How Is It That Half of China’s Badminton Doubles Players Use This “Legendary Racket”?

Jayce October 31, 2024 11 0

Zheng Siwei: Yonex ArcSaber 11 PRO (4U), Yonex BGAB Strings, 30-31 lbs

Huang Yaqiong: Yonex Astrox 77 PRO (4U), Yonex Exbolt 63 Strings, 27-29 lbs

Zheng Siwei and Huang Yaqiong have switched to the PRO versions of their rackets. Zheng Siwei uses the ArcSaber 11 PRO, which features a dark red and gray color scheme. It has 8 grommet holes at the top of the frame, making it more durable for high tension. The racket is slightly head-heavy and has a medium-stiff shaft, making it suitable for attacking play. The Yonex BGAB strings include the 0.61mm BGAS horizontal strings, which offer excellent elasticity but average durability, and the Aerobite vertical strings with a 0.67mm gauge, providing great control with a polyurethane coating for increased grip on the shuttlecock. The combination of the ArcSaber 11 PRO and BGAB strings at 30 lbs delivers a powerful hitting sound.

Huang Yaqiong uses the new Astrox 77 PRO, featuring a 76-hole design, box-shaped frame, slightly stiff shaft, and a 6.8mm diameter, providing a well-rounded and easy-to-use racket for most players. Its built-in attacking capabilities and solid feel make it the most balanced racket in the Astrox PRO series. The BGXB63 strings, at 0.63mm, are very thin, offering a firm hit and excellent elasticity, though they are less durable and quite expensive.

Huang Dongping: Yonex ArcSaber 7 PRO (4U), Yonex BG66UM Strings, 27-29 lbs

Feng Yanzhe: Yonex Astrox 100ZZ Red (4U), Yonex BGAB Strings, 30-32 lbs

Huang Dongping and Feng Yanzhe will be forming a new fixed pair in upcoming matches. Feng Yanzhe uses the 100ZZ, which has a 6.3mm Hyper Slim solid core and an ultra-thin frame, making it one of the thinnest rackets Yonex has ever produced. Despite its lightweight, it offers significant backcourt power. With many players, including Anders Antonsen and Shi Yuqi, using the 100ZZ, its price has been rising.

Huang Dongping uses the new ArcSaber 7 PRO, known for its bright yellow color. It has a light head, a slightly stiff shaft, and excellent elasticity, similar to the speed-focused Astrox 800. The ArcSaber 7 PRO is stable and fast, especially for quick exchanges in doubles. Paired with the 0.65mm

Liang Weikeng: Yonex Astrox 100ZZ (4U), Yonex BG80 Strings, 33 lbs

Wang Chang: Yonex Astrox 88S PRO (4U), Yonex BG80 Strings, 30-32 lbs

Liang Weikeng and Wang Chang have been one of the biggest highlights in China’s men’s doubles this year, rising from world ranking 424 to win the Japan Open. Liang Weikeng uses the Astrox 100ZZ with BG80 strings at 33 lbs, delivering extremely powerful smashes. Wang Chang uses the Astrox 88S PRO, which offers fast play in the front and mid-court, but its 68-hole design provides a lower sweet spot, making it less forgiving and less precise for amateur players.

Both players use the classic BG80 strings, which are popular among high-tension players. With a gauge of 0.68mm, BG80 strings strike a balance between durability and elasticity. The Vectran fibers in the core and the rough oval nylon coating enhance tension retention, provide a firm feel, and offer excellent performance in powerful smashes.

Liu Yuchen: Yonex Astrox 100ZZ (4U), Yonex Exbolt 63 Strings, 30-32 lbs

Ou Xuanyi: Yonex Astrox 100ZZ (4U), Yonex Exbolt 63 Strings, 29-31 lbs

China’s new men’s doubles pair, Liu Yuchen and Ou Xuanyi, recently won the BWF World Tour Finals, securing their position as top players. Both use the Astrox 100ZZ, highlighting the racket’s popularity among players. They also use the BGXB63 strings, which are very thin at 0.63mm, offering a firm feel and excellent elasticity.