Do not blindly follow trends; there is no “best” badminton racket, only the one that suits you best.
For beginners, whose skills are not yet fully developed, it is recommended to purchase affordable entry-level rackets. These rackets are usually made of full carbon material, with moderate weight and a balance between offense and defense, meeting the needs of most beginners.
Today, we will recommend 6 high-value, entry-level badminton rackets:
1.Li-Ning | Raid 1: A classic entry-level racket for beginners who prefer offensive play
The Raid 1 is an ideal beginner racket, designed to accommodate the technical characteristics of novice players. With a flexible shaft, it supports an all-around offensive style. It’s lightweight and easy to handle, featuring high-quality carbon fiber for added rigidity. The Wing Stabilizer System ensures precise control by minimizing racket frame vibrations, making it an excellent choice for new players.
The Li-Ning WS79 is an entry-level racket in the ultra-light series. As the name suggests, it emphasizes lightness, using high-strength carbon fiber. Its lightweight nature makes it easy for beginners to manage both offensive and defensive moves. The racket also has an optimized frame with a large sweet spot, making it very beginner-friendly.
The TK-HMR is another cost-effective racket suited for beginners. It features a box-shaped frame designed using aerodynamic principles, blending stability and torsional resistance. With a flexible shaft, it balances power and speed, and can handle high string tension for enhanced power shots.
4.Victor | ARS-9 Speed: All-carbon material, ideal for beginners
This ARS-9 Speed racket incorporates multiple advantages with a composite sword frame structure that improves stability while maintaining speed. Its carbon fiber frame and shaft make it light, elastic, and versatile for both attack and defense. This speed-oriented racket is recommended for beginners who want to enhance their speed.
5.Yonex | NF-170LTEX Black/Blue: New fluid frame, powerful smashes
The NF-170LT series features a new fluid frame that compresses and rebounds instantly, significantly improving swing speed and operability. This head-light racket combines power and speed, making it a perfect choice for beginners. It is a 5U ultra-light racket with a flexible shaft, delivering quick and smooth strokes.
Part of the Flash Boost series, the NF-8SGE features a one-piece T-joint design that enhances racket stability and power. The lightweight carbon shaft provides a soft, responsive feel, making it easy for beginners to execute powerful smashes. This racket is recommended for novice players who want a speed-oriented racket with excellent control.
Offensive Racket: Characterized by a heavier head, allowing for faster smashes.
Balanced Racket: Combines both defense and offense, with a balance between the weight of the handle and the head.
Defensive Racket: Focuses on defense, with a generally heavier handle compared to the head, which helps to speed up reaction and swinging.
Balance Point:
Generally around 285mm.
A balance point ≤ 285mm is considered a defensive racket.
A balance point ≥ 285mm is considered an offensive racket.
A balance point of = 285mm is considered a balanced racket. Beginners are usually recommended to choose balanced rackets.
On the handle or shaft of the racket, there are generally some letters and numbers.
G + Number: Indicates the thickness of the handle, usually ranging from G2 to G5. A higher number means a thinner handle. Beginners are advised to choose a thinner handle for better power in quick swings. A thicker handle may cause the racket to slip out of the hand.
Number + U: Indicates the weight of the racket. Common weights are 3U, 4U, with some being 2U, 5U, 6U. A higher number indicates a lighter racket. For example:
3U: 85-89 grams
4U: 80-84 grams
5U: Even lighter Players with good grip and strength can choose 3U to better utilize their advantages. For those with less strength, 4U or 5U is recommended for better swing feel.
Number + LBS (Pounds): Indicates the maximum tension the racket can withstand. High-quality rackets can handle up to 30 lbs or more, while most are around 28 lbs. Beginners should not focus on high tension, as medium to low tension (below 23 lbs) is sufficient. Higher tension provides better control but less bounce, making it harder for beginners. Professionals often use higher tension, but for beginners, 22/23/24 lbs is advisable. Higher tension results in tighter stringing and less elasticity, making control more difficult for beginners.
