The Best Badminton Racket Brands

There is one thing that professional and student badminton players can agree on: your Racquet can make or break your game. The fact of the matter is that most people depend on the quality and function of their Racquet more than they are probably willing to admit, and some of the best badminton players on the planet are slaves to their Racquets – unable to play at their skill level with an inferior Racquet in their hand.

What’s So Good About Yonex Badminton Rackets?

There is one single stand-out when it comes to badminton equipment in general, and that is the Yonex brand. In fact, upwards of 90% of the professional level badminton players in the world today use a Yonex Racquet each and every time they practice and/or compete. Yonex has some of the best badminton rackets in the world.

Why Yonex

One of the most notable reasons why Yonex has become such a big name in the badminton world is that they are diverse. Whether you are a novice level student or competitive level professional, there is a Yonex Racquet on the market today that is designed just for you.

With Racquet prices starting at under $20, there is really no reason at all to use an inferior product. Because Yonex has such a wide array of Racquet designs, it is a company that can grow with you as your skill level increases – so you know that when you trade up to the next level of badminton Racquet, you do not have to compromise the features that you love or the design that you have grown comfortable with.

Yonex Racket Features

Your Yonex Racquet will come with a wide array of specialized features, each one designed to facilitate the best game play possible, as well as withstand the rigors of professional-level badminton. In addition, it is always easy to find accessories and other badminton products and equipment that are designed to complement the features that you have grown to love in your Racquet itself.

Yonex Grows with you

One of the biggest selling points of a Yonex badminton racket is the fact that there is such a wide array of models and styles to choose from. This means that you will be able to find a racket to suit your skill level, whatever that may be, and you may even be able to invest in your future by purchasing a more advanced racket that will be there to suit your needs as your badminton abilities increase.

Depending on your current budget and level, you may want to purchase an inexpensive beginner racket, which may not even set you back $20. This is an inexpensive way to get started and a great option for those who are just beginning or who may not know if badminton is the sport for them.

Another option is to invest more in an intermediate or even advanced level racket that is designed for competitive level play. This will save you from having to reinvest in the future, and is an especially great idea if you are planning on sticking with badminton for years to come.

Yonex Badminton Rackets Are Used By World Class Players

Yonex badminton rackets are the most popular and are the preferred racket as opposed to other brands by the professional players. These rackets are expensive and a new model which is the Arc Saber 11 has just come out which costs $220 making the most expensive badminton racket. The other well known and top models are the Nano speed and Armortec series.

Yonex badminton rackets range from around $80 to $300 although these prices are high in comparison they are also top quality products. However there is a down side to these rackets as players frequently clash and break their rackets and unless you have insurance coverage there is no accidental cover and most of the time depending on the damage these rackets cannot be repaired.

When reading up some of the reviews on the newer Arc Saber 10 model players have stressed that these rackets are a disappointment especially after paying such a high price as they are inclined to have a weak spot and the snap easily while playing a game. This however is not good marketing for the company and many have changed over to other well known brands.

There is now strong competition when it comes to badminton rackets as many players are switching to Carlton or Wilson which is taking its toll on the Yonex badminton rackets as these other brands are putting their expertise into badminton rackets.

Where can I get one?

If you are wondering where to find the Yonex Racquet of your dreams, the good news is that you can pick one up at virtually any retailer or wholesaler that specializes in badminton equipment or even sports equipment in general. In fact, you can often get ahead of the curve by doing your shopping at one of the many online sporting goods retailers that can be found with a simple Google or Amazon search. Check out some customer reviews to find the best retailer for your needs, and look for great online-only discounts such as free shipping or percent off coupons to ensure that you get the best price possible.

Where to buy a Yonex badminton racket:

1

Yonex Duora Z Strike Badminton Racket Review

Racket TypeYonex Duora Z StrikeSpecs3U (Ave.88g) G4,5 | 2U (Ave.93g) G4,5Strings3U 20-28lbs, 2U 21-29lbsTension ...

User rating:

8.7

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2

Yonex Voltric 7 Badminton Racket Review

Racket TypeYonex Voltric 7Specs4UG4StringsBG3 Tension 24lbsGripYonex PU gripTechnologyTri-Voltage ...

8.7

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3

Yonex ArcSaber Arc Lite Badminton Racket Review

Racket TypeYonex Arcsaber LiteSpecs4UG4 (also available in G5)StringsBG3 Tension 24lbsGripYonex PU ...

User rating:

8

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Is Carlton a Good Alternative to Yonex?

Carlton Badminton Rackets

Whatever your skill level, you need a badminton racket that is designed to withstand the rigors of aggressive competitive play. Among the biggest and most recognizable names in competitive badminton play is that of Carlton badminton rackets.

Indeed, these high quality rackets are designed with the most forceful and competitive play nature in mind, and have been tested efficient under even the most strenuous of playing conditions.

The fact of the matter is, Carlton has worked tirelessly over the years to produce some of the most efficient and effective rackets on the planet, and each racket is specially designed to allow you to play with the least amount of drag and resistance possible, which means that you get the most out of every swing.

