Yonex Duora Z Strike Review: Dual Frame for Double Benefits

Choosing the correct badminton racket can be a daunting experience, especially when there are so many options out there. Buying the most expensive racket without understanding your needs and playing style is a sure way to backfire. It is best to learn more about the popular racket models, understand their features and then compare them to find the best badminton racket that suits you. 

If you are looking for an all-round racket with a unique frame, give a chance to one of Viktor Axelsen’s favorite racket, the Yonex Duora Z Strike badminton racket. Launched in 2017, the Yonex Duora Z Strike is one of the top-performing rackets in the market.

Duora Z Strike: Innovation at its Best

Yonex introduced the Duora series to address the diverse needs of players. It offers an enhanced performance with equally strong forehands and backhands. It boasts of the Dual Optimum System that lends an Aero+Box frame to the racket. With a box-frame, you can make your forehand shots more powerful and enjoy a solid feeling while hitting the shuttlecock. On the other hand, the Aero-part of the frame makes your backhands sharper, quicker and better than before. It ensures a reduced air resistance to make your game faster than your competitor. 

The racket also has an innovative Duora grommet design that includes 8-linked grommets with different thickness on either side of the frame. It enhances the features of the Aero+Box frame and ensures a stronger performance in the game.

Learn more about Racket Specifications and Technology

Flex: Extra Stiff 

Frame: H.M. Graphite / NANOMETRIC DR / Hyper-MG 

Shaft: NANOMETRIC / H.M. Graphite / EX-HMG 

Weight and Grip: 3U (Ave.88g) G4,5 and 2U (Ave.93g) G4,5

Recommended String Tension: 3U 20-28lbs, 2U 21-29lbs

COLOR: Black/White 

How does the Duora Z Strike fare in comparison to others?

Because the DUO-ZS badminton racket has such unique features, it is truly one of its kind. However, it is often compared with several top-performing rackets from Yonex. Let’s understand how it holds up against other racket models. 

1. If compared the Duora Z strike with Yonex Arcsaber 11 racket, you will find that the Duora model seems slightly more head-heavy and stiffer than the ARC11 model. The latter is more forgiving as well. 

2. Duora Z strike is similar to the Yonex Voltric Z-Force II racket because of its compact racket head. If you have played with ZFII in the past, you will find it easier to adapt to the Duora Z Strike racket. The Duora racket is slightly less head-heavy and can deliver faster shots than its competitor.

3. Astrox 77 has a larger sweet spot and the Duora Z Strike has a more concentrated sweet spot. So, it all comes down to your preferences. If you like a light-weight racket with a medium stiff shaft, you can get the Astrox 77 racket. It is suitable for singles as well as doubles players. 

4. The one racket that comes very close to Duora Z Strike is the Duora 10 badminton racket. With similar weight and features, players often choose one between the two options. Duora Z-Strike fares well in terms of power, repulsion and control because of the extra stiff and longer shaft. If you require a good racket for defensive shots and faster counter attacks, the Duora 10 gets more points. Thus, a majority of doubles players prefer Yonex Duora 10 instead of Duora Z Strike. 

Is the Duora Z Strike suited to your playing style?

The racket is designed for advanced players who want to improve their shots and gain advantage over their opponents. If you want to improve your smashes with more power and longer shuttlecock hold, this is the racket for you. While playing backhand shots, the ultra-resilient material of the racket ensures higher stiffness and quicker repulsion. Viktor Axelsen, Caroline Marin and several other players have liked the racket and made it popular. 

It is definitely one of the best rackets that Yonex has ever produced. But just like all good things, it demands some attention. Remember the Yonex Duora Z Strike may not be as forgiving as other racket models. But once you identify with its style and technology, it will be a treat to play on the court.