The bound, the wind, and the electric crack of a well-executed smash. The shuttlecock coming down like lightning at 200 miles per hour. For fanatics, a pro badminton match is as mesmerizing as the roar of a thunderstorm. And now, you want to get in on the fun. Step one: get a good racket. Rackets vary in size, flexibility, and weight; each adjustment is made to suit a certain playing style. So, what racket should your humble amateur play with?
For casual players, our pick is the Senston N80. It's lightweight, making it easy to control and easy on the joints. Use it to perfect your form and technique and then move on to a more advanced racket. See more of our top badminton rackets below. And if you're having trouble deciding which one is right for you, check out our buying guide, which is full of information about racket weights, shaft flexibility, string tension, and more!
Quick List - Top Badminton Rackets
mybest US' editing team consists of experienced members who have backgrounds in writing, editing, translation, and more. We are dedicated to researching what makes a product or service the best to users in the US in order to create top-quality articles. From skincare, to kitchen appliances, and to DIY supplies, our mission is to find the best ones for you.
Table of Contents
Every mybest article is crafted with hours of in-depth research and interviews with experts. Each month, we are continually expanding our database of products based on our research. By emphasizing user insight and reliable information, we deliver trustworthy content to readers.
Whether you're playing singles or doubles, your badminton racket will be your most important partner. Here are some things to consider when making your choice.
Note that weight systems can vary by manufacturer, so look at the weight in grams for the most accurate measurement.
Lighter rackets (around 4U) are easier to hold and maneuver. They also put less stress on the shoulders and wrists, making them ideal for beginners and older players.
They also make it easier to switch between different strokes and recover quickly, leading to faster reaction times. For this reason, they're also great for technical players and doubles players.
On the other hand, heavier rackets (around 3U) are more powerful. Since they weigh more, they can be unwieldy for beginners, but for more experienced players they provide stability and an extra boost of power. Singles players tend to prefer heavier rackets.
Head light rackets are easier to control and suited for the kind of fine work needed at the net during doubles play. However, they generate less overall power. Head heavy rackets are better suited for singles games and add extra power to shots. They're slower than head light rackets and can be tiring if your game lasts a long time.
Even balanced rackets are good all-rounder rackets and fall in between head light and head heavy. They can be used in singles or doubles games, providing a balance of power and mobility.
Most manufacturers categorize the shaft of the racket as flexible, medium, or stiff, depending on how easily it can bend.
Flexible rackets will bend easily, store energy, and then snap forward during your swing. This means that the player has to exert less overall force, although it's more difficult to land perfectly accurate shots. But for beginners, who should be focusing more on form, the flex comes in handy.
Stiff rackets require more power to bend but unbend more quickly, leading to increased power, control, and accuracy for strong players. If you have a slower swing, a stiff racket will absorb your power rather than sending it into the shuttlecock, so stiff rackets are best for intermediate to advanced players.
Grip size standards vary across manufacturers but are often denoted by a G, with smaller numbers for larger hand sizes. G4 and G5 are the most common. The grip size can be adjusted by using different grips or adding grip tape, so as a general rule, a smaller grip size has more flexibility.
A lower tension (18 to 23 pounds) is better for beginners, while a higher tension (24 to 30 pounds) provides improved control and accuracy for more advanced players.
Manufacturers will list a recommended tension range on their rackets. Pay attention to this; stringing outside of the range can void your warranty.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Senston N80|2 pack | ![]() | A Lightweight Pair for Casual Play | |
2 | Dynamic Shuttle Sports Titan G-Force 7 | ![]() | An All-Rounder for Offense and Defense | |
3 | Yonex Nanoray Light 18i | ![]() | Slice Through the Air Like a Blade | |
4 | Wilson Matchpoint Badminton Racket | ![]() | A Solid Beginner Racket | |
5 | Yonex Muscle Power 22 Plus | ![]() | Perfect Your Smashes | |
6 | Yonex Muscle Power 29 Lite | ![]() | A Powerful Racket That Won't Tire You Out | |
7 | Yonex Arcsaber 69 Rudy Hartono Special Edition | ![]() | Develop Your Defense Skills | |
8 | Champion Sports Badminton Racket | ![]() | A Low Investment Racket to Get Your Toes Wet | |
9 | Oppum Carbon Fiber Composite Badminton Racket|2 pack | ![]() | Rackets for Two Get You Ready to Play | |
10 | BSN Sports Badminton Racquet (Prism Pack)|6 pack | ![]() | A Racket Party Pack |
Though you aren’t going to be seeing the N80 at the Olympics anytime soon, it’s an excellent racket for beginners. It’s very light, graded at 5U, with a non-slip handle, making it kind on your shoulders and wrists. And with two rackets in one package, all you need is another person!
