Last updated on August 4th, 2022 at 01:58 am
Much like ballet dancing, badminton involves a lot of control, measured movement, and strength. At a beginner’s level, everyone is so consumed in learning the art; that no one pays any attention to any 1 factor in particular. However, these factors play a huge role in first determining your technique and then your performance.
One of these factors is your badminton racket. A good racket can not only improve your chances of winning but also make this game much easier and fun. Each level of player needs a different category of the racket. Here we are discussing the best badminton racket for the intermediate players.
Buyer’s Guide
We have tried to cover a few important factors that you need to know before buying a badminton racket for an intermediate player. Read ahead before you head to the market.
The shaft should be flexible
Beginners mostly use simple tactics to play Badminton so they need a racket with a flexible shaft. Pro players use advanced tactics so they need a stiff shaft racket. Also if you are an intermediate player you will enjoy playing with a flexible shaft. You can have practice with a stiff shaft too in a while.
Balance
Rackets are usually classified based on their balance. You can evaluate the balance of your racket by placing a finger beneath its head. Note the direction in which your racket tilts. There are three main groups of balance.
- Head heavy balance
- Even balance
- Headlight balance
String Tension
String tension varies with the temperature of different regions. You should have a racket with strong tension that is stable in your location.
Category
Before leaping to conclusion one must consider his/her frequency of practice. Are you a badminton enthusiast who likes to practice on a regular basis, or are you an occasional practice kind of a player?
Since we are concerned with the intermediate players for now, it is highly recommended that they should opt for graphite rackets.
8 Best Badminton Racket For The Intermediate Player
1. Yonex Astrox 77
Key Feature
- Player type: Attacking
- Flexibility: Semi-Stiff
- Balance: Head-heavy
- Weight: 4U (80g – 84g)
- Grip size: G5
Pros
- Easily controlled
- Powerful smash
- lightweight
Cons
- Short in size
If you are an attacking player and looking for a racket that can match your pace then Astrox 77 is going to be a great company. You can dominate your opponent making the right use of it.
It consists of a G5 grip size and a 4U class. With some additional technologies used in its production, it delivers you an overwhelming performance.
You don’t need to panic about lifting a heavyweight racket anymore. It is very easy to control because of its lightweight. You can now return the shuttle to the opposite side in no time.
You are going to have an ultimate experience while hitting a smash with it. It increases the shuttle speed by 7.1 percent. Only buy this racket if you want to attack your opponent and amaze him with your speed. Dominating the court becomes a habit if you have Astrox 77 in your kit.
2. Victor Brave Sword 12
Key Features
- Player type: Attacking/Defensive
- Flexibility: Semi-stiff
- Balance: Neutral
- Weight: 4U (80g – 84g)
- Grip size: G5
Pros
- Exceptional speed is offered
- Always in incredible control
- Best for doubles
Cons
- Costly
- Ultimate power
Speed and control are two of the best features in Victor Brave Sword 12. Players having control and wish to play a high-speed game should have a look at this one. It is ideal for the player who responds to their opponent with a befitting smash.
Defensive moves are also always on the board with this beast. Air resistance is minimal because of its head design. You can calmly react to the opponent’s attack and stun him.
This racket is mostly preferred for the doubles. Occasionally, you can feel that something is missing with a smash. It provides the best speed but due to the lack of power, it can be judged. Also, it is a little expensive. Yet it is one of the best rackets you can have with all its pros making it a good option.
3. Yonex Voltric Glanz
Key Features
- Player type: Attacking
- Flexibility: Semi-stiff
- Balance: Head heavy
- Weight: 4U (80g – 84g)
- Grip size: G4
Pros
- Improved drive
- Outstanding speed
- Speedy smash
Cons
- Not pre-strung
- Heavyweight
Players in the search for improved drive and power can have Yonex Voltric Glanz. To match up with the modern gaming standards, it is designed using a semi-stiff shaft. Also, each latest technology is part of the Voltric. You can play either your own game or develop new shots easily while having it.
It’s an extremely precise racket and allows you to hit your shots. It can also provide the best results if your wrist strength is less. Shock absorption and repulsion of the rackets is increased by using the Rexel Fiber, a highly recommended Yonex material.
It can cause you a little trouble at the start because it is not pre-strung. Also, you have to deal with its weight.
4. Yonex Arcsaber FB
Key Features
- Player type: Defensive
- Flexibility: Very stiff
- Balance: Head Light
- Weight: F (73g)
- Grip size: G4
Pros
- Incredibly light in weight
- Best for defense
- Perfect control
Cons
- Not a beginner-friendly
- Lack of power in smash
Yonex Arcsaber FB can be named as the most lightweight racket in the whole lot of Yonex. They are the perfect choice for players who rely on control and speed.
You can experience high-speed swing with it. G4 size grip is used to make its swing quicker. It will help you to respond to the attacking opponents. With 73 grams of weight, it is the lightest racket produced by Yonex ever.
It makes the life of defensive players very easy. With high speed, they can easily manage to reply to all types of shots by the opponent. That’s why it is always recommended for a defensive player.
