Top 5 Best Badminton Racket For Beginners

Badminton is a popular sport that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. If you are new to the game, it is important to select the right racket. The best racket for badminton beginners will have a large head, which will provide more power and control. It is also important to choose a racket that feels comfortable in your hand and has a good grip. You should also consider the speed of the racket, as well as the weight and balance. In addition, you will want a racket that has good durability and is affordable, then here is a guide on how to choose a badminton racket for beginners.

Best badminton racket for beginners – Quick Summary

Top rated badminton racket for beginners

1. Senston N80 Graphite Single High-Grade Badminton Racquet

The Senston N80 Graphite Single High-Grade Badminton Racquet is perfect for beginner to intermediate players seeking power and control. Crafted from high-grade graphite, its lightweight design ensures easy court maneuverability. The racquet features a low center of gravity and a durable carbon fiber frame for agility and comfort during play. With options for different grip sizes, it accommodates various player preferences.

Specs:

• Material: High-grade graphite
• Lightweight design
• Low center of gravity
• Durable carbon fiber frame
• Traditional head size with comfortable grip options

Compared to alternatives like the Yonex Nanoray 10F, the Senston N80 offers excellent value for its comfort and performance. Though alternatives such as the Wilson Blaze S3600 and Victor Brave Sword 12 offer specific features, they may come at a higher cost. Overall, the Senston N80 excels in providing a balanced combination of power, control, and durability for players of all levels.

Pros:

• Lightweight design is easy to maneuver for beginners who are still developing their skills
• Made from high-grade graphite, providing excellent durability and resistance to wear and tear, which can be beneficial for beginners who may accidentally hit the racket against the ground or walls.
• Features an ergonomic grip that can help reduce hand fatigue during long matches, which can be beneficial for beginners who are still building up their stamina
• Comes with a protective carrying case for safe and easy transportation, which can be helpful for beginners who may need to take their racket to and from practice or games
• Suitable for players of all skill levels, meaning beginners can continue to use the racket as they improve their game.

Cons:

• May be too lightweight for some beginners who prefer a heavier racket or who are still developing their strength and power.
• Grip size may not be suitable for all hand sizes, requiring additional grip tape or replacement grips, which can be a nuisance for beginners who are still getting used to the game.
• Some beginners may prefer a racket with a larger sweet spot to help them make more accurate hits, which the Senston N80 may not offer to the same degree as other rackets.

2. YONEX Graphite Badminton Racquet Astrox Lite Series

The YONEX Graphite Badminton Racquet Astrox Lite Series is designed to be extremely light and fast. It’s one of the most advanced racquets on the market, offering a lot of features that set it apart from others.

Pros:

• Made from high-quality graphite materials, providing durability and a lightweight design that can help with quick movements on the court, which can be beneficial for beginners who are still developing their technique and footwork
• Comes with an isometric head shape, which can help expand the sweet spot and increase the likelihood of accurate hits, making it easier for beginners to maintain control and improve their accuracy
• Features a built-in T-joint system that can help reduce torque and increase stability, resulting in a more consistent playing experience, which can be helpful for beginners who are still building their confidence
• Comes from a reputable brand known for producing high-quality badminton equipment, which can provide peace of mind for buyers

Cons:

• The design may not be suitable for complete beginners who are still learning the basics of the sport and may not yet have the strength or technique to utilize the racket’s full potential
• Some players may find the racket too light, which can result in reduced power and control, which can be a disadvantage for beginners who are still developing their skills
• The grip size may not be suitable for all hand sizes, requiring additional grip tape or replacement grips, which can be an inconvenience for beginners who are still getting used to the game
• May not be the best choice for players who prefer a more defensive style of play, as the Astrox Lite is designed to optimize powerful smashes and aggressive hits, which may not be suitable for beginners who are still learning the game.

