Choosing the right badminton racquet can be a difficult and challenging thing to do. If you are a beginner or intermediate player, this post on choosing the best badminton rackets for beginners and intermediate players will help you find the right racket for your use.
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Typically, lightweight graphite or aluminum is used to create equipment that is more easily controlled and maneuverable. They help the player more quickly connect with fast-moving shuttlecocks. Players wanting increased power and decreased shock prefer a heavier racket that is constructed today with more graphite fiber. The best way to decide which is the best badminton racket – suited to you is to swing it and get a personal feel for its grip and overall weight.
Quick Overview:Â Best Badminton Rackets for Beginners And Intermediate Player
Choosing Your Racket According To Your Playing Frequency
If you are an occasional player, it is important that your racket choice caters to your skill level. An isometric head will provide a larger surface area and make off-center shots more forgiving – perfect for beginners!
If you play regularly, you’ll need a racket that provides power. A racket with a balance point at the head will deliver this while also making it easier to hit the ball. However, if you’re an intensive player, control of the racket should be your main priority. In this case, go for a racket with a balance point at the handle as it will provide excellent reactivity – something that’s key in your game.
Racket Balance Point
The balance point of the racket can be in three locations:
- The balance point at the head offers you power while also sending the shuttlecock a long way and reducing control.
- A balanced position is a good compromise for players who haven’t yet discovered their strengths and limitations, as it strikes a perfect balance between power and control.
- The handle having the balance point gives you command and quick reaction time, but no extra strength.
Best Badminton Rackets for Beginners And Intermediate Player
Improve your game with a dependable badminton racket. These rackets are lightweight and easy to maneuver, so you’ll be playing like a pro in no time. Be sure to check the level of power, forgiveness, and handling each racket is rated for to find one that will suit your style of play. Don’t forget to pick up a set of shuttlecocks too!
1. Premium Quality Set Of Badminton Rackets by Trained –Â Best Badminton Racket In The World
The Trained Premium Quality Badminton Racket Set includes two lightweight, tempered steel shaft, pre-strung rackets, five feathered shuttlecocks.
And an economically designed, zippered, transparent carry case to transport it all. Trained Sports is a family-operated business that focuses on reliable, top quality, sport, performance, and fitness gear.
Trained’s lightweight racket design makes them ideal for more experienced players that want a sturdy practice, or doubles, racket, as well as for beginner badminton players.
This Trained Premium Quality Badminton Racket Set has everything you need. It is a very affordable all-in-one package. The rackets have sturdy grips that allow easy control, maneuvering, and high-speed performance. The traditional rounded head significantly improves aerodynamics. The rackets are constructed of high-quality materials that ensure durability, strength, and longevity.
- Lightweight
- Sturdy
- LED-lit shuttlecocks for nighttime play
- Ergonomically-designed see-through carry bag included
- Lifetime money-back guarantee
- The lightweight may reduce hitting power
- Grip tape tends to unravel
2. Senston N80 Graphite Single High-Grade Badminton Racquet –Â Best Value Badminton Racket
The Senston N80 Badminton Racket has a super lightweight, graphite micro carbon fiber frame and shaft. It has a built-in T-joint connector made from a special lightweight epoxy resin plastic, which makes the frame more stable and strong.
The N80’s unique pyramid frame rim design improves speed performance by minimizing air and swing resistance. A full, lightweight, zippered, fabric carry bag is included to protect your racket and transport it.
The Senston N80 is considered a very high-quality intermediate player’s racket. This lightweight badminton racket has a G4 synthetic grip for more comfortable play and control.
The N80’s nanometer material supports pre-strung with 18-26 lb. tensioned strings. A 22-23 lb. tension is recommended for intermediate badminton players. A maximum of 28 lb. tension is recommended for professional rackets. The micro carbon fiber racket is extremely durable and stands up well through many games of rough play!
- Affordable; good value
- Lightweight
- High-quality
- Strength
- Sturdy
- Durability
- Full-sized fabric carry case included
- Professional after-sales service
- The lightweight may reduce your hitting power
- Rubber grip may tear
- Stiff
3. BSN Badminton Racquet (Prism Pack) –Â Best Badminton Racket Under 100
BSN SPORTS has been supplying fun and fitness since 1972. Today, they are the largest distributor of team sports apparel and equipment in the US. The BSN Badminton Racket Prism Pack includes six lightweight prism-colored, sturdy, rust-free steelhead, twin 200 double shaft rackets.
