The Yonex Voltric Z-Force II is one of those badminton rackets that players still talk about years after its production ended.

Known for its powerful attacking character, head-heavy feel and extremely thin shaft, the Z-Force II became especially popular among players who wanted maximum power from their overhead shots. Yonex originally launched the racket in 2014 and described it as an ultra-thin racket built for maximum energy transfer. Its design combined a stiff shaft with an aerodynamic head and the Tri-Voltage System to balance power with racket handling.

It also became closely associated with top players including Lee Chong Wei, who used the Z-Force II during the 2014 season. Yonex later released special Z-Force II editions associated with Lee Chong Wei and Lin Dan.

But there is one problem for anyone looking to buy one today.

Is the Yonex Z-Force II discontinued?

Yes. The Yonex Voltric Z-Force II has been discontinued, and it is no longer available as a current model from Yonex. At BadmintonBay, the Z-Force II is also listed as discontinued, with stock no longer available.

That has left many players searching for a modern racket that can give them some of the characteristics they loved about the Z-Force II.

Of course, no racket from another brand will be exactly the same. The frame construction, shaft stiffness, balance and overall swing weight all affect how a racket feels.

However, there are several currently available rackets that share important characteristics with the Z-Force II, particularly its focus on the frame design, power, head-heavy balance, compact frames and slim shafts.

What made the Yonex Z-Force II special?

Before looking at alternatives, it helps to understand what Z-Force II players are actually trying to replace.

The Z-Force II was available in both 3U and 4U versions. Yonex’s published specifications list an average weight of around 88g for 3U and 83g for 4U, with an extra stiff shaft. The racket also featured an extra-slim shaft, compact frame construction, Aero+Box technology and the Tri-Voltage System.

In simple terms, the Z-Force II was built around these characteristics:

Z-Force II characteristic	What it means on court
Head-heavy attacking design	More weight behind powerful overhead shots
Extra stiff shaft	A sharper, more direct response for players with fast swing speed
Extra slim shaft	Lower air resistance and fast swing-through
Compact frame	Faster racket head movement despite its attacking design
3U / 4U options	Players could choose between more mass and easier handling

This combination is what made the Z-Force II so appealing. It was not simply a heavy racket. It was designed to combine power with surprisingly fast racket handling. Yonex specifically highlighted this balance between power and maneuverability.

So when looking for a Z-Force II alternative, it makes sense to look beyond weight alone.

Here are six models worth looking at.

1. Apacs Force II Max

The Apacs Force II Max is one of the most obvious options for players searching for a racket with a Z-Force-inspired character.

BadmintonBay describes the Force II Max as the replacement for the popular Apacs Z Ziggler Force 2, a racket that had a very similar appearance and overall concept to the Yonex Voltric Z-Force II. The Force II Max uses a compact frame, Triple Speed System and a 6.4mm extra-slim shaft.

Its current specification is approximately 85g in 4U, with a medium flex, 6.4mm shaft and a balance point around 290mm.

Why Z-Force II players may like it

The biggest appeal is the combination of a compact frame, slim shaft and attacking-oriented design.

Compared with the original Z-Force II, the Force II Max is lighter in feel and its shaft is less demanding. That can make it easier to use for players who love the Z-Force concept but do not want an extra-stiff racket.

It is particularly interesting for players who want:

Power + compact frame + fast swing + easier handling

The Force II Max is also one of the most straightforward choices for someone specifically searching for a Z-Force II-style racket at a more accessible price.

2. Apacs N Force III

The Apacs N Force III follows a very similar philosophy.

It has a compact frame, extra-slim shaft and a slightly head-heavy balance. The racket is listed at 84g ±2g in 4U, with a medium-flex shaft, 6.45mm shaft diameter and a balance point of 295mm ±3mm.

Apacs designed the N Force III around its Quad Voltaic system, combining power with faster racket handling. The compact head is intended to reduce air resistance while maintaining an attacking character.

Why consider the N Force III?

The N Force III makes sense for players who like the idea of a Z-Force II but want something a little more forgiving.

Its medium flex shaft can help generate power without requiring the same level of swing speed and technique associated with an extra-stiff racket.

It is especially interesting for players who want:

Head-heavy feel + compact frame + medium flex + faster handling

Compared with the Z-Force II, expect a more accessible and forgiving response rather than the same demanding, direct feel. And this racket is available at a more accessible price.

3. Abroz Nano Power Venom II

The Abroz Nano Power Venom II takes a different approach.

Rather than trying to replicate the weight of the Z-Force II, it focuses on giving players an attacking feel in a much lighter package.

The standard Venom II is a 6U racket weighing approximately 78g ±2g, with a medium-flex shaft, a 295mm ±5mm slightly head-heavy balance and a 7.0mm shaft.

BadmintonBay also has a limited quantity of Venom II rackets measured with a more head-heavy 305mm ±5mm balance point.

Why would a Z-Force II player choose a lighter racket?

At first glance, a 6U (78g) racket may seem completely different from a Z-Force II.

And it is.

But this option can be attractive for players who love the attacking sensation of a head-heavy racket but want much faster handling and less overall racket weight.

The Venom II uses a Triple Power System around the frame and a slim frame design to combine power with speed.

Think of it as a lighter interpretation of the power-racket concept rather than a direct Z-Force II replacement.

It can be especially appealing for doubles players who want quick reactions while still having some extra weight toward the head.

4. Apacs Fantala Pro 101

The Apacs Fantala Pro 101 is another interesting choice because it comes closer to the traditional weight and balance characteristics that many Z-Force II players are used to.