It’s incredibly light for a racquet at just 77 grams, which makes it perfect for beginners who want to get into badminton. It’s also very powerful, with a rating of 112 mph. That’s really fast for a racquet of its size, but it’s not as powerful as the YONEX Graphite Badminton Racquet Astrox Pro.

This Astrox Lite is an excellent choice for players who want to improve their skills but are on a budget. It’s lightweight and compact, which makes it easier to carry around. It’s also easy to handle, and is great for beginners and pros alike.

It has a simple design, and is made from carbon fibre and graphite. It’s very lightweight, and the head is comfortable to grip. The frame also features a counterbalance system that helps balance out the racquet, and reduce the impact on the arm when striking.

As mentioned, the Astrox Lite is designed to be lightweight, and has a low centre of gravity. This makes it easier to swing, and increases the power that it generates.

The Astrox Lite’s frame is a good choice for players who are looking for a lightweight, yet powerful racquet. If you’re looking for a quality badminton rackets beginners, then this is one of the best ones on the market.

3. Li-Ning Wind Lite Strung Badminton Racquet with Free Full Cover

If you’re looking for a racket with great feel, and enough power, but at a very affordable price, then this badminton racket from Li-Ning is the one for you.

Pros:

• Lightweight design makes it easy to swing and maneuver, which can be beneficial for beginners who are still developing their technique and footwork
• Powered by wind, making it suitable for indoor use without having to worry about weather elements damaging the racket, which can be particularly useful for beginners who may be practicing indoors more often
• Synthetic material frame is durable and has a smooth feel, which can be helpful for beginners who are still getting used to the feel of a badminton racket
• Metal string bed provides a solid feel and good tension, which can help beginners with their control and accuracy
• 4-way cross grip and rubber grip provide extra comfort and a secure hold, which can be helpful for beginners who may not yet be used to the feel of a badminton racket
• Adjustable length handle and quick-release string tension system make it easy to customize the racket to your preferences and needs as you develop your skills

Cons:

• Synthetic material may not be as durable as other materials, which can be a concern for beginners who may not want to have to replace their racket too soon after purchasing it
• May not provide enough power for more advanced players who prefer a more aggressive style of play, but this may not be a concern for beginners who are still developing their skills
• Grip may not be suitable for all hand sizes, requiring additional grip tape or replacement grips, which can be an inconvenience for some players
• Quick-release string tension system may not be as precise as other stringing methods, which can affect the consistency of the racket’s performance, but this may not be a major concern for beginners who are still learning the basics of the game.

It has a lightweight design that makes it easier to swing, and it’s powered by wind. This makes it suitable for indoor use as well, as you won’t need to worry about your racket being damaged by weather elements.

The frame is made from a synthetic material that’s lightweight and feels smooth. This is combined with a metal string bed to provide a solid feel, while still maintaining durability.

It comes with a 4-way cross grip and a rubber grip for extra comfort. It also has an adjustable length handle and a quick-release string tension system.

The head of the racket is made from a composite material, which is lighter than aluminum, and gives the racket a better balance. It’s also more resistant to rust and corrosion, and it’s easier to clean.

Li-Ning claims that it’s one of the best badminton rackets for indoor use, and that it’s great for both beginners and advanced players.

So if you’re looking for a badminton racket that will provide you with a great experience, and won’t break the bank, then this is the one for you.

4. YONEX Nanoray Light 18i Graphite Badminton Racquet

The badminton racquets are not only lightweight but also very powerful, especially when strung with the proper tension. In fact, the graphite frame and string combination are the reason why badminton racquets have gained such popularity.
Pros:

• Lightweight design makes it easy to swing and maneuver, which can be beneficial for beginners who are still developing their technique and footwork.
• Graphite frame provides durability and stiffness, which can help with power and control during gameplay
• Isometric head shape provides a larger sweet spot, which can make it easier for beginners to hit the shuttlecock accurately
• Built-in T-joint and Control Support Cap provide additional stability and control during gameplay, which can be helpful for beginners who are still developing their skills
• Comes pre-strung with YONEX BG3 string, which is a durable and reliable option for beginners

