The Best Badminton Racket – Reviews and Buying Guide

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In times gone by a badminton racket was a simple wooden racket that was heavy and didn’t perform well, but times move on and we are here to help you find the best badminton racket that is available in today’s modem age.

With new technology comes advancements and that’s the same with badminton rackets you can now get rackets different weights and different grips to suit your needs and if you haven’t seen we have put together the Best Badminton Shoes and Best Badminton Set guides, in both and including this article our recommendations are based on what’s best for the user, not the latest big name or the heights price.

We have given the top 5 Best Badminton Racket and given each a review so its much easier for you to pick your best so let’s get right into this:

Yonex Arcsaber 11 Badminton Racket

Yonex Arcsaber 11 2017/18 New Badminton Racket (Strung with NG 99 @ 24lbs)
  • Original YONEX US Version
  • Weight: 3U (Ave 88g) / Grip Size: G4 / Flex: Stiff
  • Color: Metallic Red
  • Strung with Yonex Nanogy 99 @ 24lbs (No YY Logo)
  • Frame: H.M. Graphitee , Neo CS CARBON NANOTUBE , SONIC METAL / Shaft: H.M. Graphite, Ultra PEF

Last update on 2024-08-05 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Are you a power server on the court? Do you like making the shuttlecock whistle on your returns? Add a racket to your arsenal that compliments your playing style. The Arcsaber by Yonex gives you the power and responsiveness you need on the court. Between the carbon nanotube construction and sonic metal frame, you get all of the power and durability you could want out of your racket.

This sleek modern design not only looks sharp but performs even sharper. The high tension netting and stiff carbon nanotube give it a rigidity that translates straight into power on the swing. This will give you the ultimate high propulsion serves and rapid fire returns that you crave. Your opponents won’t know what hit them. Yonex also offers different stringing options on their Arcsaber rackets. You can get them in a 24lbs or 26lbs prestrung variety or you can get it unstrung and string it yourself for the ultimate customization.

Whatever your style or your skill on the court, the Arcsaber is a great racket that will elevate anyone’s game.

  • Delivers great put backs and volleys
  • Carbon nanotube and high tension netting give it great power
  • Color: Metallic Red
  • Flex: Stiff

Dynamic Shuttle Sports Carbon Fiber Badminton Racket

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Are you an offensive badminton player looking for an edge? Do you pine after the higher end rackets but just can’t make the investment at their high prices? Then you are looking for the Dynamic Shuttle Sports Premium Hyperion KV-100 Racket. This racket is modeled off of the best rackets on the market and is specifically aimed at increasing power and returns for the offensive minded player. Taking cues from the best in the business, this racket comes with all the bells and whistles for the fraction of the cost of name brand competitors.

Not only do you get a solid racket made from the highest quality Japanese Toray carbon fiber but you also get added features. It comes with its own carrying case so you can keep your racket game ready at all times. It also comes with two additional overgrips so you can find the grip that works best for you and your play style. Give yourself a professional upgrade at an amateur price with the Dynamic Shuttle Sports Premium Hyperion KV-100 Racket.

  • Offensive racket
  • Made from high quality Japanese Toray carbon fiber
  • Modeled after the best and brightest in the business at a fraction of the cost
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Yonex Badminton Racket

YONEX Muscle Power 29 Carbon Graphite Strung Badminton Racket with Full Racket Cover (Black/White) |...
  • Muscle power frame - MP frame construction creates total unity of the string and frame through closer and tighter contact this locates the string...
  • Isometric head bigger sweet spot Built-in T-Joint - The lightweight T-Joint increases stability of the shuttle on the strings, maximizing power...
  • NEW Grommet Pattern - Single pass grommet holes for reduced string stress, maximizing performance Control Support Cap - Sharp Maneuverability
  • Specifications : Frame Material - Carbon Graphite Shaft Material - High Modulus Graphite Grip Size - G4 (3.5 inches) Balance Type - Even Balance...
  • Included Components : 1 x Badminton Racquet with Cover.

Last update on 2024-08-05 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Yonex is back with yet another high quality racket ready for your game. The Muscle Power series is just that – all about the power. This racket comes with the highest quality, high tension strings. You won’t drop a point or lose power because of a poorly strung racket ever again. IT shows up right to your door ready to go. This racket is perfect for players of all styles, experience, and skill levels. Whether you just want a racket to play in a backyard summer league or if you are traveling with a team, Yonex has you covered.

With the high tension strings, durable frame, light weight body and the no slip grip tape, this racket has it all. It also comes with a convenient carrying case for storage and travel. Once this racket shows up at your door, it will be game ready and the case and grip tape make sure that it stays game ready for as long as you are.

