Whether you are entering the court for the first time or signing up with a training badminton academy to take your skills to the next level, your racket selection can make or mar your game. At M.J. Badminton Academy, the top shot badminton academy for young players, we start with the right beginning. The best badminton rackets not only enhances your technique but also boosts confidence, minimizes injuries, and hones your reflexes.
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What Makes a Badminton Racket Ideal for Beginners?
Prior to going into the top picks, here are a few key features beginners should keep in mind while selecting their first badminton racket.
- Weight (4U or 5U preferred): Lightweight rackets of approximately 80-85g are more maneuverable and help decrease arm fatigue.
- Balance Point:
- Head-light rackets are best suited for defensive strokes and spontaneous reactions.
- Even-balanced rackets ensure a balance of power and control – ideal for beginners.
- Flexibility: Flexible shafts contribute to more power with less effort, ideal for players still building technique.
- Grip Size: Smaller sized grips provide greater control and wrist movement, which is important for net shots and smashing.
Best badminton rackets in 2025
Let’s examine the top picks that balance performance, price, and ease of handling.
Yonex Nanoray 10F:
Why we like it: One of the most widely used beginner rackets by Yonex. Lightweight, forgiving, and simple to swing.
- Weight: 83g (4U)
- Balance: Head-light
- Flex: Hi-Flex
- Price Range: ₹2,500 – ₹3,000
Best for: Quick rallies, defensive players.
MJ Academy Verdict: Excellent for beginners who seek agility. One of the top badminton rackets to begin with.
Li-Ning G-Force Superlite 3600:
Why we love it: Strong carbon fiber construction, extremely lightweight, perfect for intermediate transition as well.
- Weight: ~78g
- Balance: Slightly head-heavy
- Flex: Medium
- Price Range: ₹2,000 – ₹2,500
Ideal for: Smashing players who need a little more power without compromising on speed.
MJ Academy Verdict: Great value for money and extremely popular in our training badminton academy circuits.
Apacs Z-Ziggler Light:
Why we love it: Based on high-end rackets, but made for control, comfort, and affordability.
- Weight: 80g
- Balance: Even
- Flex: Medium
- Price Range: ₹2,200 – ₹2,800
Recommended for: All-rounders seeking control along with power.
MJ Academy Verdict: Confidence in each stroke for the students at best shot badminton academy.
Yonex Muscle Power 29 Lite:
Why we love it: Classic muscle power frame provides good repulsion and shock absorption.
- Weight: 85g (3U)
- Balance: Even
- Flex: Medium
- Price Range: ₹2,300 – ₹2,700
Recommended for: Versatile play, excellent for players who are still discovering their style.
MJ Academy Verdict: Our instructors suggest this for children who prefer improved net control.
Victor Arrow Power 2000:
Why we like it: It’s light in weight with thin shaft design and accommodates both learning and enhancement of foot speed while playing.
- Weight: ~82g
- Balance: Even
- Flex: Flexible
- Price Range: ₹2,000 – ₹2,400
Recommended for: New starters to play informally or in a recreational style.
MJ Academy Verdict: A good option for beginners only taking admission into a badminton academy.
Li-Ning XP 2020:
Why we love it: Timeless beginner racket with good build quality and lightweight.
- Weight: ~85g
- Balance: Head-light
- Flex: Flexible
- Price Range: ₹1,500 – ₹1,800
Best suited for: Beginners on a tight budget and enthusiasts.
MJ Academy Verdict: If you’re on a low budget, this is one of the best badminton rackets to give a shot.
Yonex GR 303:
Why we love it: Top-selling beginner racket in all of India. Excellent for learning basic technique.
- Weight: 90g
- Balance: Head-heavy
- Flex: Stiff
- Price Range: ₹800 – ₹1,200
Best suited for: Beginners at school-level and general play.
MJ Academy Verdict: A badminton gateway – every student in our badminton academy has used this at least once.
Apacs Finapi 232:
Why we love it: Light, strong, and shock-absorbing – ideal for up-and-coming players.
