Generally, people think that playing badminton is an easy task. According to me, to play any game, every player needs to utilize their brain, mind, and skills.
As it is primarily a game of racket, a player should know how to handle it and, most importantly, select it properly for a better experience.
Before you play the first shot with your beloved racket, it should be bought.
If you are serious about this game and making it your everyday routine, then you can’t rely on other player’s racket.
That’s a fact. You got to have your own racket so that you are free to play whenever and wherever you want it.
And honestly, sometimes choosing it might be challenging, especially for a beginner like you, as there are many things to figure out before purchasing it.
Otherwise, you may never get perfection to play this game, and it may discourage you from further attempting this amazing game anymore.
That is why it is crucial to select the right equipment in the initial stage of learning any sports.
To become a skilled badminton player, one should give importance primarily in selecting a suitable racket first.
On that note, I should warn you that there are many models in the market of low qualities which are not useful for a learner like you.
Being a badminton player myself, I can suggest to you which racket you may go to purchase for perfect learning.
Here in this article, I shall give you recommendations of five best badminton rackets that a beginner can buy.
#1 Senston N80
If you are looking for a racket in reasonable pricing without compromising on its performance, this racket also may be the right choice for you.
As I was reviewing the product, the unique structure of the racket came to light. To improve its swing speed, the manufacturer intentionally designed it in a rugged pattern for enhanced aerodynamics.
Weighing only 75gm, you will love the lightweight feel of the racket while playing each shot.
Senston N80 is made with special carbon fiber components, which increases the durability nature of the racket. It dramatically lowers the risk of breaking the frame due to inaccuracy in your shots.
Other selling points of this racket is the built-in T-joint inside and the isometric shape, which provides you better stability and control in shots.
According to the manufacturer, the recommended string tension is 24lbs-26lbs.
PROS
- The overall performance package is excellent.
- Due to lightweight, moving the racket is effortless.
- The racket gives you stability and control in shots.
- Very durable.
CONS
- Not recommended for highly intense usage.
#2 Nanoray 20
Yonex Nanoray 20 is another good option for beginners who wish to play badminton and enhance their skills in the game.
It is one of the inexpensive racquets that the NANORAY series has. Nanoray 20 is a head-light racquet and helps in providing fast swing with better control.
It has a highly flexible shaft (made up of a graphite material), which makes it easier for a player to play more powerful shots.
Since this is a head-light racquet, it will be easy for you to play drive shots perfectly from the midcourt, as well as drop shots from the backcourt.
With 3U(85-89gm) weight configuration, you can put up the string tension up to 24 lbs. The color usually comes in matte blue.
PROS
- The price of Yonex Nanoray 20 is quite reasonable and market-friendly.
- It has an excellent repulsion power and helps in making fast swings with better control.
- Offers terrific speed during the game.
- Easily adjustable.
CONS
- Durability is in question.
#3 Nanoray 10
If you are a newcomer and looking for a proper racket to start off this fantastic game, then Yonex Nanoray 10 will always be one of the best choices I can suggest for you.
With an isometric head shape and a flexible shaft, Nanoray 10 is a lightweight racquet, specially designed for newcomers as well as intermediate players.
This racket is pretty affordable, and one can easily use it. It won’t take much time for a player to adjust playing with this racquet.
This racket comes with a 4U (80g-84g) weight configuration, and you can comfortably put string tension of 19-24 lbs.
The head-light balance helps in making swing quickly without putting much effort and offers immense control.
The length of this racquet is 27 inches, which is the absolute length meant for a newcomer. The material of the shaft is graphite material, which keeps the racket super light.
PROS
- Affordable and market-friendly.
- Beginners can effortlessly handle it due the lightweight nature.
- Its durability is one of the significant characteristics.
CONS
- Not suitable for making powerful smashes.
#4 Muscle Power 3
Yonex muscle power 3 is one of the best options for a beginner in the game of badminton.
Since I have seen numerous beginner players using this racket with so much ease, I can assure you to go for this one without a second thought if you are a beginner or an intermediate.
The frame of this racquet is made up of aluminum, and the shaft is made up of graphite and carbon fiber together. Due to this construction, you will hold a very durable racket in your hand.
Yonex Muscle Power 3’s weight class is 2U(90-95gm), and the recommended string tension is 19 lbs. Its medium flex and weight help making powerful smashes.
PROS
- It is one of the most suitable and perfect racket for beginners and intermediate level players.
- Very easy to be controlled by both offensive and defensive players.
- Perfect for making powerful smashes.
- Its shape is isometric and pretty durable.
- Budget-friendly and readily available in the markets.
CONS
- This racquet is a bit short when it comes to the standard length.
#5 Arcsaber Lite
You may also go for Yonex Arcaber lite of the Arcsaber series when it comes to selecting the best badminton racquet for beginners and intermediate players as well.
It is a racquet with a light-head and a medium-stiff shaft, which is made up of graphite material.
The shape of its head is isometric.
It is believed to be the lightest racquet in the Arcsaber series. This racquet used NANO AIR SPRING in its frame that enables a racquet to bend or flex, resulting in transferring the power from the string bed to the shuttle with excellent control and accuracy.
With 4U(83gms) grip configuration, the recommended tension on this racquet is 19-24 lbs.
PROS
- It is a head-light racquet, and you can control it effortlessly.
- Easily adjustable for both intermediate players and beginners.
- You can use for playing both offensive and defensive shots.
- Your wrist will not get tired quickly while playing with this racquet.
CONS
- This racquet is not suitable for advanced or professional players as its grip still requires some enhancements.
