By Justin Ma, 7x US Junior National Badminton Champion.
Last updated October 26, 2022
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4 min read
If you love badminton, chances are you’ve heard of Yonex. This brand is known for creating high-quality gear that can help any badminton player improve their game — and they’re most famous for their rackets. But what is the best Yonex badminton racket on the market?
In truth, it’s impossible to name one single racket as king. But if you’re looking at specific categories, some options certainly outperform others.
Below, discover five of the best Yonex badminton rackets, along with the specs and types of players they suit best.
If you asked a group of badminton players about their favorite all-around racket, many would tell you it’s the Arcsaber 11. This racket’s balanced features make it versatile for many playstyles. And as you’d expect from Yonex, the quality doesn’t disappoint.
Here are some key features of the Arcsaber 11:
This Arcsaber 11’s stiffness boosts your control and accuracy, while its even balance makes it useful for both offense and defense. Players have praised this racket for its ability to improve almost all shots — whether it be a powerful smash or swift, controlled drop.
All in all, this racket’s features make it an excellent choice for players of nearly any skill level.
Note: Check out this post for a more in-depth review of the Arcsaber 11.
Check the price of the Arcsaber 11 on Badminton Alley.
If you’re on the hunt for your first ever badminton racket, the Carbonex 8000 Plus is one of Yonex’s best options. Before we dive deeper in, here are its specs:
The Carbonex 8000 Plus works well for new players for a few reasons. Firstly, it’s an even-balanced racket with a medium-stiff shaft — making it moderately forgiving in both power and accuracy. Secondly, its price sits at a more affordable range of about $50 USD.
One interesting feature of the Carbonex 8000 Plus is its oval-shaped head. This can be a pro or a con, depending on how you prefer to play. Oval frames have a smaller sweet spot than isometric rackets, so you’ll need to be more precise in your swings. But if you can hit the sweet spot, you’ll get stronger, more concentrated power in your smashes and clears.
Overall, this racket is affordable and easy to handle, making it a favorite for many beginners.
Check the price of the Carbonex 8000 Plus on Amazon
If you want to generate an insanely powerful smash, look no further than the Voltric Z-Force II. This racket is a top choice for power players, and was even used by badminton legend Lin Dan for a period of time.
Here are the specs:
So, what stands out about the Z-Force II? Beyond being equipped in every possible way to increase your power, it also has Yonex’s thinnest-ever shaft. This makes for one of the quickest, hardest-hitting rackets out there. And since it’s extra stiff and has an isometric shape, it also offers good control — as long as you have the skills to handle it.
As a whole, this racket provides outstanding power and precision for experienced players.
Check the price of the Yonex Z-Force II on Amazon
The Astrox 88D is the perfect Yonex racket for offensive, backcourt doubles players. Here’s what it has to offer:
Yonex specifically created the Astrox 88D to improve doubles performance. That’s why they used certain technologies — including a Nanometric shaft for speed and Rotational Generator System for control — in its design. And to take things up a notch, the Astrox 88D has about 10mm of extra length to boost power.
Overall, the Astrox 88D is the ideal choice for backcourt, attack-style doubles players. But if you prefer to cover the frontcourt, the Astrox 88S is another worthy option.
Check the price of the Astrox 88D on Badminton Alley
Speedy, head-light rackets aren’t everyone’s cup of tea. But if you prefer rapid-fire play over hard-hitting smashes, the NanoFlare 800 is a spectacular choice.
Here are its specs:
Yonex designed the NanoFlare 800 with their Razor Frame and Ultra Slim Shaft to minimize air resistance and maximize speed. In addition, this racket’s frame is made with Yonex’s Sonic Flare System, which boosts power and acceleration in every shot.
Overall, the NanoFlare 800 is perfect for players looking for a head-light racket with immense speed and control.
Check the price of the NanoFlare 800 on Badminton Alley
The rackets covered above are some of the best that Yonex has ever created. And you don’t have to take our word for it — professional players around the world have used many of these options themselves.
With that being said, it’s essential to consider the factors that could impact your game when deciding on a new racket. And if possible, don’t hesitate to test out a few options at your local badminton store (or take your friends’ rackets for a swing) before you buy.
