• Manufactured
  Taiwan
  
• Frame Type
  Offensive
  
• Head Shape
  Isometric
  
• Length
  N/A
  
• Weight
  2F (65-70 grams)
  
• Grip
  G5 ( 3-1/4 inches )
  
• Flex
  Stiff
  
• Balance
  Head Heavy
  
• Tension
  2F (20-28 lbs)
  
• Cover
  Full Cover
  
• String
  Custom Strung
  
• Composition
  High Modulus (HM Graphite)
  NanoMesh Neo
  Tungsten
  

It was about 5 years ago that Yonex released their first lightweight racket, ArcSaber Flash Boost (FB) with a weight of 73 grams (F). With new materials and technology on their hands, Yonex again releases a 70 grams badminton racket, the Astrox 22 (2F), last week. This racket offers smooth and powerful swing for a lightweight racket due to the head heavy weight balance of Astrox 22. Likewise, with the mid-range pricing of $140, it is a very attractive deal for a performance custom-strung racket.

Lightweight racket with a head heavy balance to swing fast and product power:

• Weight: 2F ( ~70 grams - based on 10 rackets that we weighted without string )
• Grip Size: G5 ( Their move to smaller grip size is EXCELLENT for player focus on technique )
• Tension: 20-28 lbs ( Though it is claim that it can handle high tension, we would not recommend lightweight racket to be pushed at the max. Lightweight = Fragile. High tension = Very Fragile ... at least at this century/world until racket uses material similar to Adamantium-Vibranium alloy which is used on Captain America's shield in Marvel's world)

After playing with the rackets for couple of days, we felt this racket is pretty light... maybe to light to be considered an offensive racket. Though it is head heavy on the balance beam to measure the balance of the racket, the lightness of the racket makes it hard to get momentum when smashing or clearing. The racket was very agile and quick to swing. Defense was simple, drive was effortless. However, smashing requires more physical power. If you want a quick slap shot wristy smash, the racket will produce those without any problems. For solid hard power smash, you will need to swing fast and hard with the racket to produce it. The feel of Astrox FB is like hitting a ball with thin wooden stick whereas if we were to use the Voltric Z-Force 2, it will be hitting a ball with a heavy baseball bat. However, playing double with this racket is really quick, especially in defense and drive. It was nearly effortless to catch the smash or drive of our opponents. Thus, if you want speed with some sacrifice on power for your doubles game, this might be the racket for you. If you are expecting sledge power hammer smash, this is not the right racket. The choice is yours to decide.