Buying guide · 2026 picks

Best Badminton Rackets for Beginners

If you are new to badminton, the right racket is forgiving, easy to swing and affordable. We favour even or slightly head-heavy balance with a flexible-to-medium shaft that does the work for you while your technique develops.

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★ #1 Top Pick

Apacs Z-Slayer

Apacs · 85g (4U) · Head Heavy · Stiff · ★★★★☆ 4.2 · $65
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The full ranking

1
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Apacs Z-Slayer

Apacs · 85g (4U) · Head Heavy · Stiff · $65 · ★★★★☆ 4.2

A cult-favourite Apacs power racket. Genuinely punchy attack at a fraction of flagship prices.

power8
speed6
control7
defense6
2
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Yonex Nanoflare 270 Speed

Yonex · 83g (4U) · Head Light · Flexible · $70 · ★★★★☆ 4.1

A budget speed Yonex aimed at beginner doubles players. Light, easy, and easy on the wallet.

power5
speed8
control7
defense8
3
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Victor Brave Sword 11

Victor · 85g (4U) · Even · Flexible · $70 · ★★★★☆ 4

An older Brave Sword that still earns its keep as a cheap, fast, beginner-friendly aero frame.

power5
speed8
control7
defense7
4
🏸

Yonex Arcsaber 11 Play

Yonex · 83g (4U) · Even · Medium · $75 · ★★★★☆ 4.3

Budget Arcsaber for beginners who want the all-rounder feel without the Pro price tag.

power6
speed7
control8
defense7
5
🏸

Yonex Astrox 77 Play

Yonex · 83g (4U) · Head Heavy · Medium · $80 · ★★★★☆ 4.3

An ideal first step into head-heavy attack. Forgiving medium flex with a taste of real smash power.

power7
speed7
control7
defense7
6
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Victor Brave Sword 12

Victor · 84g (4U) · Even · Flexible · $85 · ★★★★☆ 4.1

A legendary aero-frame speedster. Flexible, forgiving and fast — a superb value pick for developing players.

power6
speed8
control7
defense8
7
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Li-Ning 3D Calibar 600

Li-Ning · 85g (4U) · Even · Medium · $80 · ★★★★☆ 4

A friendly club racket that delivers more than its price suggests. Solid first proper Li-Ning.

power6
speed7
control7
defense7
8
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Victor Auraspeed 80

Victor · 83g (4U) · Head Light · Medium · $90 · ★★★★☆ 4.2

Mid-tier speed Victor for club doubles players. Friendly flex, easy fast hands.

power6
speed8
control7
defense8

Compare these head-to-head

Apacs Z-Slayer vs Yonex Nanoflare 270 Speed

See the full spec-by-spec breakdown →

Apacs Z-Slayer vs Victor Brave Sword 11

See the full spec-by-spec breakdown →

Yonex Nanoflare 270 Speed vs Victor Brave Sword 11

See the full spec-by-spec breakdown →

Yonex Nanoflare 270 Speed vs Yonex Arcsaber 11 Play

See the full spec-by-spec breakdown →

Victor Brave Sword 11 vs Yonex Arcsaber 11 Play

See the full spec-by-spec breakdown →

Victor Brave Sword 11 vs Yonex Astrox 77 Play

See the full spec-by-spec breakdown →

FAQ

What is the best badminton rackets for beginners?

Our current top pick is the Apacs Z-Slayer at $65. A cult-favourite Apacs power racket. Genuinely punchy attack at a fraction of flagship prices.

How did you rank these rackets?

We score every racket on power, speed, control and defence, then rank for this list by performance-per-dollar. Price, balance and shaft flex are also factored in.

Do I need an expensive racket?

No. The right racket depends on your technique and play style far more than price. Our budget picks under $100 suit most club players perfectly well.

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