The Beginner’s Battle: Pick the Right Badminton Racket

Updated on 14th December 2024

When you are learning to play the game of badminton, the racket is your weapon of choice. And, just as any other sport, without the right tool, you cannot learn and excel. So, do not use any badminton racket that you find lying around in the house. Do not use rackets passed-on by friends and family members. It is best to choose one that fits your level of play.

Begin your Badminton Battle the Right Way!

When you are a beginner, you have not yet developed your style of playing. You do not know all the shots. And, you certainly cannot handle a powerful racket that helps in playing smashes. Also, it is difficult to maneuver the racket and control your shots. So, it is best to go for a racket that offers the best of both worlds. You can choose an even-balanced racket that will help you in attacking and controlling shots easily.

1. Yonex Nanoflare 700 Play

Launched in September 2024, the Yonex Nanoflare 700 Play is a good choice for beginners who want to experience speed and ease. It is designed to make clears even faster and deeper, thus overwhelming your opponents to retreat to the backcourt. The 2NF700PL badminton racket has a strong yet agile graphite frame, hi-flex shaft, and aerodynamic frame for faster and more comfortable shot placement. The 4U racket will add pace and velocity to your game.

2. Yonex Astrox 88 Play

The latest launch from Yonex, the 2024 Astrox 88 Play badminton racket is a head-heavy option for beginners. It is designed for players who want to learn to play an aggressive game with powerful smashes. The racket has a medium flex for easy maneuverability and quick handling which complements the skills of a new player. The Aero+Box frame offers a solid yet comfortable hitting experience. The company has also introduced the Power Assist Bumper in the graphite 3AX88-PL racket to add more power to your shots.

3. Yonex Nanoflare 800 Play

Ideal for beginners and occasional players, the Yonex Nanoflare 800 Play racket allows you to hit counter-drives in quick succession and with intense aggression. Your opponent will be unable to expect your shots and thus, the racket will ensure your easy win. This head-light graphite racket has an AERO frame and Sonic Flare System for durability, speed, and reduced air resistance. The isometric shape and the medium flex of NF-800PL are forgiving for young players still learning the game.

4. Yonex Nanoflare 001 Feel

If you are a beginner, you can choose the Yonex Nanoflare 001 Feel badminton racket. The world leader in badminton equipment, Yonex, has designed it for new players who want a speed racket without compromising maneuverability and control. Yonex has included the Sonic Flare System to ensure a stable and powerful response. And, the lightweight graphite frame enables you to learn new shots easily without feeling weighed down by the weight of the racket.

5. Yonex Nanoflare 1000 Play

A user-friendly version of the uber-successful Yonex Nanoflare 1000Z, the play edition is ideal for beginners and recreational players. Badminton experts and coaches are recommending the racket for its playability and durability. If you want an even-balance racket with a solid graphite AERO frame for durability, choose the Yonex NF-1000PL racket. Enjoy reduced wind resistance, better swing speed, and maximum shuttle acceleration at never-before-seen prices.

6. Yonex Astrox 99 Play

Fans of the Yonex Astrox series know that the company has designed it for power players. But, thanks to the growing popularity of the series, the company has introduced more affordable and beginner-friendly versions of the Astrox 99 racket. Available in a 4U weight category, the racket has an Aero+Box frame for a solid feel and faster swing. The company has also included the Power Assist Bumper in the design to make it more powerful. Choose Astrox 99 Play badminton racket to enjoy the power of Astrox 99 without it being too difficult to manage and heavy for you.

7. Victor Brave Sword 12

If you prefer the Victor brand, Victor Brave Sword 12 model is a great option for players still learning the skills of the game. The company has used superior technology that reduces air resistance by 10%. Thus, allowing you to learn and play shots easily. The racket may be head-light but it doesn't mean beginners cannot use it. Choose it because Victor Brave Sword 12 racket is a reliable all-around racquet.

8. Yonex Arcsaber 2 Racket Series

Yonex has created the Arcsaber 2 series as an accessible entry point for players seeking balanced rackets that offer versatility and stability. With an even balance point distribution, these rackets provide a well-rounded performance that helps beginners develop proper technique across all shots.

The series includes models like Clear, Ability, and Feel each maintaining the signature even balance while offering subtle variations in frame stiffness. The Arcsaber 2 series is ideal for new players looking to build a foundation in their game without being overwhelmed by extreme head-heavy or head-light characteristics.

Products:
1. Yonex Arcsaber 2 Clear
2. Yonex Arcsaber 2 Ability
3. Yonex Arcsaber 2 Feel

9. Victor Thruster K Hammer Light

You may discount the Victor Thruster series as head-heavy and specially designed for advanced players. But, the company understands its popularity among beginners and, thus, has introduced a beginner-friendly racket in the form of Victor Thruster K Hammer Light. It is head-heavy. But, its overall weight category is 5U making it easier to handle. It has the Victor Power Box frame for better stability. You can try it if you want a strong and durable racket at affordable prices.

10. Yonex Nanoflare 001 Racket Series

Yonex has introduced the Nanoflare 001 racket series to help new players understand the game and learn new shots easily with lightweight, headlight rackets. There are three rackets in the Nanoflare 001 series: Ability, Clear, and Feel, each with slightly different balance points to allow players to choose a headlight racket with varying feel. The budget-friendly price and easy-to-maneuver design enable beginners and recreational players to elevate their skills without trouble.

Products:
1. Yonex Nanoflare 001 Clear
2. Yonex Nanoflare 001 Ability
3. Yonex Nanoflare 001 Feel

11. Yonex Astrox 01 Racket Series

Yonex designed the Astrox 01 racket series to introduce beginners to the power-focused gameplay style through head-heavy rackets. Since newer players often struggle to generate enough power in their shots, especially in smashes and drives, these rackets provide the extra weight at the top to help compensate.

The series features the Ability, Clear, and Feel variants, with each model offering different degrees of head-heaviness to let players find their sweet spot. While the rackets are heavier towards the top, Yonex has carefully balanced the overall weight to remain manageable for developing players. This smart design choice helps beginners experience the satisfaction of powerful shots earlier in their badminton journey, building confidence while they develop their technique and arm strength.

Products:
1. Yonex Astrox 01 Clear
2. Yonex Astrox 01 Ability
3. Yonex Astrox 01 Feel

Well Begun is Half Done!

The game of badminton requires mastering new skills. And, when you choose the right badminton racket; you have already started on the right path. As a new player, pick the racket that enhances your skills and lets you become the master of the game.

All the Best!