Yonex Power Cushion Cascade Drive (2nd gen, SHBCD2) review

Full review

The second-generation Cascade Drive sits below the 65 Z in Yonex's range but borrows a lot from it. You still get Power Cushion+ in the sole, a Double Raschel Mesh upper with Durable Skin reinforcement, and the same Round Sole and Radial Blade Sole outsole shapes that help the shoe roll smoothly and grip during quick direction changes.

The inner bootie is a nice touch at this price. It wraps the foot more like a sock than a traditional tongue, which many players find comfortable and secure.

What you lose compared with the 65 Z is mainly choice and some stiffness. The Cascade Drive comes in a single unisex fit, and Yonex UK warns that it runs narrower than standard UK sizing, so it recommends ordering a size up. Yonex does not list a graphite plate among its technologies, so expect a little less twisting resistance under hard lunges.

For most people who play once or twice a week, that difference will not matter. This is the shoe we would point a keen club player towards if the 65 Z feels like too much money.