In the case of badminton, the gear you need to possess in order to enjoy a game is fairly simple and quite similar to tennis equipment. First of all, some comfortable clothes are needed, then footwear, a birdie and probably the most important piece of equipment – a badminton racket (racquet).
You may surely think that picking a racket is a piece of cake, but once you think about all the aspects that have to be taken into account, you quickly come to a conclusion that there are several factors which are worth paying attention to.
Best Badminton Racket
In this review, I will be focusing precisely on rackets. There are a lot of options you can choose from, and from time to time, it may be difficult to find the racket best suited to your needs. There are several types and marks you can browse through.
When deciding it’s essential to take all the variables into account and scan the possibilities on the market. This review will help in just that and in addition, it will offer nine best badminton rackets that should encompass every type of player and playstyle, so everyone will be able to get their racket and start, or continue, with this beautiful sport. So, sit back and enjoy reading through the entries on my list.
- Great Value for Money
- Very well balanced
- Strings might need replacement after some time
- Price
- Great for amateurs
- Cover
- Defaul grip should not fit everyone
- Semi professional racket
- Extra balanced
- Cover
- Higher price for beginners
- A bit tough flex
- One of the best rackets for beginners
- Headcover
- Price
- Default strung is a bit week
- Super Flexible
- Best suited for offensive playstyle
- Grip may not meet everyone's needs
- Price
- Already prestrung
- Only for recreational play
- Professional Racket
- Cover
- Lightweight
- Minor issues with deliverability from manufacturer
- Great frame shape
- Suits offensive play
- A bit heavier for advanced players
1. Yonex Nanoray 20 – My Personal Choice
The first entry on my list is the Yonex Nanoray 20 which grants you, the player, exact control over the movements of your racket. This particular piece of badminton equipment has, on a molecular basis, carbon nano-particles mixed with fullerene which creates an incredibly lightweight badminton racket that’s thin, more durable and more stable as well.
These attributes ensure that you can get the most power and speed from your efforts. Durability is also enforced by the new grommet system of the racket which has more holes and therefore, more durability. Elastic Ti which is present makes sure to eliminate deformation and assumes the original shape as soon as possible.
Features
Product Weight: 3.01 ounces
- The racket is very well balanced.
- It features the shock absorbing technique which might come in handy.
- The shape of the racket is always nicely upheld.
- The weight plus shape and form are ideal for beginners and for practice.
- The strings might need replacement after some time, which is, however, quite common.
- Given your preferences, the handle might need some re-cushioning.
2. Senston N80 – Best Seller Badminton Racket
Senston is known to make quality badminton gear and their badminton racket is no exception to this rule. The material that is used the most in the Senston N80 is graphite.
It has great qualities that boost strength and to a certain extend performance as well. The isometric square head together with the nanometer material supports the string. Moreover, the shape stays the same which is always welcomed. The offer includes a racket cover for better transportability. From a design or customization point of view, it’s available in nine colors so there are plenty of options to choose from.
Features
Product Weight: 3.04 ounces
- The racket is very lightweight and contains high tension strings which can translate into the power of your shot.
- Nice cover for the badminton racket.
- Comfortable handle makes sure you can enjoy playing for hours.
- Suitable for practice and recreational playing.
- Caution has to be applied when removing the plastic. In some cases, while removing it part of the grip can come off too.
3. Yonex Voltric 5FX
This model of a badminton racket is recommended for players who prefer a mid-range style of playing. To multiply the chances a tri-voltage system is used. This system positively influences racket handling and power that can be put and produced from the equipment.
As far as materials are concerned graphite and tungsten are used for the frame and the shaft is from graphite. In addition, you will also receive a cover for the racket that may improve its lifespan.
Features
Product Weight: 3.0 ounces
- A tap is introduced to the grip which boosts its thickness.
- Overall, very well-balanced.
- Recommended for advanced players as well.
- Lack of finesse of the shots.
4. Yonex B-350 – Best Racquet for Recreational Players
This badminton racket is suitable for beginners and has an oval shaped aluminum head in combination with an alloy that creates the overall lightweight. The shaft itself is created using steel.
The manufacturer of the racket is assuring that the product is pre-strung that allows tight tension and string durability. This type is ideal for recreational playing as well as for pupils in physical education.
Features
Product Weight: 3.53 ounces
- A strong racket designed for starting players or beginners.
- Headcover is included which makes it easier to protect and transport.
- Good and reasonable weight for the materials used during the manufacturing process.
- The strings might seem weakly strung for some players, depending on your game style.
5. Yonex Nanoray 10
The Nanoray 10 is another badminton racket which can help you enjoy the game on a whole new level. The racket itself has a high flexibility and flex to it and the frame is made from graphite.
As far as the shaft is concerned, it’s a combination of graphite, nanomesh and carbon nanotube. The racket sits nicely in your hand and is comfortable to hold, plus the TFA CAP makes sure all unwanted vibrations are gone an absorbed.
Features
Product Weight: 5.6 ounces
- A light-weight racket that can be used on a semi-professional level.
- Best suited for intermediate players who have a rather offensive style.
- The sweet spot is terrific and well designed.
- If you have played with a heavier racket before, it might take you some time to get used to this one.
- The grip may not meet everyone’s needs.