Cons:

• Relatively expensive compared to some other beginner-level badminton rackets, which may not be ideal for those on a tight budget
• May not provide enough power for more advanced players who prefer a more aggressive style of play, but this may not be a concern for beginners who are still developing their skills
• Grip size may not be suitable for all hand sizes, requiring additional grip tape or replacement grips, which can be an inconvenience for some players
• May not be suitable for players who prefer a heavier racket or those who prefer a more head-heavy balance, as this racket is designed to be lightweight and evenly balanced

This Nanoray light 18i badminton racquet is made with the same graphite frame material as the original Nanoray light 18i badminton racquet, making it both durable and lightweight.

This Nanoray badminton racquet also features a G4 grip size. This makes it easier to hold onto the racquet for a better feel and control during play.

With a graphite frame and strung properly, the Nanoray light 18i badminton racquet is capable of delivering maximum power, especially when used with the Nanoray string, which is the official badminton string of the ITTF.

When it comes to performance, the Nanoray light 18i badminton racquet delivers power and speed, as well as accuracy.

The Nanoray light 18i badminton racquet is ideal for recreational players who want a powerful badminton racquet, but do not want to spend a lot of money.

5. Li-Ning G-Force Superlite 3600 Carbon-Fiber Strung Badminton Racquet

With the G Force 3600, Li-Ning has designed to provide a stable and powerful hitting experience. The strings are made from military grade carbon fiber which is extremely lightweight. Its super lightweight frame helps you to swing faster and more efficiently.

Pros:

1. Lightweight: The Li-Ning G-Force Superlite 3600 is a lightweight badminton racquet, making it easier to swing and maneuver on the court. This is particularly advantageous for players who prefer a faster playing style.
2. Carbon fiber construction: The racquet is made of high-quality carbon fiber, making it durable and long-lasting. The material also adds extra stiffness to the frame, which can help generate more power and speed in shots.
3. Excellent balance: The racquet has a well-balanced design, which allows for better control and accuracy during shots. This can be particularly helpful for players who prefer a more defensive or precise playing style.
4. Good grip: The handle of the racquet is covered with a comfortable and non-slip grip material, which can help prevent the racquet from slipping out of the player’s hand during a game.

Cons:

1. Less power: While the lightweight design and carbon fiber construction can help generate more speed and agility in shots, some players may find that the racquet lacks the power and force of heavier racquets.
2. Smaller sweet spot: The racquet has a smaller sweet spot than some other badminton racquets, which can make it more challenging to hit the shuttlecock with precision.

The racquet provides an incredible level of comfort, thanks to the soft and comfortable grip. It is also designed to reduce vibration and eliminate distractions.

The G-Force Superlite 3600 is the newest addition to Li-Ning’s G-Force racquets. Li-Ning claims that the ‘G-Force’ is the lightest badminton racquet ever made. It boasts a head weight of only 78 grams, which is 2 grams less than the previous generation of the G-Force.

It also has a special design that reduces air resistance, making it easier for players to generate power. This allows the player to swing the racquet faster and with more power.

The G-Force Superlite 3600 is available in two versions – the standard version and the junior version. The standard model has a string pattern of 16×18, while the junior version has a string pattern of 17×19.

Both models come with a comfortable grip size of 4.5-5 inches, but the junior model comes with a slightly smaller grip size of 4.25-4.5 inches.

The G-Force Superlite 3600 is made of carbon fiber, and features a traditional badminton shape. It’s available in 3 different sizes – 55, 60, and 65 cm.

The head size is 6.6 inches, which gives you enough space to hit with power. The handle is made from a special type of aramid fiber that is stabilized by a carbon fiber string bed. This allows the racquet to provide superior shock absorbing and vibration damping properties.

