Yonex
Yonex Astrox 99 Play Strung Badminton Racket
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Yonex Astrox 99 Play Strung Badminton Racket
Black/Green / 4U5
Birmingham store
Unit 1,The Quadrant,Summer Hill Rd
Birmingham B1 2PD
United Kingdom
Cardiff (Tower House)
Tower house,13a Ipswich Road
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Cardiff Cathays store
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86-90 Crwys Road
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Hereford (Clubsport)
4 Bewell Street
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Milton Keynes (National Badminton Centre)
Central Sports - National Badminton Centre - Bradwell Road
Loughton Lodge, Great Holm
Milton Keynes MK8 9LA
United Kingdom
Racket Specifications
Balance & Flex Profile
The Yonex Astrox 99 Play is the most user-friendly way into the Astrox 99 series – a light, forgiving, strung badminton racket that still carries the signature head-heavy balance attacking players love. For beginners, juniors and social club players, it gives a first taste of steep smashes, better clears and all-round confidence at a price that suits first-time buyers.
Key Features
- Rotational Generator System – Yonex’s weight distribution system, even at entry level, for smooth transitions between attack and defence.
- Isometric head shape – expands the sweet spot for more forgiveness and solid contact even when your timing is not perfect.
- Aero + Box Frame – combines speed with stability so you can generate power without losing control.
- Flexible shaft – softer than the Game and Tour versions, making power easier for developing players who have not yet built full swing speed.
- Energy Boost Cap – encourages shaft flex for more power while keeping the frame stable for consistent shots.
Performance Overview
The Play mirrors the steep attack angle that defines the 99 family, with the focus on ease of play. The flexible shaft and forgiving frame make it easier to lift, clear and smash, while still feeling like an attacking racket. CSR and Flex Force are not built into this version; instead Yonex has fine-tuned the materials to make the Play lighter, easier to handle and more accessible to new players.
It is not a cheap copy of the Pro but a thoughtfully designed entry-level attacking racket. If you are learning the game or building confidence, it helps you generate power, enjoy longer rallies and develop an attacking style without being punished for every mistake – a good first step into Astrox rackets.
Who Is It For?
- Beginners who want to start with a performance-inspired racket
- Juniors and social players looking for an attacking racket that is not too demanding
- Budget-conscious buyers who want to experience the Astrox 99 family without jumping straight to the Pro
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Brand | Yonex |
| Model | Astrox 99 Play |
| Balance | Head heavy |
| Flex | Flexible |
| Weight | 4U (≈83g) / 5U (≈78g) – this listing: 4U5 |
| Length | 675mm |
| String pattern | 20 × 21 |
| Max string tension | Up to 28 lbs |
| Material | Graphite (high-modulus) |
| Made in | China |
| Colour | Black/Green |
| Supplied | Strung |
Astrox 99 Series – Pro vs Tour vs Game vs Play
The Astrox 99 series is one of Yonex’s most iconic racket lines, designed for players who want power, precision and control. With four models – Pro, Tour, Game and Play – every level of player can experience the Astrox 99 feel.
| Model | Player level | Origin | Weight options | Balance | Flex | Frame material | Key technologies |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Astrox 99 Pro | Advanced / professional | Made in Japan | 3U, 4U | Head heavy | Extra stiff | HM Graphite + Namd + Tungsten + VDM | Namd, Energy Boost Cap Plus, Power Assist Bumper |
| Astrox 99 Tour | Advanced / competitive | Made in Taiwan | 3U, 4U | Head heavy | Stiff | HM Graphite + Volume Cut Resin | Energy Boost Cap Plus, Power Assist Bumper |
| Astrox 99 Game | Intermediate / club | Made in China | 4U | Head heavy | Medium | HM Graphite + Nanomesh Neo | Energy Boost Cap Plus |
| Astrox 99 Play | Beginner / recreational | Made in China | 4U | Head heavy | Flexible | Graphite | Entry-level construction with Astrox series design |
Choosing the right Astrox 99 depends on your level and style. The Pro is built for world-class players like Shu Yu Qi, while the Tour, Game and Play make the same design accessible to a wider range of players.
Why Buy from Central Sports?
- ✅ 100% Genuine & Authorised Yonex Products – official UK Yonex stockist
- 🏸 Discounted professional restring
- 📦 Secure Packaging & Fast Processing – fast UK dispatch from our own warehouse
- 🤝 Trusted by players since 1983, from grassroots to world champions
- 🆕 Access to Latest Releases & Collections – one of the first UK retailers to launch the full Astrox 99 series
- ✍️ Free personalised autograph
Final Verdict
The Astrox 99 Play gives new and developing players the attacking feel of the 99 series in a light, comfortable racket built for progression.
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Brand | Yonex |
| Model | Astrox 99 Play |
| Balance | Head heavy |
| Flex | Flexible |
| Weight | 4U (≈83g) / 5U (≈78g) – this listing: 4U5 |
| Length | 675mm |
| String pattern | 20 × 21 |
| Max string tension | Up to 28 lbs |
| Material | Graphite (high-modulus) |
| Made in | China |
| Colour | Black/Green |
| Supplied | Strung |
| Size | 4U5 |
|---|
Frequently asked questions
It weighs 4U (≈83g) / 5U (≈78g) – this listing: 4U5.
Balance: Head heavy.
string pattern: 20 × 21.
Supplied: Strung.
It suits beginners who want to start with a performance-inspired racket; juniors and social players looking for an attacking racket that is not too demanding; Budget-conscious buyers who want to experience the Astrox 99 family without jumping straight to the Pro.
A discounted professional restring is available – choose your string and tension when you add this racket to your basket.
Yes – a free personalised autograph is available on this racket. Autographed rackets take 2–4 working days to process before dispatch.
