This is a review of the best badminton rackets.
I am Bun, an ex-professional badminton player who used to rank 30 for men’s singles. I have been teaching badminton for over 20 years. Over the years, I have tested and tried many different badminton rackets, and I will share my experience with you in this post.
Sounds Great? Let’s dive in!
Quick Summary
- Yonex Nanoray Light 18i (Best for beginner)
- Li-Ning Power Badminton Racket U-Sonic 67 Limited Edition (Best for Beginner and Intermediate)
- Victor Thruster K-HMR L (Best for beginner and intermediate)
- Yonex Nanoflare 800 LT (Best for control)
- Yonex Astrox 100 ZZ (Best for smash and power)
Best Badminton Rackets – Detailed Reviews
Here are my most recommended badminton rackets and their detailed reviews.
Yonex Nanoray Light 18i
- Key Feature: Aero Box Frame and New Built T-Joint
- Weight: 5U (78 grams)
- Grip size: G5 (small)
- Best for: Beginner
As Yonex’s flagship product in the Nanoray series, the Yonex Nanoray Light 18i racket features a headlight that is suitable for beginners when maneuvering to try various badminton shots.
Although very light, the ability of this racket cannot be underestimated. Advanced hitting techniques in badminton can also be easily learned using the Yonex Nanoray Light 18i.
We have recommended this racket in our article “best badminton rackets for beginner“, go there and take a look for beginner racket recommendations.
Aero Box Frame
The aerodynamic frame in the Yonex Nanoray Light 18i minimizes air resistance for a faster swing and more powerful strokes. Whether playing singles or doubles, beginners can swing the racket smoothly.
Isometric
This revolutionary Yonex feature offers an extensive sweet spot compared to traditional oval frames. With an expanded sweet spot, players can hit the top of the frame, resulting in higher speed and more control of the shot.
Built-In T-Joint
With a built-in T-Join, the Yonex Nanoray Yonex Nanoray Light 18i frame is more robust so that it has high durability and excellent torsional resistance.
Li-Ning Power Badminton Racket U-Sonic 67 Limited Edition
- Key Feature: Dynamic-Optimum Frame, Aerotec-Beam System, and High Tensile Slim Shaft
- Weight: 4U (83 grams)
- Grip size: G5 (small)
- Best for: Beginner and Intermediate
Li-Ning Power Badminton Racket U-Sonic 67 Limited Edition is an excellent choice for beginners who want to level up their game. With a weight of about 83 grams and medium flexibility, this head-heavy racket can be tried to smashing skills or other advanced techniques.
Beginners can also learn advanced defensive techniques by using this Li-Ning Power Badminton Racket U-Sonic 67.
Dynamic-Optimum Frame
The advanced technology applied when making Li-Ning Power Badminton Racket U-Sonic 67 Limited Edition racket frame makes it easy for beginners to learn attacking and defending playing styles equally well. In addition, the broad sweet spot also supports the racket’s performance when playing at high and fast tempos.
Aerotec-Beam System
This Li-Ning racket has an aerodynamic frame that minimizes air resistance without compromising the strength of the frame. Beginners also avoid fatigue when playing long rallies with varied shots.
High Tensile Slim Shaft
The slimmer shaft also makes it easier for beginners to maneuver when trying shots that require advanced technique. In fact, this racket also supports playing in front of the net area. Placement of a thin shuttlecock in the net area can be easily done with this racket.
Victor Thruster K-HMR L
- Key Feature: Power Box, Lightweight Racket, and Internal T-Joint
- Weight: 5U (83 grams) and 6U (73 grams)
- Grip size: G5 (small)
- Best for: Beginner and Intermediate Player
One of the best badminton rackets recommendations for beginners is Victor Thruster K-HMR L. In accordance with the initial L on this racket, Victor Thruster K-HMR L is very light, 5U (83 grams) and 6U (73 grams), which is very helpful for beginners to get a pleasant impression when starting to play badminton.
This racquet also features a G5 size grip that makes it easy to adapt gradually to get lobs, drop shots, smashes, and drives. This racket also helps beginners to learn to hit in front of the net area.
Power Box
This remarkable feature of the Viktor racket increases stability in the frame and minimizes torque. Interestingly, this racket can be pulled at higher lbs making it suitable for beginners who want to level up their game.
Internal T-Joint
T-Join in Victor Thruster K-HMR L consisting of one piece that transfers power smoothly. This feature also makes each stroke more accurate, and the transition between shots can also take place without obstacles. The graphite and resin frame material also ensures that the Victor Thruster K-HMR L racket is more robust and more durable even for beginners.
Lightweight Racket
One of the highlights of this racket is Victor Thruster K-HMR L is really light, 5U (83 grams) and 6U (73 grams). Beginners can comfortably swing the racket without feeling arm and shoulder fatigue when trying variations of badminton shots. Plus, the small grip size, G5, makes the Victor Thruster K-HMR L feel fit in hand.
