The Axforce series is Li-Ning’s power line: head-heavy rackets built for attacking players who win points with smashes and steep clears. The Axforce 100 and the Axforce 90 Tiger Max and Dragon Max are among the most searched Li-Ning rackets. This guide compares them on their published specifications and explains which one suits which player.
Li-Ning Axforce Models Compared
| Racket | Weight | Balance | Shaft | Max tension | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Li-Ning Axforce 100 older model | 3U, 4U | Head-heavy | Stiff | 4U 30 lbs | Advanced attackers (now succeeded by the Axforce 100 II) |
| Li-Ning Axforce 90 Tiger Max | 3U, 4U | Head-heavy | Medium | 4U 30 lbs | Attacking players who want power with a less stiff shaft |
| Li-Ning Axforce 90 Dragon Max | 3U, 4U | Head-heavy | — | 3U 31 lbs, 4U 30 lbs | Heavy hitters who play from the rear court |
Specs come from the manufacturers' product pages or, where those were unavailable, from authorised retailers. A dash means sources disagreed or the brand does not publish the figure. Compare any two rackets side by side.
Axforce 100
The Axforce 100 is the series flagship, available in 3U and 4U. Li-Ning lists it as head-heavy with a stiff shaft and a maximum tension of 30 lbs for the 4U version. It has since been succeeded by the Axforce 100 II, released in 2025, so you may find the original discounted while stock lasts.
Who it suits: advanced attacking players with a fast swing, particularly singles players and rear-court doubles players.
Axforce 90 Tiger Max
Li-Ning lists the Tiger Max 4U as head-heavy with a balance point of 305 mm and a maximum tension of 30 lbs, and describes it as a professional attacking racket. Retailers list its shaft as medium, which makes it a little more approachable than a fully stiff flagship.
Who it suits: attacking players who want serious power but prefer a shaft that helps a little more with the swing.
Axforce 90 Dragon Max
The Dragon Max is the more head-heavy of the two Axforce 90 Max rackets, with Li-Ning listing 307 mm for the 3U version (retailers list around 309 mm for 4U). Maximum tension is 31 lbs for 3U and 30 lbs for 4U. Retailers disagree on its stiffness, so we have left that blank in the table.
Who it suits: heavy hitters who play from the back of the court and want maximum momentum on smashes.
Tiger Max vs Dragon Max
Both are head-heavy attacking rackets from the same Axforce 90 family. The differences on paper:
- Balance: the Dragon Max is listed slightly more head-heavy (307 mm for 3U) than the Tiger Max (305 mm for 4U).
- Shaft: the Tiger Max is listed with a medium shaft by retailers, making it the more forgiving of the two.
- Tension: the Dragon Max 3U allows up to 31 lbs; both 4U versions allow 30 lbs.
If you are not sure your swing is fast enough for a very head-heavy racket, the Tiger Max is the safer choice.
Axforce vs Yonex Astrox and Victor Thruster
The equivalent power lines from the other big brands are Yonex’s Astrox and Victor’s Thruster series. All three are head-heavy and attack-focused. On paper, the Axforce and Thruster flagships allow higher maximum tensions (30–32 lbs) than the Astrox flagships (28–29 lbs).
| Racket | Weight | Balance | Shaft | Max tension | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Li-Ning Axforce 100 older model | 3U, 4U | Head-heavy | Stiff | 4U 30 lbs | Advanced attackers (now succeeded by the Axforce 100 II) |
| Li-Ning Axforce 90 Dragon Max | 3U, 4U | Head-heavy | — | 3U 31 lbs, 4U 30 lbs | Heavy hitters who play from the rear court |
| Yonex Astrox 88D Pro | 3U, 4U | Head-heavy | Stiff | 3U 29 lbs, 4U 28 lbs | Rear-court attackers, especially in doubles |
| Yonex Astrox 100ZZ | 3U, 4U | Head-heavy | Extra stiff | 3U 29 lbs, 4U 28 lbs | Advanced players with a fast swing who attack relentlessly |
| Victor Thruster Ryuga II Pro | 3U, 4U | Head-heavy | Stiff | 3U 32 lbs, 4U 31 lbs | Advanced attackers who want maximum smash power |
Specs come from the manufacturers' product pages or, where those were unavailable, from authorised retailers. A dash means sources disagreed or the brand does not publish the figure. Compare any two rackets side by side.
See also our Victor Thruster comparison and Yonex racket guide.
Is an Axforce Right for You?
- Yes, if you attack from the back of the court, play mostly singles or rear-court doubles, and have a strong, well-timed swing.
- Consider a Halbertec if you prefer control and placement.
- Consider a lighter G-Force or Windstorm if you are still developing your technique.
Read our full guide to Li-Ning badminton rackets for every series.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Li-Ning Axforce 90 Tiger Max good for intermediate players?
Strong intermediate players with good technique can use it, thanks to its medium shaft, but it is a head-heavy, professional-level racket. Players still developing their swing will usually do better with a lighter, more forgiving model.
Has the Axforce 100 been discontinued?
It has been succeeded by the Axforce 100 II, released in 2025. The original may still be available from some retailers.
What tension should I string an Axforce racket at?
Axforce frames allow up to 30–31 lbs, but most club players should string well below that. Use our string tension calculator for a recommendation.
Are Axforce rackets often faked?
Yes. Buy from Li-Ning or authorised retailers and be cautious of unusually low prices.