- Weight: 82g
- Balance: Head-heavy
- Flex: Medium
- Price Range: ₹2,000 – ₹2,400
Best for: Intermediate beginners who seek extended rallies.
MJ Academy Verdict: Dependable for daily usage during high-intensity coaching sessions at badminton training academies.
Cosco CB-88:
Why we love it: Great grip, robust aluminum frame, highly cost-effective.
- Weight: 95g
- Balance: Balanced
- Flex: Medium
- Price Range: ₹700 – ₹1,000
Suitable for: School practice, PE class, and home rallies.
MJ Academy Verdict: Ideal for under-10 students and family fun.
Carlton Airblade 200:
Why we love it: British brand with reputation for quality; Airblade 200 is a performance-oriented entry-level model.
- Weight: 84g
- Balance: Even
- Flex: Flexible
- Price Range: ₹2,500 – ₹3,000
Suitable for: Club-level newbies and twentysomethings.
MJ Academy Verdict: Great value with high-end tech in an entry-level racket.
Expert Recommendations from M.J. Badminton Academy
Our national-level players and certified coaches recommend the following:
For Young Kids (Ages 6–12):
- Yonex GR 303
- Cosco CB-88
- Li-Ning XP 2020
These rackets are light and gentle on the wrist.
For Teenagers Starting Coaching:
- Apacs Z-Ziggler Light
- Yonex Nanoray 10F
- Victor Arrow Power 2000
Perfect balance of power, control, and grip comfort.
For Budget-Focused Parents:
- Li-Ning G-Force Superlite
- Apacs Finapi 232
Durable reliability and lasting investment.
Why Racket Selection Matters for Beginners
At M.J. Badminton Academy, we’ve witnessed hundreds of students improve from novice to district and state level. The link? The proper equipment.
When students play with the best badminton racket appropriate for their level, their progress gets a boost. The wrong racket causes:
- Injury (particularly wrist and elbow strain).
- Loss of interest as they get frustrated.
- Lack of absorption of techniques such as clears, drop shots, and smash.
That’s why our training begins with a racket consultation. It’s not about the cost – it’s about the fit.
FAQs related to best badminton racket
What are the best badminton rackets for beginners in 2025?
Some of the top beginner badminton rackets of 2025 are the Yonex Nanoray 10F, Li-Ning G-Force Superlite 3600, Apacs Z-Ziggler Light, and Yonex Muscle Power 29 Lite. These rackets provide excellent balance, flexibility, and value for players who are starting out.
How do I choose a good badminton racket as a beginner?
New players must seek rackets that are light in weight (4U or 5U), even or head-light balanced, slender shafts, and soft grips. They become easy to maneuver with and simplify learning good form. Any professional training badminton institute’s experts can assist you in picking the best one.
Are there budget-friendly badminton rackets for students?
Yes! Rackets such as the Li-Ning XP 2020, Cosco CB-88, and Yonex GR 303 are all very good budget badminton rackets under ₹2000. These are ideal for school students or beginners practicing at a badminton academy.
What is the difference between a head-light and head-heavy racket?
A head-light racket is easier to handle and suited for swift responses, particularly during defense. A head-heavy racket offers more strength for smashes but needs greater strength. Even balance rackets are mostly suggested by the best shot badminton academies for starters to enable them to develop power as well as control.
Can I use these beginner rackets in a professional badminton academy?
Absolutely. All the rackets mentioned in this guide are commonly used in professional badminton academies and are ideal for developing skills. As you advance, your training badminton academy coach can recommend intermediate or advanced rackets to you.
Final Thoughts
Selecting the appropriate badminton racket as a beginner in 2025 need not be daunting. The above list is carefully prepared to help you have a good starting point, whether playing at home or training at a training badminton academy such as M.J. Badminton Academy, where success starts with good equipment and instruction.
Keep in mind, your racket is your ally in every match. Pick the right one, and let it assist you to become a strategic, confident, and skilled player.
Need professional advice selecting the ideal racket?
Come to M.J. Badminton Academy today – where excellence and training go hand in hand, and each student learns to serve the best on the court.