Yonex Nanoflare 800 LT
- Key Feature: Sonic Flare System, Vibration Dampening Mesh, and New Built T-Joint
- Weight: 5U (78 grams)
- Grip size: G5 (small)
- Best for: Control
The title of one of the best Yonex rackets deserves to be pinned on the Yonex Nanoflare 800 LT. Aimed at advanced players, this racket is the ultimate choice for those of you looking for extraordinary game control. This is a great racket if you enjoy doubles.
Yonex Nanoflare 800 LT is light, but very lethal to the opponent’s game. This racket is very supportive of games with high rally intensity and fast hitting.
Sonic Flare System
To support fast gaming, the Yonex Nanoflare 800 LT is equipped with the Sonic Flare System. This technology is built with high modulus graphite on the top of the racket and with sturdy yet highly elastic M40X graphite material on the bottom. The repulsion generated during the shots was as expected.
Vibration Dampening Mesh
Nanoflare 800 LT has exceptional control thanks to the Vibration Dampening Mesh (VDM). This feature coats the top of the Yonex Nanoflare 800 LT frame for improved shuttlecock holding for better control. As a result, Yonex Nanoflare 800 LT can provide maximum swing speed with perfect control.
New Built-in T-Joint
The new built-in T-Joint technology on the Yonex Nanoflare 800 LT is manufactured from a special lightweight plastic. It is combined with quality materials that enhance the performance and stability of the shuttlecock in the air.
Yonex Astrox 100 ZZ
- Key Feature: Hyper Slim Shaft, New Built T-Joint, and Black Micro Core
- Weight: 4U (83 grams)
- Grip size: G5 (small)
- Best for: Smash and Power
Dedicated to attacking type players, this racket provides stable power in every shot. Yonex Astrox 100 ZZ’s flexibility type is extra stiff, supporting attacking games, with variation shots of smash, net kill, and sharp drive.
Maximum transfer of power centered on the wrist. The control that this racket has is also very remarkable. A little touch can provide a more accurate shuttlecock placement.
Hyper Slim Shaft
The shaft that is made slimmer on the Yonex Astrox 100 ZZ can increase the maximum swing. Although slimmer, the shaft of the Yonex Astrox 100 ZZ provides more extended durability and supports long rally games with a variety of shots.
Black Micro Core
The Yonex Astrox 100 ZZ is wrapped in Black Micro Core material at the top of the frame, increasing rigidity by 4% and vibration absorption by 2%. This innovative Yonex feature puts more weight on the frame’s head, allowing players to get sharp, swooping smashes.
New Built T-Joint
The Yonex Astrox 100 ZZ comes with a new built-in T-Joint which is 1.3% lighter than the previous generation of Yonex rackets. This feature allows the racket to have a more lightweight weight distribution. By redesigning the weight distribution of the racket, the Yonex Astrox 100 ZZ delivers the high rotational power needed to support powerful continuous smashes.
Best Badminton Rackets – What to Consider?
Here are several key factors to consider when shopping for badminton rackets.
Choose a Racket that Suits your Level
Over the years, I realized that quite some players, especially beginners, tend to get a racket that’s not their levels can handle, either too stiff or too heavy.
A beginner or intermediate player often tends to choose a racket as a badminton partner because they imitate their favorite players. Their idol racket is not necessarily suitable for beginner players.
To make choosing a racket easier, here are some things that players should consider when choosing the right racket for them.
Weight
The weight of a badminton racket is marked with the letter U. The more U, the lighter the racket. A heavy racket will add more momentum to the swing. Meanwhile, a more lightweight racket will be better at controlling the ball.
Beginners who are new to playing badminton are advised to choose a lightweight racket to get a pleasant impression of playing badminton. In addition, the light racket prevents beginners’ arms from getting tired or getting injured.
When you get better, you can gradually increase the racket’s weight according to your style and fitness level. The heavier the racket, the bigger power will be generated during smashing.
Thanks to modern technology’s development, there are many lightweight, and yet powerful rackets that were produced. However, sometimes they do need a higher skill level to master the racket.
Flexibility
Flexibility is also something that beginners must consider to get comfort when playing badminton. Flexible and stiff rackets have different functions. The flexible racquet has a good bounce when smashing. While a stiff racket really helps you in making fast attacks. Beginners are advised to choose a racket with an intermediate level of flexibility.
Do note that if you are getting a stiff racket, you need a high string tension setting too.
Price
Currently, there is a wide selection of racquets at different prices. You just need to
determine your needs and budget. Also make sure the price you pay is commensurate with the quality you get.
My Verdict
Badminton is a great and fun activity. You can start anywhere as long as you have 2 rackets, a shuttlecock, and great company. Sometimes, you don’t even need a net!
But to do it right, you need a great quality racket that suits you. All the rackets suggested here are great, and I am sure you will have lots of fun playing with them.