  • Muscle Power racket by Yonex is great for all skill levels and play styles
  • High tension strings won’t lose their rigidity or shape
  • Comes with handle grip and carrying case so you’re always ready

YONEX Badminton Racket Nanoray Series

YONEX Badminton Racket Nanoray Series 2018 with Full Cover Professional Graphite Carbon Shaft Light...
  • Description: High repulsion power for quick attacking.
  • Item Code: NR10 / Flex:Hi-Flex / Frame: Graphite / Shaft: Graphite, NANOMESH + CARBON NANOTUBE
  • Stringing Advice: 3U 19-24 lbs / Weight & Grip Size: 3U (Ave.88g) G5

Last update on 2024-08-05 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Yonex, the number one name in high quality badminton rackets is back with their Nanoray series. If you’re looking for a flexible racket with lower tension strings then this is the exact racket for you. Yonex knows not everyone plays with the same style or mentality during the diverse game of badminton which is why they have continued to make a variety of different rackets for different styles.

Instead of the usual 26lbs tension weight, this one comes in at 19lbs. The body and frame are reated highly flexible. Instead of the plodding power returner, this racket is for those who love to attack quickly and nimbly near the net. The graphite frame and the nanomesh and carbon nanotube shaft means that this racket is both high quality, light, and durable. The perfect racket for those looking to play either casually or professionally.

  • Another winner produced by Yonex
  • High flex frame is perfect for fast attacks
  • Light and aero resistant make your swings faster without losing grip
  • The isometric frame keeps strings taught without having a higher tension weight

Wilson Matchpoint Badminton Racket

WILSON Sporting Goods Matchpoint Badminton Racket, Yellow, 660 mm, WRT8902
  • 2-piece construction
  • Lightweight aluminum frame
  • Soft traction grip

Last update on 2024-08-02 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Do you want to get into badminton but you are put off by the high prices of the more competitive rackets on the market? Not to worry. Wilson, America’s sporting goods manufacturer, is here with a casual racket that everyone will love. Their lightweight, two-piece construction gives you a racket you can use but won’t have you worrying about the price or the details. Perfect for the backyard net or beach game, Wilson offers an all around great racket geared for the casual and afternoon player.

With its lightweight aluminum frame, soft traction grip, and high tension strings with the classic Wilson W embedded in it, this racket cuts a nice profile. It has everything you need to play comfortably and play well no matter what the circumstances. The racket breaks down for easy storage, cleaning, or travel. It has soft grips so you stay comfortable and capable during play.

  • A capable and sleek racket that won’t break the bank
  • High tension strings for excellent put backs
  • Perfect for a casual player or someone who wants to take it along to the beach
  • Soft grips keep you on point and comfortable during long volleys

Best Badminton Racket Buying Guide and Tips

The fact that some of the most excellent and experienced badminton players across the world choose to play with a single or certain badminton racket(s) only speaks volumes about how important it is to choose the right racket to ace a game of badminton.

Why do I need a special badminton racket?

If one is a beginner, they might not need to get a special badminton racket as they need to learn the game first before buying specialised equipment. However, as soon as one moves to slightly challenging games or starts to regularly play it, it is important to switch to a badminton racket.

A badminton racket will provide certain properties that make it easier to play the game, boosting the chances of success. Since such a racket is designed specifically for badminton, one would need to put in less physical effort while handling the shutter in the game. Also, these rackets allow more accurate and powerful shots with greater finesse.

What is the difference between a normal sports racket and a badminton racket?

A normal sports racket differs from a badminton racket because the latter and all its features are designed while keeping badminton, its rules, and the types of shots involved in it in mind. As a result, the weight, shaft stiffness, frame size and shape, balance point, grip, and the overall quality is tailor-made for badminton.

These factors are discussed in detail further in the article.

Common problems badminton players get with their hands

Badminton players may suffer from these problems due to the regular use of a racket.

Rotator Cuff Injury

This is essentially shoulder pain caused by deep stress in the shoulders. This is mostly due to overhead shots and it damages the muscles surrounding the shoulder joint.

Hand Tendinopathies

This is a tendon disorder and results in pain and swelling of the hands. Moreover, severe cases might result in impaired function of the hands. Apart from hands, wrist tendinopathies are also quite common in badminton players.

Besides these, a general strain on the hands, shoulders, and wrist is also observed in badminton players.

What to consider when buying a badminton racket?

While quality is a relatively vague and difficult factor to analyse when buying a badminton racket, the following should be considered when making this purchase. It is important to remember that buying the right badminton racket can strongly boost one’s chances of success at a game.

Weight

No matter how good a racket is in terms of other important determining factors, one would not be able to play well if the weight is not right.

If the racket is too heavy for a person to handle properly, it would take away from their agility and prevent them from hitting quick smashes. On the flip side, if a racket is too lightweight it might not be able to deliver powerful shots or might succumb to multiple powerful smashes and easily break.

This is why consideration of the overall weight of the racket as well as its weight relative to the person/people who would be using it is vital.

Grip

This refers to how firmly a racket can be held. Many rackets come with a rubber grip which is usually excellent due to the friction it provides. This friction makes it easy to hold onto the racket without the fear of it accidentally slipping down.

