Li-Ning AxForce 100 II vs AxForce 100 (Gen 1): the rebuild that earns the name
Two years on, Li-Ning rebuilds the AxForce 100 with new construction, broader sweet spot, and meaningfully cleaner hit feel. Here is how the generations actually compare.
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Buying call
Most racket generation upgrades are small — slight cosmetic refresh, marginal spec changes, sometimes a new shaft tune. AxForce 100 II is the rare generation that earns the comparison rather than just inheriting the name. Li-Ning rebuilt the frame construction, broadened the sweet spot, and tightened the shaft response. Owners of Gen 1 will recognise the family character; new buyers should not assume Gen 1 reviews tell them what to expect from Gen 2. New buyers: pick Gen 2. Gen 1 owners: only swap if you find Gen 1 timing demands cap your match performance. The Gen 2 upgrade is real but not transformational.
What the composite frame actually changes
Li-Ning's composite (Power) frame design adds internal reinforcement layers that change how energy travels through the head. On Gen 1 the frame transmitted force fairly cleanly but had a smaller forgiveness window on off-centre hits — late or early contact felt lifeless. Gen 2 spreads contact response more evenly across the string bed, which translates to a noticeably broader sweet spot. On smashes the result is denser sound and more consistent power across the head. On clears the result is more forgiving length on imperfect timing.
Where Gen 2 wins on hit feel
Three observations from side-by-side comparison. First, the smash sound on Gen 2 is denser and lower-pitched, which usually correlates with cleaner energy transfer. Second, drops feel more controlled because the broader sweet spot reduces the muddy feel on off-centre net contact. Third, the shaft on Gen 2 snaps back faster — clears and drives both feel sharper. None of these are massive shifts, but together they make Gen 2 the polished version of Gen 1.
Where Gen 1 still holds up
Gen 1 is not obsolete. It still produces top-tier smash power for the price, the build remains solid, and players who specifically liked the Gen 1 character (slightly more demanding, sharper edge on clean contact) may prefer it. If you find Gen 1 at meaningfully lower price (as it often discounts after Gen 2 launches), it is still a strong buy for players who already drive head-heavy attack rackets cleanly.
Cross-brand comparison
AxForce 100 II competes most directly with Yonex Astrox 99 Pro 2 on the singles attack tier. Astrox 99 Pro 2 has slightly cleaner shaft response and stronger resale liquidity outside Asia. AxForce 100 II is meaningfully cheaper and has a broader sweet spot than the Yonex equivalent. On absolute peak smash power they trade blows. On overall package the Yonex still has a marginal edge, but the price gap matters.
Who should buy it
Buy AxForce 100 II if you are an intermediate-to-advanced singles player or a rear-court doubles attacker, and your current racket is an Astrox 88D Pro, AxForce 80, or earlier Halbertec model. Skip if you play primarily front-court doubles or fast flat drives — AxForce 100 II is unambiguously a rear-court attack frame. Gen 1 owners should only upgrade if they find Gen 1's timing demands holding back their match results.
How to use this comparison without a Li-Ning religion
I do not currently play AxForce 100. This page exists because shoppers land on Gen 1 versus Gen 2 as if the number were a skill rank. It is a product generation. If you do not already have a Li-Ning stringer and spare grommets, Yonex 77 Pro or 88S is still the lower-friction club buy in Ireland. If you do live in Li-Ning, demo both generations on the same string and tension. Buy the one that still produces length in the third game, not the one whose colourway is newer. Cross-line switches inside Li-Ning (Halbertec versus AxForce) are a bigger decision than Gen 1 versus Gen 2.
Who should skip both
Front-court doubles players who already like head-light speed. Anyone with a shoulder flag. Anyone buying their first 'serious' racket. AxForce 100 is a smash-first conversation. If that is not your job, this comparison is not your page — use the finder.
What a generation number is not
Gen 2 is not a rank above you. It is a product refresh. If you cannot feel a difference on the same string and tension in a demo, buy the cheaper generation or skip the line. I do not play AxForce 100. This page is here so shoppers stop treating the number as a skill certificate. If your stringer and grommet drawer are already Li-Ning, a generation choice inside AxForce can be rational. If they are not, you are adding a supply-chain hobby to a smash-first frame. Yonex 77 Pro or 88S is still the lower-friction club buy in the halls I play.
Used market warnings
Grommets and cone stamps differ across batches. If you buy used, photograph the cone and confirm the generation with a shop that sees Li-Ning weekly. Paying Gen 2 money for a Gen 1 frame is a common classifieds trick. If you cannot tell them apart in the hand, you do not need this upgrade. You need a demo of a different line. If your stringer does not stock Li-Ning grommets, this comparison is academic. A smash-first frame you cannot maintain is a worse season than a Yonex 77 Pro you can restring this week. Generation numbers do not outrank supply.
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