The lightweight racket design offers a standard size that fits adults and children, making them ideal for experienced players that want a sturdy practice, or doubles, racket, as well as for beginner/novice badminton players.
Racket grips are sturdy, vinyl polyurethane for strong, easy control, maneuvering, and performance. These colorfully fun rackets are constructed of high-quality, durable, rust-free materials that withstand rigorous play and inclement conditions.
- Affordable
- All-weather construction
- Adult size; lightweight for kids
- Sturdy
- Durable
- The lightweight may reduce your hitting power
- Less durable grip wraps
- No carrying bag(s)
4. FiberFlash 7 Badminton Racket Set –Â Best Badminton Racket Under 50
The RiteTrak Sports FiberFlash 7 Badminton Racket Set includes two, flexible, high-quality, pre-strung, professional, one-piece carbon fiber rackets, three nylon-skirt shuttlecocks. And a full, lightweight, zippered, 420D polyester fabric carry bag to protect your racket and transport it all. The bag has an adjustable web carrying strap and fabric loop for convenient hanging on any wall hook.
This FiberFlash 7 Badminton Racket Set is a premium set that has everything you need. It is an all-in-one package, from the one-piece lightweight rackets to the bright, Day-Glo yellow, easy-to-see, Rite Flite shuttlecocks. It is not a basic, beginner’s set. All RiteTrak Sports products are 100% guaranteed including prompt replacement or refund of your purchase price.
The racket is pre-strung with 22-24 lb. tensioned strings. High-quality grommets around the racket face help ensure strings do not split, break, or unravel during rigorous play.
- Good value
- Solid construction
- Sturdy
- Reliable;
- Maximum control
- Durable
- String grommets
- Full-sized fabric carry case included
- 100% Manufacturer guarantee
- The lightweight may reduce your hitting power
- Less than top-quality shuttlecocks
5. 2-Pack Kevenz Badminton Racket – Best Badminton Racket For Intermediate
The Kevenz Badminton Racket Set includes two durable, lightweight, integrated carbon fiber T-type structure rackets.
A light, aerodynamic carbon fiber racket is a good choice if you plan on playing professionally. These are stiffer, have excellent strength to weight ratio, and improves torsion.
Each racket is a lightweight, fused graphite micro carbon fiber with a medium carbon elastic rod, which makes the frame more stable and improves the torsion. A full, lightweight, zippered, fabric carry bag is included to protect your racket and transport it all.
This lightweight badminton racket is a 3U weight with a G4 synthetic grip for comfortable play, better control, and increased maneuverability. The racket has a grooved protector frame that protects the racket cable. The frame is pre-strung with 22-26 lb. tensioned strings. This allows the player to achieve greater shuttlecock bounce and faster return, making it ideal for beginner badminton players to learn effective maneuverability. The carbon fiber racket is durable and stands up well through many games of rough play!
- Affordable
- Lightweight
- High-quality
- Durable
- Full-sized carry bag included
- 14-day refund policy
- The lightweight may reduce your hitting power
- Not a sticky grip
6. Yonex Badminton Combo Set 2-B350 and 1-Mavis 300 Yellow – Best Yonex Badminton Racquets
Yonex is headquartered in Japan has been contributing to the badminton, tennis, and sports world since 1946. They “challenge the world through sports by chasing the dream” through innovative technology.
The Yonex Badminton Combo Set 2-B350 is a revolutionary, super lightweight racket with an aluminum frame and a combined graphite fiber/nanomesh carbon nanotube shaft. The racket’s nanomesh carbon nanotube significantly increases the racket’s power, medium stiffness, impact strength, and sharper shots. The aero frame enhances (backhand power) speed, controlled swing, and performance. It is well-suited for intermediate badminton players.
The sturdy synthetic grip helps improve your ability to easily control and maneuver the racket. The racket’s isometric frame shape supports pre-strung 16-20 lb. tensioned BG3 strings. A small headcover is included to protect the racket.
- Lightweight
- Head light balanced
- Excellent maneuverability
- Strength and power
- 1-Mavis 300 Yellow nylon shuttlecock included
- The lightweight may reduce your hitting power
7. Ultra-light Badminton Racket –Â Best Lightweight Badminton Racket
The Ultra-light Badminton Racket is a super lightweight, 80-gram, matte scrub-painted, carbon fiber racket design that is well-suited for beginner badminton players.
