Quick answer: All three Astrox 100 rackets are head-heavy attacking frames with the same isometric head shape. The Astrox 100 ZZ is the Made in Japan flagship with an extra stiff shaft for advanced players; the Astrox 100 Tour gives most of that feel with a stiff shaft at a lower price for strong club and county players; and the Astrox 100 Game has a medium flex that makes the power far easier to access for improvers.
The Astrox 100 ZZ is one of the most searched-for rackets in badminton, largely thanks to Viktor Axelsen. But the 100 ZZ is not the right racket for everyone, and Yonex makes two cheaper versions that share its looks and balance. We string and sell all three in our stores, so here is how they actually differ and which one makes sense for your game.
Yonex Astrox 100 ZZ vs 100 Tour vs 100 Game: comparison table
| Astrox 100 ZZ | Astrox 100 Tour | Astrox 100 Game | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weight options | 3U (avg. 88g), 4U (avg. 83g) | 3U (85–89.9g), 4U (80–84.9g) | 3U, 4U (approx. 83g) |
| Balance | Head heavy | Head heavy | Head heavy |
| Flex | Extra stiff | Stiff to extra stiff | Medium |
| Key materials | HM Graphite, Namd, Tungsten, Black Micro Core, Nanometric | HM Graphite, Namd / Nanomesh Neo | HM Graphite, Nanomesh Neo |
| Shaft | Hyper Slim | Slim | Slim |
| Made in | Japan | Taiwan | Taiwan |
| Best for | Advanced, county to international | Strong club to county | Improver to intermediate |
| Price at Central Sports | From £193.50 | From £176 | From £93.95 |
Specs are taken from Yonex product information on our listings; prices are at time of writing. Yonex describes the Tour's flex differently across colourways, but in the hand it sits clearly between the Game and the ZZ.
Yonex Astrox 100 ZZ: who is it for?
The Astrox 100 ZZ is Yonex's top attacking racket, built in Japan with the full set of Astrox technologies: Rotational Generator System weight distribution, Namd graphite, an Energy Boost Cap Plus, the Hyper Slim shaft and a built-in T-joint. The result is a racket that feels heavy in the head yet quick through the air, with a steep, penetrating smash.
The catch is the extra stiff shaft. It rewards a fast, compact swing and good timing, and punishes a slow or late one. If you are a strong singles player or the rear-court attacker in doubles and you already generate racket-head speed, the 100 ZZ is about as good as it gets. If your clears do not reliably reach the back tramlines, it will feel hard work.
Astrox 100 ZZ VA: what is different?
The Astrox 100 ZZ VA is part of the Viktor Axelsen signature collection. It is the same Made in Japan 100 ZZ specification in a VA colourway, so choose it if you like the look or are a fan; playing characteristics are the same as the standard 100 ZZ. We currently stock it in 3U and 4U.
Yonex Astrox 100 Tour: the sweet spot for club attackers
The Astrox 100 Tour shares the 100 ZZ's head-heavy balance, isometric head and Rotational Generator System, but uses a slightly different construction (Nanomesh Neo or Namd depending on version) and a slim rather than Hyper Slim shaft, and it is made in Taiwan. On court it feels a touch more forgiving than the ZZ while still being a stiff, powerful racket.
For most strong club and league players who want the 100 ZZ experience, the Tour is the smarter buy. You get a very similar attacking feel for less money and a shaft that is a little kinder on off-days.
Yonex Astrox 100 Game: easy power for improvers
The Astrox 100 Game keeps the head-heavy balance and isometric head but uses a medium flex shaft. That flex stores energy and releases it into the shuttle, so you get noticeably more depth and pace without needing a pro-level swing. Yonex lists it for intermediate players, and that matches what we see: it suits improvers moving up from a starter racket and club players who want an attacking feel without the stiffness.
If you are unsure whether you are ready for a head-heavy racket at all, our guide to head-heavy vs head-light rackets will help.
Which Astrox 100 should you buy?
- Choose the 100 ZZ if you play competitive singles or attack from the back in doubles, have a fast swing and want Yonex's top-of-the-range build.
- Choose the 100 Tour if you are a confident club or county attacker who wants most of the ZZ's punch for less outlay.
- Choose the 100 Game if you are an improver or casual club player who wants a powerful, head-heavy racket that is easy to swing.
- 3U or 4U? Most players are better in 4U for speed and recovery; 3U adds weight behind the smash for strong players. See our 3U vs 4U vs 5U guide.
String tension matters too. Stringing a 100 Game too tight will take away the easy power that makes it good. Our string tension guide covers what to choose, and we restring in store. For the rest of the family, from the 77 to the 99, read Yonex Astrox series explained.
Top picks from Central Sports
- Yonex Astrox 100ZZ 4U Badminton Racket – Kurenai – £193.50 at time of writing. The Made in Japan flagship in the more manageable 4U weight.
- Yonex Astrox 100ZZ 3U Badminton Racket – Kurenai – £235.99 at time of writing. Extra mass for strong hitters who want maximum smash weight.
- Yonex Astrox 100 ZZ VA – Viktor Axelsen Signature Edition – £223 at time of writing. The same flagship spec in the VA colourway, 3U or 4U.
- Yonex Astrox 100 Tour 4U – Kurenai – £176 at time of writing. Most of the ZZ's attacking feel for less.
- Yonex Astrox 100 Tour VA – £183.99 at time of writing. The Tour in Viktor Axelsen styling.
- Yonex Astrox 100 Game 4U – Kurenai – £93.95 at time of writing. Easy, medium-flex power for improving players. Also available as the Astrox 100 Game VA (£119.99).
FAQs
Is the Astrox 100 ZZ good for beginners?
No. Its extra stiff shaft and head-heavy balance need a fast, well-timed swing. Beginners and improvers will get more from the Astrox 100 Game or a medium-flex racket from our beginner range.
What is the difference between the Astrox 100 ZZ and 100 Tour?
Both are head-heavy and stiff. The 100 ZZ is made in Japan with a Hyper Slim shaft and extra stiff flex; the Tour is made in Taiwan with a slim shaft and a slightly more forgiving feel, at a lower price.
Is the Astrox 100 ZZ VA different from the normal 100 ZZ?
It is the Viktor Axelsen signature colourway of the same Made in Japan 100 ZZ specification, so expect the same playing characteristics.
Does Viktor Axelsen use the Astrox 100 ZZ?
Yes, the Astrox 100 ZZ is Viktor Axelsen's signature Yonex racket, which is why the VA editions exist.
Still deciding? Compare every model in our Yonex Astrox badminton rackets collection, or visit a store to try them. As an authorised Yonex UK retailer we can string your racket to your preferred tension before it leaves the shop.
