This article will rate and review the best badminton rackets for advanced players.
Whether you’re looking to up your game or just hoping to get that extra bit of something from your racket that will help you win championships, the below models have you covered.
Without further ado, let’s jump into it.
YONEX Arcsaber 11 Pro
(Best overall)
Material: Graphite
Grip Size: G5, G4
Pros
HM graphite frame allows for faster racket head speeds and more powerful shots: In addition, it will enable you to hit a wide range of shots with more precision and power, while also reducing shock and vibration upon impact.
Even-balanced construction offers the best of both worlds: It does that by striking an optimal balance between power and control, letting you hit powerful smashes right where you want.
Isometric shape provides this racket with a larger sweet spot: Together with the even balance, the isometric shape allows for better control and stability when hitting shots. You’d thus be able to execute a wider range of shots more accurately and consistently.
Cons
Doesn’t come with strings: For this reason, the first thing you’d have to do after taking this racket out of the delivery box is to get it strung (Yonex’s recommended string tension is between 19 and 28 lbs).
Summary
The Yonex Arcsaber 11 Pro has everything – massive sweet spot, even-balanced construction, isometric frame shape – that you may need to take your game to the next level.
Buy the Yonex Arcsaber 11 Pro on Amazon
Li-Ning G-Force Extra Strong 9000
Material: Carbon Fiber
Grip Size: 4 1/2 inches
Pros
Incredibly durable when compared to similar-priced rackets: The fact that it can withstand string tension up to 35 lbs is why we’re so bullish about this racket’s durability and why you can count on it to be less susceptible to string-related mishaps.
Minimal air drag allows you to hit powerful shots easily: You’d thus stand a better chance to catch your opponent by surprise. Plus, the lack of air drag also helps increase this model’s racket swing speed, allowing you to make quick returns.
Can withstand hundreds of mis-hits before breaking down: This is due to the carbon-fiber frame, whose superior shock-absorption properties won’t let mis-hits (and the resulting vibrations) damage it integrity.
Cons
Heavier than our top pick: Self-explanatory.
Summary
The Li-Ning G-Force Extra Strong 9000 is incredibly durable, boasts superior shock absorption properties, and can withstand hundreds of mis-hits before breaking down. What more can you ask for!
Buy Li-Ning G-Force Extra Strong 9000 on Amazon
Yonex Astrox 88D Pro
Material: Carbon Fiber
Grip Size: G5, G4
Pros
Resin frame has made this racket incredibly flexible: This, in turn, allows for faster racket head speed and more powerful shots, while also giving you the control you need to place the shuttlecock more accurately.
Head-heavy construction allows you to generate more power: This will especially be the case during smashes and clears. As such, you’d be more likely to hit shots that will be unplayable for your opponents.
A large shuttle hold for a tighter grip on the shuttlecock: You’d thus be able to hit more accurate shots. Another benefit of a larger shuttle hold is that it will help you maintain better balance when hitting shots.
Cons
Doesn’t come pre-strung: You’d thus have to string this model before you can start playing with it.
Summary
Thanks to its head-heavy construction, heavy-duty and powerful frame, and unique string pattern, the Yonex Astrox 88D Pro is a must-have for power hitters.
Buy the Yonex Astrox 88D Pro on Amazon
YONEX NanoFlare 800
Material: HM Graphite
Grip Size: G5
Pros
An ultra-thin shaft ensures improved maneuverability: You’d thus find it easy to execute quick shots that may deceive your opponents. Moreover, with a thin shaft, you’d have more control over the shuttlecock’s speed and direction.
Its head-light construction allows for quicker swing speed: This can be especially useful for players whose gameplay involves quick transitions between backhand and forehand.
The stiff flex will complement the power you put into your shots: As you might guess, this will make your smashes more powerful, making it difficult for the opponent to return them.
Cons
Doesn’t come with a warranty: This might prove to be a deal-breaker for players who only invest in rackets that are backed by their manufacturers.
Summary
The Yonex Nano Flare 800 allows you to hit powerful shots with lightning quick speed. Furthermore, it gives you maximum control over shots, reducing the risk of unforced errors.
Buy the Yonex Nano Flare 800 on Amazon
YONEX Astrox 100 ZZ
Material: Graphite
Grip Size: G5
Pros
Extra-stiff shaft makes it ideal for fast-paced play and offensive shots: That is because this model can handle the extra power and force which professional players are capable of generating on their own.
A slimmer shaft makes it maneuverable on the court: As such, even if you don’t have fully developed muscles, you won’t feel sore after hours of playing with this model.
Endorsed by professional players: Given the fact that it possesses all the above qualities, it shouldn’t be surprising to note that pro players Viktor Axelsen, Chou Tien-Chen, and Akane Yamauchi back this model.
Cons
Doesn’t come cheap. Self-explanatory.
Summary
The Yonex Astrox 100 ZZ is an excellent option for any players ready to make an investment in a badminton racket.
Buy the Yonex Astrox 100 ZZ on Amazon
Frequently Asked Questions
Most advanced players prefer rackets that weigh on the heavier side, as such models provide more power and stability. However, make sure the weight isn’t too heavy, or else you may find the racket difficult to maneuver.
Higher string tension and a stiff or medium flex are two more qualities advanced players look for in a badminton racket, as both provide them with more power, precision, and control.
Most professionals opt for the Yonex Arcsaber 11 Pro as it’s specially designed for advanced players.
