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[badmintonhome]

Why the Yonex Astrox 99 Game 3rd Gen Is the Attacking Racket Every Intermediate Player in India Needs Right Now

You've been playing seriously for a while now.

Your smash is developing. Your rear-court game is getting sharper. You're starting to dominate rallies. But your racket hasn't kept up. It doesn't reward your attacking intent. Every smash feels like you're leaving something on the table.

That's the exact gap the Yonex Astrox 99 Game 3rd Gen was designed to fill.

This is the latest generation of one of Yonex's most celebrated attacking racket lines. It brings third-generation professional technology to intermediate club players in India at a price that actually makes sense. At ₹6,990, this is not a budget compromise. It's a genuinely powerful upgrade.

What Makes This the Third Generation Special?

The Astrox 99 series has been trusted by some of the world's best attackers for years. Each generation refines the core attacking formula. The 3rd Gen brings updated frame geometry, a more precise weight distribution system, and a refined AERO + BOX Frame construction.

In simple terms: it smashes harder, recovers faster, and feels more controlled than older versions at this price point.

Breaking Down the Technology

Rotational Generator System

This is the heart of the Astrox 99 Game 3rd Gen. Yonex distributes weight precisely across three points: the grip end, the T-joint, and the frame top.

The result? Smooth, explosive swing acceleration on the way down and faster recovery on the way back up. You can attack from the rear court and reload for the next smash without the racket feeling sluggish. For a head-heavy racket, that recovery speed is a big deal.

Head-Heavy Balance

Weight sitting toward the frame top means natural downward momentum on every smash and overhead clear. You don't need to generate all the power yourself. The racket does a lot of the work.

This is what makes powerful smashing feel natural and repeatable, especially for intermediate players who are building their rear-court game.

AERO + BOX Frame

Most rackets are either aerodynamic or rigid. The Astrox 99 Game 3rd Gen is both.

The aerodynamic contouring reduces wind resistance so you can swing faster. The box-frame structure adds rigidity and a solid, stable feel at the point of impact. Every smash lands with authority. Every drive feels planted and controlled.

Medium Flex Shaft

A stiffer shaft demands precise timing and fast wrist mechanics. Most intermediate players aren't there yet.

The medium flex shaft on this racket is forgiving. It bends slightly at impact, generates clean shuttle response, and rewards developing technique with a punchy, confident feel. It makes you want to attack more because attacking actually feels good.

Energy Boost CAP PLUS

This is a detail that most players overlook but feel instantly. The butt cap guides the shaft to flex forward at impact for maximum energy transfer. It also stabilizes the racket face to prevent twisting.

The practical effect: cleaner shot direction, more powerful follow-through, and smashes that go exactly where you intend them to.

ISOMETRIC Head Shape

The square ISOMETRIC head shape widens the sweet spot beyond what conventional round frames offer. Even on slightly off-center contact during fast competitive exchanges, you get consistent smash power and accuracy.

For players still refining court positioning and footwork, this is a real confidence builder.

Key Specs at a Glance

FeatureDetailsWeight4U (Avg. 83g)Grip SizeG5BalanceHead-HeavyShaft FlexMediumFrameAERO + BOXHead ShapeISOMETRICString TensionUp to 28 lbsLength10mm longer than standardGeneration3rd Gen (2024)ColorBlack / GreenIncludesPre-Strung, Full Racket CoverPrice₹6,990

One detail worth highlighting: this racket is 10mm longer than standard. That extra length increases the lever on your smash, adding more power to every rear-court shot without any extra effort.

Where Does It Sit in the Astrox 99 Family?

Yonex's Astrox 99 series runs from accessible to elite:

Astrox 99 Game 3rd Gen - Intermediate players, accessible attacking performance

Astrox 99 Tour 3rd Gen - Step up, more precise feel, ₹10,390

Astrox 99 Pro 3rd Gen - Advanced players, professional-grade, ₹16,590

The Game version gives you the same third-generation Rotational Generator System and AERO + BOX Frame as its more expensive siblings. You get real Astrox 99 DNA in your hands, just tuned for players still building their attacking game.

Who Should Buy This Racket?

The Astrox 99 Game 3rd Gen is built for:

Intermediate club players ready to move past entry-level frames

Singles players who dominate with powerful rear-court smashes

Doubles players who take control from the back and drive hard down the line

Anyone upgrading from an older Astrox model or a generic graphite racket

Competitive recreational players who want the latest Yonex technology without paying Pro prices

If you rely on speed and net play more than smashing power, a head-light Nanoflare series racket might suit you better. But if attacking is your game, this is your racket.

