Badminton, which combines lightning-fast reflexes, strategic finesse and the satisfying 'thwack' of the shuttlecock, is only as good as the best badminton racquets in your arsenal. As enthusiasts, amateurs, and seasoned players embark on the quest for the perfect racquet, navigating through all the options can be as challenging as a sudden drop shot.
Think of badminton as a sibling - or maybe a cousin - of tennis. It's the only game where your biggest opponent is a feathery device hell-bent on defying the laws of gravity. Forget about smashing records; badminton players are more concerned with smashing shuttlecocks at each other.
The best badminton racquets, at a glance:
• Best overall badminton racquet: Yonex Nanoray 10F Hi-Flex Pre-Strung - View on Amazon
• Best badminton racquet for all playing environments: Wilson Recon 80 OX - View on Amazon
• Best badminton racquet for speed: Babolat Satellite Gravity 78 - View on Sports Direct
So whether you crave the swift and responsive feel of a lightweight design or the booming power of a head-heavy frame, our pick of the best badminton racquets will guide you through the blend of technology and craftsmanship that sets these sporting companions apart.
Let's discover how the best badminton racquet can transform a game into an art, making every rally a masterpiece of skill, strategy and sheer sporting delight.
Our pick of the best badminton racquets
Best overall badminton racquet
AmazonThe Yonex Nanoray 10F takes the spotlight with its feather-light design, making it a great choice for players who crave swift manoeuvrability. The racquet's advanced nanomesh and carbon nanotubes technologies provide exceptional control and speed, allowing you to dominate the court precisely. A mesh-like structure is formed by combining carbon nanotubes with resin, resulting in a racquet with a balanced headlight. This innovative combination will enhance the overall strength and swifter handling on the court. Overall, we vote the Yonex Nanoray 10F as a great all-round racquet.
Pros
- Isometric frame is engineered to keep vertical and horizontal strings at the same length, to improve overall control
- Aero frame decreases air resistance for a quicker swing
- Thicker sides at the bottom of the racquet head generate maximum repulsion
Cons
- The addition of Nanoray is made for players who force their opponents into the back of the court with extreme speed. This racquet may not be your best bet if this isn't your tactic
Best badminton racquet for all playing environments
AmazonThe Wilson Recon 80 OX is a stellar addition to the arsenal of badminton enthusiasts seeking a winning edge on the court. With a head-light design, the Wilson Recon offers players the ideal combination of power and movement, allowing for strategic and agile gameplay. The racket's length of 70cm adds to its versatility, making it suitable for players with varying playing styles. Whether you're smashing from the backcourt or engaging in quick net exchanges, the Wilson Recon badminton racket promises to be a reliable companion for players aiming to elevate their game.
Pros
- 100g Strung weight for increased momentum and speed in the swing
- Stiffer frame for a more aggressive smash shot
- Comes with a full length Wilson Badminton Racket cover which is padded and has a full length strap for easy carrying
Cons
- Heavier than other racquets on our list
Best badminton racquet for speed
Sports Directwww.sportsdirect.com
The Babolat Satellite Gravity 78 is a high-performance racquet designed for players seeking the perfect blend of speed and precision on the court. With an isometric head shape, this racquet expands the sweet spot, offering enhanced accuracy and control in every shot. Its head-light balance is what provides the lightning fast speed. While the additional SLIM T technology increases racquet speed due to aerodynamics. All in all, this racket is engineered to meet the demands of competitive play, making it a favourite among badminton enthusiasts aiming to elevate their game.
Pros
- Light frame for rapid speed
- SLIM T technology aims to increase aerodynamics
- Very forgiving for off-centre sweet spots
Cons
- Great for players who play a lot of smashes, but if that's not your style this racquet may not be for you
Best badminton racquet for singles play
Sports Directwww.sportsdirect.com
This Carlton badminton racquet stands as a testament to cutting-edge design and performance excellence. Crafted for single players who demand versatility on the court, this racquet boasts a well-balanced but ultra-thin tapered shaft. The isometric head shape only expands the sweet spot, ensuring precision in shots and optimal power delivery. Carlton's Kinesis X1 offers a stylish aesthetic and incorporates advanced technology to provide players with enhanced control and power. Whether you're unleashing powerful smashes or engaging in lightning-fast rallies, the Carlton Kinesis X1 is a dynamic companion for players who seek a superior badminton experience, marrying style and substance effortlessly.
