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Play like Yugo Kobayashi

Men's Doubles JPN #8 MD
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About Yugo

Left-handed net specialist; complements partner Hoki's aggressive rear-court attacking game with precise left-handed net interceptions and tight cross-court drives

b. 1995-07-10 175 cm BWF profile
  • 2019 BWF World Championships — MD silver (with Takuro Hoki)
  • 2021 BWF World Championships — MD gold (with Takuro Hoki; first-ever Japanese MD world champions)
  • 2021 BWF World Tour Finals — MD title (with Takuro Hoki)
  • 2021 Denmark Open — MD title (with Takuro Hoki)
  • 2022 Malaysia Open (Super 750) — MD title (with Takuro Hoki)
  • 2023 Singapore Open (Super 750) — MD title (with Takuro Hoki)
  • 2025 VICTOR Denmark Open (Super 750) — MD title (with Takuro Hoki)
How Yugo plays
Left-handed net specialist; complements partner Hoki's aggressive rear-court attacking game with precise left-handed net interceptions and tight cross-court drives

Head-heavy frames for smash power, paired with a stiff shaft for sharp, controlled power.

Frames that match Yugo's style

Ranked by how closely each frame's balance and flex match the profile above — not by who's sponsored to use them. 100% = an exact fit for the style. Grouped by tier so you can pick at your own level.

Pro tier
91% style match
Astrox 100 ZZ
Yonex Astrox 100 ZZ
Head Heavy ·Extra Stiff ·Advanced
91% style match
Thruster F Ultra
Victor Thruster F Ultra
Head Heavy ·Extra Stiff ·Advanced
91% style match
AXForce 90 Max
Li-Ning Axforce 90 Max
Head Heavy ·Stiff ·Advanced
Intermediate tier
91% style match
Thruster Hammer Light
Victor Thruster Hammer Light
Head Heavy ·Stiff ·Intermediate
74% style match
Astrox 100 Game
Yonex Astrox 100 Game
Head Heavy ·Medium ·Intermediate
74% style match
AXForce 60
Li-Ning Axforce 60
Head Heavy ·Medium ·Intermediate
Beginner tier
91% style match
Wavetec Magan 5
Victor Wavetec Magan 5
Head Heavy ·Stiff ·Beginner
74% style match
Astrox 88 Play
Yonex Astrox 88 Play
Head Heavy ·Medium ·Beginner-Intermediate
74% style match
Ultramate 6
Victor Ultramate 6
Head Heavy ·Medium ·Beginner
Their racquet
Yonex Duora Z-Strike
Yonex Duora Z-Strike
Even Balance ·Extra Stiff ·Advanced
See spec page
Step down — Yugo's racquet at every tier

Yugo Kobayashi's Yonex Duora Z-Strike is a pro-tier signature — built for an elite swing. Here is that same chassis stepped through each tier, so an intermediate or club player can buy into the line at the level they'll actually enjoy.

Pro tier
Cross-brand match
Auraspeed 99
Victor Auraspeed 99
Even Balance ·Extra Stiff ·Advanced
Same style, pro-grade alternative
Cross-brand match
Hypernano X 900
Victor Hypernano X 900
Even Balance ·Stiff ·Advanced
Same style, pro-grade alternative
Cross-brand match
Thruster F C Ultra X
Victor Thruster F C Ultra X
Head Heavy ·Stiff ·Advanced
Same style, pro-grade alternative
Intermediate tier
Cross-brand match
Satelite Origin
Babolat Satelite Origin
Even Balance ·Medium ·Intermediate
Same style, more accessible tier
Cross-brand match
X-Feel Origin
Babolat X Feel Origin
Even Balance ·Medium ·Intermediate
Same style, more accessible tier
Cross-brand match
GP-X 85
Carlton GP X 85
Even Balance ·Medium ·Intermediate
Same style, more accessible tier
Beginner tier
Cross-brand match
Vapour Trail 85 Sunstorm
Carlton Vapour Trail 85 Sunstorm
Even Balance ·Medium ·Beginner-Intermediate
Same style, more accessible tier
Cross-brand match
Velocitex V400
Carlton Velocitex V 400
Even Balance ·Medium ·Beginner-Intermediate
Same style, more accessible tier
Cross-brand match
Challenger 9500 Pro
Victor Challenger 9500 Pro
Even Balance ·Medium ·Beginner-Intermediate
Same style, more accessible tier
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