By Justin Ma, 7x US Junior National Badminton Champion.
Last updated October 25, 2023
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4 min read
If you keep hearing about the Yonex Nanoflare 1000 series, you’re certainly not alone. This 2023 release has made a name for itself in the world of badminton, with many top players raving about its speed, handling, and power in the last few months.
But what features does it offer, and who is it best for? And if you don’t want to break the bank on the 1000 Z, are there any other models worth trying instead?
Below, we’ll dive into the details on the Nanoflare 1000 lineup, including the racket specs, price points, and more.
The Nanoflare 1000 comes in four different versions: the Z, Tour, Game, and Play.
While these rackets vary slightly in their specs and price points, the entire lineup was built for ultimate speed, power, and precision.
And having been used by players like Carolina Marin and Lakshya Sen, it’s no wonder that there’s been so much hype around this line since its June 2023 release.
Here’s what to know about each of the Nanoflare 1000 rackets:
Specs:
As a head-light racket, there’s one thing that surprised everyone about the Nanoflare 1000 Z: It packs a surprising amount of power. And thanks to its durable frame and extra-stiff shaft, it also doesn’t compromise on its precision or accuracy.
If you haven’t honed your swing technique, its specs can make it unforgiving. But as long as you have the skills to handle it, the 1000 Z is a powerhouse for lightning-fast speed and control on the court.
Check the price of the 1000 Z on Amazon
Specs:
The Nanoflare 1000 Tour is the second most expensive option in this line at around $200. And like the 1000 Z, it has a stiff flex, ultra slim shaft, and Yonex’s Compact Frame for a faster swing speed.
Compared to the Z model, it has a few differences, including a slightly head-heavier balance point. The good news is that it’s still an excellent racket, and many players have said it performs nearly as well as the Z.
Overall, the Tour model is a great choice if you want to save a few bucks while still getting the Nanoflare 1000 experience.
Check the price of the 1000 Tour on Badminton Warehouse
Specs:
With a graphite shaft and Nanocell Neo frame, the Game model offers incredible durability for its price point. Plus, its medium-flex shaft adds extra power behind each shot — making it snappier and more forgiving for new-to-intermediate players.
While this racket offers high quality for its price, one review found that the balance point wasn’t always as consistent on the Nanoflare 1000 Game and Play models.
With that being said, the 1000 Game is a solid all-around racket, and can certainly be worth checking out as a more budget-friendly option.
Check the price of the 1000 Game on Amazon
Specs:
The Play version is the most affordable racket in the Nanoflare 1000 series, retailing at around $60-$70.
Like the 1000 Game, its medium-flex makes it whippier and more forgiving when it comes to shot timing. And despite its more basic graphite material, its aerodynamic frame still gives it solid speed and handling on the court.
All in all, if you’re aiming to stay under $100, this introductory model is a fantastic starting point to the Nanoflare 1000 line.
Check the price of the 1000 Play on Amazon
The Nanoflare 1000 series has gathered some incredible reviews over the past months, with many high-level players raving about the Z and Tour versions specifically.
However, an extra-stiff shaft and high price point might not be right for everyone — and that’s where the Game and Play versions come in. These medium-flex rackets can be well worth a try if you’re newer to badminton or are looking for more budget-friendly options.
In any case, be sure to swing by your local badminton store to test out the Nanoflare 1000 lineup. Even if you plan to buy online, trying them out can help you gauge whether the swing, stiffness, and balance point is right for you.
