By Justin Ma, 7x US Junior National Badminton Champion.
Last updated October 28, 2022
·
4 min read
If you’ve been playing badminton for a while, you know that a quality racket can make a world of difference in your game. At the same time, rackets are often expensive — and whether you’re a beginner or simply on a budget, it can be tough to find a good one at an affordable price.
Fortunately, we put together a list to make your search easier. Below, discover ten of the best budget badminton rackets in 2022, along with their features and price points.
When it comes to affordable lightweight rackets, the Yonex Nanoray Light 18i is a top choice. At around $49, it weighs just 77 grams, offers a built-in T-joint, and has a full graphite design for durability. Beyond that, it comes equipped with Yonex’s Aero Frame technology for speed and power.
Overall, this racket is perfect for beginner-to-intermediate players who need a fast, flexible option under $50.
The Senston N80 is a solid option for players who are early in their badminton journey. For around $40, it offers 100% carbon fiber material, has a built-in T-joint, and weighs a mere 75 grams unstrung.
As a bonus, this racket also comes with a grip and racket cover to help protect it against moisture, dirt, and other wear-and-tear.
The Victor Ultramate 8 is an even-balanced racket that works as a great all-arounder — no matter your skill level. It offers a full graphite build, a stiff shaft for precision, and easy-to-use handling. And at just around $50, it packs exceptional value and quality for the price.
This Qichuan Whizz badminton set comes with two rackets, two birds, grip tape, and a carrying bag. And at around $18 per racket, the quality and bonus items make it a great choice for anyone needing a starter set.
The rackets weigh 85 grams strung and are made of full graphite from frame to shaft. They also come equipped with an isometric head shape, scratch-resistant design, and G4 grip size.
All in all, the Qichuan Whizz badminton set is an excellent buy for players who don’t want to sacrifice quality while on a budget.
Another lightweight option by Yonex, the Astrox Lite 27i provides incredible power and handling for around $48. It comes with a slim, high-flex shaft and weighs just 77 grams to maximize swing speed.
In addition, Yonex built this racket with their Rotational Generator System — aka a weight distribution technology that enhances shot transitions and control.
Overall, this racket is a perfect low-cost choice for players who enjoy a speedy, high-powered game.
A recent 2021 release, the Voltric Lite 25i is ideal for players looking for high repulsion and speed on the court.
Its shaft is made of high-modulus full graphite for high flex and durability. It also comes with some of Yonex’s other high-tech features, such as a Control Support Cap, Aero-box Frame, and Tri-Voltage System for power.
At around $47, this racket is an excellent all-around attack option for its price point.
The Yonex Arcsaber 11 Play is perfect for players who want to get the full Arcsaber experience without breaking the bank. It’s a slight splurge compared to some of the cheaper options on this list — but for still being well under $100, it offers unbelievable value.
To start off, it has a medium-flex shaft and even-balance point for a stable blend of power and precision. Beyond that, it comes with Yonex’s Control Assist Bumper, which locks vertical strings in place for better accuracy.
Because it’s such a well-balanced racket, it’s one of Yonex’s best-value options to date.
As one of the lowest-cost badminton rackets on the market, the Champion Sports Racket offers reliable quality for its price.
For only around $20, this sturdy beginner racket comes with a double-tempered steel frame and durable nylon strings. In addition, it also offers a textured grip for easy handling.
All in all, it’s a great choice if you need a solid starter racket on a low-cost budget.
The Aeroblade 2000 is a solid racket at an extremely affordable price point. At just around $19, it’s made from tempered steel to retain its shape. It also offers an isometric head shape to enlarge the sweet spot and a head-heavy balance for power.
One con of this racket is that it leans on the heavier side, which means it can be tough on the arms and shoulders. That being said, it’s still a good option for casual players who won’t be on the court daily.
The Wilson Attacker Racket offers solid specs for its price point. At around $40, this racket comes with full graphite material, a one-piece fused frame, and a medium-flex shaft. Because its design suits attack-style players, it also has a head-heavy balance point and falls into the 2U weight class.
All in all, it won’t be the fastest racket you’ll ever use — but it’s still a solid beginner option for a budget-friendly price.
Badminton rackets are a key part of any player’s game — but for many people, they’re often too expensive or simply out of budget. Luckily, the options above can help you find a quality new racket that doesn’t cost a fortune.
Before you select one, it may be worth checking out your local sporting goods store to try a few in person. This way, you can gain some insight into which features and styles you enjoy most.
For more badminton buyer’s guides and other resources, visit the Badminton Justin blog or join the YouTube community today.
