Head-to-head Β· 2026 verdict

Yonex Astrox 99 Pro vs Apacs Z-Slayer

Best overall99 Pro
Best valueApacs Z-Slayer
Best for smashing99 Pro
Cheaper Β· saves $145Apacs Z-Slayer
Check Yonex Astrox 99 Pro$210 Β· Yonex Check Apacs Z-Slayer$65 Β· Apacs

Not sure either is right? Take the 60-second racket quiz β†’

🏸

Yonex Astrox 99 Pro

Yonex Β· Advanced
$210
power10
speed6
control8
defense6
Check Price β†’
VS
🏸

Apacs Z-Slayer

Apacs Β· Intermediate
$65
power8
speed6
control7
defense6
Check Price β†’

Spec comparison

SpecYonex Astrox 99 ProApacs Z-Slayer
BrandYonexApacs
Price$210$65
Weight88g (3U)85g (4U)
BalanceHead HeavyHead Heavy
Shaft FlexStiffStiff
Skill LevelAdvancedIntermediate
Ratingβ˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜… 4.9β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜† 4.2
Power10/10 βœ“8/10
Speed6/106/10
Control8/10 βœ“7/10
Defense6/106/10
Overall30/4027/40

The verdict

For raw all-round performance the Yonex Astrox 99 Pro edges ahead, but the Apacs Z-Slayer delivers the best value for money and the Apacs Z-Slayer is the cheaper option at $65. If you smash a lot, pick the racket that scored higher on power; if you play fast doubles, prioritise the higher speed score.

Pros & cons

Yonex Astrox 99 Pro

Pros
  • Huge power on full swings
  • Stable in fast exchanges
  • Excellent hold-and-flick control
Cons
  • Heavy for doubles flat drives
  • Tiring over long sessions
  • Not beginner friendly

Apacs Z-Slayer

Pros
  • Big smash for the price
  • Cult value pick
  • Stiff for power players
Cons
  • Brand awareness low at club
  • Build less premium
  • Stiff for newer players

FAQ

Is the Yonex Astrox 99 Pro better than the Apacs Z-Slayer?

Yonex Astrox 99 Pro wins on overall performance (30 vs 27 across our four metrics), but the Yonex Astrox 99 Pro leads in power, control while the Apacs Z-Slayer leads in no categories.

Which is cheaper, the Yonex Astrox 99 Pro or the Apacs Z-Slayer?

The Apacs Z-Slayer is cheaper at $65, compared with $210 for the Yonex Astrox 99 Pro.

Which racket is better for beginners?

Beginners are usually better served by the more forgiving frame β€” favour the racket with the more flexible shaft and even balance, and avoid extra-stiff models until your technique is consistent.

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