As you already know, badminton is a great sport to play at home or a local gym/club. It is a challenging, strategic and down right fun game to play. A number of factors come in to play when trying to decide which is the right racket for you. As with most things, cost of course comes in to play also. That is why we have put together this guide to the best badminton rackets under $150. In budget options that won’t negatively effect your play.
Our Top 3 Picks
*Details last updated on 2023-05-24
It can be quite tough to shop for an avid badminton player simply because there is such a large range between beginners and advanced players. The specific things each player is looking for and needs from a racket can vary greatly depending on their style of play and experience.
The racket is of course the most important piece of equipment for any player. Each brand tends to offer significant benefits and it can be difficult to decide which is the right one for you. So, we put together this buyers guide to help make your decision easier. We have looked at the various features available from some of the best rackets on the market, how such features effects the price point and the key things you need to consider before purchasing any of them. Finally, we worked to a strict budget of $150 to find some of the most high-quality yet affordable options you can find online.
The decision on what racket you buy will ultimately be yours. We have however offered our thoughts on the materials (shaft and frame), design, stringing advice and technical features offered by each option. Find further details below on all the options and make so you can make an informed purchasing decision today.
Note: it is important to collect data and information from a wide range of sources before selecting your racket. Take into account your own personal experience playing the game and any specific features you are looking for.
Table of Contents
Best Rackets Under $150
- Victor Brave Sword 1800
- Yonex Badminton Racket Muscle Power Series
- Senston N80 Graphite High-Grade Badminton Racquet
- Yonex Carbonex 8000 plus Badminton Racket
- Wilson Recon PX Series Badminton Racquet (Strung)
- Young ENVIRO Star Professional Badminton Racket
- Franklin Sports Elite Performance Badminton Racket
Review Criteria
Conclusion
Sources
10 Best Badminton Rackets Under $150
1. Victor Brave Sword 1800 Badminton Racket
*Details last updated on 2023-05-24
The Victor Brave Sword 1800 benefits from a diamond-shaped design which cuts through the air like no other. Significantly reducing wind/air resistance whilst providing a much quicker average swing speed makes this one of the best options under $150. It is available in two colours (orange and green) and comes with a graphite + resin shaft (7.0). The flexibility offered by this option is second to none.
2. Yonex Muscle Power Series Badminton Racket
*Details last updated on 2023-05-24
You will see the Yonex brand mentioned multiple times in this buyers guide and indeed in near enough every badminton racket buyers guide online. They are a leading brand in the sport and their products consistently deliver in terms of performance, value for money and customer/player satisfaction. This racket uses graphite material on the shaft and frame to create a shock-less piece of equipment. The isometric shape and muscle power frame is crafted to allow you to enjoy maximum repulsion power. This option comes pre-strung so you can start playing that much quicker once it arrives. String tension is roughly 23 lbs horizontal and 24 lbs vertical. A great option for power players but not the lightest option around so keep this in mind if you are on the smaller size and/or suffer from any injuries which should be accounted for.
3. Senston N80 Graphite High-Grade Badminton Racquet
*Details last updated on 2023-05-24
Perfect for doubles play or those who always like to have a spare racket on hand, Senston offer these 2 rackets with carry cases and pre-strung to a tension of approx. 24 LBS – 26 LBS. The full carbon fibre frame and shaft is light and efficient meaning you should be able to play for longer and can minimise the risk of shoulder pain. This material is also exceptionally strong which is a major positive for aggressive players. The t-joint inside alongside the solid construction means the racket can offer added stability for increased precision and accuracy.
4. Yonex Carbonex 8000 plus Badminton Racket
*Details last updated on 2023-05-24
A second option from the exceptional Yonex brand. This time featuring a graphite shaft and aluminium frame, the racket is lightweight yet strong. A great option for more beginner badminton players who are looking to consistently hit powerful, quick shots. Also a good option for slightly younger players. It comes with a carry case for convenient transport and at an affordable price, it over delivers in all areas.
5. Wilson Recon PX Series Badminton Racquet (Strung)
*Details last updated on 2023-05-24
Wilson, one of the leaders when it comes to tennis and badminton, offers a brilliant option for the aggressive player who likes chasing down the shuttlecock and hitting with power and control. Some find it a slightly heavier option most likely due to the power-weighted design. Some of the technologies used to construct it includes: a stable wrap with a braid throat, power skin on the graphite shaft and soft grommets for a “larger sweet spot”. It comes with a racquet cover and with strings on at a mid tension. It is on the more expensive side and probably best for the late stage beginner.
6. Young ENVIRO Star Professional Badminton Racket
*Details last updated on 2023-05-24
This is the better option for intermediate players as it is light weight (74 – 78g) and has a 250mm+5 balance point. Best suited for quick play and high racket speed. Those looking to play aggressive would benefit from the many features it offers. It is strung at 24 LBS with allowable tensions up to 33 LBS thanks to the 24-ton high modulus graphite. Players using it praise the grip and control offered by the shaft and comment on how light it is without compromising on balance. The Nano Power frame completes the offering and allows you to smash with power. Take good care of your racket and this should last you a considerable amount of time.
7. Franklin Sports Elite Performance Badminton Racket
*Details last updated on 2023-05-24
Franklin Sports is another brand you will often see at your local club. The power frame allows string tension to be increased allowing a more precise shot to be returned when you see the shuttle coming your way. The full carbon frame also allows you to transfer your momentum and energy fully into the swing. This racket is a good choice for the experienced player looking for a high performance experience. At just 84 grams the racket is around the middle of the pro racket range (not considering the heavier ones of course).
Review Criteria
When reviewing these rackets, you (and we) should keep a number of key points/areas in mind. We have offered more details on the minimum you should consider when looking to buy a racket but if you can think of any more, please do get in touch and let us know.
Frame
The material used and any additional design technologies which make up the frame of a racket will have a huge effect on how it performs. Advanced materials can offer light weight, fantastic balance and durability but only if you know which ones to look for. Carbon and/or graphite are hugely popular and known for their performance and reliability. Keep this in mind when reading the specs of any racket you are thinking about purchasing.
String Tension
You will want to know in advance if the option you want to buy comes pre-strung and if so, to what tension. Of course if it comes not strung you will need to account for any additional cost and time you spend finding an expert to do this. Also, the tension and sweet spot will of course directly impact the power and types of shots you can achieve whilst using it.
Shaft and Grip
Making sure the shaft is designed to increase performance is vital. Selective material and designs allow for less friction whilst playing and ultimately more accurate shots.
Price
Seeing as you were likely searching for badminton rackets under $150 to find this article, you already have price in mind. As with most things, the highest-quality will come at a cost (remember, buying cheap can mean buying twice when your selected racket inevitably breaks after relatively little use).
Durability
Badminton is an incredibly fast paced game, especially if you have an offensive style of play. Knocks and hits (on the ground, on other players rackets and even just whilst going to and from the court) do happen and you want to invest in a racket which is not going to fall apart at the slightly impact. Much of this comes to selecting a product made from a strong material and strategic design as discussed above.
Conclusion
So there you have it, a wide range of rackets available for under 150 dollars. Finding the best badminton rackets under $150 is not easy and you should take much care when selecting the right one for you. As always, read as many online reviews (and if possible offline too) as you can to get a better idea on how each option performs in a wider range of games (and under a number of different playing styles). Doing so can help ensure your choice will better match your unique playing style and strengths. Check out our other badminton buyers guides and keep well!
Sources
Play, Badminton World Federation, Notes on range of costs for Badminton equipment.
Badminton, Wikipedia.
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