The Best Badminton Rackets
Many sports require a ton of equipment, but badminton can be enjoyed with just two simple rackets and a birdie. Even better, you don’t have to be on a court to enjoy playing it. You could easily be in the backyard practicing hitting it back and forth with a friend. But since badminton can get competitive quickly, we recommend investing in the right rackets. Check out our list of the best options below and find one that is right for you.
What To Look For
When choosing our favorite rackets, we considered their material, durability, string tension, and value for their price. For example, Yonex’s Nanoray Light 18i is an extremely light racket made from graphite to allow you to swing even faster than usual. Franklin Sports’ kid’s racket set, on the other hand, has oversized heads and short necks to help kids make solid contact as they learn how to play. Keep on reading to learn more about the badminton rackets we love.
Franklin Sports Racket and Birdie Set
From experts to newbies
If you’re looking to start playing badminton, Franklin Sports has you covered. This set of two rackets and two birdies is perfect for practicing with a partner without breaking the bank. Both rackets have lightweight steel frames, giving them durability and structure without the extra cost. The birdies are made from high-grade nylon so they can withstand repeated hits without easily falling apart as you play.
Pros:
- We love how affordable these rackets and birdies are, allowing you to try a new sport without a heavy financial investment.
- The rackets are a good combination of being lightweight and durable, which is important for newer players.
Cons:
- The handles on these rackets may be a bit firmer than some prefer, but you can change them out if needed.
Yonex Nanoray Light 18i Badminton Racket
The perfect partner
Yonex’s Nanoray Light 18i racket is extremely lightweight so you can play your best without fatiguing. Made from graphite, it weighs only 77 grams and has a 3.5-inch grip. This racket comes pre-strung with 30-pound string tension, making it perfect for better players who want more control and accuracy in their shots. And because of its lightweight and sleek design, it can help you generate more speed and power in your swings.
Pros:
- The higher string tension is great for more experienced players who want to be able to control their shots better.
- Its lighter weight makes it easier to swing harder and produce more power without injuring yourself.
Cons:
- While more experienced players will enjoy the higher string tension, newer players may struggle to accurately hit the rackets’ sweet spots.
Hiraliy Badminton Racket Set
Ready for teams
If you’re looking to start playing badminton with a group of friends, Hiraliy’s racket set comes with everything you need. With four rackets and 12 birdies, your group can easily practice and play, no matter your skill levels. They’re made from alloy steel that gives them fantastic durability and flexibility without being too heavy. And to make it easier for beginners to hit the birdie, they have large sweet spots that are more forgiving on misstrikes.
Pros:
- This set is a great value considering everything it contains.
- The rackets’ steel frames are a great combination of strength, weight, and flexibility, which benefits newer players.
Cons:
- While the rackets and birdies are well-made, the carrying cases isn’t the most durable.
Franklin Sports Kids Racket Set
Start them early
It’s great introducing younger children to sports, but it can be difficult when they don’t have appropriate equipment. Franklin Sports’ badminton set for kids includes two rackets with oversized heads and shorter necks to make it easier to hit the birdies. The birdies have soft foam tips to prevent injuries or any damage but still fly well through the air. Best yet, this set comes fully assembled so your kids can play with them right out of the box.
Pros:
- We like that the length of these rackets is ideal for young children to handle, and the handles are the perfect width.
- Their shorter necks do a good job of making it easier to make contact with the birdies.
Cons:
- Because they’re made from lightweight metal, these rackets can bend if they get smacked hard against the ground.
Woed Batens’ Carbon Fiber Rackets
Take it to the next level
If you’re looking to bring your game to the next level, Woed Batens rackets are here to help. Made from carbon fiber, they’re extremely lightweight and durable, capable of taking light abuse without deforming. They have nylon fiber strings that allow you to hit birdies with power, while still giving you accuracy and control each time. And to give you extra flexibility in the size of your grips, they come with two additional grip tapes that provide fantastic tactility and handling.
Pros:
- The grips provide solid tackiness and tactility, giving you better control of the racket as you play.
- The bright green shuttlecocks are easy to see, even at higher speeds.
Cons:
- Because of the rackets’ higher string tensions, this set is better for more experienced players.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a racket’s string tension mean?
String tension is how tightly the strings on a racket are tightened around the head. Rackets with lower string tension are often recommended for newer players, as they are more forgiving and have larger sweet spots to hit from. Higher string tensions can give experienced players more control in their shots and require better technique to hit well.
Does the material a racket is made from make a difference?
Metal rackets are good because they’re durable and light, but they can’t hold high string tension, which is fine for beginners. Graphite rackets are strong and elastic, offering more flexibility and forgiveness in your game. Carbon fiber rackets, on the other hand, are often preferred by more experienced players because they’re extremely strong and can hold higher string tensions, giving them better control and sensitivity with their swing.
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