6. Wilson Strike
Wilson is a well-known badminton and tennis brand and this particular product, the Wilson Strike, is one of the best badminton rackets on the market right now.
It’s suitable for every player but preferably matches best a power player during singles matches. It also features a composite T-joint which grants the racket additional attributes. Moreover, it’s already pre-strung so you don’t have to worry about doing this part of the job yourself.
Features
Product Weight: 4 ounces
- A great racket for beginners and players who are starting with badminton.
- The T-joint is very useful with all the attributes it brings.
- Overall a very nice racket, however, it seems it is designed for teens because the string tension is not high enough for an adult player.
7. Yonex Voltric 7
A very light racket model that will elevate your game. It has a nicely designed and well-balanced grip that sits in your hand just fine and the overall balance of the racket is also at a high level.
The flex is rather medium, and the racket is already pre-strung by the official stringer of the manufacturer. Overall, this badminton racket can be a great tool and help you improve yourself in this fast-paced game.
Features
Product Weight: 3.01 ounces
- This badminton racket is able to hit powerful smashes and guarantee control.
- Suitable for intermediate and advanced players.
- It comes with a bag giving you additional protection and transportability.
- You should pay attention whether the racket is delivered to you with strings, if not inform the manufacturer.
8. Genji Sports N900
The frame of the Genji racket has acquired a new design and was improved to empower your control and smash. The structure itself is strengthened so it doesn’t break or crack under pressure or tension.
It has a Trapezium shaped frame with a square head and a sweet spot. This one-piece design is made from a modulus graphite and ranks among the lightweight badminton rackets. In terms of gameplay, this product is probably best used for a more offensive way of playing which is emphasized by the elevated smash power it offers.
The Genji Sports N900 also comes pre-strung with a durable fiber and a cover for travels.
Features
Product Weight: 3.4 ounces
- Given the power it can generate when hitting shots, it is still a relatively light racket.
- Terrific for numerous shot types so you can vary your game depending on the situation.
- The control you have in combination with other attributes is at a high level.
- For some players the weight of the racket might be an issue, since it’s rather in the heavy category on the market.
9. Wilson Matchpoint – Great Badminton Racket for Beginners
The last entry on my list is another Wilson racket model. It’s a two-piece frame made of aluminum which is set inside grommets which guarantees a higher durability. In addition, there is a 53 square inch sweet spot which is also already strung.
The flex of this racket is medium, and it could be easily used by beginners and recreational players. The overall attributes of this badminton equipment are great for players taking up this sport for a good value.
Features
Product Weight: 3.4 ounces
- Works great for beginning players who will not be challenged by the lightweight.
- It features a nice and solid grip that is beautifully designed.
- A very nice color that does not get off that easily.
- If you are an advanced, semi-professional player and play for hours, you should rather find a racket that is more suited for that kind of match frequency.
Best Badminton Racket – Buyer’s Guide
This originally English sport has gained massive popularity in recent years. Have you already tried it out? It’s a funny, fast-paced sport that can get the very best of you. It may seem slow and lengthy when watching a match on your TV but try to play it yourself and you will quickly find out that the opposite is the case. The dimensions of the court may seem limiting but if you want to get to and reach every birdie, you will surely lose some calories. As with other team or single sports, the right gear is often key to a good result.
To briefly summarize the review, you have just finished reading, it’s not that easy to choose the right racket companion in the vast market we have available nowadays. That’s why I have narrowed it down to 9 best badminton rackets. Much of your success in badminton, and to be honest in every other sport, depends not only on your skill but your equipment as well.
Badminton Level
First of all, you should be absolutely sure about the level of badminton competence you are currently possessing in order to determine which racket is most suited for you. Why? Well, to put it lightly, there is more than one racket type and the attributes of each respective badminton equipment differ.
The area in which this difference is most apparent is the strings. If you are not a professional player and you are just taking up the sport, it’s better for you to choose a milder one. That way you will have all the time to try out your lobs, smashes dives and tactics and even if you damage or destroy the racket it won’t be a big deal in comparison to what it could have been if you had chosen a totally professional racket.
Some of the entries on this list are specifically designed and destined to be used by beginners. You can find the recommendation in the text above.
Badminton Racket Weight
Another crucial piece of information you should be looking for is the actual weight or the material from which the badminton racket is manufactured. You may once again wonder, why? Since badminton is a sport played with a racket and a birdie in the dimensions which determine the court, it’s only logical that the weight of the racket is important.
The majority of the upper body movement in this game is created while using this tool and thus its weight influences your ability to play defensively or offensively.
Lighter rackets are better suited for an offensive style, which is characterized by smashes and a more aggressive gameplay with many swishing movements. If the frame weight was unbearable in such situation, it would be very exhausting and difficult to play an entire match.
On the other hand, if you choose to play an only defensive style that depends on your ability to return and your opponent’s lack of capabilities, it’s crucial to have a corresponding gear at hand, which means having a racket that can withstand the tension and pressure.
Grip
The next feature that is of equal importance is the grip and the overall feeling of comfort in your hand. If you are playing a badminton match for several hours you might want to find a pleasant handle that sits in your hand nicely. This can, however, be mainly determined by holding the racket.
Nonetheless, the material from which the grip is made can tell you a little bit about its qualities. The technique of a shot, lob or smash is often linked with the right positioning and grip, so you can clearly see that this has a direct effect on your game.
