The Best Badminton Racket to Buy in 2021: Reviews and Buyer’s Guide
Looking for the best badminton racket? We feel your pain. Finding a badminton racket is no easy feat, especially considering that this is not necessarily the most common sport or recreational activity. But, it’s important to ensure that you have a well-made racket if you want to perform at your best on the field.
We highly recommend that beginner players read through this entire guide to help you understand what to look for in a badminton racket and how to get the most out of it. One of the most important considerations to make when looking for the best badminton racket is whether you want to prioritize control or power.
Although rackets do exist that offer the best of both worlds, they are extremely rare which is why we’ve decided to do the groundwork to help take the guesswork out of finding this very important piece of equipment.
Table of Contents
- 1 Best Badminton Rackets Reviewed
- 2 Yonex Voltric Z Force II 2 Badminton Racket
- 3 Senston N80 Graphite High-Grade Badminton Racquet
- 4 YONEX Duora 10 Badminton Racket
- 5 Yonex Nanoray 900 Badminton Racket
- 6 Yonex Nanoray Z Speed Badminton Racket
- 7 Yonex Duora Z Badminton Racket
- 8 Yonex Carbonex 8000 Plus Badminton Racket
- 9 YONEX Astrox FB Medium Flex Badminton Racket
- 10 Carlton Kinesis Badminton Racket
- 11 WHIZZ Heavy Duty Graphite Badminton Racket
- 12 RiteTrak Sports FiberFlash 7 Badminton Racket Set
- 13 Dynamic Shuttle Sports Titan G-Force 7 Professional Badminton Racket
- 14 How to Pick the Best Badminton Rackets
- 15 Types of Badminton Rackets
- 16 Benefits of Quality Badminton Rackets
- 17 How to Hold Your Badminton Racket Like a Professional
- 18 How to Properly Maintain Your Badminton Racket
- 19 Frequently Asked Questions
- 20 Final Thoughts
Best Badminton Rackets Reviewed
As promised, below we bring you a selection of the best badminton rackets on the market. Read on to find out more:
| IMAGE | NAME | RATING | Where To Buy | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best Racket of 2021 | Best Racket of 2021  | Yonex Voltric Z Force 2 | Check On Amazon | |
| Best for the price | Best for the price  | Senston N80 Graphite | Check On Amazon | |
| Best for power shots | Best for power shots  | YONEX Duora 10 | Check On Amazon | |
| Best for pros | Best for pros  | Yonex Nanoray 900 | Check On Amazon | |
| Fastest racket in the world | Fastest racket in the world  | Yonex Nanoray Z Speed | Check On Amazon | |
| Viktor Axelsen’s favorite | Viktor Axelsen’s favorite  | Yonex Duora Z | Check On Amazon | |
| Made with Ti technology | Made with Ti technology  | Yonex Carbonex 8000 Plus | Check On Amazon | |
| Very well-priced | Very well-priced  | YONEX Astrox FB | Check On Amazon | |
| Super easy to maneuver | Super easy to maneuver  | Carlton Kinesis | Check On Amazon | |
| The most durable | The most durable  | WHIZZ Heavy Duty Graphite | Check On Amazon | |
| Stylish and unique design | Stylish and unique design  | RiteTrak Sports FiberFlash 7 | Check On Amazon | |
| Suitable for professionals | Suitable for professionals  | Dynamic Shuttle Sports Titan G7 | Check On Amazon |
Yonex Voltric Z Force II 2 Badminton Racket
Final Score
Detailed Review
You’ll be glad to know that this is a lightweight racket with a super-thin shaft that prevents aerodynamic repulsion. However, this doesn’t take away from the racket’s sense of control and durability due to its tungsten grommet strips, it’s still one of the best badminton rackets.
All of these features are important to ensure optimal performance on the court and because it comes with a complimentary Voltric racket cover, you have a simple and easy way to carry and store it either at home or while you’re traveling.