Top 10 Recommended Rackets for Beginners
1.Victor Challenger 9500D (Offensive Type)
The Victor Challenger 9500D, a top choice for beginners, is one of the most popular entry-level badminton rackets with a solid reputation. The latest upgrade, the CHA-9500 D/S, offers faster swing and hitting speed, a more attractive design, and a thinner frame with reduced wind resistance.
This racket is made of full carbon material, making it lightweight with excellent strength, durability, and elasticity. Despite its carbon fiber construction, it remains affordable. Carbon fiber comes in three grades: standard, high stiffness, and ultra-high stiffness. The Challenger 9500D provides great value for its price range, making it an ideal recommendation for beginners.
Summary: This racket is lightweight and easy to use. With a relatively soft shaft, it allows for easier play and more power from the racket’s rebound effect. A softer shaft offers greater deformation, aiding in a more effortless hit, whereas a harder shaft provides less deformation and faster shuttlecock speed, suited for players with more power and explosiveness.
2.Yonex NR7000I (Balanced Type)
The Yonex NR7000I is an excellent choice for beginners, known for its lightweight and good stability, along with fast speed. This racket offers high maneuverability and elasticity, despite its relatively stiff shaft. Beginners may initially find it challenging to control the shuttlecock’s direction, but the racket provides a good feel for net shots and quick reactions. Once accustomed, it enhances defensive play due to its structure and lightweight design, allowing for better anticipation of incoming shots and effective net play.
Summary: This racket has a good feel with excellent shaft elasticity. The 3U weight makes it very flexible, making smashes and clears effortless. Although the smash power might be slightly less due to the inability to fully leverage the racket head, the excellent shaft elasticity compensates for this, and it performs well at medium to high string tensions.
3.Victor Hammer TK-HMR-M (Attack Type)
The Victor Hammer TK-HMR-M is an offensive series racket with a length of 675mm, designed for high-tension attack play. It features a box-shaped structure that enhances stability and torsion resistance during hits, and it can handle higher string tensions. The power groove design stores force during the swing and amplifies it upon impact, creating greater destructive power, earning it the nickname “Assault Hammer.” The strengthened layered system improves the frame’s rigidity and supports higher tension, providing increased power.
Summary: This racket is very lightweight, making it an excellent choice for beginners, especially for women. It offers great value for its price, with excellent craftsmanship, a refined feel, and attractive appearance. In terms of performance, the racket’s stiffer shaft and heavier head are suited for offensive play, with minimal vibration upon impact and effective cushioning, making it very easy to use. It is a highly recommended entry-level racket.
4.Li-Ning HC1100 (Balanced Type)
The Li-Ning HC1100 is an excellent choice for beginners. It features rebound elasticity and torsion angles that ensure high elasticity of the racket. Even if the impact point is off-center, the rebound elasticity and torsion technology help produce high-quality returns. The frame is mechanically optimized to increase the sweet spot area and extend its position upward, creating a more efficient defensive system. The optimized frame improves the effective defensive area and enhances the rebound power as the string bed area expands, thus increasing ball speed.
Summary: This racket has balanced performance with a high aesthetic appeal. Its relatively soft shaft allows for easy leverage and effortless swings, making it user-friendly. It is suitable for beginners focusing on control and defense, particularly female players. However, it may not be ideal for those who prefer an aggressive playing style.
5.YONEX CAB8000N (Offensive Type)
The YONEX CARBONEX 8000N features high-elasticity carbon fiber and carbon nanotubes to reduce the racket’s weight. The square frame design creates a stable frame structure, effectively improving the racket’s stability, ensuring precise and powerful shots. The arched string groove system supports the racket on a curved surface, reducing reaction forces at contact points and minimizing string fatigue. Its one-piece construction ensures structural stability, resistance to deformation, and good shock absorption, resulting in accurate control.
Summary: This racket is lightweight and user-friendly, with good craftsmanship, making it a classic choice for beginners.
6.Li-Ning Speed 3000 (Balanced Type)
The Li-Ning Speed 3000 is a balanced offensive and defensive racket with a soft and elastic shaft, a large head, and a low balance point. Its thin shaft makes it extremely comfortable to play with. This racket offers comprehensive performance, suitable for both singles and doubles, and is durable and easy to handle, making it ideal for beginners. Due to its soft shaft, it provides a feeling of reduced force on smashes and is more suited for control rather than aggressive play.