You can use this badminton racquet for both singles and doubles games. It can be used for training, practice and match play. This racquet is designed for beginners, but is ideal for intermediate and advanced players. It offers an aggressive, penetrating smash.

How to choose a badminton racket for a beginner

Weight

The weight of the racket is often spotted as “U”.  You can often see on the badminton racket parameters such as 3U, 4U, 5U…

U: 95-99g
2U: 90-94g
3U: 85-89g
4U: 80-84g
5U: 75-79g
6U (F): 70-74g

A lighter racket is indicated by a larger U, with the 2U racket weighing approximately 90-94 grams. An ideal badminton racket usually weighs about 80g to 100g. As a beginner, lightweight badminton rackets are recommended. You should weigh between 84 grams to 88 grams, so they are light and easy to control than a heavy one. Heavy rackets however, are ideal for seasoned players who want to add more power to their hits and swings.

String Tension

String tensions. To test the tension of the racket’s strings, press your arm against them and ensure that they do not sink more than 1mm. Any more than that and it could mean that the strings aren’t strong enough and don’t have the right tension.

In regions with very high temperatures, it is advisable to opt for rackets with high tensions.

For players in extra hot regions, the strings on their rackets should have low tensions, while for players in relatively cold regions, higher tensions are still acceptable.

Length of the Badminton Racket

Length of the badminton racket is a factor that affects the performance of the player. As a matter of fact, there are many badminton rackets with different lengths available in the market. The length of the badminton racket determines how the player will hold the racket. The length of the badminton racket also affects the speed at which the player hits the shuttlecock. If you want to hit the shuttlecock faster, then you can select the longer racket.

Badminton racquets are usually about 665mm to 675mm long. Longer racquets generally mean more power to launch the shuttlecock, but less maneuverability, while shorter racquets give you less power but more maneuverability.

When it comes to selecting a racket, try to stick to a length of about 670mm. That’s the most commonly used length for badminton.

Balance point

Balances are used in all sports and games. You’ll find that there are three types: Head-heavy, Even-balanced and Head Light.

Head-heavy rackets are better for serve and volley players and for serving at lower ball speeds. Head-light rackets are best for serve and volley players and for serving at higher ball speeds.

These are even-balanced rackets, as the name suggests.

Head-heavy rackets

Badminton players who prefer a forceful game from the back of the court often opt for Head-Heavy rackets as they offer an advantage by featuring additional mass in the head. This extra weight in the racket head can amplify the power of their clears and smashes, making them a favored choice among players.

Head-heavy rackets help ensure that players can consistently produce lengthy clears during rallies. They are particularly useful for players who need to generate a lot of power to clear their opponents, such as during serve and smash hits.

Head-light badminton racket

Head-light badminton racket, as compared to standard badminton rackets, are more suitable for club players who play doubles, but they’re also very popular with recreational players. They’re easier to maneuver and control, and they produce a quieter racket sound.

It’s crucial when defending smashes to be aware of what the other player is doing, and respond as quickly as possible when the other player hits a smash. When it comes to playing shots at the net, Head-Light rackets are highly coveted, especially for players seeking to end rallies near the front of the court.

When playing doubles or singles, you should consider a Head-Light racket. This racket is designed to help you achieve your game goals more easily.

Even Balance badminton rackets

Even Balance rackets offer a good balance between power and control. You’ll find them more forgiving than Head-Heavy rackets but they still pack a punch.

This is the racket that’s perfect for all types of players, so you’ll never feel unsure about your shot. Whether you want to play at the net or back, an Even-Balance racket will ensure that you hit the ball with consistency.

If you are a beginner, choose one with an even balance; if you are more experienced, choose a heavier-than-normal racket to enhance your power.

Flex of Racket (Shaft Flexibility)

Almost as important as balance and weight is the flexibility of the shaft – sometimes known as flex.

