Which Badminton Racket Is Higher? [2024 Update]

As a 7x US junior nationwide badminton champion, I’m at all times searching for the finest badminton rackets. Sometimes, I’ve at all times purchased Yonex. However not too long ago, this may be about to alter. 

On this submit I’ll define the professionals and cons of every racket – so you’ll be able to uncover which racket may be one of the best for you.

Yonex: A Fast Overview

Based in 1946, Yonex has almost eight a long time of expertise on the planet of sports activities gear. 

To start with, they constructed wood floats for fishing nets. However by 1957, Yonex began growing their first-ever wood badminton rackets.

Quick ahead to 2024, and Yonex has turn into a number one racket sports activities firm trusted by professional gamers like Kento Momota and Viktor Axelsen. Past badminton rackets, additionally they supply sneakers, tennis rackets, baggage, and tons of different on-the-court gear.

Yonex’s Most In style Rackets: 3 Prime Choices

Yonex rackets are identified for his or her high quality and distinctive expertise — like their built-in T-joints, ultra-slim shafts, and counterbalanced frames for higher management.

A few of their hottest rackets to this point embody:

Astrox 88 D Professional

The Astrox 88 D (Dominate) line was launched in March of 2021, and since then, it’s taken off as some of the fashionable offensive doubles rackets ever. The road affords a number of fashions, together with:

• Sport (Newbie-to-intermediate)
• Tour (Intermediate-to-advanced)
• Professional (Superior)

Every of those rackets is geared towards gamers with completely different talent ranges and budgets. Nonetheless, they’re all constructed with the attacking doubles participant in thoughts.

Verify the value of the Astrox 88 D Professional on Amazon

(Or view the Tour and Sport fashions)

Yonex Astrox 100ZZ

The Astrox 100ZZ is a 2020 launch that’s been booming with recognition because it got here out. It’s a stiff, speedy hard-hitter that’s been utilized by gamers like Viktor Axelsen and Akane Yamaguchi. 

As a result of the 100ZZ is constructed for all-out energy, it’s head-heavy with an ultra-slim shaft. These specs make it extremely aerodynamic and responsive — however could be a bit difficult to deal with with out the correct talent set.

However for superior gamers who love wielding a stiff, head-heavy racket, it’s considered one of Yonex’s finest choices to contemplate.

Verify the value of the Astrox 100ZZ at Badminton Warehouse

Arcsaber 11 Professional

The Arcsaber 1 1 Professional is named among the finest all-arounders of all time. It’s well-known for its even steadiness level, velocity, energy, and clean dealing with.

The unique Arcsaber 11 was a long-time favourite amongst all kinds of badminton gamers. However in 2022, Yonex revamped the sequence with the Play, Tour, and Professional variations — providing extra choices for gamers with completely different budgets and talent units.

With an isometric head form, medium-flex shaft, and solid-feel body, the Arcsaber 11 Professional is likely one of the finest — if not one of the best — all-arounders available on the market.

Verify the value of the Arcsaber 11 Professional at Pleasure Badminton

(Or view the Tour and Play fashions)

Li-Ning: A Fast Overview

Li-Ning’s roots started in China in 1990. The model was based by professional gymnast Li Ning, who dreamt of making a nationwide attire model for Chinese language athletes to put on on the Olympics. 

Since then, Li-Ning has made a reputation for itself on the planet of badminton gear — in every thing from sneakers to baggage and rackets. The model has additionally collaborated with professional gamers like Goh Liu Ying, Chen Lengthy, and badminton legend Lin Dan.

Li-Ning’s Most In style Rackets: 3 Choices

Li-Ning rackets actually stand out within the sea of manufacturers on the market. 

Not solely do they provide a number of pro-level rackets, however additionally they have many cost-friendly, high quality choices for new-to-intermediate gamers.

Three of their hottest rackets embody:

Li-Ning Wind Lite 700 II

The Li-Ning Wind Lite II is a part of Li-Ning’s Superlight sequence, constructed for velocity and weighing simply 77 grams. It’s head-heavy with a versatile shaft, which provides it an additional enhance of energy in each shot.

Regardless of its mild weight, it’s in a position to stand up to string pressure as much as 28 lbs. Plus, it’s bolstered with UltraLite carbon to make sure it stays sturdy even in probably the most intense matches.

General, it’s an incredible choice for mid-level gamers searching for a high-flex, high-speed racket at a strong value.

Verify the value of the Li-Ning Wind Lite 700 II on Amazon

Li-Ning G-Drive 3700 Superlite

For a mixture of velocity and energy with out breaking the financial institution, the Li-Ning G-Drive 3700 Superlite is one other very good racket from Li-Ning.

Priced at round $75, this racket is head-heavy and weighs simply 79 grams — making it an excellent each day racket for new-to-intermediate attacking gamers. It’s additionally versatile, that means it’s extra forgiving by way of shot energy, and it will possibly deal with string tensions of as much as 30 lbs. 

All in all, this racket’s specs make it excellent for newer gamers who get pleasure from balanced, speedy offense. 

Verify the value of the G-Drive 3700 Superlite on Amazon

Li-Ning Air Drive G2

The Air Drive G2 is one other well-loved racket from Li-Ning, identified for its sturdiness, velocity, and spectacular energy. 

As for its specs? It’s constructed with an prolonged candy spot, Dynamic Optimum Body, and extremely carbon fiber to assist it maintain high-impact pictures.

It additionally comes with Li-Ning’s Wing Stabilizer expertise, which reduces pointless vibrations and absorbs shock. In flip, this helps to make sure your pictures are as exact, correct, and managed as potential.

Verify the value of the Li-Ning Air Drive G2 (77 grams) on Amazon

Yonex vs. Li-Ning: Professionals, Cons, and What To Think about

Yonex and Li-Ning each have implausible rackets by way of high quality, sturdiness, and efficiency. However in lots of areas, discovering the precise Li-Ning racket you’re searching for could be a problem.

However, it will possibly generally be simpler to search out Yonex badminton rackets — so long as they’re in inventory. However finally, this can rely upon the place you reside — and in some circumstances, your native badminton retailer may carry extra Li-Ning rackets than they do Yonex.

Except for accessibility, gamers say that Li-Ning’s choices are usually:

• Robust and durable, however with a stiffer really feel
• Head-heavier
• Nice worth for his or her value (high-tech options at good value factors)

In distinction, Yonex has a greater variety of sequence that:

• Vary from head-light to head-heavy (extra choices for velocity and protection)
• Have a wider vary of shaft flexibility 
• Are extra accessible in some areas

The Takeaway

General, Yonex and Li-Ning are each excellent manufacturers on the planet of badminton rackets. 

Relying on the place you reside, Yonex could also be extra accessible. And customarily, it tends to have a wider vary of defensive, head-light, and stiff rackets to select from. However Li-Ning nonetheless has an unimaginable array of heavy hitters, and it’s well-known for the standard and sturdiness of its rackets. 

The underside line? There are top-tier rackets from each, but it surely actually comes all the way down to your finances, location, and play fashion. 

In any case, it’s key to discover a racket that matches you properly — and for those who can, it’s at all times finest to swing all the way down to your native badminton retailer to strive before you purchase.

*As an Amazon Affiliate, I could earn a small fee from hyperlinks on this web page at no extra price to you.

Extra Badminton Assets

Try our full information on how to decide on the correct badminton racket for you. Or, discover extra gear guides and roundups at present.

I’m enthusiastic about serving to individuals discover pleasure in taking part in badminton, whereas additionally exhibiting them how aggressive the game will be.

Justin Ma

Creator