This racket is effortlessly adjustable which only adds to its exceptional on the court performance. It has a nice thin shaft that determines its aerodynamic head work and it feels incredibly comfortable. But, one of the first things that we noticed when handling this racket is simply how powerful it feels in the hand, and it offers controlled off-center hitting and incredible accuracy overall.
Senston N80 Graphite High-Grade Badminton Racquet
Final Score
Detailed Review
In addition to being comfortable and sturdy, this racket is designed to reduce shoulder pain thanks to how lightweight it is. Each racket only weighs 75 grams and allows for long-term play with no pain, while the T-join internal design makes for even more comfort.
You’ll certainly enjoy the high-precision control offered by this racket and it’s perfectly complemented by the grippy non-slip handle as well. To top it off, this company offers the best customer service in the business so that’s awesome.
YONEX Duora 10 Badminton Racket
Final Score
Detailed Review
If you’re looking to improve your response time, then this racket is perfect for you and it will also do wonders for your defensive game as mentioned and it’s a great way to improve your game as you make your way to the professional court.
It’s worth noting that this racket is made with an AERO frame which requires more hand power while the G4 grip allows you to customize its handling whether strung or unstrung. This means that you can string your racket to meet your needs and preferences and it’s the type of design that lends itself to each player’s needs. For intermediate players it is one of the best badminton rackets you can find.
Yonex Nanoray 900 Badminton Racket
It sports a heavy head that makes it easy to transfer power from the hands, allowing you to deliver some powerful shots. Part of what’s so impressive about this model is the fact that it’s made according to advanced technology and it sports multi-color stripes over the gray color tones, making for an incredibly stylish look. It’s one of the best badminton rackets you can find.
Final Score
Detailed Review
This racket is definitely perfect for aggressive players or anyone out there who wants to be an aggressive player. You’ll find that the shuttle spins more widely which helps to improve your defensive game by cutting your opponent’s smashes.
There’s also a nice grommet pattern on this racket with additional stringing holes to improve your power delivery and overall performance on the court. The frame’s aerodynamic design helps to reduce air drag while allowing you to increase swing speeds. Speaking of the frame, its isometric design allows you to deliver targeted shots like a pro.
The racket’s innovative shaft is super slim yet durable which is just what you need, in addition to its lightweight design to deliver powerful serve time and time again for those prolonged games. All in all, this is a high-quality badminton racket that will help to up your smashing game by 100.
Yonex Nanoray Z Speed Badminton Racket
You’ll certainly thank yourself for buying it when you notice your performance improving and it looks amazing with its stunning design. The frame features a combination of black and red colors while its scarlet tones make it stand out even more.
Final Score
Detailed Review
This is in addition to its X-Fullerene technology which is designed to provide better stability and repulsion power. The racket itself is made from Sonic Metal which is a durable material that makes for an effortless snap back and it’s what produces that whip sound as you serve and it provides powerful and accurate shots overall.
It’s worth noting the Yonex’s Nanoray Z Speed frame which is flexible and powerful at the same time. This is all thanks to the large but thin frame which provides you with the best of both worlds. It definitely plays a huge role in your performance on the court and you’ll be impressed with what it does with the clears. It’s made from a graphite shaft which is durable enough to help you smash harder than other players on the court because you’ll be doing so effortlessly.
This racket is really easy to use and thanks to the technology that’s utilized in making it, it offers truly amazing performance and will turn you into an impressive player on the court in no time.
Yonex Duora Z Badminton Racket
It’s perfect for professional play due to its powerful delivery, ease of control, and overall performance. It feels solid on the hands and is super comfortable to handle and play with.
Final Score
Detailed Review
This is a rather lightweight model that delivers the most powerful serves ever and it’s well-strung using hard nylon strings so it’s perfect for seasoned players and professional games.
You’ll find that it’s easy to make well-planned clears and enjoy smooth play with this racket, so racking up points won’t be a problem and your wrists will never get tired no matter how long you play. This is the best badminton racket for aspiring pro players.
