Badminton is a fast-paced, exciting sport that’s growing in popularity around the world. Whether you’re playing casually with friends, joining a local club, or aspiring to play competitively, choosing the right badminton racket is essential, especially for beginners. With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to pick the one that suits your needs, playing style, and budget. Fortunately, we’ve done the research for you and compiled a list of the best badminton rackets for beginners in 2025.
What Makes a Good Badminton Racket for Beginners?
Before diving into our list, it’s important to understand what makes a racket ideal for beginners. The following factors are essential when choosing a racket:
- Weight: Lighter rackets (around 85 to 89 grams) are easier to handle for beginners, giving you more control and less strain on your arms.
- Balance: A racket’s balance—whether head-heavy, head-light, or even balance—affects its performance. Beginners often benefit from an even-balance racket, as it offers a good mix of power and control.
- Flexibility: Flexible shafts provide more power, which can help beginners who are still building their technique and strength. They can help generate extra momentum without requiring much force.
- Grip Size: The correct grip size ensures comfort, control, and stability when holding the racket. Beginners should choose a racket with a grip size that fits their hand comfortably.
- Durability and Price: Since beginners are still learning the basics of the sport, durability is important. Additionally, beginners should look for rackets that offer value for money without compromising too much on quality.
With these factors in mind, let’s take a look at the top badminton rackets for beginners in 2025.
1. Yonex Nanoray 10F
The Yonex Nanoray 10F is a fantastic choice for beginners due to its lightweight design and balanced performance. At just 75 grams, this racket is easy to maneuver and control, making it ideal for players who are new to the sport.
Key Features:
- Weight: 75 grams (lightweight)
- Balance: Even balance
- Flexibility: Flexible shaft
- Material: High-quality graphite
- Grip: G4 (ideal for small to medium hands)
The Nanoray 10F offers a forgiving flex in the shaft, allowing beginners to generate extra power with minimal effort. The lightweight design makes it easy to handle during long rallies, and the even balance helps you find control when learning new shots.
Why It’s Great for Beginners:
The racket’s combination of lightness, flexibility, and ease of control helps players refine their skills without feeling overwhelmed by a heavy racket. Yonex is a trusted brand in the world of badminton, ensuring that the racket is durable and provides consistent performance.
2. Li-Ning XP 90
Li-Ning is another well-respected brand that offers quality badminton equipment. The Li-Ning XP 90 is an excellent beginner racket that is both affordable and reliable. It’s designed with a balance of power and control, which is ideal for players who are just starting to develop their skills.
Key Features:
- Weight: 85 grams
- Balance: Even balance
- Flexibility: Medium flex shaft
- Material: Graphite and carbon fiber composite
- Grip: G5 (medium grip size)
The XP 90 offers a medium flex shaft that provides a good amount of power for beginners while still offering control over shots. The even balance makes it versatile for various styles of play, while the racket’s construction ensures durability.
Why It’s Great for Beginners:
This racket is a fantastic option for beginners looking for something durable and balanced without spending a lot of money. The medium flex shaft ensures that players can develop their skills while still having a bit of extra power to improve their game.
3. Victor Brave Sword 1700
Victor is known for creating high-performance badminton rackets, and the Brave Sword 1700 is a great option for beginner players who want a reliable and affordable racket. This racket is designed with lightweight materials to ensure comfortable play for newcomers.
Key Features:
- Weight: 85 grams
- Balance: Even balance
- Flexibility: Medium flex shaft
- Material: High-quality graphite and resin composite
- Grip: G5
The Brave Sword 1700 is equipped with an even balance that makes it easy to control and handle, especially for players who are still developing their technique. Its medium flex shaft provides an extra pop of power on smashes and clears, helping beginners improve their attacking game.
Read More: Understanding Badminton Racket Weight
Why It’s Great for Beginners:
The balanced design and durability make it a good all-around racket for players who want to develop both offensive and defensive skills. With its forgiving flex and lightweight feel, the Brave Sword 1700 helps new players enjoy the game while improving their play.
4. Carlton Powerblade 400
The Carlton Powerblade 400 is an excellent racket for beginners, combining an affordable price with a solid, durable build. This racket is ideal for players who are looking for something that provides good power while still being easy to control.
Key Features:
- Weight: 90 grams
- Balance: Head-light
- Flexibility: Medium flex
- Material: Graphite
- Grip: G4
The head-light balance makes this racket easy to maneuver, and the medium flex helps generate power without requiring too much effort. It’s a great option for beginners looking to improve their shot accuracy and reaction time.
