In brief: to choose your badminton racket, look at 4 criteria: weight (4U/80-84g for most players), balance (head-heavy = power, head-light = maneuverability), flexibility (flexible for beginners, stiff for fast arms), and grip (G5 for the majority). Beginner? Take a balanced, flexible, 4U or 5U racket, between €40 and €80.
What are the 4 criteria for choosing a badminton racket?
1. Weight: 3U, 4U, or 5U?
The weight is indicated on the cone of the racket. Be careful, the logic is reversed: the higher the number, the lighter the racket.
| Weight |
Grams |
For whom? |
| 3U |
85–89 g |
Powerful players, singles, backcourt |
| 4U |
80–84 g |
The versatile standard, recommended for most |
| 5U |
75–79 g |
Doubles, fast defense, juniors, weak wrists |
2. Balance: head-heavy, head-light, or even?
A head-heavy racket gives heavier smashes — ideal for singles and backcourt. A head-light racket is faster in defense and at the net — perfect for doubles. An even balance is the best compromise for beginners or for an all-round game.
3. Shaft flexibility: flexible, medium, or stiff?
A flexible shaft helps generate power even with an incomplete stroke: it's the choice for beginners and casual players. A stiff shaft precisely transmits what your arm produces: maximum accuracy, but it requires already solid technique and arm speed. When in doubt, choose medium.
4. Grip size: G4, G5, or G6?
G5 suits most hands. G4 for large hands, G6 for small hands or those who add an overgrip. An improperly sized grip tires the wrist and compromises control — in-store, we adjust it for free with an overgrip.
Which badminton racket for a beginner?
Look for: even balance, flexible shaft, 4U or 5U, budget €40 to €80. Our safe bets: the Yonex Arcsaber 7 Play and the Nanoflare 170 Light. They forgive off-center hits and protect the shoulder. No need to spend €200 in the first year: your technique will evolve faster than your racket.
Which racket for an intermediate player?
After 1 to 3 years of practice, your style will emerge. Budget €80 to €150.
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Do you like to attack? → Yonex Astrox 77 Play (head-heavy balance, our best-seller, rated 4.75/5 by our customers)
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Do you mainly play doubles? → Yonex Nanoflare 700 or Victor Auraspeed (speed and maneuverability)
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Do you want versatility? → Arcsaber 11 Play or Li-Ning Tectonic 7 Drive
Which racket for an advanced or competitive player?
The Tour and Pro series are for you (€150 to €250): Astrox 88D Pro (doubles attack, backcourt position), Astrox 99 Pro (singles smashers), Nanoflare 800 Pro (pure speed), Arcsaber 11 Pro (total control). Hesitating between 88D and 99? Read our Astrox 88D Pro vs 99 Pro duel.
Yonex, Victor, Li-Ning, or Maxbolt: which brand to choose?
Yonex dominates the market, but Victor (Thruster, Auraspeed) often offers a better value for money, Li-Ning equips the best Chinese players, and Maxbolt is rapidly gaining ground. Our complete comparison: Yonex vs Victor. We are official retailers for all four brands.
What about stringing?
A good racket with poor stringing is like a sports car with worn tires. Recommended tension: 8–9.5 kg for beginners, 9.5–11 kg for intermediate, 11 kg and above for competition. BG65 string for durability, BG80 for power. All our rackets are custom strung by a Yonex France certified stringer — see our complete stringing guide.
Frequently asked questions
What budget for a good badminton racket?
€40–80 for beginners, €80–150 for regular players, €150–250 for competition. Beyond that, you're paying for the technologies of models played on the international circuit.
Strung or unstrung racket: which to choose?
High-end rackets are sold unstrung: this is normal, stringing is chosen according to your game. At DC.Sports, stringing is done in-store, often in 30 minutes.
Which racket for a child?
Before age 10, a shorter (53–58 cm) and very light junior racket. After that, a flexible 5U with an even balance is perfectly suitable.
Can I try a racket before buying?
Yes, in our store in Morsang-sur-Orge (Essonne), we offer test rackets for the main models. Call us at 01 88 93 69 16.
Written by David — Yonex France certified stringer, founder of DC.Sports (Morsang-sur-Orge, 91). Over 194 customer reviews with a 4.9/5 rating.
Unsure about your choice? Ask us a question or visit our store. All our rackets: badminton rackets collection.