Yonex Carbonex 8000 Plus Badminton Racket
Final Score
Detailed Review
The racket head has a unique oval shape that allows you to make constant strikes without losing control or power during the course of the game. The frame is constructed from aluminum while the shaft is made from graphite.
Its strings feel solid and give you all the power you need to confidently strike any ball on the court, while the elastic Ti technology helps to preserve the racket for longer in order to prevent deformation. Basically, it allows the racket to stretch and recover upon impact in order to maintain its shape over time. It really is one of the best badminton rackets out there.
YONEX Astrox FB Medium Flex Badminton Racket
This high-quality racket offers great value for money as it’s made with a super durable and quality frame and it’s attractive to the eye.
Final Score
Detailed Review
It’s super lightweight and comfortable to handle thanks to its comfy handle grip, and it’s durably made and long-lasting which is great.
However, it’s not necessarily perfect because the strings are a bit looser than we would have expected and you might feel the need to tighten them a bit if you plan on improving your game. But, this is still the best badminton racket for beginners in our opinion.
Carlton Kinesis Badminton Racket
This makes it perfect for anyone looking to improve their skills as a player because it will do wonders for your accuracy and control in the game. That’s because Carlton offers a medium flex shaft which makes it feel nice and balanced on your hands.
Final Score
Detailed Review
All told, the Carlton is the perfect racket for beginner players who really want to go all out and excel on the court. It feels solid which means that it offers the best control possible and you’ll find that it makes it super easy to improve your playing speed.
The best part about this racket is the fact that it feels super comfortable to hold and it won’t stress the grip area at all. Instead, it’ll make it easier for you to enjoy fast swings in a controlled manner and you can use it to your benefit whether you’re on the attack or defense mode.
WHIZZ Heavy Duty Graphite Badminton Racket
Final Score
Detailed Review
This high-quality racket is also covered in Grommet Strip to protect from all types of damage as well. The built-in graphite T-joint makes it one of the most durable models available and it perfectly complements the racket’s isometric head shape.
Overall, this is a great racket for recreational, school sports, and family entertainment purposes. Plus, it comes with a bag that’s large enough for both rackets so you’ll never have an issue carrying them around.
RiteTrak Sports FiberFlash 7 Badminton Racket Set
Final Score
Detailed Review
They’re also rather tightly strung and the shaft is different from ones that typically use the regular T connector and use a one-piece design instead where the racket head and shaft are effortlessly connected.
Dynamic Shuttle Sports Titan G-Force 7 Professional Badminton Racket
This is the perfect racket for anyone wanting to cultivate dynamic and versatile gameplay where you’re able to switch between different styles in a way that keeps the opponent on their toes.
Final Score
Detailed Review
It’s a pretty lightweight racket that weighs just 82 grams and it comes with a medium flex shaft that allows for better birdie control overall. You’ll also find that it’s easier for you to smash the cock and control the net simultaneously during the game.
You can tell that this is a well-made badminton racket due to the attention to detail which is evidence of thoughtful manufacturing processes and extensive testing. That’s why it’s considered to be the best badminton racket for professional-grade performances.
The built-in T-joint only serves to cement its reputation in this regard because it allows for continued strength from the shaft to the frame.
How to Pick the Best Badminton Rackets
Do you need help determining what the best badminton racket to buy for your particular gameplay level is? We’re here to help.
After having done all of the legwork required to choose a high-quality functional badminton racket, we bring you this comprehensive guide with all the important information you need and considerations to make in order to find a good badminton racket.
Material
If you’re an aspiring pro badminton player then you should seriously consider investing in a carbon-fiber racket that will be lightweight and aerodynamically beneficial.
That’s why you’ll often find this type of racket in professional tournaments and leagues.
These types of rackets can also be constructed from lightweight steel or aluminum but you must be aware that each material comes with its own unique set of pros and cons to be aware of.
For best results, do your due diligence on every type of racket that you’re considering just to be on the safe side.
Game Type
You should also think about your preferred gameplay and playing style to determine the best badminton racket for your needs.
