ASTREL 120
- Head Size: 120sq in / 774.19 sq cm
- Length: 27 in/ 68.58 cm
- Unstrung Weight: 8.99oz / 255g
- Strung Swing Weight: 315g
- String Pattern: 16x17
- Strung Weight: 9.5oz / 269g
The Yonex ASTREL 120 tennis racket is a superb choice for players seeking a combination of power, comfort, and ease of use. This racket is specifically designed to cater to those who prefer a lightweight frame without compromising on performance.
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Aesthetic
8.5
Out of 10
Design and Appearance
The ASTREL 120 stands out with its elegant design and high-quality construction. The racket features a sleek, modern aesthetic, with a striking color scheme that is sure to catch the eye on the court.
Color Scheme
The racket features a sophisticated blend of colors, typically combining a vibrant base color with contrasting accents, giving it a dynamic and contemporary look.
Graphics and Branding
- Graphics: Subtle and clean graphics maintain a streamlined look, avoiding any overly busy or cluttered design elements.
- Branding: The Yonex logo and branding are tastefully integrated, enhancing the racket’s aesthetic without overpowering the overall design.
Build Quality
Yonex has utilized advanced materials to ensure the racket is both durable and lightweight, making it ideal for players of all levels.
Overall Aesthetic Rating
Overall, the Yonex ASTREL 120 scores high in aesthetics, offering a visually appealing design that combines elegance and modernity, making players feel good about their equipment.
Groundstroke
8
Out of 10
The Yonex ASTREL 120 performs well on groundstrokes, offering a combination of power, control, and comfort:
Stability
The ASTREL 120 offers good stability, maintaining a solid feel even during powerful exchanges from the baseline.
Control
While primarily designed for power, the racket still offers decent control, enabling players to place their shots accurately.
Overall Groundstroke Rating
Overall, the Yonex ASTREL 120 is a reliable choice for groundstrokes, providing a mix of power, control, and comfort that benefits a wide range of players, particularly those looking for a more forgiving and easy-to-use racket.
Volley
7.5
Out of 10
Maneuverability
The lightweight nature of the racket makes it easy to maneuver, allowing for quick adjustments and reactions during fast-paced net exchanges.
Touch and Feel
While the racket offers good power, the feel might be less crisp compared to more control-oriented rackets, which can affect delicate touch volleys.
Overall Volley Rating
Overall, the Yonex ASTREL 120 performs competently at the net, offering good maneuverability and power, though it may lack the precision and crisp feel of rackets specifically tailored for advanced volley play. It is well-suited for players who prioritize comfort and ease of use in their net game.
Serve
8
Out of 10
Power
The large head size and generous sweet spot allow players to generate significant power, making it easier to hit strong and effective serves.
Spin Potential
The open string pattern helps in producing spin, which can enhance slice and kick serves, adding variety to a player’s service game.
Control
While the racket provides good power, control is also reasonably maintained, allowing players to aim their serves with a fair degree of accuracy.
Comfort
The racket’s design reduces vibrations, providing a comfortable feel during serving and minimizing the risk of arm discomfort.
Overall Serve Rating
Overall, the Yonex ASTREL 120 delivers a solid performance on serves, offering power, comfort, and spin potential. It is particularly beneficial for players looking for a racket that enhances their serving game with added power and forgiveness.
Returns
7.5
Out of 10
Control and Precision
While the racket provides good power, control can be a bit challenging for players who prefer precision. The larger head size may lead to a slight decrease in pinpoint accuracy.
Stability
The racket offers decent stability, but the large head size might feel slightly less stable against very fast or heavy serves.
Maneuverability
Its lightweight nature aids in quick adjustments and fast reactions, which is crucial for effectively returning serves.
Power
The large head size and ample sweet spot allow for powerful returns, even on off-center hits, making it easier to counter strong serves.
Overall Return Rating
Overall, the Yonex ASTREL 120 performs well on returns, especially for players who prioritize power and comfort. It provides a reliable option for returning serves, though advanced players seeking maximum control and stability might prefer a more specialized racket.
Overall
8.7
Out of 10
Summary
The Yonex ASTREL 120 tennis racket is a fantastic option for players looking for a blend of power, comfort, and ease of play. Its lightweight design, large sweet spot, and advanced technologies make it a versatile choice suitable for a wide range of playing styles. Whether you’re a beginner seeking a user-friendly racket or an experienced player looking for a comfortable and powerful option, the ASTREL 120 is well worth considering.
Pros:
- Powerful Performance: The ASTREL 120 features a large 120 square inch head size and Isometric head shape, which together create a generous sweet spot. This enhances power and forgiveness on off-center hits.
- Lightweight and Maneuverable: Weighing around 255 grams (unstrung), the racket is easy to swing and maneuver. This makes it ideal for players who value speed and agility on the court.
- Comfortable Design: Yonex’s Vibration Dampening Mesh (VDM) technology in the handle reduces vibrations, providing a smoother feel and enhancing comfort during play. This feature is beneficial for players prone to arm fatigue or tennis elbow.
- Stylish Aesthetic: The racket boasts a modern and sleek design with a striking color scheme, making it visually appealing on the court.
- Technological Advancements: Features like Quadforce Gear technology reinforce the frame for added stability and power, enhancing overall performance.
Cons:
- Price: As a higher-end racket with advanced technologies, the ASTREL 120 may be relatively more expensive compared to entry-level or intermediate rackets.
- Requires Stringing: While this is common with most rackets, some players might find the additional cost and effort of stringing the racket as a consideration.
- Subjective Feel: Tennis rackets can feel different to different players. While the ASTREL 120 is generally comfortable, some players might prefer a different balance or weight distribution.
