It’s obvious that a racket is the most important piece of equipment in badminton. To optimize your game, you’ll need a racket that matches your skill level. So, in this article, we’ll help you out a bit by providing some great tips on choosing the best badminton rackets.
After that, we’ll start giving some good recommendations for the best badminton racket sets that you can get on the market right now. And for those who’re new to the world of racquetball, don’t worry. That’s because we also have some good suggestions for the best badminton rackets for intermediate players. Sounds great, right? So, let’s get started!
How to Choose the Best Badminton Rackets
As we mentioned earlier, the racket is the most quintessential gear in badminton. It can determine whether you have a good or bad game. The problem is since there are so many best badminton rackets out there, how do we choose the most suitable one?
Well, there’s no need to worry. We’ve done some kind of small research to make it easier for you to choose a badminton racket set. And as a result, here are three factors you should consider when buying the best badminton rackets for intermediate players or any other level in general. More detailed explanations will come upon, right after this break!
Weight
The first thing that you must consider is the weight. Those looking for the best badminton rackets for intermediate players should go with something between 85-94 grams. Meanwhile, beginners are advised to use a lighter racket, as they’re easier to control. Apart from that, lightweight racquets are also easier on the wrists and shoulders, which will certainly minimize the risk of injury. Oh and one more thing, the weight of a badminton racket is usually marked with a number before the ‘U’. The smaller it is, the heavier the racket.
Point of Balance
Veteran players will find that the best badminton rackets have their own balance point. Matching this to your style of play will give you a huge advantage in the game. For example, a head-heavy racket would be suitable for a player who likes powerful shots. However, if you’re not too sure about your type of play, it’s always a good idea to get an even balanced badminton racket set.
Hand Grip
Finally, see if the badminton racket has the type of grip you like. For those who sweat a lot, the towel grip will be better because they have good absorption. However, they’re also susceptible to germs and bacteria. And if you want the best badminton rackets for intermediate players that are slick and less messy, go with synthetic grips. But remember, they’ve poor absorption and tend to be more uncomfortable to use.
What Rackets Do Professional Badminton Players Use?
This is a pretty tough question. It really depends on which region you’re looking at. But based on our experience, most of the elite players, especially from Asia, use Yonex. They generally prefer the Astrox, Arcsaber, and Duora badminton racket set series.
Are Light Badminton Rackets Good?
Again, this depends on each player’s type of play. A lighter racket will perform better on those that rely on fast maneuvers and prefer high flexibility. This had absolutely nothing to do with ability. Whether you’re beginner, intermediate, or professional, there should be no problem if you want to use a light racket.
Which Racket is Best for Badminton?
When it comes to the best badminton rackets, it’s hard not to mention Yonex. This Japanese-based brand has been making some of the world’s finest badminton equipment for more than half a century. If you’re really serious about badminton, some of the badminton racket set series that you can consider include Nanoray, Arcsaber, Voltric, and Arcsaber.
Yonex Carbonex 8000 Plus Badminton Racket
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Perfect frame and high-quality strings are two qualities that Yonex is often associated with. The Yonex Carbonex 8000 Plus Badminton Racket is no exception. It was designed specifically for intermediate level players. And thanks to the elastic Ti Technology, you’re guaranteed all the right shots and optimal power.
As for the main construction, Yonex Carbonex is made of aluminum and graphite. Both will guarantee this fantastic gear will last longer than you expect. And in case you’re asking about color choices, Yonex has dozens of great options to choose from. In short, it is truly one of the best badminton rackets on the market. Check it out if you can.
What We Love
Excellent frame and high-quality strings
Pros:
- Excellent design
- Ti Technology
- Oval head
- Good strikes and control
Cons:
- Not suitable for pro players
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Senston N80 Graphite Badminton Racket
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Unlike best badminton rackets in general, the Senston N80 Graphite Badminton Racket has incredibly good aerodynamics. If you take a closer look, this gorgeous gear features a slim shaft and frame, which will allow you to make quick returns. And thanks to the fact that it only weighs 80 grams, this racket will be perfect for those who love faster rallies.
When it comes to the mainframe, the Senston N80 carries a micro carbon fiber material, which should provide better strength and stability. Apart from that, this badminton racket set also features a wide head surface and is available in eight color choices. Nice!