Why It’s Great for Beginners:
With its head-light balance, the Powerblade 400 provides great control, which is essential for beginners. The lightweight nature of the racket makes it easy to swing, allowing for better reflexes and handling.
5. Yonex Muscle Power 2
The Yonex Muscle Power 2 is a slightly more advanced option, but it’s still suitable for beginners looking for a racket that will help them grow into the sport. With its lightweight design and flexible shaft, it’s great for those who want to improve their technique while having a racket that won’t slow them down.
Key Features:
- Weight: 85 grams
- Balance: Even balance
- Flexibility: Flexible shaft
- Material: High-quality graphite
- Grip: G4
The Muscle Power 2 is known for its durability and great feel, with a focus on generating power while still offering control. Its flexible shaft helps beginners add extra power to their shots without sacrificing accuracy.
Why It’s Great for Beginners:
The combination of lightweight design and flexibility makes the Muscle Power 2 a great option for beginners. Its forgiving shaft will help you generate power, while the even balance ensures that control remains in your hands.
6. Ashaway Phantom X
The Ashaway Phantom X is another great option for beginners, known for its lightweight construction and excellent performance. It’s designed to be forgiving for new players while still offering durability and the ability to grow into a more advanced racket over time.
Key Features:
- Weight: 88 grams
- Balance: Even balance
- Flexibility: Medium flex shaft
- Material: Graphite
- Grip: G5
This racket offers the perfect balance for players who are learning how to control the shuttle while adding some extra power to their shots. The Phantom X’s combination of flexibility and lightweight design makes it an ideal choice for those just starting.
Why It’s Great for Beginners:
The medium flex shaft provides extra power on smashes and clears, while the even balance ensures players can easily control their shots. This racket’s combination of power and control is ideal for developing foundational skills.
7. Head Nano Ti 1100
The Head Nano Ti 1100 is perfect for beginners who want a lightweight, easy-to-use racket that can help them develop their skills quickly. It provides an excellent combination of control, power, and comfort at an affordable price.
Key Features:
- Weight: 80 grams
- Balance: Even balance
- Flexibility: Flexible shaft
- Material: Titanium and graphite
- Grip: G4
The Nano Ti 1100 has an excellent flexible shaft that helps beginners generate more power with each shot. Its lightweight construction makes it easy to handle and swing, while the even balance ensures that you maintain control over your shots.
Why It’s Great for Beginners:
The combination of control, power, and affordability makes the Nano Ti 1100 an excellent choice for players who are just starting out. Its lightweight feel allows for easy maneuverability while you improve your game.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How do I choose the right grip size for my racket?
The grip size is essential for comfort and control. Measure the distance from the tip of your ring finger to the bottom of your palm to determine the appropriate size. A G4 grip is generally a standard size for most players, but G5 is more suitable for smaller hands.
2. Should I choose a head-heavy or head-light racket as a beginner?
For beginners, a racket with an even balance is usually the best choice, as it provides a mix of control and power. Head-light rackets are easier to maneuver, but head-heavy rackets are better for generating power.
3. What’s the difference between a flexible and stiff shaft?
A flexible shaft generates more power, making it easier to hit smashes, while a stiff shaft offers more control. Beginners often benefit from a flexible shaft, as it allows for better accuracy and more forgiving shots.
4. How much should I spend on my first badminton racket?
You don’t need to spend a lot of money on your first racket. Beginner rackets typically range from $20 to $50, and there are many great options in this price range. Focus on value and comfort, rather than expensive features.
5. Is it better to buy a complete badminton set or just the racket?
If you’re just starting out, buying a complete set (which may include a racket, shuttlecocks, and a bag) could be more cost-effective. However, if you already have accessories, a single racket is sufficient.
6. Can a beginner use a racket designed for advanced players?
While advanced rackets offer more control and precision, they may be harder to handle for beginners. It’s best to start with a beginner-friendly racket that offers more forgiveness, flexibility, and ease of use.
7. How often should I replace my badminton racket?
Badminton rackets typically last for several years, but if the frame gets damaged, it’s time to replace it. Rackets can also lose their tension over time, affecting performance. Regularly check the condition of your strings and frame to ensure optimal performance.
Conclusion
Choosing the right badminton racket is an essential step for beginners who want to improve their game. By considering factors like weight, balance, and flexibility, you can find a racket that will help you develop your skills and enjoy the sport. The rackets listed above represent some of the best options available in 2025, offering a combination of control, power, and durability at various price points.
Whether you go for the Yonex Nanoray 10F, Li-Ning XP 90, or any of the other options on this list, you’ll be on your way to becoming a better player in no time. Happy playing!
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