The carbon fiber shaft and frame are hard and strong and not easily bent or able to be dented or deformed. A full, (zipped) fabric carry bag is included to protect your racket in transport.
This ultra-light badminton racket has a high-quality soft rubber ribbed handle and a natural grip for more comfortable play and control.
The carbon fiber racket is durable and stands up well through many games of rough play!
- Good product for the price
- Ultra-lightweight
- Sturdy
- Full-sized zipped carry bag included
- The lightweight may reduce your hitting power
- Overall stiffness
- The shaft may seem too flexible for some
8. Yonex Badminton Racket Muscle Power Series with Full Cover High Tension Pre Strung Racquets – Best Yonex Badminton Racket For Intermediate Players
Yonex is headquartered in Japan has been contributing to the badminton, tennis, and sports world since 1946. They “challenge the world through sports by chasing the dream” through innovative technology.
The Yonex Badminton Racket Muscle Power Series with Full Cover High Tension Pre Strung Racquets is a revolutionary, super lightweight racket constructed from cutting-edge NANOMETRIC* technology, which improves carbon fiber bonding strength. Its NANOMETRIC DR material helps the graphite fiber racket retain its stiffness, speed performance, and control while being 60%* thinner than a conventional racquet.
The dual optimum construction design combines a box frame (for forehand power and wider sweet spot) and an area frame (for backhand power). It is well-suited for intermediate and advanced badminton players.
This ultra-light badminton racket has a control support cap at the top of the handle for a wider flat surface that makes gripping easier, follow-through is faster, and maneuverability more effective.
- Lightweight
- Maximized control and maneuverability
- Strength and power
- Durability
- String grommets
- The lightweight may reduce your hitting power
- Thin grip
9. Champion Sports Double Steel Frame Badminton Racket –Â Best Budget Badminton Racket
The Champion Sports Badminton Racket is a sturdy, 4 oz., double, all-tempered steel shaft, and frame, pre-strung racket ideally suited for beginner badminton players. A carrying bag is not included.
These rackets are constructed of high-quality materials that ensure durability, strength, and longevity. The “virtually indestructible” sturdy oval frame makes these double shafted rackets heavy.
Being a heavier-weighted racket, it provides more power. Balance is good, but the weight may not be satisfactory for every beginner or serious player. Its balance and heavy-duty, high-quality nylon string tension also provide extra flexibility and control.
- Affordable
- Sturdy
- Durable
- High-quality; well-balanced
- Heavier weight
- Small-grip handle
- No carrying bag
10. East Point Sports 2-Player Badminton Racket Set –Â Best Badminton Racket To Buy
The EastPoint Sports 2-Player Badminton Racket Set includes two 26-inch long, durable, lightweight, all-weather iron alloy, dark-colored shaft, pre-strung rackets, two plastic shuttlecocks, and a transparent half-bag carry, with a slotted handle, to transport it all.
EastPoint Sports and their brand design and produce home recreational products that offer the best price-value in the industry. This EastPoint Sports Badminton Racket Set has everything you need in an inexpensive, portable, all-in-one package.
These rackets have soft rubber handles for more comfortable play and control, whether for backyard sport or for competitive matches. They grip easily and naturally.
The high-visibility, easy-to-see white shuttlecocks included in the package are durable for all types of competitive play. Take your equipment on the go with the lightweight, convenient carry half-bag with easy to grab handle slot.
- Inexpensive
- All-weather construction
- Soft, natural grip handle
- Half-cover carry bag included
- Plastic shuttlecocks
Which is the best badminton racket – Buyer’s Guide
The ancient Greeks played badminton 2000 years ago. Rackets have traditionally been made of heavyweight wood. Today, racket materials, weight, and shape are changed. The type of material used to construct the racket determines its overall weight, balance points, string tensions, and maneuverability.
The racket is your most important piece of badminton equipment. You should choose the best badminton racket in the world that suits your skill level, is well-balanced, and satisfies your desire or need for greater control or power.
Headlight balanced rackets, for example, have the majority of their weight in their handle. Head heavy rackets, on the other hand, has most of their overall weight concentrated in the head of the racket.
