Stop Assuming “Head-Heavy Racket = Highest Tension Possible”

Many players still follow a simple rule:

“If the racket is head-heavy, just use higher tension and harder strings.”

With the Yonex ASTROX 88D PRO (3rd Generation), that approach often creates the opposite of what the racket was designed for.

Before choosing strings, it helps to understand what the racket already provides.

1. The Design Philosophy of the 88D PRO

The ASTROX 88D series has always been designed for rear-court attacking play.

Key characteristics include:

• A head-heavy balance that supports powerful smashes

• A medium-stiff shaft that provides strong shuttle penetration

• A frame designed for back-court pressure and continuous attack

In other words, much of the raw power is already built into the racket.

Your string and tension setup should therefore focus on adjusting:

• Feel

• Repulsion

• Control

—not simply increasing stiffness.

2. Three Practical Stringing Directions

The following setups represent common approaches.
(The string models below are examples rather than strict rules.)

Setup 1 – Thin High-Repulsion Strings

For Speed and Explosive Attack

Example:

• Yonex EXBOLT 63

Characteristics

• 0.63mm thin gauge

• Very high repulsion

• Bright, sharp smash sound

Best for

• Players with fast swing speed

• Aggressive attackers who rely on explosive smashes

Suggested tension

• 4U rackets: 24–26 lbs

• 3U rackets: 23–25 lbs

There is usually no need to push this setup to 27–28 lbs.
The thin string already provides plenty of shuttle speed.

Setup 2 – Firm Control Strings

Attack with Precision

Examples:

• Yonex BG80

• Yonex BG80 Power

• 

Characteristics

• Slightly firmer feel

• High repulsion with clear shuttle feedback

• Stable for drive exchanges and placement control

Best for

• Players who combine backcourt pressure with controlled shot placement

• Doubles players who need stable drives and pushes

Suggested tension

• 4U rackets: 24–26 lbs

• 3U rackets: 23–25 lbs

At moderate tension, BG80-type strings already produce a very solid hitting feel.

Setup 3 – Durable Training Strings

Stability and Arm Comfort

Examples:

• Yonex EXBOLT 65

• Yonex BG65

• 

Characteristics

• Slightly thicker gauge

• Better durability

• Medium to slightly softer feel

Best for

• Players who train frequently

• Recreational players who want stable performance without frequent restringing

Suggested tension

• 4U rackets: 24–26 lbs

• 3U rackets: 23–25 lbs

These strings also work well in colder conditions where thinner strings may feel overly stiff.

3. Choosing Based on Playing Style

Rear-Court Power Attackers

• 4U racket + thin high-repulsion string

• Example: EXBOLT 63

• Focus on speed and sharp smash response

• No need for extreme tension

Attack + Control Players

• 3U or 4U racket + BG80-type strings

• Moderate tension already provides a solid feel

Focus on improving timing and placement before increasing tension further.

High-Volume Recreational Players

• Durable strings like EXBOLT 65 or BG65

• Reliable performance with less frequent restringing

This combination makes the 88D PRO a very dependable primary training racket.

Final Thoughts

The ASTROX 88D PRO already provides:

• Head-heavy attacking power

• Strong shuttle penetration

• Solid frame stability

The real challenge is balancing three things:

• Smash pressure

• Front-court and defensive control

• Long-term comfort for the wrist and elbow

In many cases, moderate tension with the right string type performs far better than pushing toward extreme high tension simply because the racket is head-heavy.

A well-matched setup should feel powerful, controlled, and sustainable over many sessions—not impressive for just the first game.