What We Love
Excellent aerodynamics, allowing light and fast swings
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Affordable
- Good aerodynamics
- High-quality material
Cons:
- Not suitable for more intense play
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Yonex ArcSaber 11 Badminton Racket
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As the name suggests, Yonex ArcSaber 11 is an upgrade over the previous version. One thing we noticed the most is that this racket has an improved repulsion. Apart from that, it’s also quite easy to use. This is what makes this gear one of the best badminton rackets suitable for all levels. Whether you’re a beginner, intermediate or advanced player, you’ll have a lot of fun with this badminton racket set!
Another thing we love about the Yonex ArcSaber 11 Badminton Racket is how light the frame is. This allows you to play with extra comfort, especially in the arms and forearms. That way, you can optimize all your shots, while minimizing the risk of injury.
What We Love
Suitable for all levels of play
Pros:
- Easy to control
- Great for midcourt
- Suitable for all types of players
- Qualified for the pros
Cons:
- It doesn’t produce the best smash
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Langning Light Badminton Racket
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With tight and powerful strings, the Langning Light Badminton Racket is definitely not one of your best badminton rackets for intermediate players. It’s clearly designed for some serious tournament. And that explains why this racket has a combined weight of the frame, shaft, and handle totaling only 68 grams.
For better stability, Langning added a built-in T-joint. This feature also allows for extra flexibility and is effective at reducing vibration. Overall, if you’re looking for a professional-grade badminton racket set, this one definitely won’t disappoint.
What We Love
Designed specifically for serious tournaments
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Provides great ball control
- Tight strings
- G4 grip
Cons:
- Not ideal for smashing
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Dynamic Shuttle Sports Titan G Force 7 Racket (CU)
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Here come another best badminton rackets alternative for those who decide to go professional. Dynamic Shuttle Sports Titan G Force 7 Racket is a fantastic badminton gear made of dynamic carbon fiber material. It’s both lightweight and strong, which makes the racket perfect for players with mixed play styles.
In total, Titan G Force & Racket only weighs 82 grams. Also, the flex on the shaft is medium. Both of these features will allow you to have extraordinarily fine and flexible control while on the court. If you’re looking for a high-quality badminton racket set that fits all types of play, it doesn’t get much better than this.
What We Love
Great for all types of games
Pros:
- Versatile
- High-quality material
- Affordable
- Great flexibility
Cons:
- The spare parts are hard to find
Yonex Nanoray 10F Badminton Racket (CU)
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Yonex Nanoray 10F Badminton Racket is one of the latest offerings from the Japanese based brand. This racket promises great control and fast swings. And that’s the reason why this gear has an above-average repulsion. We could immediately imagine that this racket would be great in the hands of an agile player with great reactions.
Other features worth mentioning include preinstalled strings and thin frames. And just like the other best badminton rackets on this list, Nanoray also comes with a half racket cover as a bonus. Overall, this is a great product. If you’re looking for something that’s affordable and works, this is it.
What We Love
Great for novice players
Pros:
- Suitable for beginners
- Great controls
- Allows faster swings
- Come with a half cover
Cons:
- Professional players should avoid this racket
Yonex Duora 10 Badminton Racket
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Speed and power are two things that best describe the Yonex Duora 10 Badminton Racket. This gear is one of the few best badminton rackets out there that features a box and aero frame. It’s a key attribute that’ll allow you to get a much superior overall performance.
Those two frames are gonna help you cut and hit through the air, faster and harder. And thanks to the new grommet pattern, you’ll notice significant improvements in your game. Overall, if you’re looking for something powerful and can help you become a court master, look no further than this.
What We Love
Specifically designed to provide superior performance
Pros:
- Aerodynamic design
- Using the best technology
- Great for powerful smashes
- Excellent performance
Cons:
- It’s quite pricey
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Yonex Voltric Z Force II Badminton Racket (CU)
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Compared to most of the best badminton rackets on this list, the Yonex Voltric Z Force II 2 Badminton Racket has the thinnest shaft. Add that to the tri-voltage system and you’ll end up with a great racket that allows for powerful smashes.
Apart from that, this gear has a light head. This should give you the best chance of executing perfect shots while avoiding injury at the same time. In short, it’s a great racket that combines power and speed so well. If those two things are what you’re looking for, don’t hesitate to get this one.
