Nanoflare is the speed range. Where Astrox puts mass in the head to hit harder, Nanoflare takes it out to move faster — quicker blocks at the net, faster drives, easier defence against a heavy smash.
This guide explains how the range is organised and which model fits your game. Central Sports is the official retailer of the Yonex All England Championships, and most Nanoflare frames come with a free restring to your chosen tension.
The tier system, first
Nanoflare uses the same four tiers as the rest of the Yonex range:
- Play — entry level, pre-strung, forgiving.
- Game — better materials, a step up in stiffness.
- Tour — close to the Pro feel at a real saving. Usually the value pick.
- Pro — full specification, stiffest shaft, least forgiving.
A Nanoflare 800 Play and a Nanoflare 800 Pro share a purpose but not a demand level. If your technique is still developing, the Play or Game version will give you more, not less.
The Nanoflare range, model by model
Nanoflare 1000 Z — the fastest frame Yonex make
The flagship. Extremely head-light with a stiff shaft, built for players whose racket speed is already high. It rewards clean, compact swings and punishes lazy ones. Also available as 1000 Tour, 1000 Game and 1000 Play as you come down the tiers.
Nanoflare 800 — speed with more substance
Slightly more balanced than the 1000, with a bit more weight through the head. It is the model most serious doubles players end up on, because it keeps the speed while giving you something to hit with. The 800 Pro is the full build; 800 Tour, 800 Game and 800 Play step down.
Nanoflare 700 — the accessible speed racket
A more flexible shaft makes this the easiest Nanoflare to play with. Genuinely fast in the hand but forgiving enough for a club player. This is the one we recommend most often to people who want a speed racket but are not playing county badminton. Available as 700 Pro, 700 Tour, 700 Game and 700 Play, with limited-edition colourways appearing regularly.
Nanoflare Nextage — the step-up frame
Built as the bridge between a first racket and a serious one. Moderate stiffness, head-light balance, easy to use. If you have outgrown a beginner racket and know you prefer speed to power, start here rather than jumping to an 800.
Nanoflare 001, 002 and E13 — entry level
Light, flexible and affordable. The 001 Clear, 002 Clear and 002 Feel suit beginners and juniors; the E13 is the budget starting point.
Which Nanoflare should you buy?
- Complete beginner: Nanoflare E13, 001 Clear or 002 Clear.
- Improving, playing weekly: Nanoflare Nextage or 700 Play.
- Club player, front-court doubles: Nanoflare 700 Tour or 800 Game.
- County level, fast hands: Nanoflare 800 Pro or 700 Pro.
- Advanced, very high racket speed: Nanoflare 1000 Z.
Nanoflare or Astrox?
The honest answer is that it depends on where you lose points.
- If you are getting beaten by pace at the net and struggling to defend smashes, you want Nanoflare.
- If your defence is fine but your smash lacks weight and your clears fall short, you want Astrox.
- If neither is obviously true, Arcsaber sits between the two and is the safest choice.
Doubles pairs often split it: the rear-court player takes an Astrox, the front-court player takes a Nanoflare.
Weights and grip sizes
Nanoflare frames come mostly in 4U (80–84g) and 5U (75–79g). 5U is unusually light and suits juniors, players with wrist or shoulder problems, and anyone who prioritises hand speed above all else. Grip sizes run G4 to G6, with G5 the usual adult default.
Nanoflare FAQs
Is Nanoflare good for beginners?
The entry models are. Head-light rackets are generally easier for beginners to control than head-heavy ones. Avoid the Pro tiers until your technique is consistent.
What is the difference between Nanoflare 700 and 800?
The 800 is stiffer with slightly more weight in the head, so it hits with more authority but demands a faster swing. The 700 is more flexible and easier to use.
What does 4U and 5U mean?
Racket weight. 4U is 80–84g, 5U is 75–79g. Lower numbers are heavier: 3U is 85–89g.
Is Nanoflare only for doubles?
No, but it suits doubles more naturally because of the faster exchanges. Singles players who rely on speed and retrieval rather than power do well with it too.
Browse the full Yonex Nanoflare range, compare it with Astrox and Arcsaber, or see all badminton rackets. Free restringing included with most Nanoflare frames — tell us your tension at checkout.