Lightweight and easily maneuverable rackets have stiff shafts and will be head light-balanced. They vibrate less when the shuttlecock hits the strings, which allows you to better direct your shots.
A head heavy racket and flexible racket shaft more easily bends, allowing you to swing and hit the shuttlecock with less effort. The stored repulsion energy is released and transferred into your shot.
When considering what type of racket to buy, first, consider what type of player you are because every one of the rackets is unique. No two rackets are the same in weight, balance, and flexibility. A racket with more flex means more power but a little less control. With the stiffer shaft, you supply more of the power, but the racket helps to control the shot. With a medium flex, you get a good balance of the two. A head-heavy racket helps the shuttle to travel further if you can generate the head speed. If you lack the strength but have a steady stroke, then a head heavy or an even balanced racket with a flexible shaft would be good for you.
A medium balance racket truly is the best of both worlds. Head Light feels great, and if you are on the weaker side, you can accelerate this type of racket more easily. Combine this with a medium or stiff shaft, and you have more control and head speed. Use this article to help you find which racket works best for you, and if you want a specific recommendation, feel free to contact us here at FidgetsGuide.com, and our knowledgeable staff will be more than happy to assist you. No matter which racket you choose, you are getting the best value.
Shuttlecocks are plastic or feathered. Plastic shuttlecocks are recommended for beginners and small children because they are heavier, build strength, travel shorter distances, and are more durable. Feathered shuttlecocks are for the more experienced player. They are expensive and damage and fray easily when the wrong serving and return techniques are used.
Materials
The racket’s material determines its weight ratio and balance. Less expensive, lightweight rackets are typically made from aluminum material. High-end rackets are made of graphite or carbon fiber.
A light, aerodynamic carbon fiber racket is a good choice if you plan on playing professionally. Many best lightweight badminton rackets are composed of carbon fiber composite (graphite reinforced plastic). They may be enhanced by other materials. Carbon fiber is stiff, has an excellent strength to weight ratio, and improves torsion.
Additionally, a one-piece frame provides greater control and durability than one assembled from several pieces.
Shape
Badminton racket heads may be in any shape. A standard-shaped head feels tighter on shuttlecock impact. Most racket heads are oval, round, diamond, or teardrop. An oval-shaped racket head is traditional. It is top-heavy, powerful, and has a “concentrated sweet spot”.
Isometric or slightly-squared, racket heads offer more surface area and have a larger sweet spot that better accommodates off-center shots and adds more power to your shots.
The main string is longer in diamond- or teardrop-shaped racket heads. This longer main string makes the head bouncier upon shuttlecock impact.
Shaft
The type of racket shaft affects your game. Choose the type of racket shaft (flexible or stiff) according to your skill level, playing style, and/or strategy.
Flexible racket shafts are better for beginners, stroke and defense players, and those that delight in leveling defending smashes. Flexible shafts bend backward before a stroke. They typically require a less forceful swing. Although it helps make your swing more powerful, controlling the shuttlecock’s direction is more difficult.
Stiff, or rigid, racket shafts are best for intermediate and/or advanced players whose strategy is controlled by quick attacks, net kill, or deception. These shafts have no repulsion. Shots tend to be less powerful but return shots will be faster. Stiff shafts require more effort on the player’s part to accurately hit and place the shuttlecock.
Hand Grip
Grip size determines how easily you can manipulate the racket, to acquire the speed and accuracy you need during play. A racket grip that is too big wears the player out. They find themselves expending more energy grasping and controlling the badminton racket than powering the shuttlecock back to their opponent.
The larger the handgrip, the more power you have to generate. Smaller grips allow more natural movement. Experienced players that use deceptive strategy prefer smaller grips.
Handles have types of grips (towel and synthetic). Towel grips are softer and made of cotton (terry-cloth) and elastic. They are commonly used by professional players because of their ability to effectively absorb sweat. They may be color coordinated and fit over rubber racket grips, ensuring a strong hand grip. However, they are prone to accumulating bacteria and germs, so they should be replaced frequently.
Synthetic grips are less comfortable and do not absorb sweat well, but they are more hygienic and last longer.
Weight
Badminton racket weights are categorized as:
• 2U: 90g. – 94g.
• 3U: 85g. – 89g.
• 4U: 80g. – 84g.
