68, 72, 76, 78, 80 hole rackets explained: why string-hole count is not the spec the forums claim
From the aggressive 68-hole AX99 Pro to the dense 80-hole AXNT — what each hole-count actually changes in feel, durability, and stringing strategy, and why most string complaints are really tension complaints.
Overview
Preface: has bashing 68-hole rackets gone mainstream? Honestly, string-hole count mostly affects tension, tension retention, durability, repulsion, and shuttle hold—and by adjusting tension plus string gauge or model, you can solve about ninety percent of problems. But 68-hole and 78-hole frames are not the same thing, and 78-hole is definitely not the optimal solution for everyone. In that case, 68-hole rackets are still a solid option (extreme cases like 60, 86, or 98 holes are not discussed here). Take the Astrox 99 Pro as an example. In the central sweet zone the pattern is denser, so precise sweet-spot hits feel more concentrated and stable, with clearly stronger explosive feel than the 76-hole Astrox 99. Passive shots and drops are easier with better placement. Off the sweet spot, where vertical strings get sparser, feel is more sluggish than the earlier 76-hole Astrox 88S Pro, with a strong delayed, clinging sensation. That needs stringing adapted to 68-hole layouts plus optimised sweet-zone distribution. Better ways to adapt to 68-hole rackets: spacing differs a lot from normal 76-hole frames. On 76-hole, 28 lbs feels like 28 lbs; on 68-hole, 28 lbs may feel more like 26–27 lbs. That is why 68-hole rackets are often strung with about 10% pre-stretch (for example, want 30 lbs, string at 33 lbs). Combined with lower bed pressure and natural tension loss over time, that pre-stretch usually lands where you want. You can also switch to a more tension-retaining string (I would not recommend AEROBITE—it feels amazing at first but goes mushy over time). Still, the best fix is practising the sweet spot. The loudest complainers are usually the ones hitting the shaft constantly—I would master the backhand clear first. Once you truly unlock a 68-hole racket, it is like unlocking your power meridians. 68-hole rackets are also a nightmare for some stringers, as shown in the picture. 72-hole (legacy layout, 16 double-shared holes) is relatively easier for beginners than 68-hole—for example, the "Little Steel Cannon"—with a lower string bed that is easy to borrow from, though off the sweet spot it still feels very mushy. But putting 72 holes on a high-end racket is asking for criticism (for example, the AxForce 90 Long), because advanced players generate power so cleanly that lower bed pressure feels like energy loss. Compared with 76-hole, 72-hole repulsion is slower and offence is lower; most 72-hole rackets are older models. It is essentially an easier version of 68-hole, but the subtle flavour you discover over time is not the same as the new door 68-hole opens. It suits counter-attacking and control-oriented play. 76-hole is the most common count on the market—the reference layout with 10 double-shared holes and the most even string-bed design, suited to evenly distributed power. After stringing, spacing forms a neat grid. Because the string grid is even, tension is stronger, power more concentrated, and repulsion faster. There is no huge gap between mishits and sweet-spot hits. Compared with 78-hole, the 76-hole bed is relatively softer. It suits players who want control and offence (example: Astrox 88S old colour). 78-hole (example: Nanoflare 800) appears on many high-end rackets. Compared with 76-hole, it essentially splits one double-shared hole—78-hole adds one extra cross string. You should string at lower tension, because smaller spacing makes the face harder; dropping one pound when stringing usually helps. A 78-hole racket adds two holes on top of a 76-hole base, usually in the lower part of the face, which makes stringing easier but does not do much to raise bed pressure. Cosmetically, 78-hole rackets may show a tighter string grid. In short, 78-hole suits players who want a simpler stringing process. 80-hole (example: Astrox NEXTAGE) is designed for two main reasons. First, to reduce collapse probability: with newer materials (for example, VDM), frame collapse has been a persistent issue in the Astrox series, especially around double-shared holes at the 4 and 8 o'clock positions. Using 80 holes converts some of those into single-shared holes, lowering pressure on each hole and reducing collapse risk. Second, to improve hitting stability—in my view, this is an adjustment aimed at 68-hole issues. The most notable trait of 68-hole rackets is that the sweet spot feels amazing while off-sweet hits feel terrible, which keeps their reputation mixed. Under the need to reduce collapse, 80-hole provides more stable bed pressure, a more unified feel on contact, and more consistent shuttle output. However, because strings are arranged more densely on an 80-hole racket, 26 lbs can feel like 28 lbs, producing an iron-plate sensation—so be careful about lowering tension when stringing. With a denser bed, the shuttle dwells on the strings for less time, so repulsion is crisp and clean, but only if the player generates power well. Higher bed pressure plus shorter dwell time means poor power generation feels exactly like hitting an iron plate. Simply put: more holes generally mean a harder feel and faster repulsion. By the way, even with the same tension, same string, and same hole count, two rackets can feel completely different—possibly because of frame size. A large frame at 26 lbs may feel roughly equivalent to a small frame at 24.4 lbs. Welcome everyone to point out errors and discuss together in the comments.
68-hole (examples: Astrox 99 Pro, Astrox 88S Pro old colour)
Among racket layouts, this is a relatively aggressive design. Centre string spacing is very wide; spacing at both sides of the frame is extremely short. Hit the sweet spot and concentration plus power transfer feel exceptionally strong and transparent. Miss toward the edges and the feel turns unpleasant fast. That is why 68-hole rackets get so much hate—they are hard to pick up, and the gap between sweet-spot hits and mishits is huge. Hard to use does not mean bad performance. The hold and concentration 68-hole frames deliver are unmatched, because expanding string movement increases contact time between face and shuttle.