#6 Apacs Lethal 8
Apacs Lethal 8 can also be considered as one of the best beginner-friendly rackets. It is a head-light racquet with a stiff shaft. The material of its frame and shaft is high modulus graphite.
The racket helps in delivering swifter swing and powerful smashes and sharp drive shots. Its light-head will help you to move the racquet very effortlessly.
This racquet is a very well balanced racquet with a medium flex that provides more energy while playing the shots.
The length of Apacs Lethal 8 is 675 mm. With 4U(85-87GMS) weight configuration, you can put up string tension on this racquet up to 35 lbs.
PROS
- It is easy to make a faster swing with this racquet.
- It is one of the perfect choices for playing powerful smashes and drive shots. Good for net and drive shots too.
- It can withstand higher string tension, unlike other racquets suitable for beginners.
CONS
- Not easily available in the market.
Detail Racquet Guide For A Beginner
Badminton is popular in countries around the world, from England to India to the United States. It’s become such a fan favorite that it’s even earned a spot as a full-medal sport at the Olympic Games.
Whether you’re new to the game or a veteran with years of experience, having the right badminton racket makes a big difference in how well you play. Just what makes a racket “right,” though? It depends on your precise needs.
Every player is different. People have different styles when playing. The racket should reflect a person’s unique physical traits and enhance their strengths while making up for their weaknesses. Personal preference is another factor to consider.
Your level of expertise in the game is another factor to consider. While we all want to have the ease and talent of a pro player, the fact is that we don’t! Some rackets are better suited to beginners, while others are best left in the hands of experts.
In this guide, we lay out a step-by-step process for how to find the racket that best suits your needs. Read on to find out which one will take your game to the next level
Select a Racket Material
Traditional badminton rackets are made of wood. While wooden rackets still exist today, many other materials are available, including steel, carbon fiber, aluminum, or graphite.
The material helps determine how much tension your racket can take. Tensile strength refers to the level of wire tension your racket can withstand. Lower wire tension means a lower chance of breakage, improving durability.
When wire tension is high, the shuttlecock bounces more quickly off the racket strings. This is recommended only for advanced players. Recommended stringing tension for beginners is 18 to 20 pounds, while advanced players can work well with tension upwards of 26 pounds.
If you play doubles, opt for a sturdy material like steel. You’re sure to clash rackets with your teammate on occasion when you both dive for the shuttlecock. Cheaper materials like aluminum will bend or break upon impact.
Consider Structural Factors
The racket itself is made of three parts, the head, shaft, and handle. Once you understand how these structural elements influence the racket’s form and function, you will have the knowledge you need to select an appropriate tool.
Here are some common factors to keep in mind as you shop around for the perfect badminton racket:
- Weight: Racket weights go from U (95 to 99.9 grams) to 5U (75 to 79.9 grams). A 5U racket will require more arm power, while a U racket will require more wrist and finger finesse.
- Grip: Racket grips range from G1 to G6. A G5 or G6 gip is suitable for players with smaller hands, while G1 or G2 is best for larger handed players. A smaller grip gives you more finger and wrist control, while a larger grip requires more arm action.
- Flexibility: The shaft of the racket is the part between the handle and the frame. A flexible shaft requires less power and may thus be suitable for less intense players. However, a stiffer shaft has a faster return.
- Head Shape: There are two primary head shapes you can choose from, oval or isometric (more squarish). Isometric racket heads are ideal for beginners because they make it easy to center on the “sweet spot,” where the shuttlecock bounces most effectively. The egg-shaped oval is recommended for advanced players.
Assess the Balance Point
Badminton rackets can be balanced evenly, or so that they are head-heavy or head-light. With heavy-head balance, you get maximum power, which is great for smash play. With head-light balance, you get more control, which is perfect for defensive play. Even balance gives you a bit of both.
How do you determine what category a racket falls into? Simply balance the racket on your index finger. If you have to move your finger more towards the racket’s head end to balance it, it’s head-heavy. If you have to move it further away from the head, it’s head-light.
Prioritize Power or Control
Do you want more power or control when you’re on the court? Your racket selection can prioritize one or the other. Heavier rackets provide more power but less control than lighter rackets. Flexible shafts similarly offer more power than stiffer shafts.
If you are a beginner, a lighter racket with a stiffer shaft will provide the control you need while perfecting your craft. Additionally, if your technique is still raw, you risk over-pronating your arm and hurting your shoulder with a heavy racket. As you gain confidence in your stroke, you can shift to a heavier racket safely.
The Final Word
As you can see from our guide, there are many detailed factors to consider when choosing a badminton racket. It takes more research than simply selecting one because you like its look (or because your favorite player uses it).
Take the time to assess potential rackets carefully. This piece of sports equipment is a significant investment. Choose wisely. You will be working with your racket for years to come. You want to make sure you are happy with your selection.
Follow our guidelines above as you go through the buying process. By paying attention to all of these details, from grip size to tensile strength, you will choose the “right” racket — meaning one that fits your unique needs. Your skills will improve as a result, and you will enjoy your badminton games even more.
FINAL THOUGHTS
To sum up, it must be said that the rackets mentioned above will surely help beginners.
Therefore, if you fall into the novice category, you should select one of these rackets to start playing this awesome sport.
The more you will start your badminton journey with the right accessories, the more you will be benefitted, i.e., your skill of playing the game will get better over time.
As these rackets are affordable and readily available in the market, you will not find any difficulty in getting them. I think that a learner will step into the next level successfully if he starts to play with one of these rackets seriously.