The 10 best badminton rackets to buy in the UK
Finding the best badminton racket can be difficult for first-time buyers. While it may not seem that important, the type of racket you buy will significantly impact your playing ability and style, so it’s always worth taking the time to find the perfect racket for your preferences. Of course, this can be challenging when there are so many products and brands to choose from, which is where this handy buying guide can help. Below you will find all the information that you need to know to find the best badminton rackets:
What are badminton rackets?
A badminton racket (or racquet) is used to play badminton, a popular racquet sport that involves hitting a shuttlecock back and forth over a net. The racket is designed to be lightweight, usually featuring a carbon fibre frame, and features an open hoop with tightly woven strings to hit the shuttlecock with varying levels of speed, power, and accuracy.
Why should you buy a good badminton racket?
The best badminton racket will significantly improve your ability to play the game. With the right racket, you can expect better control, power, and accuracy when making clears and smashes, ensuring you can manoeuvre the shuttlecock better than ever. We all have different preferences when it comes to the right badminton racket, so it’s important to buy one that suits your unique requirements!
How to choose the right badminton racket in 2024?
Trying to find the best badminton racket is not always easy, especially for first-time buyers, so here are some things to consider when buying:
- Frame: Badminton racket frames come with varying levels of flexibility, so always check this to see it if meets your preferences. More flexibility means a lighter touch when playing, which is recommended for most beginners and casual players. A stiff frame is best left for more experienced players, as it offers more accuracy and power but these techniques are more challenging with less playing experience.
- Balance: There are three types of badminton rackets, each one being categorised by their balance which impacts the style of play. For example, a heavy head racket is all about power play from the backcourt, a headlight racket offers fast movements so is preferred for doubles play, and an even balanced racket offers a middle ground between speed and power.
- Weight: Badminton rackets come in different weight sizes, so it helps to know what these are and how they influence your play. For instance, the two most common weight categories are 3U and 4U. The lighter weights are recommended for newer players as it is easy to move and control, after which you can progress to a heavier weight for added power.
What is the best kind of badminton racket in the UK?
There are three types of badminton racket available to buy, each one determining the balance and style of play it offers.
- Heavy Head Rackets: Favouring the head of the racket, this type offers the most striking power of any racket due to the heavier weight in the racket head, making it popular for experienced players playing at the back of the court.
- Head Light Rackets: With a lighter head and heavier handle, headlight rackets provide excellent speed and manoeuvrability, making it the best badminton racket for playing doubles. That said, many singles players use this type of racket too, although good speed and technique are essential when playing this style.
- Even Balance Rackets: As the name suggests, an even balance badminton racket has a balanced weight throughout the racket, offering a good balance of speed and power. This is a great all-rounder, offering speed, power, accuracy, and manoeuvrability, so it is recommended for most beginners. That said, if you are an advanced player with good technique, you may find this type lacking in speed or power compared to other types.
Top 10 list of badminton rackets in the UK (2024)
The bestseller list compares brands and their badminton rackets. Which badminton racket is the best?
![Image of Racketworld badminton racket](https://images.review10best.com/uk/static/ximc/badminton-racket-image-41J11Z-YR8L.jpg)
- The two Player set from Wilson- including quality rackets, shuttles and carry ba…
![Image of YONEX NANORAYL18I-G4 badminton racket](https://images.review10best.com/uk/static/ximc/badminton-racket-image-31dmcHmJ0NL.jpg)
- Specifications : Frame Material - Carbon Graphite | Shaft Material - Carbon Graphite…
- Isometric head - Bigger sweet spot | Built-in T-Joint | Carbon Graphite shaft - strong…
- Ultra-light (77 grams) - Speedy shots & great maneuverability without sacrificing…
![Image of Carlton 13049384 badminton racket](https://images.review10best.com/uk/static/ximc/badminton-racket-image-21LiICsVJPL.jpg)
- Weight: 82g (+/-2g), Balance: Head Heavy (300 +/- 3mm).
- Medium stiffness for versatile play: The racket's medium stiffness offers an…
- Length: The Carlton Drivespeed badminton racket measures 675 mm and thus offers an…
![Image of YONEX AXLT27I badminton racket](https://images.review10best.com/uk/static/ximc/badminton-racket-image-41+2+3QikPL.jpg)
- Included Components : 1 x Badminton Racquet with cover
- ROTATIONAL GENERATOR SYSTEM - For Maximum Control by applying the counterbalance…
- Included Components : 1 x Badminton Racquet with cover
![Image of Racketworld badminton racket](https://images.review10best.com/uk/static/ximc/badminton-racket-image-41IkHloMx7L.jpg)
- Includes: 2 Adult Rackets & Shuttles
- Carlton Match Tournament 2 Player Badminton Set
![Image of Senston Senston-520-2Q-2017-K4 badminton racket](https://images.review10best.com/uk/static/ximc/badminton-racket-image-41iTUmX-TrL.jpg)
- High Cost Performance - Including 2 Badminton Racket, 2 Badminton(Random Color),…
- LARGE SWEET SPOT - High-Tech Frame Design, The Isometric Square Head Shape Has More…
- UNIQUE PYRAMID FRAME RIM - Minimize the Resistance to Swing design accords with air…
![Image of Accessotech badminton racket](https://images.review10best.com/uk/static/ximc/badminton-racket-image-412pUWc6MtL.jpg)
- Strong and sturdy, this durable racket will ensure every hit is precise, controlled…
- Ideal for the gym, beach, park and even holidays, this versatile set is a great way…
- Child friendly, this set is perfect to keep the little ones busy while on a caravan…
![Image of A1 TAAN UP-0160 badminton racket](https://images.review10best.com/uk/static/ximc/badminton-racket-image-41M-yxPelzL.jpg)
- GUARANTEED SERVICE: We provide a FRIENDLY AFTER-SALES SERVICE, if you have any problems…
- HIGH QUALITY-PRICE RATIO: This badminton rackets set for 2 adult players including…
- SPECIAL DESIGN: Unique frame structure frame design allowing better wind breaking…
![Image of YONEX GR 303 badminton racket](https://images.review10best.com/uk/static/ximc/badminton-racket-image-410yzGwyVXL.jpg)
- In-Box Contents : 2 Badminton Racquet With Head Cover
- Playing Level : Intermediate , , , Material : Blend
- Strung Type : Strung
![Image of Wilson WR034510F4 badminton racket](https://images.review10best.com/uk/static/ximc/badminton-racket-image-41nmjB9CNES.jpg)
- Great for all playing environments
- Superb power racket for beginners to intermediate, recreational players.
- One piece frame design.
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