Shi Yuqi’s Racket and String (2026)

Shi Yuqi is sometimes described as the “Phoenix” of the men’s circuit. After years of battling injuries and inconsistent form, the Shi Yuqi of late 2025 has risen to become the undisputed King of the BWF World Tour.

Heading into the 2026 season, he is faster, sharper, and more dangerous than ever. But unlike many players who switch gears constantly, Shi Yuqi has remained loyal to a setup that is notoriously difficult to master—but devastating in the right hands.

In this article, we are taking a deep dive into his weapon of choice—the Yonex Astrox 100ZZ—and how his unique string setup powers his explosive game.

The “Complete Striker”: A Playing Style Analysis

To understand Shi Yuqi’s gear, you have to understand the transformation of his game. Early in his career, he was a pure attacking machine. Today, he is a master of “Controlled Aggression.”

The Evolution:

• Pace Dictation: Shi Yuqi doesn’t just smash; he changes the rhythm. He lulls opponents to sleep with slow, high-quality net play, and then—boom—he injects a sudden burst of speed that leaves them stranded.
• The Stick Smash: This is his signature shot. Using his wrist and forearm strength, he generates immense power with a very short swing (a “stick smash”) from the mid-court. This requires a racket that is stiff and responsive.
• Mental Fortitude: In 2025, we saw a new version of Shi. He isn’t rattled by being down a set. He grinds out rallies, waiting for the perfect moment to unleash his heavy artillery.

He needs a racket that offers pinpoint precision for his net game but has enough solid mass to generate those thunderous smashes from the backline.

2025: The Year the Phoenix Rose

The 2025 season was the year Shi Yuqi silenced all the doubters. He didn’t just compete; he conquered the biggest stages in the sport.

His Notable 2025 Haul:

• BWF World Championships (Gold): The crowning achievement. Defeating Kunlavut Vitidsarn in Paris was a statement victory, earning him his maiden World Championship title.
• All England Open (Super 1000): Winning the oldest and most prestigious tournament on tour proved his pedigree.
• Japan Open & Malaysia Open: These victories showcased his consistency across the calendar, proving he could win in fast halls (Japan) and drafty halls (Malaysia) alike.

Entering 2026, he sits comfortably at World No. 1, with a target on his back that he seems to enjoy wearing.

The Weapon: Yonex Astrox 100ZZ Review

Shi Yuqi’s racket is the Yonex Astrox 100ZZ (Kurenai/Dark Red).

The Astrox 100ZZ is a “wild beast.” It is widely considered one of the most demanding rackets on the market, but it rewards perfect technique with unmatched performance.

The Specs

• Flex: Extra Stiff
• Balance: Head Heavy
• Weight: 3U (approx. 88g) – Note: While 4U exists, pro attackers like Shi typically prefer the heavier 3U for maximum momentum.
• Frame: Compact Frame (Smaller head size)

Key Technologies

1. Hyper Slim Shaft The 100ZZ features the thinnest shaft in Yonex history.

• What this means for you: Less air resistance. The racket slices through the air incredibly fast. For a player like Shi Yuqi, this allows for those lightning-fast defensive blocks and the sudden “stick smashes” that define his game.

2. Black Micro Core This is a high-density vibration-dampening material located at the top of the frame.

• What this means for you: It makes the head feel “solid” and “heavy” upon impact without making the racket feel sluggish. It gives his shots a heavy, distinct feeling—when he hits the shuttle, it stays hit.

3. Solid Feel Core A vibration dampener inside the shaft cuts out random fluttering.

• What this means for you: Pure feedback. Because the racket is Extra Stiff, you feel exactly where the shuttle is on the string bed. There is no “lag” or “whip” like in flexible rackets; the power transfer is instant.

Performance Review: How it Plays

• The Power: It provides “explosive power.” Unlike the “easy power” of the 77 Pro, the 100ZZ requires you to have a fast swing speed. If you can bend the stiff shaft, it snaps back with terrifying force.
• The Sweet Spot: The head is smaller (Compact Frame). This concentrates the power but shrinks the sweet spot. If you miss the center, the shot dies. But if you hit the center (like Shi Yuqi does 99% of the time), the shuttle travels like a bullet.
• The Feel: It feels like an extension of your arm. It is rigid, precise, and unforgiving.

The Engine Room: Yonex BG 80 Power

For string, Shi Yuqi uses Yonex BG 80 Power.

Why “Power” over Standard?

The standard BG 80 is famous for its rough texture and “bite.” The BG 80 Power, however, is slightly different.

• The Feel: It is slightly softer and less “gritty” than the standard BG 80.
• The Coating: It has a smoother coating which allows the main strings and cross strings to slide over each other more easily (“Snapback”).
• The Result: More Boom.

The “Heavy Hitter” Setup

Shi Yuqi strings his racket at a very high tension (often 30+ lbs).

• The Combination: He pairs an Extra Stiff Racket (100ZZ) with a Hard String (BG 80 Power).
• The Effect: This creates a “plank-like” hitting surface. When he smashes, there is almost zero “dwell time” (the shuttle leaves the racket instantly). This is perfect for his fast play style. The BG 80 Power adds a little bit of repulsion that the stiff racket might lack, ensuring that his defensive lifts still reach the back court.

The “Power” variant is also slightly more durable than the standard BG 80, which is helpful when you are smashing as hard as Shi Yuqi does.

Why This Gear Suits You (Or Doesn’t!)

Warning: This is not a beginner’s setup. Copying Shi Yuqi’s gear is one of the most common mistakes amateur players make.

• The Danger: The Extra Stiff shaft combined with the Compact Head means that if your timing is off, your arm will take the shock. This can lead to tennis elbow or shoulder pain for players who rely on arm strength rather than body rotation.
• Who is it for? This setup is for the Advanced Attacker. If you have a fully developed swing, good wrist technique, and you find that flexible rackets feel too “slow” or “wobbly” for you, the 100ZZ will feel like a dream.
• Amateur Adjustment: If you love the look and speed of the 100ZZ but find it too hard to use, try the 4U version and string it with Yonex Aerobite. The hybrid string will give you some control and softness to offset the stiffness of the frame.

Conclusion

As we look toward 2026, Shi Yuqi is armed with equipment that perfectly matches his status as a World Champion. The Yonex Astrox 100ZZ gives him the precision to control the net and the stiffness to crush smashes, while the BG 80 Power ensures that every hit resonates with explosive sound and speed.

It is an uncompromising setup for an uncompromising player. He demands perfection from himself, and he demands the same from his gear.