This guide will discuss and review the best cheap badminton rackets.
In contrast to what most people believe, there are plenty of great options available at affordable prices. Such rackets will help take your game to the next level without requiring you to blow a hole in your pocket.
Let’s dive into the different models below.
Yonex Nanoray Light 18i
(Best overall)
Sizes: 5U, G5
Color options: Black
Pros
High modulus (HM) graphite frame makes this racket a breeze to maneuver: If you’re the sort of player who likes making quick and precise movements on the court, the HM graphite frame will complement your gameplay.
Head-heavy balance helps you impart more power to your smashes: This is excellent news for players who like taking the game to their opponent. Such players can use the added weight in the racket to intimidate their opponent with more power shots.
Aero-box frame helps reduce air drag, enhancing swing speed: Combined with the head-heavy balance, the aero-box frame will allow you to transfer more power and speed into hits, improving the defensive side of your game.
Cons
Beginners may experience increased arm fatigue: Holding and swinging a head-heavy racket can take its toll on your arms and shoulders, increasing the risk of fatigue and injury. This might be especially true for beginners who have yet to fully develop their muscles.
Summary
The Yonex Nanoray Light 18i is a must-have badminton racket for players who rely on power shots, such as smashes and clears to try and win matches.
Buy the Yonex Nanoray Light 18i on Amazon
Or:
Buy the Yonex Nanoray Light 18i on Badminton Direct
- Read More: Best Yonex Badminton Rackets
Senston N80 Graphite Badminton Racket
Sizes: 5U, G5
Color options: Black, Silver
Pros
Lightweight construction makes it a breeze to maneuver: This means that you can play hard-hitting smashes and court-clearing clears without exposing your arms to the risk of fatigue, soreness, and even injury.
One-piece design has made this racket ultra-durable: A built-in T joint ensures a much smoother connection between the shaft and head of this model. This makes this racket less susceptible to early failure, especially compared to two-piece rackets.
An extended sweet spot may reduce the frequency of mis-hits: A larger sweet spot will also translate into reduced vibration, reducing the strain on your arms and shoulders. Plus, it will allow for more consistency in your shots.
Cons
You’ll find it difficult to generate power on shots: This might prove to be a deal-breaker if you’re the sort of player who relies on smashes to win games and matches.
Summary
If you’re looking for a decent badminton racket that can help you develop your game before you have the budget to move on to better (and pricier) models, the Senston N80 should be on your list.
Or:
Buy the Senston N80 on Walmart
- Read More: Best Senston Badminton Rackets
Yonex Astrox Lite 21i
Sizes: G4
Color options: Black
Pros
Control support cap provides a wider surface for gripping: This, in turn, leads to easier maneuverability and quicker follow-through than rackets that lack this element in their design, leading to more precise drop shots and an increased rate of quick returns.
Isometric frame shape extends the size of the sweet spot: If Yonex is to be believed, the isometric frame shape has increased this model’s sweet spot by as much as 7% compared to models with a conventional round frame.
Comes with a full-racket cover: If its bargain basement price wasn’t enough to make up your mind, the fact this model comes with a case should.
Cons
The grip on the racket is good: So be prepared to splurge extra on an aftermarket grip.
Summary
Quick and easy to maneuver? Check. Enlarged sweet spot for a reduced risk of vibrations? Present. Both these qualities make the Yonex Nanoray Light 21i a must-have for anyone whose gameplay is tilted toward defensive shots.
Buy Yonex Nanoray Light 21i Amazon
Or:
Buy Yonex Nanoray Light 21i on Racquets 4U
Dunlop Sports Carlton Aeroblade 2000
Sizes: G4
Color options: Multi
Pros
Alloy steel frame has enhanced this racket’s shock absorption: As you might guess, better shock absorption will lead to increased durability, helping you get an excellent return on the investment you’d make into this model.
Lightweight construction makes this model easy to handle: This is excellent news for every type of player, but especially for those who like tricking their opponents with their net shots. As fewer grams in this model will make executing such shots a cinch.
A relatively wider grip will help you get a secure handle on this model: You’d thus be better able to avoid arm strain as well as experiment and master basic swing techniques.
Cons
Head-heavy balance may trouble beginners: Or even intermediate-level players who have no prior experience playing with a racket that has most of its weight concentrated in the frame.
Summary
The Dunlop Sports Carlton Aeroblade 2000 impresses with its easy-to-hold grip, lightweight construction, and superior shock absorption properties. Go for this model if you have no issues with its head-heavy balance.
Buy Dunlop Sports Carlton Aeroblade 2000 Amazon
Or:
Buy Dunlop Sports Carlton Aeroblade 2000 on Dick Sporting Goods
Li-Ning G-Force Superlite 3600
Sizes: G4
Color options: Dark Gray/Gold; Black/Green; Navy/Copper; Black; Blue
Pros
Ultra-carbon fiber frame has enhanced this model’s stiffness, leading to more power and better control in shots. In addition, since it’s an incredibly lightweight material, any racket made with ultra-carbon fiber will be a breeze to handle for players.
More durable and resistant to wear and tear: Once again, the credit goes to the material its frame is made of. Ultra-carbon fiber is world-renowned for its ability to reduce shocks (hence its use in body armor). So, even if this racket has to withstand frequent mis-hits, it won’t break down too soon.
Good smash speed for the price: Self-explanatory.
Cons
May not be the best at smashes: Attack-minded players may thus be better off without it.
Summary
The Li Ning G-Force Superlite 3600 is a breeze to maneuver and can easily withstand frequent mis-hits without getting deformed.
Buy Li Ning G-Force Superlite 3600 on Amazon
Or:
