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Best Badminton Rackets for 2023
Check out our expert selections for the best value and performance rackets for the coming year.
Are you struggling to choose the best badminton racket? Our team of badminton experts have picked our Top 10 badminton rackets of 2022 to help you to find the most suitable badminton racket for your level and style of play.
Whether you're new to badminton or an experienced player, we can make it easy for you to find the perfect racket for your game!
1. Yonex Astrox 99 Pro
Designed in collaboration with Kento Momota
The latest release in Yonex's Astrox range, the 99 Pro boasts increadible power thanks to the new POWER-ASSIST BUMPER which adds extra weight to the top of the frame. Wider grommets at side of the frame allows the string to move more on shuttle impact for enhanced accuracy.
Reasons to buy: You're looking for a top of the range, high power racket.
Reasons not to buy: You're a beginner or more budget-conscious.
2. Babolat X-Feel Origin Lite
Lightweight design for quick play!
- Weight: 83g
- Balance: Even
- Flex: Medium
This racket is the perfect choice for any players looking for a quick and manoeuvrable racket. At only 83grams this racket is lightweight with an even balance, with a slim-shaft design to help you cut through the air quicker.
Reasons to buy: You like to play a fast and explosive game.
Reasons not to buy: You prefer to play a rear court game with more power. Check out the X-Feel Origin Power.
3. Ashaway Viper XT 1600
Ideal racket for all-round playability!
- Weight: 86g
- Balance: Even
- Flex: Stiff
*This racket is currently out of stock but we do have the very similar Viper XT 1500.* Are you looking for a racket for all round play? The Viper XT 1600 is the perfect choice with an even balance and stiff shaft this racket offers a great combination of power and control. This racket also comes pre strung in Ashaway's Zymax 69 Fire which maintains tension whilst still offering excellent feel.
Reasons to buy: You're looking for an all round racket at a great price.
Reasons not to buy: You'd prefer a racket specifically designed for power or quick play.
4. Victor Auraspeed HS B
New for 2023 and breaking straight into our top 10!
- Weight: 88g
- Balance: Even
- Flex: Stiff
The Victor Auraspeed HS B is designed for the all-round player, with an even balance and stiff flex it offers a great combination of power and control. The new Free Core technology in the handle offers a more comfortable hitting feel whilst still generating great power. Check out out Youtube review here.
Reasons to buy: You're an improving intermediate or advanced player seeking one of the best and latest rackets on the market which will offer you both power and control.
Reasons not to buy: You're a beginner looking for your first racket.
5. Ashaway Superlight 10 Hex
Incredible feel from a lightweight racket!
- Weight: 77g
- Balance: Head Heavy
- Flex: Medium
If looking for ultimate manoeuvrability and quick play this is the racket for you. Ashaway's Hex Frame technology offers better playability and improved hitting feel. Check out our full YouTube review here.
Reasons to buy: You're looking for a super light racket for quick, attacking play.
Reasons not to buy: You're looking for a heavier weight racket for increased power.
6. Yonex Nanoflare 700
Super manoeuvrable!
- Weight: 83g
- Balance: Head Light
- Flex: Medium
Yonex's latest release in the Nanoflare range. The Nanoflare 700 offers great levels of control for the advanced player. The Aero Frame design cuts through the air quicker for greater shot stability. The medium flex shaft allows you to still be able to fit powerful overhead shots.
Reasons to buy: You're looking for a quick and manoeuvrable, high performance racket which looks amazing!
Reasons not to buy: You're looking for a more budget-friendly racket. Check out the Yonex Nanoflare 270 Speed instead.
7. Ashaway Vex Striker 300
Perfect choice for getting started!
- Weight: 82g
- Balance: Head Heavy
- Flex: Stiff
If you're just starting to get into badminton, the Vex Striker 300 is the perfect choice. It is easy to use with a head heavy balance to help generate power overhead. This racket also comes pre strung in Ashaway's Zymax 69 Fire which maintains tension whilst still offering excellent feel (this would normally cost over £20 to add as a restring upgrade!)
Reasons to buy: You're getting into badminton and looking for a great value racket.
Reasons not to buy: You prefer a heavier racket yet which is just as easy to use. Check out the Ashaway Vex Striker 100.
8. Yonex Astrox 88D Pro
Used by many of the best players on the World Tour
- Weight: 83g - 4U,
- Balance: Head Heavy
- Flex: Stiff
If you like to dominate the rear of the court, the Yonex Astrox 88D Pro is the perfect choice. The 4U weight offers a great combination power and manoeuvrability.
Reasons to buy: You're looking for a Tour level racket with the latest technology.
Reasons not to buy: You need a racket which is easy to use with a more flexible shaft. Try the Yonex Astrox 88D Game instead!
9. Babolat Powerlight
A perfect choice for getting started!
- Weight: 84g
- Balance: Head light
- Flex: Medium
This racket is a great choice for getting into badminton. It has a head light balance to increase speed in your defensive play, whislt the medium flex shaft still helps the generate power overhead.
Reasons to buy: You're looking for an easy to use racket which help generate more power
Reasons not to buy: You'd prefer a lighter weight racket to help with manoeuvrability. Check out the Babolat I-Pulse Lite.
10. Yonex Nanoflare 170 Light
Improve your control!
- Weight: 77g
- Balance: Head Light
- Flex: Flexible
The Yonex Nanoflare 170 Light is a great choice for the intermediate/club player looking for an easy to manoeuvre racket without losing power. The light frame weight makes this racket quick to move around the court and the flexible shaft helps you to generate fantastic power overhead.
Reasons to buy: You want a mid priced racket with a head light balance.
Reasons not to buy: You're prefer a heavy frame weight but still with a head light balance. Check out the Yonex Nanoflare 270 Speed.
Prices may vary from the time of publication.
Sophie is our pdhsports.com badminton expert and is happy to offer advice with any badminton questions. She is a Level 2 badminton coach, plays for Derbyshire County First team and is a Yonex-sponsored coach using the Yonex Astrox 88S.
22 February 2022