Price

Surprisingly, all of the quality that you will find in Carlton rackets doesn’t come with a hefty price tag. In fact, you can get the racket of your dreams for under $50, which leaves you with money in your pocket for the rest of the badminton accessories that are so essential for efficient and effective competitive level play.

In addition, many of these high-quality rackets are available in bundles that include a carrying case and other accessories that allow you to protect your sporting investment for years to come.

Where can I get one?

You can find Carlton badminton rackets at most higher-end sporting goods retailers and badminton specialty stores. In addition, they can sometimes be found in higher end departments stores with sporting goods departments, at least seasonally, and depending on your areas climate.

It may be in your best interest to shop around a little, as these rackets tend to vary a bit in price – this ensures that you are going to get the best possible value for your money.

Why Should I Get A Wilson Badminton Racket?

No matter your skill level, the proper badminton racket can really make your game, and can give you the edge needed to step it up that last critical notch. That being said, it can be tough to find the best racket for your skill level and budget.

With all of the competing brands out there and new, cutting edge technologies being developed seemingly every day, it can be tough to know if you are getting your money’s worth, or if it may be better to hold out for the next big debut.

Keeping all of that in mind, it is important to go with a brand that you know you can trust, and you can never go wrong with Wilson. While better known for their tennis equipment, a Wilson badminton racket is just as top of the line. They are among the most widely popular and easy to find badminton rackets in the US, and are gaining popularity in the UK as well.

Wilson K Factor

While shopping for a Wilson badminton racket, you will find that they are sold in two different classes or ranges, the first of which being K Factor.

The K Factor rackets are differentiated by four separate points that make them unique and stand out amongst the competition.

The four features are:

• Karophite Black, which are nano level structures that are intended to allow you better control and overall feel.
• The Kontour Joint, this refers to new technology used on the frame and shaft that enhances the j-joint stability of the racket.
• Konstruction, which is in reference to a new frame construction with tighter string tension.
• And finally, the Kap. This is a new top cap that gives you a more flexible shaft and even increases the power level of the racket when combined with the force of your swing.

The K Factor rackets are a bit pricey, and range from about $80 to upwards of $200 depending on the style.

N Code

The other line of Wilson badminton racket is the N Code line, which is an intermediate-advanced level of rackets. These are highly efficient and adequate rackets, but they lack the “technology” integrated into the K Factor line.

These rackets are available in six different designs, and are relatively expensive when compared to such brands as Yonex or even Carlton. However, keep in mind that they are not really intended for the novice or student level player, and if you fall into those lower skill levels, you may want to opt for a less expensive model or brand.

Where can I get one?

You can find a Wilson badminton racket at most higher end sporting goods stores, badminton specialty stores, and retailers over the world. Some models are easier to find in the US, as the brand has a bigger market here.

Are Prince Badminton Rackets As Good As Yonex?

One of the brands that have been around for some time is Prince, although they are more widely recognized for their forays into the worlds of tennis and squash rackets.

You can be assured, however, that if your do purchase a Prince badminton racket, you will be playing with one of the highest quality rackets in the world.

Despite their quality, however, they are not quite as well known among badminton enthusiasts as they are among those of other sports.

Design

It has been noted by many players and reviewers that the old Prince badminton racket design (x-axis) was notorious for having issues with string breakage, which can be a huge hassle regardless of the level you are playing on.

This was due to a poorly designed string bed, that had larger spacing than traditional badminton rackets. This was a design flaw in more ways than one, as it also led to poor control when actually making contact with the shuttlecock.

Prince has updated its design to include something called an isometric head shape, which gives players a bigger “sweet spot” and allows you to have better control of more of the shots you hit, which is invaluable.

Keep in mind that the more advanced technology is reserved for only the higher end Prince badminton racket lines, so if you don’t have the budget to pay for a pricier racket, you are going to be sacrificing a lot of quality.

Price

If you are interested in a Prince badminton racket, you may want to keep in mind that they tend to be among the pricier rackets on the market today, often costing $200 or more. It is often possible to find comparable rackets for far less money if you shop around.

Availability

The fact of the matter is that if you are looking for a Prince badminton racket, you may have a hard time finding one. They are becoming scarcer, with more models being discontinued seemingly every day and at least every season.

If you do have your heart set on a Prince, you may have to do some searching. Calling around to badminton specialty shops may be your best bet, as they tend to be hard to find, even among bigger named sporting goods retailers.

Another option is to hit the big name internet auction sites, although you will likely be getting a used racket rather than a brand new one if you go this route.

Final Tips

When shopping for a badminton racket there are a few things you should keep in mind. For example, be realistic when it comes to your specific needs, and don’t spend more than you have to on a racket.

If you are a beginner, it is not necessary to spend more on a competitive level racket. However, if you are a serious student who plans to develop your ability and reach a competitive level of play, it may be in your best interest to buy a racket intended for that level of play, rather than having to trade up in a few months.