Summary: This racket is great for beginners, with attractive colors that appeal to those who care about aesthetics. It has a large sweet spot and high tolerance, making it easy for newcomers to use.
7.Yonex AEROSMASH AXSM (Offensive Type)
The Yonex AEROSMASH AXSM is made with carbon fiber for a resilient handle, designed as an offensive racket with a heavier head and a soft shaft. It is suitable for players with less power who need help with smashes but may not be ideal for powerful players, as it may not deliver sufficient force for strong smashes. The racket is lightweight, allowing for fast swings and advantageous net play, making it suitable for front-court play in doubles. However, its performance in the back-court is weaker, requiring more effort for high clears.
Summary: The AEROSMASH AXSM is lightweight and easy to handle, making it ideal for beginners, particularly women and players with less power. Its soft shaft makes it user-friendly for newcomers, and it has an appealing design.
8.Kawasaki KD-1 (Balanced Type)
The Kawasaki KD-1 features mainstream carbon material with high strength, offering a balance of offense and defense. The racket uses high-rigidity carbon fiber for the frame and shaft, enhancing the power and explosiveness during shots.
With a frame length of approximately 675mm and a weight ranging from 95 to 200g, the KD-1 is lightweight and portable. It employs a grooved frame to reduce air resistance and protect the strings. The carbon shaft provides a comfortable grip, increasing shot power and smash speed, while the T-joint enhances stability during hits.
The Kawasaki KD-1 features a high-strength carbon material, offering a balanced performance suitable for both offense and defense. The KD-1’s frame and shaft use high-stiffness carbon fiber,
With a frame length of approximately 675mm and a weight ranging from 95-200g, it is lightweight and portable. The racket features a grooved frame to reduce air resistance and protect the strings. The carbon shaft provides a comfortable grip and improves hitting power and smash speed, while the T-joint design enhances stability.
Summary: The Kawasaki KD-1 is a best-selling racket in the market, known for its affordability and comfort. It is ideal for casual play in community or park settings, making it suitable for family entertainment and relaxation.
Here is the summary of the top recommended badminton rackets for beginners. Finally, for newcomers, it is advised to choose rackets made of carbon fiber or carbon composites. These rackets are lightweight, strong, and durable. It is important not to blindly pursue expensive options but to select a racket that meets your personal feel and preferences.
Badminton rackets can be categorized into three main types: offensive, speed, and all-around. They can also be further divided by skill level into entry-level, intermediate, and professional rackets. How to choose a badminton racket? This article will introduce the characteristics of the three main types of rackets, provide selection suggestions for different skill levels, and include performance analyses of various racket models from major brands such as Yonex, Victor, Li-Ning, Xunfeng, and Bole, catering to the needs of players at different stages and playing styles!
Characteristics of the Three Types of Badminton Rackets:
1.Speed Rackets
Characteristics: Pursues a fast and crisp feel, with a relatively low balance point, moderate or lightweight swing weight, and a low wind resistance frame design.
Suitable For: Doubles players and singles players who prioritize speed.
2.All-Around Rackets
Characteristics: Moderate balance point and swing weight, seeking overall performance, suitable for various playing styles.
Suitable For: Players with well-rounded skills and balanced attack and defense.
3.Offensive Rackets
Characteristics: Typically has a certain swing weight, balance point closer to the racket head, and a stiffer shaft, providing more power to help players attack opponents faster.
Suitable For: Players focusing on powerful attacks, such as offensive singles players.
Suggestions for Choosing Badminton Rackets by Skill Level
1.Entry-Level Stage
Beginners should focus on the ease of use and comfort of the racket.
Recommendation: Choose lightweight rackets for better control.
Opt for rackets with a moderate shaft stiffness to provide good feel and comfort.
Material: Choose full carbon fiber or carbon composite rackets for lightweight and durability.Tension: Opt for low to medium tension (20-23 lbs) suitable for beginners.
