Yonex Rackets

Q: Which Yonex badminton racket should I choose as a beginner?

For most beginners we recommend a Yonex Astrox 01 Ability or Astrox Smash - both even-balance, medium-flex, 5U weight, forgiving enough to develop good technique. Avoid jumping straight to Astrox 100ZZ or Nanoflare 1000Z; those pro frames demand a grooved stroke.

Q: What is the difference between Astrox 88S and Astrox 88D?

The 88S (Skill) is for front-court doubles players who need quick hands at the net. The 88D (Drive) is for back-court attackers who hit big smashes - heavier head, more power. Choose based on your usual doubles position.

Q: Astrox or Nanoflare - which is right for me?

Astrox if you play singles, attack from the back, or want maximum smash power. Nanoflare if you play doubles, defend or counter-attack. Intermediate club players who switch roles often do best with the even-balance Arcsaber range.

Q: What string tension should I use on a Yonex racket?

For most adult intermediate players we recommend 24-26 lbs with BG65, Nanogy 95 or Aerosonic. Advanced attackers go up to 28-30 lbs. Beginners should stay at 22-24 lbs to avoid arm strain.

Q: Are Yonex rackets made in Japan?

Premium Yonex rackets including the Astrox 100ZZ, Astrox 99 Pro, Nanoflare 1000Z and Arcsaber 11 Pro are produced in Yonex's flagship Niigata factory in Japan, identifiable by the Made in Japan stamp. Lower-tier models are produced in Taiwan.

Yonex is the world’s leading badminton brand, founded in Japan in 1946 by Minoru Yoneyama. Central Sports is the appointed retailer of the Yonex All England Championships and an official BADMINTON England retail partner — we hold the UK’s largest in-stock Yonex range, including the complete Astrox, Nanoflare, Arcsaber, Muscle Power and Limited Edition lines, with free professional restringing on most premium rackets.

The four Yonex badminton racket families

Yonex organises its badminton rackets into four families. Choosing the right family matters more than choosing a specific model.

Astrox — head-heavy power. For singles attackers and back-court doubles players. Flagship: Astrox 100ZZ, Astrox 88D Pro, Astrox 99 Pro (Viktor Axelsen).
Nanoflare — head-light speed. For doubles defenders, front-court players and counter-attackers. Flagship: Nanoflare 1000Z, Nanoflare 800 Pro, Nanoflare 700 Tour 2026 (Shutter Series).
Arcsaber — even balance and control. For technical, precision-focused club players. Flagship: Arcsaber 11 Pro, Arcsaber 7 series.
Muscle Power — entry level. Forgiving, durable, low-cost rackets for first-time players and recreational use.

Yonex shoes, strings and accessories

Yonex’s Power Cushion midsole technology — used in the Eclipsion Z3, Aerus Z2 and Strider Beat shoes — absorbs significantly more shock than standard EVA and rebounds with greater energy return. Browse Yonex badminton shoes. For strings we stock the complete Yonex library — BG65, BG65 Ti, BG66 Ultimax, BG66 Force, Aerosonic, Aerobite, Aerobite Boost, Nanogy 95, Nanogy 98, Exbolt 63 and Exbolt 65 — browse Yonex strings. Looking for tennis? Browse Yonex tennis rackets (Ezone, VCORE, Percept).

Why buy Yonex at Central Sports

Appointed retailer of the Yonex All England Championships
Official BADMINTON England retail partner — 5% member discount
Free professional restringing on most premium Yonex rackets
In-store fitting at Birmingham and Milton Keynes
Next-working-day UK delivery on orders before 2pm

Frequently asked questions about Yonex

Which Yonex badminton racket should I choose as a beginner?

For most beginners we recommend a Yonex Astrox 01 Ability or Astrox Smash — both even-balance, medium-flex, 5U weight, forgiving enough to develop good technique without straining the arm. Avoid jumping straight to the Astrox 100ZZ or Nanoflare 1000Z; those pro frames demand a grooved stroke.

What is the difference between Astrox 88S and Astrox 88D?

The 88S (Skill) is for front-court doubles players who need quick hands at the net — slightly lighter swing weight, faster manoeuvrability. The 88D (Drive) is for back-court attackers who hit big smashes — heavier head, more power. Choose based on your usual doubles position.

Astrox or Nanoflare — which is right for me?

Astrox if you play singles, attack from the back, or want maximum smash power. Nanoflare if you play doubles, defend or counter-attack, or want fast hands at the net. Intermediate club players who switch roles often do best with the even-balance Arcsaber range.

What string tension should I use on a Yonex racket?

For most adult intermediate players we recommend 24-26 lbs with BG65, Nanogy 95 or Aerosonic. Advanced attackers using 65-Ti or Aerobite Boost go up to 28-30 lbs. Beginners should stay at 22-24 lbs to avoid arm strain.

Are Yonex rackets made in Japan?

Premium Yonex rackets including the Astrox 100ZZ, Astrox 99 Pro, Nanoflare 1000Z and Arcsaber 11 Pro are still produced in Yonex’s flagship Niigata factory in Japan, identifiable by the “Made in Japan” stamp. Lower-tier models are produced in Taiwan to Yonex specifications.

Do you offer free restringing with Yonex rackets?

Yes — free professional in-store restringing is included on most premium Yonex rackets (typically £100+). Same-day in store; 24-hour postal turnaround.