Yonex Astrox 100 Tour VA Badminton Racket Review & Buying Guide (India)
The Viktor Axelsen-edition Astrox 100 Tour VA brings near-flagship attacking power at a friendlier price. Here is who should buy it.
Yonex Astrox 100 Tour VA review: near-flagship attack at a smarter price
The Yonex Astrox 100 Tour VA is the Viktor Axelsen signature edition of one of badminton's most respected attacking rackets, and it has quickly become a favourite among Indian club players chasing more steepness on their smashes. Launched as part of the Axelsen collection in its distinctive dark metallic olive colourway, it promises a large slice of the flagship Astrox 100 ZZ experience for a good deal less money. We dig into who it is really for, and who should look elsewhere.
Specs and key features
The Tour VA is built around a head-heavy balance and a stiff shaft, the classic recipe for power hitting. Yonex packs in its Namd graphite, the Rotational Generator System for smoother weight transfer and faster recovery between shots, a Nanomesh Neo frame and the slim Rexis shaft. In plain terms, that means heavy, steep smashes when you swing fully, with enough manoeuvrability to reset for the next rally. You can pick it up here: Yonex Astrox 100 Tour VA (Unstrung) at ₹10,035.
How it plays
On court, the Tour VA rewards players who already generate their own power. The head-heavy feel loads up satisfying downward pressure on smashes and clears, and the stiff shaft returns energy crisply for those who have the technique to use it. In practice, it delivers roughly 70 to 80 percent of the flagship ZZ's bite while being a touch more forgiving, which is exactly what most serious amateurs want. It suits aggressive singles players and hard-hitting doubles attackers best.
The flip side of a stiff, head-heavy frame is that it punishes slow swings. If your wrist and forearm strength are still developing, you will find it sluggish and tiring, and your defence may suffer in fast doubles exchanges.
Who should buy it, and who should not
Buy the Tour VA if you are an intermediate-to-advanced player with a full, fast swing who wants attacking power without paying flagship prices. It is a genuine step up for someone outgrowing an entry-level racket. If you are a beginner or an even-balance control player, this is not the racket for you, and our guide to choosing a badminton racket explains why weight, balance and flex should match your style.
Cheaper alternatives in the same family
If the Tour VA sounds like more racket than you need, Yonex offers gentler siblings. The Yonex Astrox 100 VA Game (₹6,999) and the Yonex Astrox 100 Game VA (₹7,665) keep the attacking character but with more flexible shafts that are friendlier to developing players. For another popular alternative, see our Yonex Astrox 88D Game review.
One last tip: string it right
A premium frame is only as good as its strings. Stringing too tight for your level kills repulsion and risks injury, while too loose wastes the racket's power. Before you string the Tour VA, read our badminton string tension guide for India to match tension to your hitting strength.
Shop the gear
- Yonex Astrox 100 Tour VA Badminton Racket (Unstrung) — ₹10,035
- Yonex Astrox 100 Game VA Badminton Racket — ₹7,665
- Yonex Astrox 100 VA Game — ₹6,999
Related reading
- How to Choose a Badminton Racket: Weight, Balance and Flex Explained
- Badminton String Tension Explained: A Buying Guide for India
- Yonex Astrox 88D Game Badminton Racket Review (India)
Frequently asked questions
Is the Yonex Astrox 100 Tour VA good for beginners?
No. Its stiff shaft and head-heavy balance demand a fast, full swing and good wrist strength. Beginners are better served by the more flexible Astrox 100 VA Game at ₹6,999, which is more forgiving while keeping an attacking feel.
What is the difference between the Astrox 100 Tour VA and the 100 ZZ?
The Tour VA delivers around 70 to 80 percent of the flagship 100 ZZ's performance at a significantly lower price, and is slightly more forgiving. For most serious amateurs, the Tour VA is the smarter-value attacking racket.
What string tension should I use on the Astrox 100 Tour VA?
It depends on your strength and skill. Intermediate club players often use around 24 to 27 lbs for a balance of power and control. Avoid stringing tighter than you can fully utilise, as it reduces repulsion and raises injury risk.