A heavy racket is a regular appearance with single match players as it provides more power and control to be exerted over the racket while allowing you to deliver more smashes.
However, if you like playing a lot of doubles games then you’ll do well with lightweight rackets that allow you to play a fast game so that you can keep up with your opponents easily.
Balance Point
Badminton rackets come in three different tape weight levels, namely light head, heavy head, and balanced. This is typically indicated on the racket’s frame.
Heavy head rackets offer better smashing power by contributing to the momentum of your swing. This is what helps a lot of professional players to deliver powerful shots.
However, it’s important to note that rackets with a heavier head tend to lead to slower reaction times due to the weakened defensive play. Your wrists will also feel the extra weight when hitting those defensive blocks and quick drives.
On the other hand, headlight rackets offer better performance on fast drive exchanges, as the light weight makes it possible to quickly improve your defensive abilities and short reaction times.
The only bad thing about a lighter head is that it won’t enable you to enjoy those powerful smashes but it compensates for that by increasing your speed.
Weight
One of the most important features to keep in mind when looking for the best badminton racket is the weight of the thing.
Lightweight rackets of between 85 to 90g come highly recommended for beginners, especially the ones that have a lower balance point. That’s because this makes for easier maneuverability.
It’s also easier to recover when using a lightweight racket as opposed to a heavier one which plays a huge role in your ability to deliver quick serves, recover, and easily switch between different strokes.
A lightweight racket is also less demanding on the wrists and shoulders, allowing you to play for longer while reducing the risk of injuries.
String Tension
Next, check the level of tension on your racket’s string. All you have to do is press the palm of your hand against the string. If it sinks beyond the preferable 1mm level then it’s not strong enough.
The good news is that you can customize your racket string in order to increase its tension.
While regions do vary, beginners are recommended to start with a weight of 22 to 23 pounds while it is recommended to expand it even higher if you live in tropical areas that are prone to heat and humidity.
On the other hand, players who live in colder climates require less tension on their racket strings.
Shaft
Look at the type of material that’s used to make the shaft out of, with the most common types of materials used being tungsten and graphite.
Consider the flexibility and stiffness of the shaft as that will play a role in the racket’s level of control and power as well as its bendability. Flexible shafts come highly recommended for players that have a slower swing overall.
Due to their flexibility, the flexible shafts are easily bendable which makes for faster and more explosive swings and comfortability, but they don’t deliver though when it comes to power and they live much to be desired in terms of control.
Hand Grip
Now the racket babel has two main types of hand grips, namely:
- Towel Grips: This type of grip is incredibly soft and has been shown to keep the hands dry while allowing you to remain comfortable throughout your game. The only downside is that this type of grip tends to harbor germs and bacteria.
- Synthetic Grips: Most babel come with synthetic grips which are known for their slick grip, but this is probably because they’re not able to absorb sweat.
They’re available in four different sizes to suit players of different experience levels and preferences.
For instance, if you want a tighter feel, then you should look for a babel with a larger grip while a smaller babel offers better maneuverability overall.
Handle
The racket handle is very important in determining your performance because the correct grip will help you deliver flawless shots every single time.
Look out for cushioned handles if you’re prone to sweaty palms and make sure that it’s of a balanced weight and overall size because extremely large or long handles can be detrimental to your performance.
Stiffness
It’s also important to consider your racket shaft’s flexibility level as it can also affect your performance and on the court game. There are three different stiffness levels that badminton rackets come in namely, stiff, medium, and flexible.
The flexibility level that you pick will depend on your swing speed. The stiffer the shaft is the more suitable it is for aggressive players, while allowing for quick arm and wrist movements.
As you can imaginable, flexible shafts are incredibly bendable thus making it ideal for delivering fast and more explosive swings. This makes this particular racket ideal for players that prefers slow and smooth movements.
Flexible shaft rackets are also known to be more comfortable overall, thus resulting in more power and control for the player on the court.
Frame Shape
Beware of the racket’s shape as well, which is either an isometric or an oval shape. Each of these shapes has a different role to play in the racket’s performance and sweet spot.
