Best Badminton Rackets: For all Beginners, Intermediates, Experts!
It’s not easy to choose the best badminton rackets.
This is especially true if you are about to get your first badminton racket.
What’s even worst,
Choosing the wrong badminton rackets could potentially bring unnecessary injuries.
So in this post, we are going to discuss the top 20 badminton rackets.
Better yet, we will summarize which one should you choose.
Let’s dive in 🙂
Table of Contents
Overview on Top 20 Best Badminton Rackets in 2020
The table below is a list of our shortlisted rackets:
| Ranking | Brand/Item | Editor’s Rating | Award | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Yonex Arcsaber 10 | 4.5 | Noob Friendly | Check on Amazon |
| 2 | Yonex Nanoray 10 | 4.8 | Picky Beginner | Check on Amazon |
| 3 | Yonex Voltric 5 | 4.4 | Beginners Who Play Offensively | Check on Amazon |
| 4 | Yonex Arcsaber 001 | 4.9 | Long Rally Beginner | Check on Amazon |
| 5 | Yonex Nanoray 2016 | 4.5 | Defensive Beginner | Check on Amazon |
| 6 | Yonex Arcsaber Lite | 5.0 | Future All-Rounder | Check on Amazon |
| 7 | Yonex Voltric Lin Dan | 4.8 | Singles’ Baseliner | Check on Amazon |
| 8 | Victor JetSpeed S 9 Badminton Racquet 4U G5 | 4.4 | Intermediate All-Rounder | Check on Amazon |
| 9 | Yonex Voltric Glan Z | 4.7 | Attackers’ Choice | Check on Amazon |
| 10 | Yonex Duora Z Strike | 4.8 | Massive Sweet Spot | Check on Amazon |
| 11 | Wilson BLX Blade Badminton Racket | 4.8 | Lightweight Racket For Hard Hits | Check on Amazon |
| 12 | Yonex Muscle Power 3 Badminton | 4.9 | Sacrificing Shot Players’ Old Love | Check on Amazon |
| 13 | Yonex Voltric Lite Badminton Racket 2016 VTLTGE Racquets 4U5G | 5.0 | Perfect Power+Control | Check on Amazon |
| 14 | Yonex Nanoray 800 Badminton Racquet | 4.8 | Baseline Play King | Check on Amazon |
| 15 | Yonex Voltric Z-Force 2 | 4.6 | Double Players | Check on Amazon |
| 16 | LiNing Woods N 90 III 3rd Generation | 4.9 | Offense Master | Check on Amazon |
| 17 | Yonex Duora 10 Lee Chong Wei Blue | 5.0 | Strong Backhand/Forehand | Check on Amazon |
| 18 | Wilson Attacker Badminton Racket | 4.6 | Recreation/Fun Kingpin | Check on Amazon |
| 19 | Senston N80 Graphite Single High-Grade Badminton Racquet | 4.5 | Cheap Premium Control | Check on Amazon |
| 20 | Champion Sports Double Steel Frame Badminton Racket | 4.9 | Cheapest Racket | Check on Amazon |
How To Choose Best Badminton Rackets (Things To Consider, Description)
We’ve dedicated an entire article here, but here’s a recap:
First, ask yourself whether you are a beginner, intermediate, or expert; and what’s your style of play.
Now let us describe the basic criteria for picking the most suitable badminton racket that fits your needs.
Testing the racket
When you go to the shop, you can perform two very simple things to check whether the racket fits your court performance.
To check stiffness, bend both ends of the badminton racket gently. The flexible-shaft one will bend easily, while stiff-shaft gives you a hard time.
There is a very easy way to check shot accuracy. Put your right arm on the handle, holding your left arm on racket’s head and twist it sideways–if it won’t twist at all, it means it is made for precise shots (good for tactical players or masters of various strikes).
Basic Criteria
You must know these four things to choose the greatest model for your play-style:
- Weight
- Shaft/Stiffness
- Frame Shape
- Balance Point.
Weight
Heavy racket means hard shots, and it is amazing for players who like to spend most of their time bombing their opponent’s with smashes or stick to the aggressive style of play. But don’t forget you’ll have less control over your shot.
You’ve probably seen marks 2U, 3U, 4U, and 5U. Now here is what those grades mean.
2U: 90-94g
3U: 85-89g
4U: 80-84g
5U: 75-79g
Most of the rackets on the market are 2U and 3U, and an aggressive player who smashes all the time will have a great time with 2U. Someone who sticks to offensive strikes from the baseline should be satisfied with 3U.
But don’t forget some elite players who like to defend intentionally choose lighter badminton rackets. Another note: when you string the badminton racket and put a replacement grip, the weight of the racket will grow, so please consider that too.
Shaft/Stiffness
Both flexible and stiff rackets have good and bad sides.
Flexible racket gives you less accuracy, but more power. There is no need to swing like a maniac when you defend from the baseline to counter the opponent’s shots.
Flexibility is awesome for defensive players who fire back on an opponent’s strong smash or shot with an even stronger return. Yet, it is also good for the ones who like to constantly return to the center and irritate their opponents.
