By Justin Ma, 7x US Junior National Badminton Champion.
Last updated May 18, 2022
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3 min read
Whether you’ve recently fallen in love with badminton or have been playing for a few months, there comes a time when you’re ready to invest in a quality racket.
But how can you pick the best badminton racket as a new player? Is there a one-size-fits-all option, or should different people use different rackets? What factors should you pay attention to as you browse the market?
If you’ve been wondering which badminton racket is best for beginners in 2022, we’ve got you covered. Below, check out our top picks for new players, as well as essential factors to consider before you settle on your future racket.
As you advance in your badminton journey, you’ll start to notice the specs that matter in a racket. Below are three essential factors to consider before you buy:
You’ll typically see rackets in three different balance categories:
Badminton racket shafts range from flexible to extra stiff.
As a beginner, you’ll likely find that your swing speed, power, and accuracy won’t be advanced enough for you to need a stiff shaft. For now, you may want to lean towards medium-to-flexible rackets, as they are more forgiving of mistakes.
Keep in mind that you can still upgrade to a stiff or extra-stiff racket if you find that it suits your playstyle in the future.
Weight is another key factor in choosing the right badminton racket. As a rule of thumb, know that lighter-weight rackets can give you a nimbler playing experience. In contrast, heavier rackets generate more power but are harder to control.
If you’re early in your beginner stage, you’ll want to lean towards a lighter-weight racket to avoid arm and shoulder fatigue during games.
Here are our top four picks for which badminton racket is best for beginners in 2022:
The Li-Ning A900 is a high-quality all-around model at an excellent price point. This racket is lightweight, medium stiff, and evenly balanced.
These specs mean it’ll be easy for beginners to control, and you’ll be able to generate a solid level of power in your shots without fatiguing your arm.
Check Price of Li-Ning Carbon Graphite Badminton Racket A900
The Yonex Arcsaber Lite is a spectacular choice for beginners who are just starting to hone their abilities on the court. This racket weighs an average of 83g, is evenly balanced, and has a medium-stiff shaft to support players who are still perfecting their swing speeds.
Yonex designed this model with their Nanoair Spring technology, which helps the racket send maximum energy from the string-bed to the shuttle during shots. This makes it ideal for a beginner interested in control, acceleration, and power on the court.
Check Price of Yonex Arcsaber Lite
The Nanoray 20 is a flexible and easy-to-control head-light racket. Its price tag and quality make it an incredible choice for beginners who need a durable option for regular doubles or singles play.
Although the Yonex Nanoray 20 doesn’t generate a ton of power on its own, it’s a superb racket for beginners who enjoy using agility and want to refine their defensive techniques.
Check the Price of Yonex Nanoray 20
The Senston N80 is a superior choice for budget-conscious players who still want a high-quality product. If you’ve been hunting for the best budget badminton racket for beginners, this model tops the list.
It’s made of carbon fiber, is lightweight, and has a slightly head-heavy balance to support strong smashes. The Senston N80 is well-loved by casual badminton players and beginners alike.
Check the Price of Senston N80
Choosing a quality racket is key no matter where you are in your badminton journey. That’s because the right racket can boost your performance on the court — whether you’re an offensive power player, strategic defensive player, or anywhere in between.
It may be worth visiting your local badminton shop and asking the salesperson which rackets they recommend for your strengths and weaknesses. There, you can test the models in your hand and see how they feel to you. After all, nothing compares to an in-person test run!
