By Justin Ma, 7x US Junior National Badminton Champion.
Last updated July 26, 2023
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5 min read
Are you on the hunt for a new badminton doubles racket, but aren’t sure where to start? If so, you’re certainly not alone.
Doubles rallies are lightning-fast, which means you’ll need a racket that can slice through the air quickly, accurately, and powerfully in every match. But what should you look for in a doubles racket, and how can you know which one is right for you?
Below, we’ve compiled five of the best badminton rackets for doubles, along with their features, strengths, and where to find them.
Racket weight is one important aspect to look for when it comes to doubles. But just how light do you need to go?
In general, anything around the 4U weight class will be lightweight enough to help you create ultra-fast smashes, recover quickly, and keep up with the pace of doubles games.
Aside from that, the specs are really up to you. Some players prefer a racket that produces head-heavy smash power from the backcourt, while others want to push and protect from the frontcourt.
Luckily, whether you prefer speedy defense, hard-hitting offense, or something in between, there’s an option out there to suit your game.
With all that in mind, here are the best badminton rackets for doubles in 2023:
Overview:
If you ask other players for doubles recommendations, chances are you’ll hear about the 88S Pro often.
This is one of Yonex’s most high-performing rackets to date, built for frontcourt players wanting ultimate net control. It comes fully equipped with Yonex’s Rotational Generator System for quick recovery, along with an ultra-slim shaft (6.6 mm) to maximize speed.
The Pro model is the highest-level option from the 88S series, making it best for advanced players. But if you need something a little more budget-friendly, the 88S comes in the Game and Play models as well.
Check the price of the Yonex Astrox 88S Pro
Overview:
The Astrox 88D Pro was released alongside the 88S Pro in 2021, and it’s designed for attacking-style backcourt doubles players. And like the 88S Pro, you’ll find rave reviews about this racket from players of all backgrounds.
The counter-balanced frame boosts the power behind every smash, while the ultra-slim shaft brings incredible speed to your game. Beyond that, its stiffness makes for unmatched accuracy and control — as long as you know how to handle it.
With that being said, this racket is best for advanced players. But if you’re at more of a beginner or intermediate level, it also comes in the more affordable (and forgiving) Game and Play versions.
Check the price of the Yonex Astrox 88D Pro
Overview:
If you’re looking for a powerful, even-balanced all-arounder, look no further than the Arcsaber 11 series.
The Play is the most affordable model from this series (which also includes Pro and Tour versions), but it offers tremendous value for its price. It comes with Yonex’s slim shaft design, an isometric head shape, and a control-assist bumper for boosted shot accuracy.
Overall, the Arcsaber 11 Play’s balanced build makes it one of the top budget-friendly options for both singles and doubles players.
Check the price of the Yonex Arcsaber 11 Play
The Victor Thruster TK-F is an all-around powerhouse. When you first pick it up, you’ll probably notice it has a slightly different head shape than other Victor rackets. This new design won’t change how it feels to swing, but it does help increase the size of the sweet spot.
In addition, the TK-F Enhanced Edition was used by badminton pro Hendra Setiawan — meaning this series offers some of the best advanced doubles rackets on the market.
Overall, its stiff shaft and high price point make it ideal for skilled doubles players focused on smash power, precision, and speed.
Check the price of the Victor Thruster TK-F
Are you a frontcourt player who enjoys smooth handling, quick drives, and rapid net shots? If so, the Nanoflare 700 is a great option to consider.
Its medium-flex shaft helps add power to your shots, in addition to making it more forgiving than stiffer rackets. Beyond that, it comes with Yonex’s Solid Core feel and Aero frame to cut air resistance and produce even more speed.
Because the Nanoflare 700 is head-light, it won’t be as powerful as, say, the 88D or 88S. However, it’s still an excellent choice for players who prefer quick handling and control in the frontcourt.
Check the price of the Yonex Nanoflare 700
The rackets covered above are some of 2023’s best options for badminton doubles players — but as you explore your top choices, remember that it’s always best to try before you buy.
Even if you’re planning to ultimately purchase online, it can help to swing by your local badminton shop to test out a few different options first. Aside from that, it may be worth trying a few of your friends’ rackets the next time you hit the court.
This way, you can get a sense of which rackets feel the best in your hand — and which ones could bring the greatest edge to your doubles game.
