By Justin Ma, 7x US Junior National Badminton Champion.
Last updated August 16, 2023
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4 min read
When you’re looking for a new badminton racket, finding the perfect balance of quality and price is not an easy task. Racket reviews and roundups rarely cover options under $100, and sports stores can be hit or miss when it comes to cheaper models.
Needless to say, budget badminton rackets don’t always get the recognition they deserve — and finding a good one can take time. Fortunately, we’ve put together a list of the best options to help you on the journey.
Below, discover six of the top budget badminton rackets in 2023, along with their features, best uses, and where to find them.
Budget badminton rackets may not have the same bells and whistles that expensive ones do. But if you’re a beginner, casual player, or just don’t want to break the bank, many lower-cost rackets can still be well worth investing in.
Better budget rackets are coming out every year, offering higher-end performance in areas like:
Without further ado, here are the best budget badminton rackets of 2023:
The Senston N80 is one of the most popular options in the world of beginner badminton rackets, and for good reason. At the time of writing this post, a set of two is less than $70 – meaning that each racket comes out to about $35 apiece.
This racket is made from full carbon fiber, weighing just 75 grams when unstrung. Like other higher-end rackets, it has a solid construction held together by a built-in T joint. And when you add this to its aerodynamic design, smooth handling, and overall durability, it’s one of the best options you can get for its price.
Check the price of the Senston N80 on Amazon
Check the price of the Senston N80 (Pack of 2) on Amazon
For around $50, the Apacs Edgesaber Z Slayer is a top badminton racket for players who love to smash hard and move quickly on the court.
Built with high modulus (HM) graphite and carbon nanotube, this 85-gram racket can handle string tension up to 33 lbs. It also comes with a medium-flex shaft and Apacs’ Whip-Slim Frame, which helps to boost swing speed and handling.
Overall, this racket’s features make it one of the best budget options for a balance of speed and strength.
Check the price of the Apacs Edgesaber Z Slayer on Amazon
If you’re a fan of badminton legends like Viktor Axelsen or Kento Momota, then you’ve probably heard of Yonex. While many of this brand’s rackets are geared toward pro players, they also offer “Play” models for players on a budget.
The Yonex Arcsaber 11 Play (83 grams) is one of the best choices for an all-around blend of speed, power, and control — all for a great price. It’s made of full graphite, offers a medium-flex shaft, and has an even balance point to help players of any skill level dominate the court.
Check the price of the Arcsaber 1 1 Play on Amazon
If you’re looking for a well-made racket for around $60, the Li-Ning Air Force 77 G2 is a solid option to consider.
Weighing just 77 grams, this racket’s head-heavy design effortlessly slices through the air with rapid speed. Plus, its high-flex shaft adds a boost of repulsion power to every shot. And when it comes to durability, it has a military-grade carbon fiber frame that can handle string tension up to 30 lbs.
Check the price of the Li-Ning Air Force 77 G2 on Amazon
The Yonex Carbonex 8000 Plus is another well-rounded choice for casual and newer players. It offers a graphite shaft and medium flexibility — making it suitable for both attacking and defensive styles.
Since it’s one of Yonex’s older options, it has an oval-shaped head with a smaller (but more concentrated) sweet spot. While it doesn’t have the same specs as newer rackets, it’s been called “underrated” and has gained high reviews from those who’ve tried it.
Overall, it’s a great option for players seeking high performance without breaking the bank.
Check the price of the Carbonex 8000 Plus on Amazon
If you’re after lightning-fast speed and lightweight handling, the Nanoray Light 18i is the way to go. Everything about this racket was built with aerodynamics in mind — which is why it has a head-light balance point and weighs just 77 grams.
It also comes with a built-in T joint, aero-box frame, and carbon fiber material that can handle string tensions up to 30 lbs.
Check the price of the Nanoray Light 18i on Amazon
Whether you’re a weekend badminton warrior or brand new to the sport, it’s natural not to want to spend a fortune on your racket. Luckily, there are budget options out there to suit any playstyle — whether you need an all-arounder like the Senston N80 or a powerhouse like the Apacs Edgesaber Z Slayer.
In any case, don’t be afraid to test out some of your friends’ rackets before you settle on a new one. And if you want to get even more bang for your buck, it may even be worth looking into used options from more experienced players.
