Best Badminton Rackets in India - Reviews and Comparison 2022

The standard weight of a badminton racket is between 85 - 92 grams. Heavy rackets are considered power rackets, whereas lightweight rackets give better control.

Usually, skilful players choose heavy rackets as it has more mass, and since they have practised a lot, they can give power shot without compromising the balance. For the same reason, single players also prefer heavy racket.

Beginners, intermediate and club & social players prefer lightweight badminton racket. Such a racket is easier on hand and wrist. It allows a player to move the shoulder correctly and give easier control to them. Likewise, double players also prefer lightweight rackets as it facilitates more speed and flexible performance. 

Badminton racket weight is defined in three units - U, W, and F and different brands have their own weight chart.

Badminton racket weight chart

Weight consideration also varies with preference. Here is the table for the same.

Earlier the badminton rackets were made using wood but wood has its drawback, it was heavyweight. Later, manufacturers started using lightweight materials to make the racket frame such as aluminium, steel, graphite and carbon fiber. These materials are not only lightweight but durable as well. They make badminton rackets manageable and manoeuvrable, and you can quickly move it through the air. Amongst the four materials, carbon fiber and graphite are more durable than aluminium and steel. 

Players who prefer heavier rackets, they go for graphite fiber. It is heavy and thereby, gives more power and reduces the shock.

Besides weight and material, if there is anything significant that is the balance point. It can make or break your game. It is essential to understand this because even two rackets with the same weight can feel different because their balance points are different. 

There are three balance points- Head Heavy, Even Balance, and Head Light Balance.

Racket balance point category is the distance between racket’s balance point, and racket bottom defines, and it is measured in mm (millimetre).

Head Heavy

Head heavy racket has a balance point of 295-300mm or more.

Head heavy rackets, as the name says, are heavy on the head, i.e. they have their weight towards racket’s head. It helps a badminton player to smash a hit powerfully. They are incredibly lightweight and extra weight in the head is not so easy to control. It is recommended to advanced or professional players. Also, head heavy is suitable for players who like to play a powerful game from the back of the court, such as in the case of singles.

Even Balance

A badminton racket with balance point 285mm to 295 comes under this category. It is called Even balance since the balance point of the racket stands in the middle of the racket.

It is suitable for all-rounders. Also, it is recommended that those who haven’t learned their strengths and weaknesses such as beginners and intermediate level players. The advantage of an even balanced racket is that it offers flexibility and it is easy to play a wide range of shots with it.

Head Light

The head light racket has a balance point of less than 285mm. 

The players who need moderately lightweight racket go for this category. It offers more manoeuvre than head heavy. The balance point of a head light racket is at the handle, which gives you control and speeds up reaction time. However, it doesn’t give you any extra power.

This is suitable for players who play at the net and needs to react quickly against opponents smashes. Mostly double players use it to kill the game in the frontcourt.

A badminton racket that has lightweight, good grip, perfect flexibility, and good string tension is preferred in the court.

String tension affects the ‘sweet spot’. As the former increases, the sweet spot decreases and becomes more concentrated. Rackets with 25lbs or more have higher tension and the one with 18- 20lbs have lower tension.

String tension also affects the power, control, vibration and durability. The below-given table will explain to you that better.

The sweet spot is the midpoint of the racket’s head. It is essential to consider this because this spot affects the gameplay as you can hit the shuttlecock giving the maximum power when it touches in the area of a sweet spot. 

When the shuttlecock hits the sweet spot of the badminton racket, it gives the following benefits:

• Better sound

• Lesser vibration

• More power

• Accurate shots 

• Better gameplay experience

Basically, there are two types of badminton rackets based on their head shape, namely, oval and isometric.

An oval head shape racket has a small sweet spot and gives more power when you hit that spot. Also, it provides better control to the player. It is recommended to the advanced level players. Whereas, isometric shape racket has a larger sweet spot and therefore, best suited for the beginners or intermediate level players.

The grip is another crucial factor to consider, especially when you play long rallies and in humid conditions. It is best if you know your circumstances, playing skill and condition as that will let you select the right size and type of grip.

Type

There are two types of badminton racket grips, namely, towel and synthetic.

Towel grips are softer and just like regular towel, they are good at absorption (in this case absorbing sweat). Unfortunately, it also makes them prone to accumulating germs and bacteria. Therefore, towel grips call for frequent replacement as compared to synthetic grips. In contrast, synthetic grips are slick and less messy. However, at the same time, they are less comfortable due to its low sweat absorption ability.

Size

G4 is the standard grip size. Smaller grip size like G5 and G6 are designed for all hands, and they need more finger power or wrist action to be used. In contrast, large size, designed for larger hands like G1 and G2, makes players use more of their arm.

The table will explain this better.

⬅ More arm power / More finger or wrist power ➡

Tip: Buy standard size- G4 or G5. If you will go too light, later it gets tough to downsize a racket grip.