Due to its lightweight, it is very easy to control. You become familiar with it in a very short period. Once you have got a grip on it then there’s no stopping for you. It will improve your shots if you put a little effort and technique.
Smashes are the reason behind some of the negative reviews. Because of its lightweight, it is not able to provide extra power to a smash. Yet this is one of the best rackets for intermediate players. It is going to make your life as easy as hell.
5. Yonex Nanoray Z
Key Features
- Player type: Attacking
- Flexibility: Stiff
- Balance: Head Light
- Weight: 3U (87g – 89.9g)
- Grip size: G4
Pros
- Cuts fast
- Lightweight
- Make great defense
- Balanced
- consistent smash
- Consistent beat
Cons
- Low-quality grip.
- Not a durable frame
Three terms can define the Yonex Nanoray by all means. They are none other than great balance, weight, and frame structure. Many other benefits are also part of the package.
It has great responsiveness due to its lighter weight. Your reflex is improved while using it because it is lightning fast through the air. It an allrounder racket with some features suiting more the defenders.
Its design and weight are very well balanced. You can play the whole day without any wrist pain. Its smash performance is also incredible and makes you enjoy your shots.
There are a few question marks on the durability of the racket. According to some reviews, frame and grip are found to be fragile.
6. YONEX ARCSABER 11
Key Features
- Player type: Attacking/Defensive
- Flexibility: Stiff
- Balance: Neutral
- Weight: 3U (87g – 89.9g)
- Grip size: G4
Pros
- Well balanced
- Powerful
- Excellent defense.
- Easy to use
- Comfortable
Cons
- Expensive
No problem if you don’t find any of the above-mentioned rackets suitable for you. Here we have Yonex Arcsaber, a balanced racket that fits into any type of the game. Whether you are playing singles or doubles it doesn’t matter when you have it with you. With a perfect stiff shaft, it is never going to disappoint you.
This racket is so balanced that it fits into any play but that’s it is never going to be a specialized racket for one type. If you want to enhance your game and learn about your good and bad areas, it is going to be a great partner.
It is very easy to use and a handy racket. Maximum reviews about this racket are positive.
7. Champion Sports Double Frame
Key Features
- Player type: Attacking
- Flexibility: Stiff
- Balance: Head Heavy
- Weight: 4U (80g – 84g)
- Grip size: G4
Pros
- Durable
- Impeccable strength is offered by double shaft
- Grip for comfortable
- Nylon string is best for intermediate players
- Strong frame
- External T-joints
Cons
- Heavy
- Low tension string
- You can get tired due to weight
Champion Sports is always admired for offering great features with economical packages. This racket is the special product of the Champion Sports.
Great rigidity and strength come into play by using a double steal shaft. Although the weight of the racket is massive due to the double steel shaft. It doesn’t use a T-joint in its production because it can break easily. Dual shafts are connected to the frame.
Nylon heavy-duty string is used in the racket. StandardG4 size handgrip is also used to make it with better ergonomics. It is best for beginners and intermediate players. It is very comfortable to use and never slips in your palm.
8. Yonex Astrox 88
Key Features
- Player type: Attacking
- Flexibility: Stiff
- Balance: Head Heavy
- Weight: 4U (80g – 84g)
- Grip size: G4
Pros
- Large sweet-spot
- Powerful smashes
- Simple clears
Cons
- Slow for frontcourt
- Not appropriate for counter-attacking drives
If you are a smash lover and want to have a racket best for smashes you should go for Yonex ASTROX 88. You can hit as many smashes as you want without any worry. The special technology used in it makes it the perfectionist.
It is usually preferred by the players who are interested in playing the doubles. Its performance is at its peak when you are hitting a smash from the backcourt. You will stun your opponents if you have this one while hitting a powerful smash.
The only problem with it is that it is a bit slow to use in the frontcourt that is why it is used mostly in doubles.
Conclusion
If you are playing badminton for fun then it’s fine but if you want to play professional Badminton you must choose a racket that fits you the best. We have reviewed some of the very best rackets for intermediate players, have a look, and choose according to your requirements.
FAQs
1. Why Lightweight Rackets suit intermediate players?
As an intermediate player, you are more focused on control and speed rather than power. Lightweight rackets are therefore best for the intermediate players.
2. What can I differentiate Badminton Grips?
Often we divide them into two types. One is a towel grip, it is an absorbing grip but germs can attach it easily. The second type is the synthetic grip which is a comfortable type of grip.
3. Why are there different sizes in a badminton racket grip?
There are 4 sizes available. This is because a player should have a grip according to his requirements. In professional Badminton, it is very important to have a good racket with a perfect grip.
4. What are the kinds of Shaft Flex?
There are different types of shaft flex. It can be flexible, stiff it any other type. Flexible shaft flex is most recommended for the intermediate players.
5. What are the disadvantages of a stiff shaft?
Not good for the beginners. Accurate wrist action is required with it. Also, great power is needed to swing it.
6. How can we differentiate between the isometric and conventional Frame?
Isometric frames provide more power than the conventional frame. Also, they have a bigger sweet spot that’s why now we see rackets with conventional frames rarely.