Shaft flexibility is the terminology used to denote how soft or hard your shaft is. It varies by manufacturer and brand. Some brands have more flexible shafts than others, so you should be able to choose a shaft that feels right for your body.

There are four different types; flexible, medium, stiff, and extra stiff. More stiff the shaft is, more power you will give to the shuttle.

Advanced players tend to prefer stiffer racquet shafts. Rackets with stiffer shafts have a quicker bending and unbending motion, but they may prove challenging for novice players as they require a certain level of skill and technique to wield effectively without sacrificing power.

If your arms are the best part of your game then a baseball bat will probably be the best bat for you. You’ll find that you have the ability to hit well because your arms move and flex more than your hands, wrists and shoulders.

You should pick a racket which is proportional to your swing speed. A racket that is too flexible will not recoil fully when hitting the shuttle, and the energy used in flexing and swinging the racket is effectively wasted.

Although a flexible racket will not flex sufficiently during play to provide any additional power, you can use it in practice to improve your ability to aim the shuttle.

Competition rackets are made of high-quality wood to help ensure that your stroke accuracy stays at its peak. They are ideal for players participating in competitions and tournaments.

Flexible and medium shafts are recommended for beginners.

Grip Size

Grips come in sizes from G5 (about 82mm) to G1 (about 89mm).

G1: 4 inches
G2: 3.75 inches
G3: 3.5 inches
G4: 3.25 inches
G5: 3 inches
G6: 2.75 inches

A racket with a large head (or surface area) has a firm grip; one with a small head has a loose grip. The preferred racket type is a mid-size grip.

A smaller grip will offer more control than a bigger grip, and a bigger grip will feel more comfortable when holding the racket.

For players who want to generate extra power in the forehand, racket grips should be big. If players want to have a sense of security and comfort, they should use rackets with synthetic grips. It will depend on players’ preferences. You could also use a set of large-sized grips as they are more powerful and can be used for harder shots.

G5 would be the better option for beginners as its grip is always expandable. Besides, a G5 grip would give you the option to add more layers to your tape handle for balance.

FAQs

What is the best brand of badminton racket ?

Yonex, probably the most popular badminton racket brand in the world. Li-Ning, a newer badminton racket brand, was created by badminton champion Li Ning by 1990.

Which is the best Yonex badminton racket ?

There is no definitive answer to this question as everyone’s preferences and needs will be different. However, some of the most popular Yonex badminton rackets include the Nanoray 10, the Nanoray 20 and the Nanoray 700.

Is Yonex better than Li Ning?

Yonex is much harder if you use it as opposed to Li Ning, until you find the racket that is suitable for your unique situation and requirements. The Japanese brand Yonex has a much longer history than that of its Chinese counterpart, and Yonex is used by Several well-placed players. Li Ning is famous for its rackets, and its recent footwear development is quite impressive.

Is a heavier badminton racket better?

A heavier badminton racket increases the force of smashes and clears, but it increases the trauma to your wrist, arm, and shoulder and decreases the maneuverability of your racket dumbbells. Consider the balance between the inline of your rackets and your expertise and experience for picking the rackets rather than picking merely on the basis of their weight.

How long do badminton rackets last?

It depends on how often you play and how well you take care of your racket. A good quality racket can last for a few years with regular use, but if you don’t play very often, it might last for 5-7 years.

How do you get a badminton racket repaired?

If your badminton racket is not working properly, you can take it to a local sports store to get it repaired. The staff at the store will likely be able to fix any broken strings or replace any damaged parts on the racket. They may also be able to adjust the tension of the strings to make the racket more comfortable for you to use.

Conclusion

In conclusion, which badminton racket is best for beginners is a common question. A beginner should consider a few factors before purchasing their first badminton racket. The weight, size, and shape of the racket are all important considerations. Additionally, the player’s budget should be taken into account. Rackets can range in price from $10 to $200. Ultimately, the best badminton racket for a beginner is one that is well-balanced and fits the player’s budget.