Pros
- High repulsion shaft
- Vectran enhanced
- Lightweight (90g)
Cons
- This racquet is more suited to singles play
Best badminton racquet for manoeuvrability
AmazonYet another Yonex badminton racquet enters our list, as its Astrox Lite Series is one to invest in if you're looking for a sharp, and super light racquet. The slim shaft, a veritable speedster through the air, ensures that every swing generates maximum power. The racquet comes complete with a cover, ready to be wielded by intermediate-level players seeking to elevate their game. What sets this racquet apart is the Rotational Generator System, strategically distributing weight throughout the grip end, frame top, and joint. This thoughtful implementation of the counterbalance theory promises maximum control and ensures a seamless transition between shots.
Pros
- Slim shaft that's designed to slice through the air
- Integrated Rotational Generator System for maximum control
- Comes with a handy cover
Cons
- This racquet doesn't come with added hand grip
Best budget badminton racquet
Decathlonwww.decathlon.co.uk
Embark on your badminton journey with the Perfly BR 500 Badminton Racquet. This sleek racquet is more than just eye-catching; it's a powerhouse on the court. It balances power and control, making it an ideal choice for players for various skill levels. With features like a neutral balance, 90g weight and isometric head, this racquet is your ticket to smashing success on the court.
Pros
- Isometric head shape is perfect for avoiding off-centre shots
- Neutrally-balanced for great handling
- 90g is a decent weight for powerful shots
Cons
- No cover is provided
Best high-end badminton racquet
Decathlonwww.decathlon.co.uk
With its cutting-edge X-Trem and X-Feel technology and sleek aesthetics, this racquet delivers an outstanding blend of power and precision. The X-Feel is there for less warping in the frame for a better performance. Meanwhile both technologies act together to offer optimal control over the racquet. Although this racquet is a little pricier than others on our list, the well-established Babolat X-Feel Origin Power promises an exhilarating badminton experience at every swing.
Pros
- X-Feel Tek, which basically means a stiffer frame and less warping for durability
- Thin shaft for better movement and aerodynamics
- The X-Trem and X-Feel technologies offer optimal control over the racquet
Cons
- Doesn't come with any additional grips
The best badminton racquets: FAQs
How do I choose a badminton racquet?
Like choosing a new pair of gym trainers, leggings or even socks, the decision from one to the next can be tricky. Choosing the right badminton racquet involves a thoughtful process. Luckily for you, we know exactly what goes into selecting the right badminton racquet for you.
Begin by assessing your playing level - this means whether you're a beginner, intermediate, or advanced. Beginners may benefit more from a balanced racquet. While intermediate and advanced players might prefer a racquet with more specialised features, let's say one that's head-light.
Next, consider the weight of the racquet. Lighter racquets offer increased manoeuvrability, suitable for quick moves and defensive play. Heavier racquets will provide added power for more aggressive shots. Also evaluate the balance of the racquet – head-heavy for powerful smashes, head-light for quick reactions and net play, or balanced for a versatile experience.
Furthermore, pay attention to the grip size and flexibility of the shaft. A comfortable grip ensures better control and minimises the risk of any injuries. While a flexible shaft will generate more power, and a stiffer one (like a comfortable grip), offers better control.
By considering these steps, you'll be equipped to choose a badminton racquet specially tailored to your playing style and skill level.
Which racquet is better carbon or graphite?
The decision between a carbon or graphite badminton racquet isn't as straightforward as saying one is better. Carbon and graphite racquets fall under graphite-based materials, and the terms are often used interchangeably. The difference lies in the composition and manufacturing processes.
Carbon fibre (a form of graphite), offers great strength-to-weight ratio, which makes for a lightweight and durable racquet. Saying that, the phrase 'graphite racquet' can refer to a wide range of graphite compositions.
It's key to understand the blend of materials within each racquet, and how they align with your style of play. As an example, some players may favour the sturdiness of a carbon-infused racquet, while others may prefer one of the other graphite blends.
Do pros use heavy or light racquets?
Professional badminton players choose their racquets based on many different factors. It's not just about weight. It's about balance, feel, and the connection between a player and their racquet.
Some professionals opt for a racquet that feels as light as a feather, allowing them to whip shuttlecocks across the court with finesse. Others might select something heavier, because they prefer to have weight behind them when they're perfecting a smash. It really does depend on playing style.
Gemma Lavers is a Health & Fitness writer for What's The Best. From understanding nutrition to practising yoga and Pilates to delving into the psychology of motivation. She enjoys demystifying the latest fitness trends and staying on top of the dynamic health landscape, whether that's the best gym leggings, fitness trackers or the benefits of yoga.
When Gemma’s not writing, she can be found attending Pilates, yoga and Zumba classes. She’s also a bit of a home workout aficionado, constantly trying out new ways to keep her moving at home. Between writing, exercising and shopping, there’s nothing she loves more than hopping on a plane and exploring new cultures.
Subscribe to the What’s The Best Newsletter to keep up to date with more of the latest reviews and recommendations from the rest of the What’s The Best team.