What We Love
Great speed, great power
Pros:
- Excellent maneuverability
- Allows fast swings
- Great smash power
- Genius design
Cons:
- Not great for faster games
Yonex Duora 77 Badminton Racket
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When you hear the name Yonex, you know that you’ll get the best badminton racket. That’s because the Japanese brand has more than seven decades of experience making some of the world’s finest badminton equipment and shuttlecocks. One of them is the Yonex Duora 77 Badminton Racket.
Compared to the other best badminton rackets on this list, Yonex Duora is more focused on the more powerful forehand and backhand smashes. This is a racket designed to make sure you dominate the entire court. Another reason to fall in love with this gear is that it is offered at a reasonable price and is made from high-quality materials. Perfect!
What We Love
Great for powerful forehand and backhand smashes
Pros:
- Medium flex
- High-quality material
- Efficient on the forehand and backhand
- Affordable
Cons:
- Beginners will need some time to adapt to this racket
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Yonex Astrox 7 Badminton Racket (CU)
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The Yonex Astrox 7 Badminton Racket is all about power. This racket has an excellent tri-voltage system, which will allow you to take some of the most powerful smashes, without losing nimble control. And thanks to the Aero Box frame, you’ll get up to a three percent increase in shuttle hold time and nine percent more repulsion power.
Compared to most of the best badminton rackets for intermediate players on this list, the Astrox 7 has an isometric head shape. This means that the vertical strings are the same length as the horizontal ones. As a result, you get a larger cross-section for ball contact. Extraordinary!
What We Love
Great for powerful players
Pros:
- Ideal for most players
- Medium flex
- Fast movement
- Better control
Cons:
- Some complained about the tension of the strings
Li-Ning Windstorm 78SL (CU)
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If you want something close to Yonex’s quality but tight on the budget, look no further than the Li-Ning Windstorm 78SL. This racket has a body that’s so light. Swinging it won’t take much effort. That’s why this gear is highly recommended for beginner players or those who’re new to the world of racketball.
When it comes to frames, the Li-Ning Windstorm 78SL is definitely no less powerful than the other best badminton rackets on this list. It’s made from carbon fiber, which ensures durability for many years. And if that’s not enough, Li-Ning also embeds Dynamic-Optimum technology to ensure you execute every strike in the most perfect way!
Need recommendations for some other excellent sports equipment? You may want to check out our list of 13 best tennis rackets for beginners and 13 best golf bags for ladies.
What We Love
Great quality, reasonable price
Pros:
- Ultra light
- Carbon fiber material
- Great for pro players
- Slim and thin
Cons:
- Doesn’t come with a sleeve
Wilson Attacker
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Here comes another great alternative for those who want to try out some badminton action, but don’t plan to spend a lot. Wilson Attacker was dubbed by many as one of the best badminton rackets for under 50 bucks. For that amount of money, you’ll get gear that offers great control and handling. It’s one of the best badminton rackets for intermediate players.
The main construction of the Wilson Attacker is made of a combination of graphite and strong carbon. Meanwhile, the frame has an oval shape. While not as effective as an isometric design, you’ll still get enough sweet spots to make proper contact with the ball. And finally, for comfortable handling, Wilson includes a nice control support cap.
What We Love
An affordable racket that is satisfying in almost every aspect
Pros:
- Durable material
- Lightweight
- Oval frame
- Control support cap
Cons:
- Not suitable for professionals
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Carlton Kinesis (404)
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If you’re familiar with the world of badminton, you’re certainly no stranger to the name Hans-Kristian Vittinghus. The Danish man is one of the world’s elite players. For most of his biggest matches, Vittinghus used Carlton Kinesis, before he switched to another sponsor. And let us tell you, it’s a hell of a racket.
The Carlton Kinesis features a stiff-skinny shaft, which provides great flexibility. You should be able to execute powerful strokes with ease using this fantastic gear. Apart from that, it also has Bi-Axial Dynamics technology to ensure every shot is as accurate as possible. And best of all, this racket only weighs about 86 grams in total!
Interested in the world of racket swinging? Want to know some more? Check out our other great articles on the 13 best tennis rackets for tennis elbow.
What We Love
Proven quality and used regularly by pro players
Pros:
- Stiff shaft
- Light
- Great for powerful shots
- Isometric frame
Cons:
- Pretty expensive