Please, stay away from flexible shafts if you stick to accuracy and aim angles or lines. There is also a chance you’ll lack speed.
The stiff shaft leads to less powerful counter shots because it lacks in repulsion. But you can aim at corners with style!
Players who like fast attacks, net-play or drop shots will love stiff badminton rackets. Many elite names of this wonderful sport rather choose stiff over flexible ones.
The only downside is the fact you need very quick wrist action to produce more power and successfully transfer it to the shuttlecock which usually means you need to be an advanced skillful player.
Frame Shape
There are two types of frames – conventional (oval) and isometric. The only difference is the so-called “sweet spot”.
The sweet spot is a specific area on racket’s string bad. You must hit a shuttlecock with the middle of your racket if you are interested in producing high-quality shots.
Isometric badminton rackets are known for larger sweet spots. It means more precision and harder shots.
The conventional ones are hard to find in the marketplace. Its sweet spots are smaller, but you can hit the shuttlecock harder.
Balance Point
This relates to the area of the badminton shaft which shows the center of the badminton racket.
For example, when your finger stands closer to the racket head, it means you’ve picked a power racket for hard shots with a higher balance point.
If your finger is closer to the racket’s handle, this is a control racket, more suitable for fans of accurate shots and longer rallies.
But there are also some tricks to make your already purchased badminton racket more powerful or more precise. For example, put a lightweight badminton grip on the racket’s head to boost power, or put two badminton grips on the racket’s handle to improve the control of your stroke.
Best Badminton Racket For Beginners
There is one rule–beginners don’t ask for a specific technical racket because they are learning to play. You can’t make someone aims for accuracy if he isn’t skillful enough, can you?
The beginner must hit harder to make the shuttlecock fly far because his technique is not perfect!
Beginners should go for power rackets. Its head should be heavier but please not too heavy and pay attention to higher balance points with flexible racket shaft.
They also must feel comfortable when they hit. If a badminton racket is not comfortable, it will probably create some kind of stress which will irritate the beginner, so be warned.
Yonex Arcsaber 10 – Best for 100% Noob Player
This is a very light badminton racket with a reinforced shaft, so even if you swing weaker, the shot could be strong. Very flexible and durable model, but expensive.
Good repulsion power, which is again important for a beginner since they don’t have the skillset for counter shots.
Yonex 2016 Nanoray 10 – Best For Demanding Beginner
Some people like to choose between many colors. This model is also featured by a flexible shaft, which gives a harder swing but lacks precision.
Yet, the racket has a greater sweet spot, which again leads to a powerful shot even if you miss the center of the badminton racket.
If you don’t have good technique or shot power, this is a wonderful choice for you. Maneuvering and smashing are easy with this model.
Yonex Voltric 5 – Best For Beginner Who Knows His Abilities
This is an affordable model with a superb combination of agility and power, which gives you the ability to strike hard and move like a cat at the same time.
I’d say excellent badminton racket for advanced beginners who prefer to attack and play on the net.
Yonex Arcsaber 001 – Best For Entry Level Beginner With Basic Offense/Defense Skills
The world-class option for someone who trains a month or two. Good balance, awesome shaft, it bends when you smash and creates a great whip effect.
A good option for recreational players too, but not made for hard strikes and long rally. If you are a color fanatic, bingo!
Yonex Nanoray 2016 – Best For Defensive Beginner
Players are usually of their abilities when their career badminton career kicks off. Someone maybe likes patient guys like Lin Dan or Kento Momota.
Racket balance is good, and it also has a flexible shaft, which leads to faster smashes but the power lacks when you go for a strong backhand or forehand with this racket.
If you train for a short time, and your goal is to defend and irritate your opponent, this is a perfect durable badminton racket for you.
Yonex Arcsaber Lite – Best For Beginner All-Around Player
This is a lightweight badminton racket, a great choice for a player who prefers to feel comfortable.
This is a good option for someone who trains 3-6 months but hasn’t still discovered his good and bad sides. The racket even has a control support cap, which leads to improved handling and adds more power into your shots.
Best Badminton Racket For Intermediate Players
Most of the intermediate players have the defined playing style. But try to look for the mixture of power and control.
First, ask yourself one question–are you a defensive or offensive player? Cause the offensive guy sticks to rackets with more power, while at the defensive player it depends on whether he is a tactical player or a counterstroke expert.
Hard hitters should stay away from accurate shots but add more power (flexible shaft), while an agility expert who returns all the shots and plays patiently should test stiff shaft and maybe 4U or even 3U.
Yonex Nanoray 7000 LD – Best For Singles’ Players And Baseliners
Players who want to play singles’ games will love this racket. It is featured by the ability to deliver long and accurate shots due to its stiff frame. Balance is oriented towards the head, so you can produce powerful shots. It has good dimensions for beginners too.
Victor JetSpeed S 9 Badminton Racquet 4U G5 – Best For All-Rounder Pick
It is a very durable lightweight badminton racket but the price might be a problem. The net and string area are awesome. Great flexibility and durability.
