What are the rackets and strings of Chinese badminton players?

Jayce September 6, 2024 12 0

Men’s Singles: Attack-Oriented Players Prefer 3U Rackets with Tensions Above 30 lbs

Shi Yuqi: Yonex Astrox 100ZZ (4U), Yonex BG80P Strings, 30-31 lbs

Shi Yuqi, who made a strong comeback this year by winning the Denmark Open and Australia Open, uses the Yonex Astrox 100ZZ in navy blue. This racket features a 6.3mm Hyper Slim solid core and an ultra-thin frame design, making it the thinnest in Yonex history. It combines the speed attributes of the Astrox 800 with the power of the Astrox 99/88D, offering excellent backcourt attack while remaining lightweight.

The BG80P is an offensive string with similar durability to the BG65 but offers enhanced durability and a softer feel compared to the BG80. Despite its popularity, BG80P is often out of stock due to high demand.

Zhao Junpeng: Yonex ArcSaber 11 PRO (3U), Yonex BG66UM Strings, 31-33 lbs

Zhao Junpeng, who had an impressive first half of the year with a runner-up finish at the Indonesia Open and a bronze medal at the World Championships, uses the new 3U version of the ArcSaber 11 PRO. Despite his strings being at 31-33 lbs, he often adds tape to the racket head to increase its offensive power. The BG66UM, with a 0.65mm gauge, was once Yonex’s thinnest string, favored by top players like Lin Dan and Lee Chong Wei. Known for its excellent elasticity and sharp hitting sound, BG66UM offers great performance but has a very low durability, often breaking quickly under heavy use.

Li Shifeng: Yonex Astrox 100ZZ (3U), Yonex BG66UM Strings, 30-32 lbs

Li Shifeng also uses the Astrox 100ZZ but prefers the 3U version for its slightly heavier weight. Paired with the 0.65mm BG66UM, this setup provides powerful attacking capabilities.

Lu Guangzu: Yonex Astrox 99 PRO (3U), Yonex BGAB Strings, 30-32 lbs

Lu Guangzu, who secured the runner-up position at the Australia Open, uses the Astrox 99 PRO in 3U. This racket, known for its strong offensive properties, features a tungsten-infused top for enhanced head heaviness and a thinner “EXTRA SLIM SHAFT” for better high-tension performance. The BGAB string, with a 0.61mm gauge for horizontal and 0.67mm for vertical, combines high elasticity with good control but has average durability.

Chen Yufei: Yonex Astrox 77 PRO (4U), Yonex BGXB63 Strings, 26-28 lbs

Chen Yufei, who won one gold and seven silver medals this season, uses the new Astrox 77 PRO. This racket features a balanced design with a 76-hole pattern and a slightly stiff shaft, making it user-friendly for most players. The BGXB63, with its 0.63mm gauge, is exceptionally thin, providing a firm hit with excellent elasticity but limited durability.

He Bingjiao: Yonex VTZF2 (4U), Yonex BG66UM Strings, 29-31 lbs

He Bingjiao, who won four titles this year, uses the Yonex VTZF2, known for its head-heavy balance and high difficulty of use. With a 310mm balance point and a stiff shaft, it offers exceptional attacking power but a narrow sweet spot. Paired with the 0.65mm BG66UM and a tension of around 30 lbs, the VTZF2 enhances He Bingjiao’s offensive capabilities.

Wang Zhiyi: Yonex Astrox 100ZZ (4U), Yonex BGXB63 Strings, 28-30 lbs

Wang Zhiyi, who won the Asian Championships early this year, uses the Astrox 100ZZ with the ultra-thin and elastic BGXB63 strings. Despite a strong start, her performance declined in the latter half of the season. Her setup provides excellent feel and control for her play style.