Pro Stringing Tip

When you're ready to restring, try Yonex BG66 Force at 25 to 27 lbs. It delivers devastating smash speed and crisp repulsion that brings out the full attacking potential of the head-heavy frame. For better cross-court drive control and added string durability, Yonex BG65 Ti at 24 to 26 lbs is a reliable alternative that doesn't sacrifice core smash power.

Third-Generation Power at a Real-World Price

The Astrox 99 Pro is what professionals and advanced players reach for. The Astrox 99 Game 3rd Gen brings that same attacking lineage to players who are ready to take their smash game seriously, without spending ₹16,000 to do it.

At ₹6,990 this is the most current, most refined version of the Astrox 99 Game ever made. It rewards attacking intent, builds confidence from the rear court, and gives every intermediate player a genuine taste of pro-series performance.

Shop the Yonex Astrox 99 Game 3rd Gen now and bring third-generation attacking power to every session.

Looking for more rackets, strings, bags, and accessories? Explore the full range at BadmintonHome.com, your trusted online badminton store in India.

[badmintonhome]

YONEX Nanoflare 1000 Play: Why You Need This Racket

You've been playing badminton for a while now. Maybe at your local club, on weekends with friends, or at school. You're getting better. Your footwork is sharper. Your reflexes are faster. But your racket? It's holding you back.

That's exactly the problem the YONEX Nanoflare 1000 Play was built to solve.

This racket sits at the entry point of Yonex's celebrated Nanoflare 1000 series. It's made for beginner to intermediate players who want genuine professional technology without spending a fortune. And in India's booming badminton scene, it might just be the most sensible racket purchase you'll make this year.

What Makes the Nanoflare 1000 Play Different?

Most entry-level rackets give you cheap aluminum frames and slow, heavy swings. The Nanoflare 1000 Play is built differently from the ground up.

Here's what's packed inside:

Full Graphite Frame and Shaft No aluminum shortcuts here. A full graphite build means you get real stability, better shuttle feel, and a frame that lasts.

AERO Frame Design The frame's smooth, aerodynamic shape cuts through air faster. Less drag means quicker swings. Quicker swings mean faster shots. Simple.

Sonic Flare System This is Yonex's tech for generating explosive shuttle speed. It amplifies the power in your shots even when your technique is still developing. Great for players still building wrist strength.

Head-Light Balance The weight sits toward the handle, not the head. This makes the racket feel quick and light in your hand. Perfect for doubles rallies, fast net exchanges, and defensive plays where reaction time is everything.

Medium Flex Shaft A medium flex shaft is forgiving. It helps generate power on shots even without a full, aggressive swing. Beginners benefit a lot from this.

Super Slim Shaft Thinner shaft, less air resistance. Every millisecond of extra swing speed counts in a fast rally.

Who Should Buy This Racket?

The Nanoflare 1000 Play is built for:

Beginners who want their first real graphite racket

Intermediate club players ready to stop using borrowed or budget rackets

Doubles players who need speed at the net more than smash power

Young players developing their game and needing a racket that keeps up

If you play singles and rely heavily on powerful baseline smashes, you might eventually want something head-heavy. But for most recreational and club-level Indian players, the Nanoflare 1000 Play hits a very sweet spot.

Key Specs at a Glance

FeatureDetailsWeight4U (83g)Grip SizeG5BalanceHead-LightShaft FlexMediumFrame MaterialGraphiteString TensionUp to 28 lbsComes WithFull racket cover, pre-strungColorLightning Yellow

Coming pre-strung and with a full racket cover means you can take it out of the box and straight onto the court. No extra cost. No waiting.

The Nanoflare 1000 Series: Where Does the Play Fit?

Yonex's Nanoflare 1000 lineup can be confusing. Here's a quick breakdown:

Nanoflare 1000 Play - Entry level, best value, beginner to intermediate

Nanoflare 1000 Game - Step up in performance and price

Nanoflare 1000 Tour - Advanced players, stiffer shaft

Nanoflare 1000 Z - Professional, used by elite players like Lakshya Sen

The Play sits at the base of this family. But it carries the same Nanoflare DNA. That's the whole point.

Why Indian Players Love It

Badminton is not just a sport in India. It's a passion. From school courts in Chennai to indoor clubs in Delhi and Bangalore, more players are upgrading their gear than ever before.

The Nanoflare 1000 Play lands at a price point that makes real Yonex quality accessible. It features a full graphite frame and shaft with no cheap aluminum, giving players a professional feel that you simply don't find at this price range. For players who have been stuck with low-end rackets, this is a genuine step up. Sportsuncle

And because it handles string tension up to 28 lbs, which is higher than many beginner rackets that often stop at 24 lbs, the frame is built to handle more serious stringing as your game grows. Sportsuncle

Ready to Pick Yours Up?

