Findings drawn from manufacturer specs, community sources (BadmintonCN, Reddit r/badminton, BadmintonCentral, video reviewers), and on-court testing. See our editorial process for the full citation model.
Where the AxForce 100 Gen 2 sits in the Li-Ning lineup
Li-Ning's AxForce line (formerly published in Chinese markets as 雷霆 / Thunder) has an identifiable progression: AxForce 80 (sugar-water entry attack), AxForce 90 New (Li-Ning's strongest shaft to date, balanced attack), AxForce 100 Gen 2 (small-frame singles attack). They are not a strict ladder — each lives in a different style. The 100 Gen 2 is the most stylistically distinct: a small fluid box-frame square head with a thin 6.2mm shaft, designed for players who want pure tough-elastic attack feel rather than the AxForce 90 New's more crisp profile.
Specs and sample variance
BadmintonCN reviewers measured a 4U AxForce 100 Gen 2 sample at 88.6g with the underbase removed, balance 308mm. Significant per-unit variance: across 4 brand-new 4U samples, unstrung weights came in at 83.0g, 83.9g, 84.7g, and 85.1g — a 2g range that materially affects swing feel. Buyer caution: weigh before purchase if at all possible. Frame is slightly slimmer than AxForce 90 New, with a noticeably tighter sweet spot (reviewers report 10+ sessions to fully adapt). 6.2mm shaft is the same diameter as the Yonex Astrox 100ZZ.
On court vs the Astrox 100ZZ Kurenai
The AxForce 100 Gen 2 is the cleanest Li-Ning answer to the Yonex 100ZZ in feel. Both are tough-elastic, small-frame, head-heavy attack rackets. The 100 Gen 2 has a measurably softer shaft (~1 tier) and lighter swing weight than the Kurenai 100ZZ — meaningfully easier to drive while keeping the same on-contact character. Pocketing is comparable. Smash power: the 100ZZ Kurenai still wins on absolute force, but the 100 Gen 2's smash placement is sharper at the same effort level. Defense and counter-attack are easier on the 100 Gen 2 because shaft loading happens at lower force inputs.
On court vs the AxForce 90 New
Different style entirely. AxForce 90 New is crisp-elastic — fast off-string, snappy feedback, big frame, forgiving sweet spot. AxForce 100 Gen 2 is tough-elastic — slight dwell on contact, more pocketing, smaller frame, less forgiving. Best for control players who win rallies through placement, drops, and tight rear-court attack. The 90 New is the better choice for fast doubles and amateurs; the 100 Gen 2 is the better choice for advanced singles players who want a singles-first attack frame with control characteristics.
On court vs the Astrox 88D Pro 2024
Both are stiff-shaft attack rackets but they pull in opposite directions. 88D Pro 2024 is crisp-elastic, transparent power transmission, fastest off-string of any 2024 attack racket. 100 Gen 2 is tough-elastic, more pocketing on contact, sharper drops. 88D Pro 2024 wins on smash power and front-court reactivity. 100 Gen 2 wins on net-play touch and singles control rallies. If you have to pick one, choose the 88D Pro 2024 for doubles back court, the 100 Gen 2 for singles where placement matters more than raw smash speed.
Who should buy it
Buy the AxForce 100 Gen 2 if: you play singles primarily, you like the Astrox 100ZZ profile but find the Kurenai punishing, you want Li-Ning's small-frame attack identity rather than the Yonex feel, and you're willing to invest 10+ sessions to dial in the sweet spot. Skip it if: you play fast doubles primarily (look at the AxForce 90 New or Halbertec 9000 Power instead), or you are an amateur still developing swing technique (the small sweet spot will frustrate). Sample variance is real — try in-person if possible.
Compare the AxForce 100 Gen 2 against the Astrox 100ZZ variants in our compare tool.
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