The Yonex Astrox 88 series gained popularity when launched in 2018, coinciding with the success of the duo Sukamuljo/Fernaldi. Players often called the 88S/D “Sword & Shield,” which resonated with many. Now, Yonex classifies the Astrox line into PRO, TOUR, GAME, and PLAY versions, focusing on mid-range rackets. Today, we’ll examine the Astrox 88S TOUR and 88D TOUR.

Design and Technology
The Astrox 88S/D TOUR continues the PRO edition’s design, with a sleek silver-black look combined with vibrant blue-green accents, creating a futuristic vibe. In terms of technology, the 88S/D TOUR inherits many features from the PRO version, such as the grommet design and 2nd generation elastic carbon shaft, promoting strong rebound and stability.

The 88S TOUR returns to a 76-hole string design, increasing its forgiving nature, making it ideal for amateur players, while the 88D TOUR also adopts this feature.

Performance
In a month-long trial with 26/28 lbs string tension, both rackets demonstrated unique strengths. The 88D TOUR, known for its offensive attributes, is head-heavy and ideal for mid- and backcourt play, delivering powerful smashes and solid control. It doesn’t shine as much in frontcourt play but offers overall consistency.

The 88S TOUR excels in frontcourt play, with a lighter head and moderate stiffness. The 76-hole design improves control and precision, though it lacks the power of the 88D in backcourt attacks. The overall feel of the TOUR edition is slightly inferior to the PRO, particularly in shaft flexibility, but it’s perfect as a backup racket for less intense matches.

In conclusion, while the 88S/D TOUR editions aren’t as premium as the PRO, they maintain much of the PRO’s design and key technologies, making them a solid choice for budget-conscious players.
