Compare Yonex Astrox 88S Tour Gen3 vs Li-Ning Axforce 90 New

Flex Comparison

The flex rating of a racket influences how power is generated and how the shuttle responds at contact. It plays a major role in playability, especially during smashes, drives, and defensive lifts.

Both rackets share a stiff profile. This means that neither one has a built-in advantage regarding shaft bend behavior. Stiff shafts suit players who already generate power with strong technique. They offer cleaner shuttle response, better directional accuracy on drives, and enable tighter placement during attacking play. However, they demand more physical input, so beginners may find them less forgiving if contact timing is late. Users comparing these two rackets may instead feel differences more from balance, weight distribution, and string setup rather than flex alone.

Balance Comparison

Balance affects swing sensation, shot recovery, and how easily power transfers into the shuttle. Even a similar weight racket can feel completely different depending on where the mass is distributed.

Both rackets share a head heavy balance profile, meaning their weight distribution philosophy is similar. Head-heavy rackets shift more mass toward the frame, increasing momentum behind smashes and clears. Players who dominate from the rear court or rely on offensive pressure benefit most. However, head-heavy setups may feel slower when switching quickly between forehand and backhand defense.. In this case, differences in performance will rely more on flex, weight class, and tension settings rather than balance alone.

Weight & Maneuverability

The weight class determines how quickly a racket moves during defense and how much stability it has during smashes. Lighter frames accelerate faster, while heavier ones provide more impact stability.

Astrox 88S Tour Gen3 is available in 3U, 4U while Axforce 90 New comes in 3U, 4U, 5U. A player choosing between them may decide based on whether they prioritize fast exchanges and net interceptions or power-focused shooting from the backcourt.

Lighter variants like 5U/6U emphasize maneuverability, especially valuable in doubles, defence and drive rallies. Meanwhile, 3U/4U variants carry more swing momentum, benefiting aggressive singles players who rely on steep smashes.

String Tension & Control Potential

String tension capacity affects how the shuttle feels on contact. Higher tension enhances precision but requires strength, while lower tension increases repulsion and shuttle height support.

Astrox 88S Tour Gen3 is rated up to 29 lbs, while Axforce 90 New supports 31 lbs. A higher tension range suggests better control headroom for advanced setups, whereas lower tension limits may feel more user-friendly for newer players.

Which One Should You Choose?

Choose the lighter model for fast defense and doubles pace. Choose the heavier model for stronger smash stability and backcourt dominance.