The Top 5 Best Badminton Rackets for Beginners
Hi there, fellow shuttlecock enthusiasts! Have you ever been so excited to start your badminton journey, only to step into a sports store and be absolutely bombarded with rows upon rows of badminton rackets? Or maybe, you’re just like me when I first started, staring blankly at my computer screen, desperately typing “best badminton rackets” into the search bar, hoping for some divine guidance.
There’s a world of options out there, from lightweight to heavyweight, from flexible to stiff, and frankly, it’s enough to send any eager newcomer running for the hills or worse, turning to tennis! Fear not, dear reader. I’ve been through the trials and tribulations of racket selection so you don’t have to.
In this blog post, I will make it simple for you. We’ll look at the best badminton rackets for beginners – my top 5 picks that I wish someone had recommended when stepping onto the court for the first time. Remember, the right racket isn’t just a tool; it’s your ally on the court. And who knows? The next time you face that daunting wall of badminton rackets in a store, you might just be advising a confused newbie on their perfect pick. Let’s jump right in!
Runner-up
$39
Yonex Gr 303
best Budget-Friendly
$25
Yonex B4000
Best Overall Beginner Badminton Racket: Stenson N80 Graphite Single High-Grade Racket
The Stenson N80 is more than just a badminton racket; it’s a beginner’s best friend on the court. With its high-grade graphite build, it offers an incredible blend of durability, power, and lightness. And remember, my friends, in badminton, every gram counts! It’s lightweight enough for you to swing easily but sturdy enough to pack a punch when you’re returning a smash.
This racket provides excellent control and maneuverability, key features for beginners finding their footing in the game. The Stenson N80, in my humble opinion, may well be the best badminton racket for beginners looking for a taste of professional-grade equipment without getting overwhelmed. It’s a tool that’ll help you discover your style and grow with you as you get better at the game.
Price
A very reasonable price of 40 USD makes the Stenson N80 our top pick for beginners. Its head heavy design is very beginner friendly which will allow you to focus on your technique instead of what your racket head is made of. The Stenson N80 also comes with a handy carry bag so you can better protect your racket against the elements. A great starting point for any beginner badminton players, if you want to get started straight away you can get the Stenson N80 here.
Best Runner-Up Beginner Badminton Racket: Yonex Gr 303
Next on our list, and another personal favorite of mine, is the Yonex Gr 303 Badminton Racket.
Picture this. It was a warm summer evening, and I’d been invited for a friendly neighborhood match. My opponent, a jovial guy with a wicked backhand, showed up with this ASHAWAY racket. I’ll admit, I was a tad skeptical, given its lightweight nature. But let me tell you, the control he had over the shuttlecock was nothing short of amazing. It’s like the racket was an extension of his arm!
The Yonex Gr 303 is one of the best badminton rackets for beginners due to its ultra-lightweight design. It allows for swift, easy maneuverability and gives you an exceptional feel for the shuttlecock. But don’t be fooled. Despite its lightweight nature, this badminton racket is sturdy, with its balance tipped slightly towards the head, allowing beginners to generate that extra bit of power while maintaining control.
If you’re starting and looking for a racket that gives you that delicate balance between power and control, then the Yonex Gr 303 could be your perfect ally on the court. Remember, the best badminton racket isn’t always the heaviest or the most expensive; sometimes, it’s the one that feels just right in your hands.
Price
The Yonex Gr 303 starts at around $39 AUD which is once again a very reasonable price for the quality one gets with this racket. Built to quality, this head light racket is very fast which can help new players manage easier around the net. This is a super lightweight racket, so if a you are lacking powerful shots the Stenson N80 or YONEX Nanoray Light 18i might be more helpful. But otherwise, this is a superb racket that will really establish itself in a beginners hands.
Best Budget – Friendly Beginners Racket – Yonex B4000
Rounding out our list, but by no means the least, is the Yonex B4000. Now, I know all too well that not everyone is ready to dive deep into their pockets when they’re just getting started. So, for all my budget-conscious badminton enthusiasts out there, this one’s for you.
Let me tell you, budget-friendly doesn’t mean you’re compromising on quality. The Yonex B4000 is proof of that. Designed with beginners in mind, it boasts an impressive balance between weight and durability. The racket is light enough to ensure swift movements across the court, yet sturdy enough to withstand those intense, adrenaline-pumping rallies.
Price
One of the key benefits of the Yonex B4000, aside from its attractive price point, is its forgiving nature. It’s structured in such a way that even if your technique isn’t spot-on, the racket helps compensate, allowing for a more enjoyable play. This makes it arguably the best badminton racket for beginners who are still finding their rhythm and refining their swing.
In the vast ocean of badminton rackets, the Yonex B4000 stands out as an affordable gem, ensuring that even if you’re watching your wallet, you’re not missing out on a quality badminton experience. Remember, it’s not about the price tag; it’s about finding a racket that complements and elevates your game. And who said you need to break the bank to find your perfect match?
Yonex Duora 10
Next up, we have another stunning entrant from Yonex: the Duora 10. I know, I know, another Yonex? But trust me when I say they’re worth the hype. It’s like getting a fresh, homemade cookie straight out of the oven – you can’t just have one!
