Yonex vs. Victor: Which brand to choose for your badminton racket?

On one side, the Japanese giant that equips Viktor Axelsen and An Se-young. On the other, the Taiwanese challenger behind the world's greatest doubles players. As an official reseller of both brands, we are asked every week to make a choice. Here is our straightforward answer.

Equivalent ranges, head-to-head

What Yonex does better

Range depth: from the €60 junior model to Axelsen's professional racket, every level has its variation (Play, Game, Tour, Pro). Resale value: a used Astrox racket sells in a few days. And the reassuring marketing innovation: when in doubt, people choose Yonex.

What Victor does better

Value for money, no debate: a Thruster K12M rivals Yonex rackets 30% more expensive. The solidity of the frames is renowned among stringers (we know a thing or two about that). And in doubles, Victor's world record speaks for itself.

What about Li-Ning and Maxbolt in all this?

Li-Ning equips the Chinese national team and is gaining significant traction in France — see our Li-Ning 2026 guide. Maxbolt, the Malaysian gem, offers high-end feel at an intermediate price — our complete presentation.

Our workshop verdict

• You want the security of choice → Yonex, Play/Game range to start
• You want the best performance/price ratio → Victor, with your eyes closed
• You mainly play doubles → Victor Auraspeed or Yonex Nanoflare, try both
• You want to stand out from the crowd → Li-Ning or Maxbolt

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Victor a sub-brand of Yonex?

Not at all: Victor is an independent Taiwanese brand founded in 1968, sponsor of major federations like Korea and Denmark.

Do Victor rackets size like Yonex?

Victor grips are slightly squarer; the size correspondence is close (G5 Victor ≈ G5 Yonex). In store, try both in hand.

Which brand to choose for a beginner?

No matter the brand: choose according to the criteria in our level guide — flexibility, neutral balance, 4U/5U.