasing control

Isometric Head Shape

Yonex’ square-shaped ISOMETRIC frame shape is designed to keep vertical strings at a similar length. This shape produces a larger sweet spot in all directions.