A couple of reviewers said the strings weren't very durable or that the rackets were strung too tightly. However, most reviewers said they were lightweight but sturdily built. They found them to be great for casual players and especially suited to kids and beginners.
Take your game to the next level with the Titan G-Force 7. Designed for players who like to mix up their playing style, it has a medium weight and flex for a good balance of control and power. It's made from Japanese carbon fiber and comes strung at 24 pounds, but can support up to 30 pounds.
A couple of reviewers complained that the frame broke. On the other hand, most reviewers said this racket was light but effective. They found that it had a big sweet spot and a few of them said they noticed an improvement in their playing.
The Nanoray Light 18i is made from carbon graphite for a lightweight sturdy racket. It's designed to be streamlined and aerodynamic and has a stiff flex, so it can move through the air quickly and repel shots with lightning speed.
Some reviewers said the strings that came with the racket weren't very strong. Still, many reviewers found this racket to be very lightweight and great for playing defense. They said it didn't tire them out and recommended it for players of all levels.
Often overlooked by anyone who isn’t a tennis fan, Wilson has put out a few solid badminton rackets. This one features a two-piece construction and a soft traction grip. It's made from aluminum, so it's easy to maneuver and won't tire you out during long games.
Some reviewers found this racket to be too heavy, while others said the strings snapped after a few uses. On the other hand, many reviewers said this racket was a great value buy. They liked its solid construction and said it worked well for casual players.
The Muscle Power 22 Plus is built for speed and power. It has a graphite frame with an isometric head for a bigger sweet spot. The frame and strings are integrated on rounded archways that help eliminate the stress load.
Some reviewers complained that the strings broke. On the other hand, most reviewers found this racket to be lightweight but strong. They said that it was powerful and loved using it for smash shots.
This racket from Yonex comes tightly strung for maximum repulsion. It's made from graphite, with a built-in T-joint for stability and anti-slip tape for a strong grip. Its light weight makes it suited for all levels, from children to seasoned players.
A couple of reviewers said this racket was of poor quality. Others noted that it has a lower tension than was listed in the description. However, many reviewers liked this racket's power. They said it had a good weight and balance and recommended it for everyone from beginners to advanced players.
Channel famous badminton player Rudy Hartono with this racket from Yonex. Weighing in at 77 grams, it's on the lighter end of the scale but can support up to 30 pounds of tension. The carbon graphite Aero+Box frame is specially constructed for a faster swing speed and solid feel.
Some reviewers complained that the racket scratches easily. Others warned that it doesn't work well for power shots. However, many reviewers said this racket was great for beginners. They found it to be well-balanced and said the light weight meant it was great for developing your defense.
Some reviewers complained that this racket was too heavy. On the other hand, most reviewers found it to be sturdily built and quite durable. They recommended it for casual players and younger players who may treat their racket more roughly.
This pair of rackets from Oppum is perfect for a quick game at the park or in your backyard. They're made from carbon fiber composite and constructed in one piece, making them sturdy and powerful. They come with a carrying case and grip tape as well.
A couple of reviewers thought these rackets were low quality. However, most reviewers said they were great for beginners. They found them to be light but firm, with strong strings and a bouncy feel.
For the super casual badminton players, try this six-pack of colorful rackets from BSN Sports. It's great for parties, students, and large families, or if you want to have backup rackets on hand. They're made from alloy steel with nylon strings and a polyurethane grip.
The main complaint reviewers had about these rackets is that the grips began to come off soon after purchase. However, most reviewers found the rackets to be sturdily made and of good value. They liked the color coding and said they worked well for both kids and adults.
If you're looking for a new hobby (or a new way to tire out your kids), physical activity is a great way to get those endorphins flowing. Here's more of our favorite athletic equipment for both home and away.
No. 1: Senston|N80|2 pack
No. 2: Dynamic Shuttle Sports|Titan G-Force 7
No. 3: Yonex|Nanoray Light 18i
No. 4: Wilson|Matchpoint Badminton Racket
No. 5: Yonex|Muscle Power 22 Plus
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
Health
Beauty
Home goods
Home electronics
PC
Camera
Food and drinks
Kitchen
Fashion
Accessories
Kids and baby
Interior
Hobbies
Outdoor
Home, garden, and tools
Sports and fitness
Pets
Media
Games
Apps
Automotive
Gifts
Mobile devices