Yonex Voltric Glan Z G4 – Best For Intermediate Attacker
This is a great badminton racket for players who prefer to stick to power in every shot. Hard hitters will probably love this model.
It is an excellent solution for someone who likes to attack off the long-distance and who sticks to baseline shots. This model will thrill an aggressive intermediate player.
Yonex Duora Z Strike – The Sweet Spot Beauty
Believe me or not, there is a racket with an outstanding sweet spot and Doura Grommet design, which allows it to stay stiff even during the hardest shots.
We’re talking about Yonex Duora Z Strike, G4/3U model. It is very easy to handle and there will be no problem during quick returns.
You’ll hardly miss with this model, but accuracy and price might create problems from time to time.
Wilson BLX Blade Badminton Racket – Small Weight, Hard Hit
This is a good choice for someone interested in both power and control. It could be an awesome pick for the player who wants a lightweight racket that hits hard.
Suitable for intermediate players, also ok for experts. Mid-strung tension, excellent maneuverability, and improved control of the shuttlecock.
Best Badminton Racket For Experts
Wow, this is so damn tough question. Every expert player knows his trademarks, weaknesses, and strengths.
To answer this question, you must write your positive and negative sides on the piece of paper (plus for positive, minus for negative). Then please check plus and minus symbols.
Expert players stick to badminton rackets that provide a decent level of power and accuracy (all-around players). But if a player has a strong net play or advanced trick shots, everything changes.
Everything depends on your individual features only. You must know the expert player well to answer this question.
Yonex Muscle Power 3 Badminton – Best For Sacrificing/Running Shots
It has an aluminum-made frame with a carbon graphite shaft and a bigger sweet spot. It is wonderful for players who like to deliver sacrificing shots and strong shots while running.
Yonex Voltric Lite Badminton Racket 2016 VTLTGE Racquets 4U5G – Best For Power+Control Player
Most of the players want a good combination of those two. You can transform into a heavy attacker but also into a guy who fires back briefly and accurately.
This racket allows for better smashes and more momentum. Yet, it is expensive.
Yonex Nanoray 800 Badminton Racquet – Best For Baseline Player
Man, have you ever thought on the best racket for forehand/backhand swings with outstanding repulsion power? Are you the player who attacks from the baseline over and over?
Wonderful to handle, grip, and play the game, this racket will boost baseliners to the next level if you can afford it.
Yonex Voltric Z-Force 2 – Best For Double Players
It gives you a world-class smash power and maximizes your advantage on the net. Isometric shape and extra stiff flex.
Yet, when you try to counter baseline shots, you’ll face precision issues, and the racket is expensive too. But at least you’ll land powerful shots.
LiNing Woods N 90 III 3rd Generation – Best For 100% Attacker
Lin Dan was previously a very offensive player but slightly changed his playing style as time went by. If you watched Lin at the Olympic Games 2012, then you know he smashed stronger than Hulk. He uses the badminton racket we are about to introduce.
LiNing Woods N 90 III 3rd Generation is an extra stiff 3U G4 badminton racket. It is heavier but a world-class choice for offensive players.
Yonex Duora 10 – Best For Quick Backhand/Forehand Expert
Lee Chong Wei is a fantastic Malaysian player, famous for returning even the most dangerous shots. He plays with Yonex Duora 10 LCW Blue, a racket known for thinner backhand and forehand face.
It gives you a critical advantage when you return quick shots. Wei is a very patient guy who plays off the baseline like a king and irritates his rivals with outstanding returns.
It’s a red and blue model and an excellent choice for defensive and tactical players.
Cheaper Choices
Wilson Attacker Badminton Racket
This is a solid choice for beginners who want to kick off their competition careers. It costs only 40 dollars but has a graphite shaft, strung with half-cover and one-piece fused frame, which again leads to the ability to play aggressively at recreational or fun games.
It is a fair racquet for starters or maybe some intermediates. It makes you feel the thrill of action.
Senston N80 Graphite Single High-Grade Badminton Racquet – Best For Premium Control
It’s excellent for someone who dreams of premium control badminton racket and dreams of a cheaper solution for powerful strikes.
Intermediate players will love it. High-grade lightweight racket with good string tension.
Champion Sports Double Steel Frame Badminton Racket – Best Value Deal
Even the users with very little money in their pocket might find a world-class match. Yes, it is the badminton racket for kids and starters, but you can’t expect Lin Dan’s old love for unbelievable 10-12 dollars!
This racket is a solid choice with steelhead and rod, but it is well-balanced which is good for aggressive players (kids and starters). But it could be an awesome choice for schools and physical education classes.
Conclusion
Choosing a badminton racket is easy.
Choosing one that fits you best, not really.
We hope this best badminton racket 2019 report gives you a picture of what you should choose and what to look for.
If you still have no idea which one to go after, one easy way is to get the beginner level racket, and as you played for sometimes, you will start to realize what do you need.
If you are just playing it for fun with your family members at the yard, go with the cheapest ones.
So What is Your Best Badminton Racket?
Now I want to turn it over to you.
Which badminton racket are you using right now? If you don’t have one, which are you going to buy?
Comment below and let us know 🙂
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