By Justin Ma, 7x US Junior National Badminton Champion.
Last updated February 21, 2024
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5 min read
If you almost always play badminton singles, you know that your racket needs can differ from those who prefer doubles.
Whether it’s the balance point, flexibility, or overall weight, the right racket features can help you dominate your side of the court. But what exactly makes a great singles racket, and what are the best options out there?
Keep reading to discover five of the best badminton singles rackets on the market in 2024, along with their features and where to find them.
Intuitively, you probably know that singles rackets are often different from doubles rackets. After all, the pace of singles is less intense than doubles — and you have more ground to cover, since you’re responsible for your entire side of the court.
Of course, singles rackets aren’t one-size-fits-all, especially with all the different play styles out there.
But whether you lean offensive or defensive, here are some factors to think about in your next badminton singles racket:
These two factors stack on top of the other things to look for in a badminton racket — like string tension, overall weight, materials, grip size, and high-tech specs that can impact your game.
Ultimately, your ideal racket will be unique to you. And if you’ve tried a few out already, you might already have a sense of what you feel most comfortable and proficient playing with.
Below are five of the best badminton rackets for singles players in 2024, complete with options for every play style:
Many players say that the Arcsaber 11 Pro is one of the best all-around badminton rackets, and for good reason.
It’s even-balanced, made of carbon fiber, and solid in its handling, speed, and power. In other words? It’s the perfect weapon for singles players looking to dominate in every aspect of their game.
Despite not being head-heavy, the Arcsaber 11 Pro still packs a powerful punch when it comes to smashes and clears. It’s also known for its shuttle hold time, which helps boost the precision of your shots.
The Arcsaber 11 Pro has a stiff shaft, which can make it tougher to use for newer players. But if you’re looking for a more flexible (and affordable) option, this series also offers Play and Tour versions.
Check the price of the Arcsaber 11 Pro on Amazon
(Or view the Play or Tour version)
The Astrox 100 ZZ is a powerhouse racket with an extra stiff shaft and head-heavy balance point. Yonex designed it for power and precision, and it’s even been used by badminton pro Viktor Axelsen.
As for its specs, it has an HM graphite frame and comes in both 3U and 4U weights. Its design also includes Nanometric technology, which boosts the shaft strength while keeping it ultra-slim and aerodynamic.
Released in 2020, this racket is certainly an upgrade compared to past models — thanks to its extra large sweet spot, better vibration absorption, and Namd for super-fast shot recovery.
Overall, if you’re a skilled player looking for a stiff, head-heavy racket, the 100 ZZ is well worth testing out.
Check the price of the Astrox 100 ZZ at Joy Badminton
When it comes to the best badminton rackets for singles players, the Victor Thruster TK-F Enhanced Edition is another great option in 2024.
With an even balance point and stiff shaft, this racket is highly responsive in all types of scenarios. It also has Victor’s unique Tri-Formation frame, which helps improve swing smoothness and speed.
A bonus? Players say it feels lighter on the arms thanks to its balance point, which is a little less head-heavy than other rackets out there.
All in all, it’s a fantastic racket if you’re an advanced player looking for responsive, smooth handling on the court.
Check the price of the Victor Thruster TK-F Enhanced Edition at Badminton Warehouse
The Astrox 77 Play is the most affordable racket in its series, complete with a full-graphite build, high-flex shaft, and 4U weight.
While it’s more basic than other rackets in terms of tech, it still comes with some excellent specs. For example, it has Yonex’s Aero + Box frame, which makes for more solid hits, plus a Rotational Generator System for smooth shot transitions.
Overall, it’s a solid entry-level option if you’re looking for a racket to round out your singles game without spending a fortune.
Check the price of the Yonex Astrox 77 Play on Amazon
Not all singles players solely rely on offense and head-heavy power. And if you’re someone who leans on speed and defense, the Nanoflare 800 Pro could be the perfect racket for you.
This racket is head-light, stiff, and available in both 3U and 4U versions. It also comes with a few other impressive specs — including an Aero frame to help it slice through the air, and Ultra PE Fiber to keep it light yet durable against high-power shots.
If you’re interested in a speedy racket but want something a little less stiff (and pricey), here’s some good news: the Nanoflare 800 series comes in Tour, Game, and Play versions, too.
Check the price of the Nanoflare 800 Pro on Amazon
(Or view the Game or Play versions)
When it comes to the best badminton rackets for singles players, there’s no universal winner, and it really depends on how you play. But for reliable performance, quality, and durability, the options above are a great spot to kick off your search.
Not sure how to choose the right badminton racket for you? We’ve created a complete guide covering all the factors to look for.
And if you could use more help along your badminton journey — whether that’s with gear, techniques, or drills to boost your game — be sure to visit the blog or check out the YouTube channel today.