2.Intermediate Stage
As skills improve, intermediate players will have higher demands on racket performance and technical parameters.
Recommendation: Select a racket type based on personal playing style, with a medium weight (such as 3U/4U grade) to ensure power transmission and ease of handling. Intermediate players might choose a softer shaft for defensive play or a harder shaft for offensive play. Tension: Medium (23-25 lbs) or medium-high tension (25-27 lbs) for optimal performance.
3.Professional Stage
Professional players have high demands for racket performance and quality, often requiring custom or professional-level rackets.
Recommendation: Choose professional-level rackets from well-known brands based on personal technical characteristics and competition needs. Tension: High tension (28 lbs and above) to meet the demands of professional matches.
The RSL NO.5 is a popular choice among amateur clubs and badminton enthusiasts. It uses high-quality duck feathers, offering stable flight, good durability, and consistent performance.
The GD1 is a classic model from Victor and is recommended by clubs. It uses full round feathers from wild ducks, offering stable flight, precise landing, and a soft hitting feel.
The RSL No.4 is designed for amateur competitions. It uses full round feathers from high-quality ducks, with thick feathers and sturdy quills. It offers stable flight, a soft and crisp hitting feel, and easy control.
The RSL No.7 is used for training in amateur clubs. It features small square feathers from high-quality ducks, with a clean white appearance. It offers excellent durability, a crisp hitting feel, and stable flight.
The Yonex AS-05 is used for small competitions or high-end clubs. It uses full round feathers from high-quality ducks, with uniform shape and high density, providing superior flight stability and durability.
The Yonex AS-9 is a top choice for advanced training, known as the “King of Durability.” It uses middle square feathers from geese, offering high hardness, good elasticity, exceptional durability, even feathers, and straight quills, with accurate landing.
The Yonex AS-03 is used for advanced training. It features large square feathers from high-quality ducks, with thick, soft, and elastic feathers, offering better durability and strong flight stability.
The Victor Gold No. 5 is used for club training. It features large square feathers from wild ducks, offering high cost-performance, stable flight, a soft hitting feel, and good durability with thick quills.
The Victor Gold No. 3 is used for amateur training. It features large camel feathers from wild ducks, with a unique 15-feather design that reduces the weight of the upper part of the shuttlecock, improving its flight dynamics and durability, less affected by weather conditions.
The Red Wecan offers high cost-performance for competition and training. It uses large square feathers from wild ducks, providing good flight stability, high durability, and excellent hitting feel at a reasonable price.
Top 10 Popular Professional Badminton Shoes (Mid-2024)
Yonex Badminton Shoes SHB101CR
A top-selling entry-level badminton shoe from Yonex, an upgrade from the SHB100CR. Features include a power cushion design in the heel, improved torsion resistance, breathability, anti-slip properties, and lightweight cushioning.
Victor Badminton Shoes P9200TD
A leading model in Victor’s mid-range badminton shoe lineup. Made with PU synthetic leather and breathable mesh, it features an EVA midsole, ENERGYMAX cushioning, nylon stability plate, and rubber outsole for enhanced grip. The wide fit suits most foot shapes.
Yonex Badminton Shoes 65Z3 (3rd Generation)
This flagship model features radial fin outsole for enhanced slip resistance. Offers excellent grip, fit, cushioning, and rebound with a wide fit for added comfort.
Victor Badminton Shoes A311
Designed with PU synthetic leather and breathable mesh for better ventilation. Includes an EVA midsole, ENERGYMAX cushioning, nylon stability plate, and rubber outsole. The one-piece strong fabric increases overall support.
Yonex Badminton Shoes SHB520WCR
Features 3D Power Cushion technology with ultra-light midsole cushioning. Offers breathability, anti-slip, and durability with excellent shock absorption and rebound. TPU support on the sides enhances slip resistance and torsion control.
Yonex Badminton Shoes 65Z3 Lightweight Comprehensive Model
Equipped with a new radial blade outsole for improved grip and ultra-light midsole cushioning. Provides lightweight, cushioning, and high propulsion, with a seamless upper for a snug fit and “barely-there” feel.
