Fitness Gear Equipment 9 Best Badminton Rackets for Every Skill Level Level up your game with the Senston N80 Graphite Racket By Melissa Forrester Melissa Forrester Melissa Forrester is a tennis player and former tennis coach who lives in Richmond, Virginia. She obtained a BA in English Literature from Trinity College. Learn about our editorial process and Jen Zeltwanger, ACSM-EP Jen Zeltwanger, ACSM-EP LinkedIn Jen Zeltwanger is an exercise physiologist and runner with 26 years of experience in the health and fitness industry. She specializes in researching and writing about products that support home and outdoor fitness. Learn about our editorial process Updated on June 03, 2022 Reviewed Verywell Fit articles are reviewed by nutrition and exercise professionals. Reviewers confirm the content is thorough and accurate, reflecting the latest evidence-based research. Content is reviewed before publication and upon substantial updates. Learn more. by Heather Black, CPT Reviewed by Heather Black, CPT Heather Black, CPT is a NASM-certified personal trainer and owner of Heather Black Fitness & Nutrition where she offers remote and in-person training and nutrition coaching. Learn about our Review Board Fact checked Verywell Fit content is rigorously reviewed by a team of qualified and experienced fact checkers. Fact checkers review articles for factual accuracy, relevance, and timeliness. We rely on the most current and reputable sources, which are cited in the text and listed at the bottom of each article. Content is fact checked after it has been edited and before publication. Learn more. by Isabella Broggini, NASM-CPT Fact checked by Isabella Broggini, NASM-CPT Isabella Broggini is a health writer and editor, NASM-certified personal trainer, and fitness nutrition specialist. She is a commerce editor at Verywell. Learn about our editorial process Print We independently research, test, review, and recommend the best products—learn more about our process. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission. Badminton is a racket sport, and similar to paddle ball or tennis, you can play it recreationally on indoor or outdoor courts. Badminton can be played as doubles or individually, and it's low-impact but still offers a solid full-body workout. If you're looking for a sport that requires minimal investment in equipment, badminton is a great choice—all you need is a racket, shuttlecock (a feathered, dome-shaped "ball"), a net (although you could also play without), a partner, and comfortable shoes. Picking the right equipment—particularly the racket—is critical for optimal performance. When choosing a badminton racket, pay attention to its weight, style, your skill level, and the balance type you're looking for (how you would like the weight of the badminton racket to be balanced). To help you nail down your search, we researched top rackets based on the style of play they're good for, weight, balance, durability, and cost. According to our research, here are the best badminton rackets on the market. Our Top Picks Best Overall: Senston N80 Badminton Racquet at Amazon Jump to Review Best Budget: Franklin Sports Elite Performance Badminton Racket at Amazon Jump to Review Best Splurge: Yonex Astrox 100 ZZ at Amazon Jump to Review Best for Beginners: Senston Professional Woven Badminton Racket at Amazon Jump to Review Best Intermediate: Babolat Satelite Gravity 74 at Amazon Jump to Review Best Advanced: Yonex Nanoflare 800 at Amazon Jump to Review Best for Doubles: Senston 2 Pieces Badminton Set at Amazon Jump to Review Best for Juniors: Senston Graphite Mini at Amazon Jump to Review Best for Control: Wilson Fierce C1500 at Amazon Jump to Review In This Article Expand Our Picks How We Selected What to Look For FAQ Why Trust Verywell Fit Best Overall Senston N80 Graphite Single Badminton Racquet 4.7 Amazon View On Amazon Pros Quality construction Budget-friendly Multiple color options Cons Not for advanced players A great option for a wide range of playing styles, the Senston N80 offers excellent value at a low price point—making it our best overall pick. The racket is incredibly lightweight and classified as 5U, which is equivalent to 75-79 grams in weight. The N80 has a full carbon fiber frame and shaft which is easy to handle on the court. An isometric head is also ideal for creating a larger sweet spot for your shots. Given this technology, the N80 is ideal for any player ranging from beginner to intermediate. Plus, the Senston N80 is offered in an array of colors and includes a carrying bag to protect your racket when on the go. Price at time of publication: $48 Key Specs:Weight: 5U | Materials: Graphite and carbon fiber | Grip: 4.5 inches | Head Shape: Isometric | Balance: Head heavy Best Budget Franklin Sports Elite Performance Badminton Racket Franklin View On Amazon View On Franklinsports.com Pros Lightweight design Performance grip Cons No carrying case One color option Whether you're new to the game or a seasoned player, the Franklin Sports Elite delivers high quality at a budget-friendly price. When compared to other high-end rackets with similar features, this racket's characteristics and quality construction hold up, even at the lower price point. The Franklin Sports Elite features a tight string technology that allows for powerful shots while maintaining increased accuracy and precision. For the intermediate player looking for a durable frame for intense rallies, this frame remains sturdy while transferring power. Lastly, the advanced performance grip on this racket strikes the ideal balance of comfort and performance for players, both of which are key elements for longer matches. Price at time of publication: $40 Key Specs:Weight: 4U | Materials: Carbon fiber | Grip: 3.25 inches | Head Shape: Isometric | Balance: Head heavy Best Splurge Yonex Astrox 100 ZZ Amazon View On Amazon Pros Multiple weight options Crafted for maneuverability Slim shaft Cons Expensive Must string yourself For a