If you're serious about improving your game, your racket matters. The right one builds better habits, faster reactions, and more confidence on court.

The YONEX Nanoflare 1000 Play gives you professional-grade technology at a beginner-friendly price. It's fast, lightweight, and ready to play from day one.

Shop the YONEX Nanoflare 1000 Play and experience the difference a real racket makes.

Looking for more top badminton gear? Browse India's trusted online badminton store at BadmintonHome.com and find everything you need to play better.

yonex naoflare 1000 play

[badmintonhome]

Your First Real Racket Shouldn't Cost a Fortune. It Should Just Be Good

The Yonex Arcsaber 2 Clear Is What Genuine Beginner-Level Badminton Equipment Actually Looks Like

Most people buying their first serious badminton racket make one of two mistakes.

They either spend too little — on something unbranded, flimsy, and effectively useless for developing any real skill — or they spend too much, picking up a stiff, demanding Tour-level racket that punishes every timing error and makes the sport feel harder than it needs to be.

The Yonex Arcsaber 2 Clear is designed to sit exactly where beginners should actually be shopping. It's not the cheapest racket Yonex makes. It's not pretending to be a pro racket either. What it is, is a properly engineered piece of equipment with real Yonex technology inside — built specifically for players at the start of their journey.

And that matters more than most first-time buyers realise.

What the Arcsaber 2 Clear Is — and Where It Comes From

The Arcsaber name has been part of Yonex's lineup since 2007. The entire range is built around one idea: control through shuttle hold. The shuttle stays on the strings a fraction of a second longer at impact, giving you more time to influence its direction. That's the Arcsaber philosophy, and it runs all the way down to the most accessible model in the range.

Yonex launched the Arcsaber 2 series in 2024 with three variants — Feel, Clear, and Ability. Three different balance points, same core build, same price tier, same target audience: beginners and early intermediates who want genuine equipment without paying for features they're not yet ready to use.

The Clear sits in the middle. Even balance. No strong lean toward power or speed. The all-round option for someone who doesn't yet know what kind of player they are — and wants a racket that won't get in the way of figuring that out.

Key specs:

Weight: 4U (83g)

Balance: Even

Shaft: Hi-Flex, HT Graphite

Frame: AERO+BOX with ISOMETRIC head

Length: 10mm longer than standard

Stringing: 20–30 lbs, ships pre-strung

Made in China

Why the Hi-Flex Shaft Is the Right Call at This Level

Shaft flex is the spec that most beginners skip over. It shouldn't be.

A flexible shaft bends at impact and stores energy, then releases it in a whip effect through the hitting zone. That stored energy contributes to the power of your shot — which means the racket is helping you generate pace rather than making you do all the work yourself.

For a beginner who hasn't yet developed a fast, technically sound swing, this is crucial. With a hi-flex shaft, clears travel further. Smashes have more pop. Shots that a beginner would have netted with a stiffer frame actually get over. The racket covers some of the gap in technique while that technique is being built.

A stiff shaft does the opposite. It demands precision and swing speed to unlock its potential. In the right hands — developed, confident, technically sound — a stiff shaft delivers exceptional control. In beginner hands, it just feels unresponsive and makes the game harder than it should be.

Hi-flex now. Stiffer shaft later, when you've earned it.

The Technologies That Are Actually in This Racket

ISOMETRIC Frame — Yonex's signature head shape has been around for decades because it works. It equalises string lengths across the top of the frame, which effectively widens the sweet spot by around 7% compared to a conventional oval head. In practical terms: more of your shots hit cleanly, even when your timing is slightly off. For a beginner, that's one of the most useful design features a racket can have.

AERO+BOX Frame — a hybrid cross-section that takes the best from two competing frame designs. The flat aerodynamic sides reduce air resistance on the downswing for faster swing speed. The box sides add structural rigidity and a solid, planted feel on contact. You get both swing speed and a confident sensation at impact.

Built-in T-Joint with T-Anchor — the point where the shaft meets the head is the most structurally vulnerable part of any racket. On the Arcsaber 2, the T-Joint is moulded directly into the frame rather than attached separately, which removes that weak point. The T-Anchor locks vertical strings into position for consistent string movement. The result is a racket that feels solid and gives reliable, predictable feedback.