My encounter with the Yonex Duora 10 was quite memorable. It was during a charity badminton event, and one of the rackets up for auction was this model. I decided to bid and, to my surprise, won it. That evening, I decided to test it out, and it was a revelation.
The Yonex Duora 10 isn’t your average badminton racket. It has a unique dual-optimum frame, which features a box-shaped side for powerful smashes and an aero-shaped side for speedy backhands. The technology behind it blew my mind. It’s like getting two rackets for the price of one!
It offers a versatile playstyle, making it one of the best badminton rackets for beginners. It allows you to learn the ropes of both powerful smashes and quick, responsive plays. The Duora 10 might be a bit of a splurge, but it’s a worthy investment for a beginner dedicated to the game.
One game with the Yonex Duora 10, and you’ll feel like you’ve been playing badminton for years. It’s not just a badminton racket; it’s a confidence booster on the court. And who couldn’t use a little more of that?
Price
USD $250
YONEX Nanoray Light 18i Graphite Badminton Racquet
Rounding up our list, we have the YONEX Nanoray Light 18i Graphite Badminton Racquet. I promise, I’m not on Yonex’s payroll, but their rackets are just that good! This model, in particular, holds a special place in my heart.
I was gifted the Nanoray Light 18i by a mentor when I first started playing badminton. Despite the countless other rackets I’ve held since then, this one remains etched in my memory. It was a game-changer in my early badminton days, and it might be just the one for you too.
The YONEX Nanoray Light 18i is a well-crafted badminton racket that offers a wonderful blend of power and speed. Its graphite build gives it a sturdy feel without adding extra weight, making it ideal for beginners still getting used to the swing of things. Plus, the aero frame reduces air resistance, allowing for smooth, effortless swings.
What makes the Nanoray Light 18i one of the best badminton rackets for beginners is its affordability without compromising on quality. It’s an excellent stepping stone for those who are just getting started but have a keen interest in the game.
If you’re looking for a reliable, affordable, and beginner-friendly badminton racket, the YONEX Nanoray Light 18i could be your perfect match. It’s not just a badminton racket; it’s your trusty sidekick on the journey to becoming a seasoned badminton player.
Price
62.99 USD
How Does the Weight of a Racket Affecting the Player
The heavier the racks, the more easily it accumulates momentum and kinetic energy in an effective hit. Nevertheless, they’re also harder to control and slower. Once you get the right skills that will help you to be stable. Unlike other things you will need more strength to handle heavier rackets otherwise you will get injured easily. This can cause excessive tension in your joints. It’s advisable to take the easiest approach for beginners too. Often singers use a 3 x 1 racket. (more rackets). The lighter this racket, the better the maneuverability and faster the player will have for net movement and defence against the opponent.
Skill Level and Style
Before you pick the racket, take into consideration how well you can play badminton and the game style you like. You may find skill or style suggestions on rackets or on the packaging. It’s possible that you’re seeing skill indicators like the advanced or beginning or directional indicators like “control” or hard hitter.
How do I choose a badminton racket for beginners?
The manufacturers of badminton are not entirely sure what their product will look like. You get into a jungle of styles, brand names and designs, however, generally the racket is rewarding to the extent of good performances and moderately punishing to the extent of a bad situation. It’d make you feel better than if you were to find a racket on your driveway with the skill of a drunk driver or the weight of a slug gun. To cut through the brush of jungle and make sure your beginner badminton racket satisfies your needs and pushes you to improve, you must think about it.
How do I choose a badminton racket?
I have an in-depth article on this topic here. Generally, it’s a personal choice that depends on your playing style, physical capabilities, and preferences.
“How much should a beginner badminton racket cost?
Well, the cost of beginner badminton rackets can vary greatly depending on the brand, material, and design. However, most badminton rackets suitable for beginners usually fall within the $30 to $100 range.
This range typically includes rackets that balance cost-effectiveness with decent performance and durability. Remember, while it’s tempting to go for the priciest racket thinking it’s the best, it’s more important to find a racket that suits your style and feels comfortable in your hand.
Investing in an overly expensive racket when you’re just starting out might not be the best idea. Instead, focus on honing your skills with a decently priced, good quality beginner badminton racket. Once you’ve got the hang of the game and know more about your play style, you can invest in a more advanced racket.
Should I get a head-heavy or head-light badminton racket?
The answer largely depends on your playstyle and what you’re comfortable with.
Head heavy rackets are great for delivering powerful smashes as the extra weight on the head provides more power in your swing. So, if you’re more of an aggressive player who likes to dominate from the backcourt, a head heavy racket might be your best bet.
On the other hand, head light badminton rackets are easier to control and maneuver. They’re perfect for beginners who are still getting the hang of controlling the racket and for players who prefer fast, rapid play, often at the net.
Many beginner badminton rackets are balanced, offering a middle ground between power and control. As you progress in your game and understand your preferred style, you can decide to go for either head heavy or head light rackets. Remember, the best racket is the one that feels right for you.
Do you need a good racket to play badminton?
While you can technically play badminton with any racket, a good racket significantly enhances your gameplay. A well-chosen badminton racket improves control, power, and precision, making your playing experience more enjoyable. So, if you’re serious about playing badminton, investing in a good racket is definitely worthwhile. It’s not just about the game, it’s about how much you enjoy every swing, smash, and drop.