player ready to make an investment in a badminton racket, the Yonex ASTROX 100 ZZ is a splurge-worthy option that won't disappoint. This racket is endorsed by pro players Viktor Axelsen, Chou Tien-Chen, and Akane Yamauchi—which is no surprise since it offers incredible power throughout the swing. The ASTROX 100 ZZ offers a slimmer shaft and a rotational generator system, making it maneuverable on the court and with precise weight distribution throughout the frame. However, though the racket is lightweight, this system allows it to still generate some serious power for the players who like to smash the shuttlecock. Advanced players will like this racket's extra stiff shaft, which is ideal for fast-paced play and offensive shots. Price at time of publication: $260 Key Specs:Weight: 4U or 3U | Materials: HM graphite, Namd | Grip Size: 4.75 inches | Head Shape: Isometric | Balance: Head heavy The 9 Best Tennis Racquets, According to a Tennis Coach Best for Beginners Senston Professional Woven Badminton Racket Amazon View On Amazon Pros Lightweight design Stable shaft Cover included Cons Not for advanced players If you’re new to badminton and looking for a racket to get you started with the game, the Senston Professional is a fantastic option. This racket is affordable and lightweight, which is ideal for beginners as they acclimate to their strokes and maneuver around the court. The racket has a built-in T-connector that uses a lightweight, epoxy resin plastic. This new type of resin provides stability and power during play. Senston also incorporates a non-slip handle built to offer grip while maintaining comfort—yet another feature that benefits beginners. A racket cover is included in the purchase as well. Price at time of publication: $53 Key Specs:Weight: 4U | Materials: Graphite, micro carbon fiber | Grip Size: Not listed | Head Shape: Isometric | Balance: Even balanced The Best Women’s Running Shoes, According to a Running Coach Best Intermediate Babolat Satelite Gravity 74 Badminton Racket Amazon View On Amazon View On Badmintonwarehouse.com Pros Ultra lightweight Slim T technology Good for defensive players Cons Must string yourself Not beginner-friendly A great choice for intermediate players, the Babolat Satelite Gravity 74 offers increased speed and maneuverability, thanks to its ultralight weight. It's equipped with Slim T technology which makes for powerful shots despite the lightweight racket head. This racket is comfortable and forgiving and great for defensive players. The light weight makes it very easy to whip into position and make accurate shots. It has a relatively smaller sweet spot so it's not the best choice for beginners. Price at time of publication: $149 Key Specs:Weight: 6U | Materials: High modulus graphite | Grip Size: 3.5 inches | Head: Isometric shape | Balance: Head light Best Advanced Yonex Nanoflare 800 Badminton Warehouse View On Amazon View On Badmintonwarehouse.com Pros Good for high-speed hits Offers great control Helps with acceleration Cons Expensive Less durable frame The Yonex Nanoflare 800 is a head-light racket designed for fast-paced, aggressive play. Endorsed by numerous professional players, this advanced-level racket will support rapid-fire play, whether you're new to the game or a seasoned competitor. This racket is designed with a single-pass grommet hole construction on the frame which allows for a more high-performance stringing pattern. Yonex also incorporated the Razor Frame in the Nanoflare, which reduces air resistance from all angles and enables faster swings and shuttle speeds. While high-speed play is guaranteed, players are still able to maintain accuracy thanks to the stiff flex of the racket. Price at time of publication: $290 Key Specs:Weight: 3U | Materials: Graphite | Grip Size: 3 inches | Head: Isometric | Balance: Head light The 15 Best Anti-Odor Workout Clothes of 2023 Best for Doubles Senston 2 Pieces Badminton Set Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart Pros Lightweight design Budget-friendly Full package for two players Cons Not for advanced players Head may be too small for some For the doubles pair in need of a new set of rackets, look no further than Senston’s 2 Piece Badminton Set. Senston is a solid option for players of varying levels, which makes this a great choice for a team. With an isometric head shape, these rackets offer an increased sweet spot for players to make easy contact with the shuttlecock. As partners are reacting to a fast-paced game against their opponents, they need the flexibility to respond quickly and move easily on the court. The light weight of this racket, which comes in at 90-94 grams (making it a 2U), is a big win for players, allowing them to move swiftly and still maintain total control of their shots during play. Price at time of publication: $50 Key Specs:Weight: 2U | Materials: Carbon alloy frame, graphite shaft | Grip Size: Not listed | Head: Square/isometric | Balance: Even balance The Best Men’s Tennis Shoes for Agility on the Court Best for Juniors Senston Graphite Mini Amazon View On Amazon Pros Budget-friendly Full package for two players Lightweight design Cons Not for advanced players Age 5 and up only Kids playing or interested in playing badminton should look no further than the Senston Graphite Mini as an ideal racket to begin play. A great sport to keep kids active, Badminton is especially helpful for developing solid hand-eye coordination. And if they play doubles, it's a great way to encourage teamwork skills. When it comes to finding a racket for kids, you can't go wrong with Senston's Graphite Mini. Lightweight and simple to hold, it's easy for small children to handle on-court while they familiarize themselves with the game. The set includes two junior rackets, a carrying case, and a shuttlecock—so kids can get out and start playing as soon as they'd like. Price at time of publication: $38 Key Specs:Weight: 1U | Materials: Graphite | Grip: 4 inches | Head: Isometric | Balance: Even balance Best for Control Wilson Fierce C1500 Amazon View On Amazon View On Dick's Pros Stable Wrap technology Pinpoint precision Lightweight design Cons Not great for power Not for advanced players For players wanting to control every aspect of their game, the Wilson Fierce C1500 will allow them to reach their goals. The racket has a unibody carbon construction that supports the frame while creating optimal control for the player. Additionally, Wilson’s Stable Wrap design with braided graphite means there is a stronger T-joint resulting in greater accuracy of shots and reduced frame twisting. This is a lightweight racket with medium flex from the unibody construction, making it an easy racket to handle during play. While it is a slightly higher price point than some other rackets included on our list, Wilson continues to deliver a high-quality product. Price at time of publication: $89 Key Specs:Weight: 4U | Materials: High modulus carbon fiber | Grip: 3 inches | Head Shape: Isometric | Balance: Even balance Final Verdict We chose the Senston N80 as our best overall pick because it delivers a solid combination of technology and quality at a great price point. The racket can also be used by a wide range of players at varying skill levels. Whether you are just getting started with badminton or are a more advanced player, the versatile construction of this racket will help you reach your playing goals. For seasoned players looking to invest in the next level of gear, we recommend Yonex's ASTROX 100 ZZ. Designed for intermediate to advanced players, this racket is extra stiff—great for strong attacks on the opponent. How We Selected the Best Badminton Rackets When playing badminton, a racket is your most important piece of equipment, so choosing the right racket for you is very important. To find the best ones on the market, we researched dozens of rackets from well-known, reputable brands and reviewed each option's product details and specifications for quality materials, optimal weight, balance type, and value. We then further narrowed down our top options by reading independent reviews to determine the best rackets for every skill level. We only considered badminton rackets that are top sellers, endorsed by pro players, and from brands with a reputation for quality construction. We paid particular attention to the style and level of play that each racket is suited for, as well as its durability and ease of use, including stringing. What to Look for in a Badminton Racket Weight Beginners to badminton may wish to choose a lighter racket since they are easier to control. If you are not a beginner, you have more options. For stronger shots, choosing a heavier racket may be best. The weight of badminton rackets is typically indicated by a number followed by a "U." Lower numbers are lighter than higher ones. If you most often play doubles, look for a lighter weight for faster reaction time. Singles games rely more on power and control, which is more achievable with a heavier racket. Balance The balancing point of a racket refers to how the weight is distributed. You'll find rackets with three types of balance: even balance, head light, and head heavy. If you are a beginner, an even balance racket may be best since it will give you a combination of both control and power. Head heavy rackets provide additional swing momentum, while head light rackets increase your swing speed and control. Skill Level and Style Consider your skill level and style of play before choosing a badminton racket. You'll likely find a skill level or style suggestion indicated right on the racket or its packaging. You may see skill-based labels such as "advanced" or "beginner" or style indicators such as "control" or "hard hitter." Frequently Asked Questions How high is a badminton net? Standard badminton nets should be 1.55 meters (5 feet 1 in) at the ends and dip through the center to 1.52m (5 feet). The official net height was set in 1934 by the World Badminton Federation. Some badminton nets made for recreational use may be lower than competition nets. How long do badminton rackets last? Similar to a tennis racket, the longevity of a badminton racket will depend upon the skill of the player and how often they are playing.Skill will impact the style of play. "There is a high chance that beginners will clash rackets with partners and may break a few before they move onto advanced-level rackets," Reghu Nair, co-manager of the Richmond Badminton Club and a seasoned player, says. Advanced players often seek the newest technology given their higher level and frequency of play. How do you get a badminton racket repaired? Repairing a badminton racket depends on the nature of the repair. If you have a broken frame, it is best to replace it. If the strings break, bring your racket to a pro shop where a machine that can replace string can repair the racket with the correct amount of tension to fit your play style and preferences. Why Trust Verywell Fit Melissa Forrester currently lives in Richmond, Virginia. She obtained her BA in American Studies and English Literature from Trinity College in Hartford, Connecticut. Melissa also has a lifelong passion for fitness and played tennis at Trinity College. She is still an avid tennis player and fitness enthusiast. Additional reporting by Jen Zeltwanger Jen Zeltwanger is an ACSM-certified personal trainer and long-time fitness writer. Jen has been involved in the fitness industry for over 25 years and has written articles and tested products for a variety of fitness and wellness publications, like Sass Magazine and Field Hockey Life Magazine. 1 Source Verywell Fit uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. International Olympics Committee. Badminton court: Markings, size and all you need to know. See Our Editorial Process Meet Our Review Board Share Feedback Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! What is your feedback? Other Helpful Report an Error Submit