Most rackets come with an oval-shaped frame which is a bit trickier to navigate but if you’re looking to land quality shots then this is the racket to go for.
But, you’re going to need quite a bit of experience to succeed with this type of racket, especially between the shuttle and sweet spot.
Keep in mind that square-shaped or isometric rackets are usually very effective at landing on that sweet spot, thus allowing you to make high-quality shots with way less effort.
Price
The more affordable a racket is, the more flexible and lightweight it is.
This type of racket is typically recommended for beginners while more experienced players will need more high-end rackets that offer better features and building materials.
Types of Badminton Rackets
Now, it comes down to whether or not you’re looking for a badminton racket for smash and control or one that works for intermediate players.
The best type of badminton racket for each of these applications is typically determined by the type of grip that it’s made from as different players prefer different grips.
Read on to find out the different types of badminton rackets available and what they have to offer each player.
Towel Grip Rackets
Like we said, the grip is very important when it comes to shopping for a new racket. Ideally, you want a racket with a non-slip grip that feels comfortable on your hands.
A towel grip rackets first this description perfectly and is known for its anti-slip quality as well as its ability to absorb sweat.
The only downside with this type of grip racket is that they tend to become a breeding ground for sweat and bacterial overgrowth which necessitates more maintenance.
Synthetic Grip Rackets
Next, we’ve got synthetic grip rackets which are rather sturdy and don’t require as much maintenance because they’re less prone to dirt.
This type of grip racket feels smooth and is considered to be more hygienic overall. However, using them for long periods of time can lead to an uncomfortable sensation.
High Tension Racket
Rackets that come with higher tension strings are also great for professional badminton players.
However, if you’re a beginner or intermediate player then you should stick to regular tension ones before you attempt to use this category of racket.
Lightweight Rackets
Lightweight rackets are perfect for beginners because they’re super easy to use, they allow for fast serves, and they don’t weigh a lot.
The best part is that they won’t strain your muscles at all which helps to reduce the risk of injury even with regular use.
Heavyweight Rackets
Heavyweight rackets are typically reserved for more experienced players because they allow for more power and control as well as higher balance points.
However, if you’re a beginner or intermediate player, then you might have a harder time controlling them.
Benefits of Quality Badminton Rackets
Here’s why you should invest in a high-quality badminton racket:
Versatility
The quality of your badminton racket will largely determine its ability to help you deliver a combination of long shots as well as smaller quick shots.
Quality
Of course, the best badminton rackets are typically made from the best materials available, with the most common options being steel, graphite, aluminum, and wood. These types of rackets usually don’t come cheap but they’re well worth the price.
Ease to Use
Look out for rackets that are comfortable to handle because they’ll be easier to shoot, swing, and move around.
Smoothness
You’ll know that you have a top-quality racket when you’re able to use it for both singles and doubles game with a smooth transition.
Balance
High-quality badminton rackets usually weigh less as well as enabling you to make responsive shots with ease.
How to Hold Your Badminton Racket Like a Professional
One of the reasons why badminton is so attractive to many people both as a sport and a recreational activity is simply because of how easy it is to learn and practice. It’s also a lot of fun, especially once you figure out how to handle your racket.
To make sure that you’re handling your racket properly, hold it as if you’re shaking someone’s hand.
This means that your thumb should press against the grip’s wider surface while the rest of the hand goes to the rest of the handle. Your ability to hold the racket handle properly will determine the flexibility of your wrist.
Remember that you only need three fingers on the racket handle at all times, including the index finger, the middle finger, and the thumb. The rest of the fingers should be left to grip your racket handle more loosely.
Handling your badminton racket comfortably in this way will allow for better performance and more effective gameplay overall.
You also want to avoid holding the racket too tight because this could lead to less flexibility on the wrist and you don’t want that.
How to Properly Maintain Your Badminton Racket
Once you’ve found the best badminton racket, you want to maintain it properly in order to extend its lifespan and ensure long-term performance as it gets older and you continue to use it over time.