However, some people might not prefer a rubber grip, for example, someone with very sweaty hands. Therefore, it is recommended to choose a racket that fits one’s personal needs and demands.

Shaft Stiffness

When a shot is hit with the racket, the shaft might bend a little due to it being flexible. This makes the shot less accurate and less powerful. Therefore, it is often recommended to choose a racket with a stiff shaft.

Shaft stiffness adds to the ease of handling the racket and delivering accurate, powerful shots. However, this factor also, slightly varies from person to person as some people find it difficult to play with a very stiff shaft.

Comfort

Similar to how the ideal weight of a racket varies from person to person, the level of comfort a racket provides is also dependent upon the person using it. Even if a racket boasts prime features, if a person is not comfortable using it, it’s not for them.

A racket that provides comfort while playing is one with the right weight and grip. This will ensure that the focus of the player remains on the game and its strategies and not holding the racket upright.

Frame Shape

Badminton rackets usually come in two shapes: oval and isometric.

The oval shape is the traditional one and is good if one wants a very concentrated sweet spot or if they are looking for more playing area. Such frames are spacious and therefore there is more space to hit the smashes from. Hence, an oval frame is suitable for an expert.

The isometric shape enlarges the sweet spot and is usually chosen for its ability to offer more power in the smashes. Also, this frame makes it easier to hit quality shots which is why beginners are recommended to use an isometric frame.

That being said, rackets with oval frames are not very readily available these days, increasing the popularity of isometric framed-rackets.

Balance Point

Selecting a racket with the right balance is a test of patience but very crucial, nonetheless. Beginners are recommended to choose rackets with a head light while experts used to playing challenging games should go for a head heavy racket.

Furthermore, beginners should opt for a racket with a lighter head and a lighter frame.

A racket with its balance point towards the head is good for powerful smashes whereas if the balance point lies towards the handle, it gives better control.

However, if one has already bought a racket, here’s what they can do. If they prefer power over control, they can wrap the head of the racket as this would give a heavier head and resultantly, more power. Those looking for control over power need to add more weight to the handle by adding a heavier grip to the handle or changing the stringing of the racket to a lighter one.

Best Badminton Racket Brands

Keeping the aforementioned features in view, the following are some of the most popular and highly-recommended badminton racket brands worldwide.

Yonex

One of the most popular and trusted brands for badminton equipment, Yonex produces very high-quality and in-demand rackets. These are known not only for how durable they are but the stable and cute smashes that they allow.

A common misconception among many is that rackets from such top brands are well-suited for professional players and experts only. However, Yonex also produces rackets what can be easily used by beginners too.

Wilson

Although this brand sells internationally, its rackets are most used and popular in North America. The high quality of the rackets results from the fine material used to manufacture them. These rackets, also, can be used by both experts and amateurs, which makes them some of the most highly recommended rackets.

Victor

Another household name when it comes to badminton rackets, Victor is perfect for those who aim for a high-quality racket suitable for power-packed smashes. Interestingly, this doesn’t mean that the rackets are heavy or difficult to use. Victor rackets are lightweight which makes it very easy to play using them.

The durability of the rackets comes from the use of carbon graphite as one of their manufacturing components. In addition to this, not only are these rackets used by some of the most prominent badminton players worldwide but amateurs also prefer this brand.

FZ-Forza

Based in Denmark, FZ-Forza is a well-known name when it comes to the production of badminton equipment. The rackets made by FZ-Forza are extremely popular among badminton lovers worldwide for the high quality they offer at very affordable rates. Therefore, FZ-Forza rackets are competing with other major badminton racket brands by offering the same kind of product at a much cheaper cost.

Another highlight of this brand’s rackets is their attention-grabbing and detailed designs which adds to the popularity of the brand.

Ashaway

This British brand needs no introduction as it produces a hefty amount of leading sports goods and equipment worldwide. Its rackets boast stylish designs and a smooth matt finish, making it extremely sought-after. These rackets are also known for the powerful smashes they deliver.

The Atomic series by this brand features rackets which have the popular HEX frame technology. Moreover, one of the materials used for the manufacturing of these rackets is graphite which adds to their strength and durability.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are some badminton rackets unisex?

Yes. In fact, most of the badminton rackets are unisex.

How to maintain a badminton racket?

Store the racket properly in its case or cover. Restring the racket if the tension in the string is not correct. Take care of the grommets to avoid the string from causing damage to the racket. Use a protection tape for the racket frame. Lastly, store the racket in a cool and dry place.

How long do badminton rackets last?

While the exact answer depends upon the type, quality, and use of the racket, they can generally last up to 3 years if they are maintained well.

Conclusion

We hope that you enjoyed this guide and it helps you find the Best Badminton Racket for when you next hit the court. Everyone will have their own version of what the best is but our aim was to point you in the direction of some of the best out there to narrow you choices down.