Jayce
The protagonist of this review, the ASTROX NEXTAGE, NEXTAGE translates to “Next Era”, and it’s easy to sense that YONEX is trying to create an epochal branch of the ASTROX.
Matte black frosted primer, with a strong sense of metal, thick and solemn sense of oppression to the face, instantly let me and nine years ago the world’s most popular VOLTRIC Z-FORCE Ⅱ associated. Shooting frame in the stars of the fluorescent green embellishment added a few points of cyber mecha feeling, compared to the ASTROX series of previous asymmetric design, this time ASTROX NEXTAGE unprecedented use of symmetric design, the future ASTROX series of paint pattern will change, let us keep looking forward to.
Not only is the paint breaking the shackles of the original design, let me feel the surprise is ASTROX NEXTAGE in the frame design of a change in the conservative, for the first time using the layout of the 80 line holes, racket frame structure is also from the original common box-type racket frame to the multi-stage deformation of the wind-breaking frame, is it this time YONEX want to ASTROX series to add a branch of the attribute of strengthening the speed?
After careful observation, I realized that the head of ASTROX NEXTAGE racket adopts the Ling Ling windbreaker frame, the middle part of the frame is transitioned by the fluid box frame, and the bottom part of the frame is the trapezoidal stabilizing structure, which is a bit familiar at first glance, and the deja-vu design language makes me can’t help but think of another picture in my mind. Back to the topic, the ASTROX NEXTAGE’s three-stage reversed trapezoidal structure is different from the design of its friends. The top and bottom parts of the ASTROX NEXTAGE frame adopt the new combination of AERO SHAPE (which is designed to reduce air resistance during swinging, increase swinging speed, and increase the power of the return attack), and the middle part of the frame adopts the new combination of AERO + BOX SHAPE (which is designed to combine the effect of fast swinging speed with a firm and solid feel). The ASTROX NEXTAGE is the most unlike ASTROX in terms of frame shape.
Such a composite frame structure, in the industry does require a certain amount of technical precipitation, visible YONEX in the focus on the traditional fluid box structure at the same time is also trying a new path, and such a design is actually the first time to use in the ASTROX series, the surprise is more of a doubt, such a wide range of the use of the wind-breaking frame design and the racket head of the thin wall of the racket frame, should not be in line with the tone of the sprint light (ASTROX) spectrum?
Technology
The ASTROX NEXTAGE is equipped with a NANOMESH NEO + SUPER SLIM SHAFT middle barrel, which is made of lightweight carbon and Nano Mesh Resin NEO material. It is lightweight and reduces air resistance at the same time, and it is tough and elastic, giving a more comfortable hitting feel. The ASTROX NEXTAGE frame is made of Carbon Fiber + VDM + Tungsten, which improves the overall rigidity of the frame.
VDM (VDM Vibration Dampening Mesh): an elastic mesh material, wrapped around graphite in the handle, can filter a certain amount of vibration and improve the feel and accuracy; at the bottom of the frame through the use of VDM mesh, combined with the internal foam padding technology, which can effectively reduce the excess vibration generated by the stroke, the technology is mostly used in the field of tennis. This technology is mostly used in the tennis field.
The E.-B.CAP plus power conversion cone cap PLUS is still used at the cone cap.
Parameter Analysis
| ASTROX NEXTAGE | |
| Racket Size | 4U/G5 |
| Racket Weight | 81g (92.1g on top) |
| Racket Balance | 305mm |
| Overall Length | 675mm |
| Number of Holes | 80 holes |
| Diameter of Center Barrel | 6.8mm |
| Racket Swing Weight | Approx. 87 |
The ASTROX NEXTAGE has a high balance point (305mm in the air), so it has a more pronounced feel in the hand, and even with the multi-stage windbreaker frame, the 4u ASTROX NEXTAGE still has a noticeable head weight when swinging in the air.
Stringing
In the threading collocation, I use a EXBOLT-63, this line is YONEX launched in late March 2021, exactly two years from now on the market, the diameter of the line is 0.63mm, the core material is high-strength nylon filament, with a metal explosion sound effect of the EXBOLT-63, so that when we hit the ball with a power buff, which often makes the author produce “This often gives me the illusion that I have become stronger.
Recommended poundage is 27-29LBS, compared with BG-66um, its ball line friction is greater and less likely to go out of line, as well as better hitting resistance and poundage retention.