The good news is that maintaining a badminton racket is pretty easy, especially if you follow these simple tips and tricks:
Don’t Scrape the Shuttlecock
A lot of people just don’t take care of their rackets and one of the worst habits that they have is scraping off the shuttlecock on the floor.
This leads to damage particularly on the racket frame and can damage the grommets and strings as well. For best results, protect the shuttlecock from scratches as much as possible and you’ll thank yourself for it.
Make Sure You Store It in the Right Place
Store your badminton racket in an appropriate place, preferably a safe space that won’t expose it to damage or moisture in any way.
The good news is that most rackets come with their own storage bags which are cushioned to protect them from damage and you can always buy this racket bag if yours doesn’t come with one.
So, be sure to place your badminton racket inside a bag when it’s not in use and you’ll have won half the battle when it comes to its maintenance.
Change the Grip
You should also change your racket’s grip if it’s the cushioned type because the grip affects your flexibility and power on the court very much so it’s a very important part of your gameplay.
It’s especially important to change your badminton racket’s grip if it’s made from towel material otherwise, it might end up with a lot of bacteria due to the build-up of moisture that goes unchecked.
Restring Regularly
Strings are one of the most important features of any badminton racket because they play a huge role in its performance and ability to help you deliver powerful serves on the court.
That’s why it’s recommended to restring the racket regularly to help prevent string tension loss.
If you’re a regular player who uses your racket multiple times a week then you’ll want to restring it regularly throughout the year as well.
Frequently Asked Questions
If like most people, you plan on purchasing your racket from an online source, then you should ensure that its grip size is suitable for you particularly. You can ask the retailer or go to the company’s online forum to find out what grip size is suitable for you. Ideally, you want to make sure that your racket is the right grip size so that you can get the most out of it, with most rackets coming with grips sized between 3.25 and 4 inches.
You’ll know that you need a new racket when it starts to require regular repairs. It’s actually better and cheaper to buy a new racket once an older one starts acting up because repairs can be costly.
Beginner players are typically recommended to opt for a badminton racket that has less tensioned strings and the same goes for defensive players as well. High tension strings are mostly recommended for professional players and all you need to do is look at the racket to determine its string tension levels. If you’re unsure, feel free to ask the retailer just to be sure.
You should also pay attention to whether or not the racket is pre-stringed or not because you might be getting one that only comes with the frame. For best results, it is recommended to opt for a factory strung model because it takes the guesswork out of everything for you.
It’s important to note here that high-end rackets are typically made in a particular way following very specific guidelines so they can only be serviced by the manufacturer because they are designed to have very ergonomic grips so rectifying their defects is a painstakingly particular experience. So, it helps to ensure that the racket is backed by a generous warranty to protect against any future defects.
If you prefer to play singles games, then you’ll need heavier rackets that offer 3U weights while doubles players typically prefer 4U weighted rackets. That’s because the latter type of racket requires short sharp racket motion and super-fast reflexes. That’s the beauty of a lightweight racket.
Another reason that makes badminton an attractive recreational activity is just how affordable it is, and this is evident in the cost of the rackets. However, the more experienced you are, the more expensive your rackets will be.
A lot of rackets come with strapped zip covers that make it easy to travel with your racket like a backpack. Others even come with a headcover or even full covers. For best results, it’s often recommended to opt for a racket that comes with a default cover so that you don’t have to buy one separately.
Final Thoughts
Well, there you have it! That’s how you shop for the best badminton racket on the market and you now have the keys to find one that works for your unique needs, including your gameplay and playing style.
If we were to pick just one option out of all of the different badminton rackets that we reviewed and tested, it would be the Yonex Voltric Z Force 2 Badminton Racket.
Why? Because it’s affordable, lightweight, and made with a useful handle that makes it easy to operate and handle. It’s also incredibly flexible, allowing you to deliver a wide variety of different shots while offering a decent amount of power.
Overall, it’s the perfect badminton racket for beginner and intermediate level players, and it’s made to last from the best materials available.
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