Beginners who start with very thick grip run into the problem of not using enough fingers to generate power when they grow older because they relied heavily on their arms when they started.

The shaft is the area between the strung area of the frame and the handle, and it can either be flexible or stiff.

Badminton rackets with flexible shaft are recommended for beginner to avoid them exert extra power to play strong shots. Whereas, for an advanced level player, stiff shaft racket is recommended. However, both types of the shaft have their own merits and demerits.

Flexible

Positives

• Easy excess to power without using much strength.

• Suitable for beginners as they can focus on the game and not generating power.

• Easy to defend smashes as you do not have to put much strength into the shots.

Negatives

• Low potential for power.

• The shaft can easily bend, therefore, less control of shuttle placement and it can fly in any direction.

• Slow return of shots as the shuttle stays on the string bed for a long time.

Stiff

Positives

• Due to stiff flex quick return of shots are there.

• More control of shuttle placement.

• Higher potential power.

Negatives

• Need good use of wrist action.

• It needs a stronger swing and right technique to generate enough power.

Considering your playing style is really important when you are going to buy a badminton racket. It could be offensive, defensive, or all-rounder. The design and other aspects of the racket adjust them to varying playing styles such as control, power, and speed. Some of the standard playing styles are defensive or straightforward, offensive, and all-rounder.

If your playing style is offensive, then consider head-heavy balance point as that will give power game from the other side of the court. This style is for the players who play singles more. Likewise, defensive style attacking players who play doubles more should pick head-light balance point rackets. The advantage of this playing style badminton racket is that it is less in weight from both head & frame, which gives more flexibility and leads to easier swing.

Usually, there are three levels of badminton players- beginner, intermediate, and professional. And the requirement of a beginner is entirely different from that of a professional badminton player. For example, lightweight rackets are for beginners as they have just started and professionals can go for heavyweight rackets. Similarly, string tension of 19-21 lbs, 22-24 lbs and 28-32 lbs is preferred for beginners, intermediate and professional level players respectively.

• If you’re an occasional/beginner level badminton player, then you need isometric-shaped head badminton racket. These rackets have a more significant surface area, are more easygoing & will make the game easier.

• A regular or intermediate level badminton player needs a powerful badminton racket. A racket designed with a balanced spot at the head will give more power.

• If you’re an intensive/professional badminton player, then you need a perfect controlled racket.

Summary Table

No. All badminton rackets do not come pre-strung. Majority of the rackets come pre-stringed from the factory with standard tension and string quality. Professional rackets are often sold un-strung because pro badminton players prefer to string these by themselves as per their specific requirements.

Big brands like Yonex do have their authorized service outlets. Actually, they are not service outlet per se but a retail outlet which is authorized service outlet as well. As far as repairment or alteration is concerned, it is advised to get it done from an authorized dealer.

Most badminton rackets come with the cover but not all of them. Rackets designed for professionals are often shipped out without cover.

Yonex, Li Ning, Victor, APACS, Cosco are some of the best badminton racket brands.

If you are choosing between the top brands like Yonex, and Li Ning, the brand not really matter because top brands produce top quality rackets. However, if you are going to buy smaller budget brands, do your research well.

To have a thicker grip, you can use an over grip. 

You can use racket frame protection tape to increase the head weight of your racket. Not only it will solve your purpose but also protect your racket.

A regular player should re-string the racket every 2-3 months.

• Cut open all the strings as that one broken string is disturbing the tension and distributing it unequally putting extra pressure on specific points on the frame which can change the shape of the racket head in the long run.

• If strings of your racket are broken or lose, get it re-strung by a professional stringer. Use good quality multifilament strings and change the grommets as well if they are broken too.

• Strings are subject to wear and tear, and they do break while playing. Keep your racket in a cover to enhance its life.

• Badminton rackets come with a base grip, and it gets damaged, depending on the usage. To have a good & firm grip, you should replace the base grip every 2-3 months. Or to protect the base grip, you can use overgrip in the first place.

• Badminton rackets made from strong and durable materials can take high tensions, but if not stored properly in a foam cover, they are prone to external damage. Therefore, keep your racket safe, especially frame, in a foam cover to give the racket a long life.

• Ensure shuttle doesn’t hit the frame as that can result in damaging the shuttlecock.

• Play safe and ensure your racket doesn’t hit your partner’s racket while playing doubles.

• Never put any heavy or sharp thing on a badminton racket. Any undue pressure on the racket can change its shape, flexibility, and strength.

• Keep rackets in a dry, cool environment. Direct sunlight or high temperature can melt racket, which can ultimately change its shape, reduces its strength and durability.

• Never use the racket to scrap things off the floor. It can bring cracks in the frame as well as damage the grommets and string.

• Never put the racket immediately in your bag after playing. If you do that, then the moisture or sweat also enters the bag along with the racket which can damage it eventually. Instead, hang your racket from a hook or nail on the wall.