The 4U version weighs approximately 84g ±2g, has a 295mm ±3mm head-heavy balance, a medium-stiff flex and a 6.6mm extra-slim shaft.

Why it stands out

For a player who specifically remembers the solid feeling of a Z-Force II, the Fantala Pro 101 is worth considering.

The combination of:

4U weight + head-heavy balance + medium-stiff shaft + extra-slim shaft

gives it a more substantial attacking character than many lightweight modern rackets.

It also uses a Compact Power Quad Voltaic frame, which supports the racket’s attacking and fast-swing design.

This makes the Fantala Pro 101 particularly interesting for players who want something that feels substantial and attacking without going all the way to an ultra-stiff shaft.

5. Apacs Ziggler Pro 6.2

The Apacs Ziggler Pro 6.2 is another strong candidate for players who specifically like the combination of head weight and a slim shaft.

The published weight is approximately 84g ±2g 4U. Its balance point is around 305mm, making it distinctly head heavy. The racket uses a 6.2mm super-slim shaft and a medium-stiff flex rated around 8.0.

What makes it interesting?

The numbers tell an interesting story.

The Ziggler Pro 6.2 combines a relatively substantial weight, strong head-heavy balance and a very thin shaft.

That combination makes it one of the more interesting options for players who are looking for the heavy, attacking sensation associated with classic power rackets.

For players moving away from an old Z-Force II, this racket being the closest feel to it.

6. Maxx Batman 85

The Maxx Batman85 takes a more modern and versatile approach to the attacking-racket idea.

This 4U racket weighs approximately 82g ±2g, has a 293mm ±5mm slightly head-heavy balance, a medium flex and a 6.9mm slim shaft. Its maximum recommended tension is listed at 32 lbs.

It also features a 46-tonne high modulus graphite frame and shaft, Xenocore foam, T-Anchor technology and a 76-grommet system.

Is it the same as a Z-Force II?

No.

The Batman85 is more versatile and less demanding.

But that can actually be the reason some players prefer it.

Players who like the slightly head-heavy attacking character of the Z-Force II but want a lighter and more forgiving racket may find the Batman85 interesting.

It also has a longer 675mm overall length and an aerodynamic slim shaft, giving it a modern feel rather than attempting to recreate an older-generation Yonex design.

Comparing the Six Z-Force II Alternatives

Here is a quick way to see how these rackets differ.

Racket	Weight	Balance	Flex	Shaft	General character
Yonex Z-Force II	4U (83g)	305mm (Head heavy)	Extra stiff	Extra slim	Powerful, demanding, direct
Apacs Force II Max	4U (85g)	Around 290mm	Medium	6.4mm	Compact, attacking, easier handling
Apacs N Force III	4U (84g)	295mm	Medium	6.45mm	Fast, slightly head heavy, forgiving
Abroz Venom II	6U (78g)	295mm	Medium	7.0mm	Very light, fast, attacking
Apacs Fantala Pro 101	4U (84g)	295mm	Medium stiff	6.6mm	Solid, head heavy, attacking
Apacs Ziggler Pro 6.2	4U (84g)	305mm	Medium stiff	6.2mm	Strong head weight, slim shaft
Maxx Batman85	4U (82g)	293mm	Medium	6.9mm	Versatile, slightly head heavy

Specifications can vary by version and manufacturer tolerance, so balance point and stated weight should be treated as a guide rather than a guarantee of identical playing feel. The manufacturers and retailers also use different ways of describing flex and balance.

Which Z-Force II Alternative Should You Consider?

The right choice depends on what you liked about the Z-Force II in the first place.

You want the closest overall concept

The Apacs Force II Max is a natural starting point for players who want a compact, attacking racket with a slim shaft and familiar power-oriented design.

You want Z-Force-style power but more forgiveness

The Apacs N Force III uses a medium flex shaft and slightly head-heavy balance, making it easier to access power.

You want a much lighter racket

The Abroz Nano Power Venom II is dramatically lighter at around 78g. It sacrifices the heavy mass of the Z-Force II in exchange for easier handling and faster racket movement.

You want a more substantial attacking racket

The Apacs Fantala Pro 101 gives you a more solid, head-heavy setup that may appeal to players who prefer heavier rackets.

You want a very head-heavy slim-shaft racket

The Apacs Ziggler Pro 6.2 combines a 305mm balance point with a 6.2mm shaft, making it an interesting choice for players chasing a strong attacking setup.

You want something more versatile

The Maxx Batman85 is lighter, medium flex and only slightly head heavy, making it a more versatile option for players who do not want an overly demanding racket.

Final Thoughts

The Yonex Voltric Z-Force II remains memorable because of its unusual combination of heavy attacking power, an extra-stiff shaft and surprisingly fast handling.

That exact combination is difficult to reproduce because the Z-Force II belongs to a different generation of racket design.

But discontinued does not mean you have to give up on that style of play.

Today, players can choose from several alternatives depending on which part of the Z-Force II they value most.

The Apacs Force II Max, Apacs N Force III, Abroz Nano Power Venom II, Apacs Fantala Pro 101, Apacs Ziggler Pro 6.2 and Maxx Batman85 all approach the power-racket concept differently.

So instead of asking, “Which racket is exactly the same as the Z-Force II?”, a better question is:

Which part of the Z-Force II do you miss most?

The heavy head?

The compact frame?

The slim shaft?

The powerful smash?

Or simply the feeling of using a classic attacking racket?

Once you know that, finding your next racket becomes much easier.