10mm Extended Frame Length — an extra 10mm of reach on every overhead shot. For beginners who haven't yet developed the footwork and positioning to get behind every shuttle, this quietly provides a margin that prevents a lot of frustrating mishits. It's one of those features you don't notice you're using until you pick up a standard-length racket and wonder why rear-court clears suddenly feel harder.

The Three Arcsaber 2 Models: Which One Is Right for You

The Clear is the middle option, but it's worth understanding what the other two offer so you're making a deliberate choice rather than a default one.

The Arcsaber 2 Feel has the highest balance point of the three — most head-heavy, most natural power on clears and overhead shots. Good for players who instinctively lean toward smashing and attacking. Slightly less manoeuvrable at the net.

The Arcsaber 2 Clear (this one) has true even balance. All-round. No strong bias. The safest starting point if you're not yet sure what your game looks like.

The Arcsaber 2 Ability has the lowest balance point — most head-light, fastest swing speed, best for players who want to dominate at the net and play quick reactive exchanges. Slightly less power on rear-court shots.

If you genuinely don't know yet — pick the Clear. Even balance gives you honest feedback about your own game as it develops. After a few months of real court time, you'll know whether you want more power or more speed, and you can make a more informed choice on your next racket.

One Practical Tip That Most Beginners Miss

The 10mm extended frame gives you something specific to use consciously. On overhead clears — especially when you're stretching to reach a shuttle — resist the urge to lunge your body forward. Let the extra length do the reaching instead. Keep your feet planted, swing through cleanly, and let the frame connect. Your balance stays better, your recovery is faster, and the shuttle still gets where it needs to go.

This one adjustment alone can visibly improve your rear-court play within a few sessions. Most players with a standard-length racket develop a compensating lunge because they have no choice. With the Arc 2 Clear, you do.

On restringing: it ships pre-strung and ready to play. Use the factory setup for your first 15–20 sessions. When it's time to restring, Yonex BG65 at 22–24 lbs is durable and well-matched to this level. As your technique sharpens, BG80 gives a crisper, more responsive feel.

The Bottom Line

The Yonex Arcsaber 2 Clear is what a beginner racket looks like when it's built properly. ISOMETRIC frame, AERO+BOX construction, built-in T-Joint, hi-flex shaft, extended length. Real Yonex technology — not a budget approximation of it.

It won't suit players with developed technique who want something demanding and precise. But for anyone who is genuinely at the start — new to the sport, returning after a gap, or just done with unbranded equipment — this is exactly the right level to be buying at.

Start here. Build your game. The more demanding rackets will still be there when you're ready for them.

View the Yonex Arcsaber 2 Clear at Badminton Home →

Badminton Home is an authorised Yonex dealer in India. All rackets are genuine Yonex products. The Arcsaber 2 Clear ships pre-strung with a full racket cover, ready to play from session one.

[badmintonhome]

The Arcsaber 11 Pro Has a Sibling That Most Players Should Be Buying Instead

The Yonex Arcsaber 11 Tour Gives You Pro-Level Frame Technology at a Price That Actually Makes Sense

The Arcsaber 11 Pro is one of Yonex's most respected control rackets. It's used by professionals. It's made in Japan. It has a reputation that sells itself.

It's also more expensive than most serious club players need to spend.

Because there's a version of the Arcsaber 11 that carries the same Pocketing Booster frame lining, the same Control-Assist Bumper, the same even balance, and the same shuttle-hold feel the series is known for — at a price that actually justifies itself for most intermediate and advanced players.

That's the Yonex Arcsaber 11 Tour.

One reviewer who tested both back to back described the performance gap as "extremely small" and barely noticeable in real match conditions. For most club-level players, that says everything.

What Makes the Arcsaber 11 Different From Everything Else

The Arcsaber 11 is not a new racket. The original launched in 2013 and became a staple among professional players who valued precision over power. The 2022 relaunch brought three variants — Play, Tour, and Pro — all built around the same core identity: control-first badminton.

What separates the Arcsaber family from the Astrox (attack) and Nanoflare (speed) ranges is the Pocketing Booster. A rubber-like lining embedded inside the frame at both sweet spot zones increases elasticity at impact. The shuttle stays on the strings fractionally longer. That extended contact window is what gives Arcsaber players the ability to direct shots with a precision that other frames simply don't allow.

The Tour has the Pocketing Booster. The Tour has the full-recessed frame. The Tour has the Control-Assist Bumper. The Tour is structurally and technologically much closer to the Pro than to the Play.

What it doesn't have is a Japanese manufacturing address and a Super HMG shaft. That's where the price difference comes from.