• Corrosion is the biggest reason behind steel racket’s wear and tear. Reapply a fresh coat of the paint on the frame.

• Extremely high string tension will not only damage the frame of the racket but also lead to shoulder pain, especially if you are a beginner or intermediate level player.

• If a badminton racket is really your prized possession, then clean it regularly.

Yonex Nanoray Light 18i is our undisputed winner as it has a blend of features which makes it an excellent choice for all level of players. It has G4 grip size (3.5 inches) which is the standard grip size and best for all three levels of players. It is lightweight badminton racket with 5U (75-79.9 g) which makes it more suitable for beginners, intermediate players and those who play doubles and a quick game.

It has an isometric head shape, and the frame is made of graphite. The balance type is head light, and shaft flexibility is stiff, due to which is very suitable for intermediate level players. However, the string tension is on the higher side with 30 pounds and is best for professional or advanced level players.

The aerodynamic Nanoscience technology has been used to minimize the resistance of air while hitting shots and swings across the curved surface. Last but not least, the built-in T joint makes it a durable and strong racket.

Our second spot has also been occupied by Yonex and for the same reason. It is fit for all level of players. Due to being a little heavy - 3U (85-92 grams), it is a perfect choice for intermediate players & professionals and also, who play singles. Rackets under 3U weight category provide overall more mass without affecting the balance.

It is made with aluminium material and has G4 (3.25 inches) grip size which is suitable for beginners. It is also designed with the aerodynamic concept, that helps to acquire better swing speed and manoeuvrability. Moreover, with 24 lbs string tension and Even balance point, it is perfect for an intermediate level badminton player.

No wonder, Yonex offers supreme quality badminton rackets because the third spot also goes to it. And just like the above two, it is also fit for all level players. You can play both aggressive and defensive game with it.

Carbonex 8000 plus is exceptionally lightweight, and its sleek design makes it easy for smashes and drop shots. It comes with an isometric shape head and box-shape frame cross-section. Furthermore, the CS carbon nanotubes are positioned at the sides of the racket in a manner that improves the elasticity of the frame. It ultimately enhances the shuttlecock’s hold on the bed for a stronger impact.

It has a standard weight of 3U, which is perfect for professionals and intermediate players. The even balance point and flexible nature of the shaft make it suitable for beginners. The string tension is average at 21-24 lbs making it ideal for everyone from newbie to advanced players. And since it comes with full cover, your job to take care of the racket becomes somewhat easier.

Our fourth badminton racket is also our Best Value racket. It is reasonably priced and developed only keeping intermediate players in mind. So, all its features fulfil the needs of a player who will be a pro in some time.

The Li-Ning SS-G5 Series racket is made of carbon-graphite material and has head heavy balance point. It falls under the right weight category - W3 (85 - 87grams) and grip size is G5 (3 inches) which are suitable for an intermediate level player. However, the string tension is a bit of advanced level player with 28-30 pounds.

The sweet spot also favours the to-be pro players as it is large and equally distributes the pressure, ultimately improving the balance and strength of the frame. Further, the aero-tech beam system technology enhances the player’s performance in various shots.

Li-Ning Turbo X 80-II carbon graphite lightweight unstrung badminton racket is very easy to control with extreme strength and thereby, a right fit for game players who play from the back of the court. Also, it is a perfect badminton racquet for both intermediate and professional players.

This unstrung racket can take up to 30 lbs of string tension. With head heavy balance point, W3 weight category and isometric shape head, and 3.125 inches grip size, it easily meets the requirements of an intermediate level player.

Adidas is not well known for its racket making aptitudes, and yet the German sportswear has hit the right note with the Spieler E-Aktiv.

Adidas Spieler E-Aktiv is made of graphite that makes the racket sturdy and stable. Its weight is 83 grams denoted by 4U, as the weight is standard, both intermediate and advanced level badminton player can use it.

The head shape is oval, and string level is 24 pounds ensuring high intensity and powerful hit during the game. The air splitter near the grip increases the racket’s speed. The hex wing at the frame provides a stable hitting platform to the players.

This is a head light balance point racket making it best for defensive playing technique.

You can’t have a rundown of the seven best badminton rackets in India without mentioning Victor. It is another big brand in the badminton racket market. Among its ever-developing range of products, the Brave Sword series has proved that the brand is pro in its game.

Brave Sword 1900 is intended for both types of players - who are preparing to move to the propelled level and who are at that level. However, even balance point and 22 lbs string tension are in favour of beginners. Both shaft and frame are relatively stiff and made from graphite and resin offer strength and flexibility respectively at the shots. With 3U(85-89.9gm) 4U(80-84.9gm) weight and G5 grip size, it offers a proportional grip-weight combination that helps in delivering controlled shots. Checkout reviews and comparison of Best Trekking Backpacks, Best Hiking Shirt for Women, Best Skipping Ropes, Best Badminton Rackets, Best Cricket Bats in India.