As someone who has spent years testing and reviewing recreational sports equipment, I understand how hard it can be to find products that balance fun, durability, and affordability especially for casual family play. With countless hours on courts and backyards, I’ve personally tested dozens of badminton sets. My goal is always simple: to give honest, useful advice based on real-life experience.
Today, I’m reviewing a set that surprised me in many ways the Franklin Sports Badminton Racket + Birdie Set. If you’re looking for a clear, hands-on breakdown before you buy, you’re in the right place. I’ve tested this product in multiple settings and with players of all ages to bring you the full picture.
✅ Pros
- Lightweight rackets, great for kids and beginners
- Durable steel frame construction
- LED lights on rackets and birdies for night play
- Good balance and grip for casual games
- Easy to carry and store
- Budget-friendly
❌ Cons
- LED lights need tiny batteries (not included)
- Not suitable for professional gameplay
- Birdies can feel a bit light in strong wind
- No carrying case included
Who Will Enjoy This Set the Most?
This set is ideal for families, kids, or beginners who just want to enjoy a friendly badminton match in the backyard, at the park, or even at the beach. If you’re someone looking for affordable fun and don’t need professional-grade gear, this is perfect for you. It’s especially good for parents teaching their kids the game or for casual players who want something simple, fun, and ready to go.
Technical Details
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Included Items | 2 Steel Rackets, 2 LED Birdies |
| Racket Material | Lightweight Steel |
| Birdie Type | Nylon with LED Light |
| LED Feature | Yes, in both rackets and birdies |
| Ideal Use | Outdoor Casual Play |
| Age Range | Kids and Adults |
| Players Supported | 2 Players (add-on compatible) |
My Experience With This Badminton Set
I’ve played with many beginner-level badminton sets, and this one really stood out. Here’s how it performed in different key areas that matter most when you’re buying.
🌟 Playing in the Dark – A Total Game Changer
The LED lights built into both the rackets and birdies are honestly the most exciting part of this set. We started playing around 6 PM in my backyard, and when it got dark, the game didn’t have to stop. The birdies glowed brightly with a soft green hue, and the rackets had tiny built-in lights that helped us track each swing.
If you’re someone who usually plays in the evening, this is a feature you’ll love. It kept the kids engaged way past sunset and made the whole experience feel like something out of a movie.
🛠️ Racket Durability – Tough but Friendly
The rackets are made of steel, which I normally don’t expect from a budget-friendly set. They felt solid in hand—light enough for my 10-year-old nephew, but strong enough that they didn’t bend when he accidentally hit the fence. The grip wasn’t slippery, even when our hands were sweaty from running around. We dropped them a few times, and they still looked brand new afterward.
So if you’re worried about quality, don’t be. This set might be labeled for kids, but adults can enjoy it just as much without feeling like they’re using toy gear.
🎯 Birdie Performance – Light but Playable
The birdies are nylon-based, not feather, so they’re obviously not for tournament-level play. But for casual backyard matches, they worked just fine. On a calm day, they flew with decent precision. The only issue came when we played on a breezy afternoon—the birdie’s light weight made it hard to aim. Still, indoors or in calm weather, they performed well and held up to repeated smashes without tearing.
And yes, they light up too, which made nighttime play not just possible, but actually fun.
🔄 Versatility – Replacement or Add-on
One of the main reasons I got this set was to replace a broken racket from an older set. It worked perfectly for that. But what I didn’t expect was how easily it turned our two-player setup into a four-player match just by buying another set. Everything matched seamlessly. That flexibility is underrated, especially if you have growing kids or multiple friends who want to join.
{Franklin Sports Set} vs. Other Popular Beginner Sets
| Feature | Franklin Sports Set | Yonex B-350 Set | Champion Sports Deluxe Set |
|---|---|---|---|
| LED Night Play | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | ❌ No |
| Durability | ✅ Good Steel Frame | ✅ Aluminum Frame | ✅ Steel Frame |
| Included Accessories | 2 Birdies, 2 Rackets | 2 Birdies, 2 Rackets | 4 Rackets, Net |
| Best For | Kids + Casual Night Games | Beginners (Daytime) | Family Games with Net |
| Price | 💰 Affordable | 💰💰 Mid-range | 💰💰💰 Higher |
Final Thoughts
I didn’t expect much when I first tried this set, but I ended up really enjoying it. For backyard games with kids or relaxed outdoor play, it brings a lot of value. The glowing night feature is what truly makes it different from other sets. It’s not for serious players or tournaments, but it’s great for bonding, fun, and quick games.
If you’re looking for a low-cost way to keep your family or friends entertained outdoors, this one’s a winner.