Key specs:

Weight: 4U (83g)

Balance: Even

Shaft: Stiff, REXIS, 7mm Super Slim

Stringing: 19–27 lbs, ships unstrung

Made in Taiwan

The Stiff Shaft: What It Demands, What It Delivers

This is the most important spec to understand before buying the Arcsaber 11 Tour.

A stiff shaft transmits energy differently from a flex shaft. It bends very little at impact, which means there's minimal lag between your swing and the shuttle's response. What you put in is exactly what you get out. No soft release, no assisted whip. Direct, precise, immediate.

That's the appeal for advanced players. When your timing is good, a stiff shaft rewards you with shot accuracy that a flexy shaft cannot match. The shuttle goes where you intend it to go — not approximately there, but exactly there.

The trade-off is that the stiff shaft exposes poor technique. If your timing is inconsistent or your swing is still developing, a stiff shaft will make that obvious. You won't get the natural forgiveness that a hi-flex or medium-flex shaft provides. For players still building their game, the Arcsaber 7 Tour with its medium-flex shaft is the more appropriate entry point. For players who have their technique in order and want a racket that rewards it — this is the one.

Why Even Balance Is the Right Choice for Most Serious Players

Even balance at 290mm means the weight is distributed neutrally across the racket. It won't bias toward smash power the way a head-heavy Astrox will, and it won't bias toward pure net speed the way a head-light Nanoflare will. What it gives you is all-court versatility.

For doubles players, this matters particularly. You need to drive flat from the mid-court, intercept at the net, clear from the rear court, and drop with precision — sometimes in the same point. A head-heavy racket slows you down at the net. A head-light racket costs you on overhead shots. An even-balance racket handles all of it without asking you to compromise.

The 4U weight at 83g keeps it light enough for rapid exchanges. The 7mm Super Slim Shaft cuts air resistance on the downswing. The result is a racket that moves fast, feels solid at contact, and doesn't tire your arm over long sessions.

The Technologies That Define This Racket in Plain Language

Pocketing Booster — extends shuttle contact time, gives you directional control that standard frames can't match. The Arcsaber's signature feature. Present on Tour and Pro only.

Control-Assist Bumper — structured grommet system at the frame top that locks vertical strings in optimal position. Consistent string bed response across the full sweet spot. Critical on tight drops and net shots where string movement would otherwise cause slight mis-hits.

Energy Boost Cap Plus — allows forward shaft flex while preventing lateral rotation of the frame. Keeps the racket face stable on contact so your shots stay consistent even under harder swings.

Box Frame — solid, weighty feel at contact. Not hollow-sounding like cheaper frames. Gives you confidence that the racket is working with you on every shot.

Who the Arcsaber 11 Tour Is For — and Who It Isn't

It's for: Intermediate to advanced players with solid technique. Doubles specialists who need all-court versatility with sharp net play. Singles players whose game is built on control, placement, and reading the court rather than smashing.

It isn't for: Beginners. Players still developing consistent swing mechanics. Pure power players who win points from the rear court with heavy smashes. If that's your game, the Astrox range is where you should be looking.

The honest guide: if you have a developed game and you're not yet sure whether Tour or Pro is right for you — ask yourself whether you're playing at a level where the difference between a Japanese-made Super HMG shaft and a Taiwanese REXIS shaft is detectable in your actual match performance. For most club players, even excellent ones, the answer is no.

One Practical Tip Before You Play

String this racket before your first session. It ships unstrung, which gives you full control over setup. For control-focused all-round play, BG66 Ultimax at 24–26 lbs is the most popular choice on this frame. It complements the Pocketing Booster's shuttle hold without over-tightening. Doubles players can push to 26–27 lbs for sharper drive response. Hard hitters working from the rear court can go to the maximum 27 lbs — but don't exceed it on the 4U version.

Once you're playing, try this: on net shots, approach as if you're playing straight, then rotate the wrist slightly at the last possible moment. The Pocketing Booster's extended contact window is wide enough to make that late angle change work consistently. With most rackets, it's too slow. With this one, it becomes a reliable deception tool.

The Bottom Line

The Yonex Arcsaber 11 Tour is built around the same frame technology as the Pro. It delivers the shuttle hold, the precise shot response, and the all-court control that defines the Arcsaber 11 family. Made in Taiwan to a standard that serious players can trust.

For intermediate to advanced players who want a racket that rewards technique, supports precision, and handles every corner of the court — without the Pro-level price — this is the smarter buy.

View the Yonex Arcsaber 11 Tour at Badminton Home →

Badminton Home is an authorised Yonex dealer in India. All rackets are genuine Yonex products. The Arcsaber 11 Tour ships unstrung with a full racket cover.