2 min read·2026-04-30

Li-Ning AxForce 100 Gen 2 review: a sugar-water 100ZZ for advanced amateurs

AxForce 100 Gen 2 ( 100 ) lands as Li-Ning's most direct stylistic answer to the Yonex Astrox 100ZZ. Same tough-elastic feel, same small-frame attack profile, slightly easier shaft.

Metric

90 New	100 Gen II
Strung weight (cap removed)	89.2 g	88.6 g
Balance	304 mm	308 mm

Overview

This review compares the Li-Ning AxForce 100 Gen II against AxForce 90 New, Astrox 88D Pro new colour, and Astrox 100ZZ—all 4U. Gen I AxForce 100 was only briefly tested (3U/4U felt too heavy) and is excluded. Expectations for Gen II came largely from loving AxForce 90 New as a mixed-doubles main racket. Gen II launched right after 90 New—would it surprise again?

Weight spread matters

To reduce weight variation effects, one Gen II empty weight was 83.1 g—the lightest among four Gen II samples weighed (others 84.7 g, 85.1 g, 83.9 g). Comparison rackets: 90 New 83.0 g empty, 88D Pro new colour 83.4 g, Astrox 100ZZ 84.5 g (hard to find Astrox 100ZZ below 84 g empty). A 85.1 g Gen II may feel noticeably heavier in swing than this 83.1 g sample. All four use fluid box frame, small-head square design. 90 New and 88D Pro frames almost identical in shape/size; Astrox 100ZZ and Gen II almost identical—slimmer and longer than 90 New/88D Pro with slightly smaller sweet spots. Shaft length effects: Astrox 100ZZ shortest, 90 New longest; Gen II matches 88D Pro—shorter than 90 New, slightly longer than Astrox 100ZZ. Longer shafts whip better and lower rear-court power threshold but respond slower front court. 90 New’s long shaft can feel insufficient on quick flat-drive push-pounce in fast doubles. Astrox 100ZZ’s short hard solid shaft has highest threshold but clearest feedback. Gen II and 88D Pro shaft length sits closer to Astrox 100ZZ for power transmission and control.

AxForce 90 New versus Gen II

Compared 2 rows across 90 New, 100 Gen II.

Astrox 88D Pro new colour versus Gen II

88D Pro strung 89.9 g, balance 304 mm. Style similar to 90 New but shaft at least two steps stiffer, higher swing weight and threshold. Extreme crisp-bouncy speed, directionality, feedback, placement—strong borrowing; best among these for strong doubles players. Gen II and Astrox 100ZZ shaft 6.2 mm; 88D Pro 6.8 mm. Gen II lighter swing, softer shaft, slightly slimmer frame. After ~10 sessions Gen II sweet spot still adapting—occasional frame hits in fast doubles; forgiveness lower than 88D—narrower head, stronger focus, smaller sweet. Versus 88D’s extreme crispness, Gen II softer with excellent anti-torsion and damping—superior net control in delicate brush/hook. 88D drops faster after net; Gen II better placement control. Smashes: 88D slightly faster/heavier; Gen II better continuity.

Astrox 100ZZ versus Gen II

Astrox 100ZZ heaviest strung (91.7 g, balance 301 mm)—3 g heavier than Gen II but lower balance so swing weight only slightly higher. Shaft between 88D and Gen II—harder than Gen II. High threshold: slim long frame, narrow head, small sweet, 6.2 mm solid short shaft. Best frame focus and shaft feedback; extreme rear violence with usable continuity for strong players. Gen II closest in style—same frame size/shape, lighter swing, softer shaft. Both resilient-bouncy stored-release versus 90 New/88D crisp bounce. Gen II lower threshold, easier deformation, better anti-torsion/damping, slightly stronger wrap, stickier drops; Astrox 100ZZ clearer feedback and placement. Defence/passive: Gen II easier; front flat drives and net faster; rear heavy smash Astrox 100ZZ clearly better; Gen II better continuity, less stamina.

Verdict

Astrox 100ZZ: pure offensive with threshold—high-level singles attack lovers. Gen II: similar style, less violent, lighter swing, softer shaft—lower threshold, better singles-doubles crossover. Amateurs who cannot handle Astrox 100ZZ or want less stamina cost should strongly consider Gen II.