Buying a New Racket? Here Are Some of Our Favorites

Trying to find a new badminton racket can be a lengthy process if you have no idea what you are looking for. So, we are here to break down a few of our favorites for you based on the category of player they are intended for, whether you are a beginner or an intermediate player. We will dive into the qualities and benefits of each racket to help you understand the differences between them. 

Training Rackets

These rackets are similar to any other racket, but they are designed to be heavier. They can weigh up to 160 grams which is about two times the weight of a standard racket. A training racket can allow you to respond faster, learn better control, and build your stamina, to name a few of the benefits. 

• Adidas P350 Badminton Racket – at $70, this racket is perfect for anyone looking for a training racket. It comes pre-strung for you and offers a medium flex that allows you to hit a variety of shots. It is an ideal option for anyone looking to practice with a heavier racket to build their swing power and improve their stability.

Beginners Rackets

Learning with the correct racket is essential to getting off on the right foot for any sport. Attempting to learn with an advanced or intermediate racket as a beginner can hinder your success. Different rackets serve different purposes, and there is a difference between them even if they may not be visible right away to most people. 

1. Qiangli 331 - 2 – at $40, this 2 racket pair is perfect for anyone interested in trying the sport with a friend. It can be used in a competitive setting or to experiment with different hits and serves. It is a racket that anyone can use as it comes strung for you and is lighter, weighing in at 100 grams when strung. It does also has a G2 grip, but as a beginner racket that comes in a set of 2, this is perfect for anyone new to the sport.

2. Qiangli B81 - at $40, this beginner racket comes strung for you. It includes a headcover for you to use and is great for anyone playing in their backyard or just beginning the sport. Made of a high-quality aluminum alloy, it weighs 85-90 grams, making it a lightweight racket anyone can use. It does have a grip size of G2, making it perfect for someone with a larger palm.

These options are not only high quality but easy for any beginner to use. As we mentioned before, keeping in mind is the grip size and how that may affect your play. You will need a racket with more grip, like a G2, if you have a larger palm. However, those with small or x-small palms will need a G4 or G5 grip to accommodate their palms. 

Intermediate Rackets 

Once you feel comfortable with the sport, understand the basics, and have had time to practice and perfect a few techniques, you may feel the need to upgrade your racket. When this time comes, it can be intimidating to see all of the different intermediate rackets available and try to find the one for you. So, we are going to break down a few of our favorites to help you out.

It is normal for people to outgrow their beginners' racket as they improve, so do not worry if you need to find a new one. Everyone has their preferences and needs depending on their unique play style. 

1. Yonex Astrox 22 Badminton Racket – for $170 you get an intermediate racket with a full cover to better protect it. The G5 grip size for those with extra small palms weighs 70 grams, making it lightweight. You can pick out a free grip, and color options range from pink to yellow to deep blue. Custom string options are available at an additional cost, allowing you to customize the tension of your strings, making this racket the perfect choice for those who enjoy powerful hits and fast swings during their games, especially with the stiff flex it has. It can also be effective for net drops and touches if that's your preferred playing style. This racket has a unique, isometric head that allows it to be more effective when hitting. 

2. Yang Yang Breakthrough 90 Badminton Racket – at $180, this racket has a lot to offer intermediate players. The tornado power system it has offers players a high level of control and much power and speed. The 3D breakthrough frame allows more air through the frame to decrease wind resistance. A 3D breakthrough shield is also in place to help with stability and allow players to smash the shuttlecock without worrying about their racket twisting. It comes with a full racket cover to help protect your equipment. The racket’s weight is around 85 grams making it lightweight and ideal for anyone to use. It does feature a G2 grip size for those with larger palms allowing them to hold it properly. 

These are two of our favorite options when it comes to intermediate rackets. They can allow you to play a competitive game of badminton while feeling confident in your equipment and knowing that it will allow you to play to your strengths. Rackets tend to be an investment, so ensuring that you find one that can grow with you as you get better at badminton.