• 5U: 75g. – 79g.
A badminton racket’s standard weight should be 2.8 oz. (80g.) – 3.5 oz. (100g.).
A lightweight racket that is more maneuverable, easier to swing, and offers better control is recommended for beginners. It should be within 85g. – 90g. range. The best lightweight badminton racket gives the player faster mobility to take quick shots and recovery. And cause fewer injuries. They are less strenuous on wrists and shoulders.
A heavier racket is delivered more momentum. As the player’s skill level increases, so may the racket weight. A player may increasingly want more hitting power, which is obtained with a heavier racket.
Balance / Balance Point
Balance determines how the racket’s weight is distributed. It greatly impacts how you play.
Headlight balanced rackets have most of their weight in their handle. Head heavy rackets have most of their weight concentrated in the head of the racket. Even-balance rackets allow enough power to play from the back of the court and enough speed to play from the front. This is best for beginners or if the racket will be used for multiple strategies or functions.
The balance point of the racket is the center of the racket. The center helps you determine if the racket is a power or a control racket. Balance the racket on the tip of your index finger. Find a position where it does not lean on either side. If your finger is closer to the head of the racket when it finally balances, the racket is more of a power racket. If the racket balances towards the handle, it is more of a control racket.
Advanced players may choose heavier rackets that have higher balance points (head heavy). More power may be put into their smashes, although the additional weight makes control more challenging.
String Tension
String tension is extremely important when choosing the best badminton racket for beginners and intermediate players. However, the highest string tension is not always the best choice. Press your palm against the strings to determine the tension. A suitable tension for most players is equivalent to 1mm sunken depth of the strings.
Beginners – 16 – 20 lbs.
Intermediate players – 22 – 23 lbs.
Advanced/Expert players – 19 – 24/29 lbs.
Choose a higher tension If you put more force into your strokes. Temperature affects the string tension. Therefore, string tension standards vary according to where you are playing. Those living in the tropics or hot, humid regions will want to select higher racket tensions since strings tend to expand in hotter places.
Conclusion
There is a wide variety of badminton rackets from which to choose. Selecting one that matches your skill level, style, and strategy is important to enjoying the game.
Beginners should select rackets that are lighter weight, flexible, and have power built-in. They may choose a heavier racket or one with more string tension after they have perfected their skills and technique.
Intermediate players may also consider rackets that provide a little more power and assist with accuracy.
Whatever your level, for maximum enjoyment, choose the best badminton rackets for beginners or intermediate players that feel right to you.
I have not played badminton in YEARS! We had a gym open up right down the road that has badminton courts and a few guys from work started playing it there. I decided to join the gym but they do not supply rackets so I am in need of one. I was told to go for a beginners racket so I am very happy I found this list of 10 best badminton rackets for beginners. Made it super easy to pick out the best one for me.
Trained is by far the best brand I have ever come across when it comes to badminton equipment. They are of high quality and the equipment is stylish and holds up well to lots of use.
If you are used to best lighter weight badminton racket then I don’t suggest getting the Champion Sports racket. I am able to deal because I am more used to it but it does have a noticeable weight difference.
I am definitely brand loyal to Senston. They have great quality rackets at a great price. And it best badminton rackets for intermediate players. However, now that I’m looking at all these pros and cons for other brands it might be worth it to go and try some others out just to make sure I’m not better off with another.
We have a gym at work that has a badminton court and in an effort to get in shape, I decided to join some of the girls from the office in a game. I ended up having so much fun I am investing in a badminton racket! Since I am new I wanted to get some comparisons and reviews. This article “10 Best Badminton Rackets For Beginners And Intermediate Player – Reviews And Buyer’s Guide” was perfect. Helped me decide on the right one for me.
I am looking for a last-minute gift for my nephew. It turns out, my brother will be coming into town and I have nothing for the kid! My sister in law told me he was into badminton so I wanted to find him the best badminton rackets for intermediate players for Christmas. This post saved me a lot of guesswork and time. I just ordered the Senston N80 since it is on sale and comes with a nice carrying case.
Never would have expected to be shopping around for badminton rackets but here I am! I got talked into joining a tournament with some friends. I just wanted an inexpensive quality racket. I didn’t know which to go with but the Champion Sports at number two is perfect for me and the best badminton rackets for intermediate players. Thanks for the info!