{"product_id":"ashaway-umbra-strike-badminton-racket","title":"Ashaway Umbra Strike Badminton Racket - 4U","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003eAshaway Umbra Strike\u003c\/strong\u003e is a control-focused badminton racket for doubles players who win points through placement, speed and mid-court dominance rather than one big smash. At \u003cstrong\u003e84g (4U)\u003c\/strong\u003e with an even, slightly head-heavy balance, it offers more mass behind the shuttle than Ashaway's lightest frames while staying quick enough for sharp net interceptions. Built from Japanese 40 Tonne Hi-Modulus carbon graphite and factory strung with Ashaway Zymax 68 TX in yellow, it arrives ready to play.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eKey Features\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e4U playing weight:\u003c\/strong\u003e 84g balances quick handling with solid, stable contact on blocks and drives.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eEven balance profile:\u003c\/strong\u003e Mid to slightly head-heavy balance for smooth transitions between defence and attack.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eJapanese 40T Hi-Modulus carbon graphite:\u003c\/strong\u003e Premium graphite frame for stiffness, torsional stability and a consistent feel.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMedium-flex shaft:\u003c\/strong\u003e Easy to load for club players while still giving a crisp response.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFactory strung with Ashaway Zymax 68 TX:\u003c\/strong\u003e Supplied in yellow Zymax 68 TX, rated for higher tension (28–30 lbs recommended).\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCosmic-inspired black cosmetic:\u003c\/strong\u003e Deep black frame with subtle graphics and a yellow stringbed.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003ePerformance Overview\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Umbra Strike is built around control. In doubles, the 4U weight lets you intercept early at the net and still drive through the shuttle on flat exchanges, while the graphite frame holds the head steady when blocking under pressure. Compared with a 5U racket it asks a little more from the arm, but rewards you with a more planted feel on contact and better stability against hard hitting.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe higher recommended tension range suits players who like a crisp, precise stringbed — ideal for placing drops and pushes exactly where you want them.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eBenefits\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePrecise shot placement:\u003c\/strong\u003e The balanced profile and higher-tension stringbed reward tactical, accurate play.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMore stable than ultralight frames:\u003c\/strong\u003e The extra weight resists twisting on off-centre hits.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eVersatile across formats:\u003c\/strong\u003e Works well in level doubles, mixed and social singles.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eReady to play:\u003c\/strong\u003e Pre-strung, with a discounted professional restring available for your own string and tension.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eTechnical Specifications\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003cthead\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eSpecification\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eDetails\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\u003c\/thead\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBrand\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAshaway\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eModel\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eUmbra Strike\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSport\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBadminton\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eWeight\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e84g (4U)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBalance\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eEven \/ mid head-heavy\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eShaft Flex\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMedium\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFrame Material\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eJapanese 40 Tonne Hi-Modulus Carbon Graphite\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFactory String\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAshaway Zymax 68 TX (Yellow)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eRecommended Tension\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e28–30 lbs\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eColour\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBlack\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePlaying Style\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDoubles, control, tactical placement\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePlayer Level\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eImprover to Intermediate\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWhy Buy from Central Sports?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e✅ 100% Genuine \u0026amp; Authorised Products\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e🏸 Trusted Racket Sports Specialist\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e📦 Secure Packaging \u0026amp; Fast Processing\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e🤝 Reliable Customer Support\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e🆕 Access to Latest Releases \u0026amp; Collections\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eFinal Verdict\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Ashaway Umbra Strike is the sensible pick for a club doubles player who wants one racket to do everything well — fast enough for flat exchanges, stable enough to defend properly, and precise enough to place the shuttle with intent. If you want maximum smash power, look head-heavy; everyone else will find the Umbra Strike a confidence-inspiring frame week in, week out.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Ashaway","offers":[{"title":"Black \/ 4U","offer_id":64628363264377,"sku":"998375.0003.6196","price":119.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0868\/9021\/7773\/files\/Untitleddesign-2026-09-30T115650.106.png?v=1790767302","url":"https:\/\/centraltennis.co.uk\/products\/ashaway-umbra-strike-badminton-racket","provider":"CentralTennis","version":"1.0","type":"link"}