Yonex Badminton Shoes 65Z3 (3rd Generation)
The seamless upper design has been further expanded for a better fit, reducing pressure and providing a softer feel. Upgraded anti-torsion design on both sides enhances stability and quick starts.
Victor Badminton Shoes P8500TD (Wide Fit 3.0)
An entry-level version of the P8500 series, featuring 3.0 energy foam for improved rebound and cushioning. Includes additional stability features in the arch to enhance shoe stability and torsion resistance.
Yonex Badminton Shoes SHBCFZ3
The third generation of Lin Dan’s signature CFZ wide-fit shoes. Equipped with Yonex’s unique “Power Cushion+” for impact absorption and high rebound. The thicker heel offers better shock absorption and converts high-impact absorption into propulsion, supporting quick movements on the court.
Victor Badminton Shoes A170II U3.0 (Wide Fit)
Features lightweight EVA with nylon stability plate for secure and stable performance. ENERGYMAX cushioning provides stable support and effective shock absorption. The mesh lining enhances the fit and comfort of the shoe.
What badminton rackets are suitable for students? Which badminton racket brands are good? How to choose a badminton racket for high school students? Here are ten entry-level badminton rackets suitable for students, offering high cost-performance, ease of use, affordability, and suitability for teenagers and children alike.
Ten Entry-Level Badminton Rackets Suitable for Students
Kumpoo Badminton Racket K520
Made of full carbon fiber material, it is lightweight and agile, suitable for both offense and defense. Using carbon fiber commonly applied in military and aerospace industries, it combines lightness with a good feel, making it ideal for beginners and amateurs.
Victor Badminton Racket 9500
A classic entry-level racket from Victor, known for its high cost-performance ratio. It is well-balanced for both offense and defense, with precise drop shots and smooth flat drives. Easy to handle, perfect for beginners using drop and clear techniques!
Lining Badminton Racket BLADEX Xiaoxuanfeng
Made from full carbon fiber, this ultra-lightweight design offers a smooth and effortless feel when swinging, reducing strain on the hand while improving control. The racket also features a sound-enhancing system for a sharper hitting feel and crisper sound as the shuttle speeds up.
YONEX Junior Badminton Racket 21MP2JRGC
This pre-strung racket is designed specifically for children by the renowned YONEX brand. It is lightweight with a short handle, making it easy to control and swing, ensuring kids will love using it.
Lining Badminton Racket AXFORCEJR
Designed for young beginners under 18 who prefer an attacking style of play, this racket delivers a solid hitting feel with fast shuttle speed and a crisp sound upon impact.
Lining Badminton Racket AYPT307
Also known as “Little Thunder 80,” this high-performance racket is tailored for beginners. With a 4U weight and 32-pound string tension, it meets the needs of attacking players seeking an entry-level racket. It delivers fast strikes and powerful clears, priced around 200 RMB, offering great value for aggressive beginners!
YONEX Badminton Racket ARC11PLAY
This racket is highly beginner-friendly, offering excellent torsion resistance, elasticity, and stability. It is well-balanced for both offense and defense, making it a new-generation entry-level racket for precise control. Ideal for players on a budget who still seek excellent ball control and feel.
Victor Badminton Racket TK-HMRL
With a lightweight design, it provides an easy and light hitting feel. The overall racket is easy to handle and offers high cost-performance, suitable for beginners or players with less power who are looking for a lightweight, attack-oriented racket with good value.
Victor Badminton Racket TK-HMRU
A full carbon fiber racket with a matte finish, a stiff shaft, and a slightly heavier head. This design helps players generate power on clears and leverage the weight for better smashes. The racket frame includes a reinforced layering system and power groove technology, making it resistant to high tension and suitable for beginners who enjoy aggressive play and powerful smashes.
Victor Badminton Racket ARS9
Highly recommended for beginners, offering smooth clears and drop shots. The shaft is relatively flexible, providing a comfortable feel with a balanced attack and defense. This racket is easy to handle and swing, ideal for players who rely more on technique than power.