As a thin string, EXBOLT-63 has a different hitting stiffness, which is one of the reasons why it is favored by the author. With a stiffness between BG-80 and BG-66um, EXBOLT-63 ensures the speed of the ball and at the same time has a certain sense of holding the ball, which brings a better hitting experience.
In conclusion, EXBOLT-63 and ASTROX NEXAGE, the protagonist of this article, fit together like a tiger with wings, but this pairing makes ASTROX NEXAGE a little bit less maneuverable, and if users want to pursue a higher sense of control, I recommend pairing it with BG-66um.
Handling Experience
The 80-hole design is accompanied by a relatively high net pressure. Through hands-on experience, it is not difficult to find out that not only is the ball stable and tough during small-amplitude power shots, but also when fully prepared for a strong whip, the high net pressure brought about by the 80-hole design of the ASTROX NEXTAG has a stronger hitting hardness compared to the 76-hole design, and the excellent stability of the racket surface can be felt during small power shots and rubbing and releasing in front of the net. The stability of the racket surface provides a solid feel in the hand.
This is similar to the 80-hole racquets I experienced earlier in the year. The high net pressure brings high return tolerance while making the surface feel weakly wrapped, and the stability is the highlight of the ASTROX NEXTAGE, with a slight lack of maneuverability.
Offense and Defense
The unmissable downward pressure is one of the few attributes of the ASTROX NEXTAGE that fits into the current ASTROX spectrum of racquets.
With a higher balance point, combined with the excellent shock-absorbing feel of the VDM mesh, the ASTROX NEXTAGE is able to dramatically reduce the vibration on the racket face when hitting hard. The ASTROX NEXTAGE, which is not equipped with New Dimension Carbon, but rather with the Nano Mesh Resin NEO, has a relatively lowered threshold of the center tube drive, and the deformation of the center tube is noticeable after hitting the ball. The precision of the landing point and rebound speed are still a bit different from the ASTROX series of high-end racquets, but not so much that the swing is obvious and causes a lag in the articulation. This design lowers the threshold of the ASTROX NEXTAGE, making it more user-friendly for both novice and advanced players.
The windbreaker frame design enhances the ASTROX NEXTAGE’s speed attribute, which to a certain extent makes up for the lack of consistency in the center stick. Although the racquet has a high balance point, the windbreaker frame greatly reduces the swinging resistance, especially in fast-paced doubles, and the ASTROX NEXTAGE’s thunderous power can be better appreciated.
Overall, the ASTROX NEXTAGE is a racquet for novice and advanced players, but it has the same downward pressure as the AX 100ZX, and the penetration of the attack focuses on the surprising effect of a kill, while the small-amplitude action of the point kill kills and splits will be difficult to rely on the wraparound feel of the surface.
Significant improvement in defense forgiveness
The 80-hole ISO layout does increase the size of the racquet’s sweet spot, while at the same time enhancing the racquet’s fault tolerance to a certain extent, which is mainly reflected in the ability to ensure the quality of the return when hitting the non-sweet spot, without instantly falling into a passive situation. It should be noted that the rebound feedback from the high net pressure during hitting and defending kills is different from that of our usual racquets, and it will take time for the user to get used to it, but the ASTROX NEXTAGE’s multi-tap consistency and passivity are better, and it can often be transformed into a miracle.
With the calmness of the racket face and the pro-bounce of the center barrel, the head-heavy ASTROX NEXTAGE is not as detached and strange as one might think, and the initial feel of the racket in the hand seems to be a bit more friendly and cordial. With this in mind, the ASTROX NEXTAGE belongs to the category of sugar water racquets, and is relatively more suitable for singles players.
Summarize
In my stereotypical impression, YONEX has never skimped on materials and technology in the field of racquets, and the only shortcoming is the lack of wind-breaking structural frames that symbolize absolute speed. The new frame and racket layout of the ASTROX NEXTAGE is more like an attempt full of padding. This attempt may not be considered a real innovation, and it failed to catch the eyes of many players, including the author. Although ASTROX, but because of the symbol of the soul of the new dimension of carbon is absent so that people can not help but have some regrets, but in other aspects is really unprecedented breakthroughs, a new frame type and new line hole layout, ASTROX NEXTAGE abandoned YONEX good at the delicate sense of control, but instead committed to “stable, strong”. In the middle and high-end positioning, ASTROX NEXTAGE results are remarkable, and seems to have lost that delicate flavor unique to YONEX, and it’s a pity that it’s not perfect. But in any case, many new attempts also means that YONEX in the field of racket opened a new journey, a thousand-mile journey begins with the first step, let’s wait and see.
