Top 10 Best Beginner Badminton Rackets

There's so many Badminton Rackets out there to choose from …..how do you know which is the best one to go for? Especially if you're a beginner!

Well largely this depends upon 3 main aspects:

1. Where you intend to play? In the Garden? Socially Indoors? or at a Club more seriously?

2. How strong/weak you are as a beginner badminton player?

3. Your Budget and How much you want to spend?

If you're needing further advice other than what's below on how to choose - check out our How to Choose a Badminton Racket Guide.

Also check our full range of Beginner Badminton Rackets.

NOTE: A number of the recommendations below may go out of stock, in addition to this remember what we suggest doesn't necessarily make it the best racket for you personally!

Below we list our Top 10 Beginner Badminton Rackets to help you identify what's best for you! 

Yonex Arcsaber 7 Play 4U Badminton Racket – Grey / Yellow

Close-up of a Yonex Arcsaber 7 Play 4U badminton racket featuring a black handle and an isometric frame in grey and yellow. The strings create a grid pattern, enhanced by CS Carbon Nanotubes, with the racket displayed from two angles: full view and close-up of the head.

Match Type: Singles or Doubles
Style of Play: All‑round control with easy depth

Even‑balanced and flexible, the 7 Play helps new players keep the shuttle on the strings a fraction longer for cleaner direction changes. The ISOMETRIC headshape increases the sweet spot, boosting confidence on clears and lifts while keeping control at the net.

Yonex Arcsaber 11 Play 4U Badminton Racket – Greyish Pearl

A Yonex Arcsaber 11 Play badminton racket with a greyish pearl finish and a circular string pattern. Its isometric head design enhances precision. The images showcase both a full view and a close-up of the racket's control assist bumper for improved gameplay.

Match Type: Singles or Doubles
Style of Play: Control‑first, steady power

A beginner‑friendly take on a control classic. The 11 Play combines an even balance with a medium‑flex shaft for stable, accurate shots. Ideal for learning sound technique while still having enough punch to finish a rally.

Yonex Nanoflare 800 Play 4U Badminton Racket – Deep Green


A Yonex Nanoflare 800 Game 4U Badminton Racket in deep green is displayed, showing its black handle and a red geometric logo on the white string bed. One full racket and a close-up of the head are shown, perfect for intermediate players.

Match Type: Doubles
Style of Play: Fast drives and quick reactions

Head‑light and aerodynamic for instant maneuverability. The 800 Play rewards early preparation with rapid racket‑head speed, making defensive blocks, pushes and net interceptions feel easier for newer players.

Yonex Astrox 88 Play 4U Gen 3 2024 Badminton Racket – Black / Silver

Two Yonex Astrox 88 Play 4U Gen 3 2024 badminton rackets in black and silver are displayed against a white background. The larger image features the head of the racket, showcasing a striking geometric red logo on the strings with an ISOMETRIC design. The smaller image highlights the handle wrapped in white grip tape.

Match Type: Singles or Doubles
Style of Play: Power‑leaning all‑round

Inspired by the pro‑level 88 series, the Gen 3 88 Play offers friendly flex and stability to help you add length to clears and authority to smashes without losing comfort in longer rallies.

Yonex Astrox 01 Feel 4U Badminton Racket – White / Mint

The Yonex Astrox 01 Feel 4U Badminton Racket in White/Mint highlights a white frame with strings displaying a red logo pattern. It offers a head-heavy balance and features a Hi-Flex shaft to boost performance. Its handle is adorned with white grip tape, shown in full and close-up views.

Match Type: Singles or Doubles
Style of Play: Easy power, confidence‑building

A great first step into head‑heavy rackets. The high‑flex shaft and accessible balance make it easier to generate power on clears and smashes while keeping feel and control approachable as technique improves.

Yonex Nanoflare 1000 Play 4U Badminton Racket – Lightning Yellow

The Yonex Nanoflare 1000 Play 4U Badminton Racket in Lightning Yellow by Yonex showcases a striking combination of yellow and black, featuring an Aero Frame design. Its head displays a white string face accented with a red geometric logo, while the handle is wrapped in black grip tape, highlighted alongside a detailed view of the racket head.

Match Type: Singles or Doubles
Style of Play: Speed‑focused counter‑attack

A head‑light, repulsive frame that helps beginners react faster in flat rallies. The quick handling makes defensive blocks and quick counters feel natural as you build timing and confidence.

Yonex Nanoflare 001 Clear 5U Badminton Racket – White / Sax

A Yonex Nanoflare 001 Clear 5U Badminton Racket in White/Sax, with a head-light balance and red Yonex logo on the strings, is shown fully and in a close-up of the head against a white background.

Match Type: Singles or Doubles
Style of Play: Light, easy swing with quick recovery

Super‑light 5U construction reduces arm fatigue and encourages good technique. The head‑light balance and forgiving response make it an easy, confidence‑boosting upgrade from a basic starter racket.

Yonex Astrox Light 43i 5U Badminton Racket – Dark Green

A Yonex Astrox Light 43i 5U Badminton Racket by Yonex in dark green, featuring a black handle and frame, red Yonex logo on a white strung head, shown fully and with a close-up of its lightweight hi-flex shaft.

Match Type: Singles or Doubles
Style of Play: Easy power in a super‑light package

For learners who like a lighter feel but still want attacking potential. The 43i’s head‑heavy lean helps add depth to clears and bite to smashes while the 5U weight keeps swings fast and comfortable.

Yonex Arcsaber 73 Light 5U Badminton Racket – Ruby Red

The Yonex Arcsaber 73 Light 5U Badminton Racket in Ruby Red features a black grip, white strings, and a red triangular logo on the head. The lightweight Yonex racket is displayed in full view and with a close-up of its head.

Match Type: Singles or Doubles
Style of Play: All‑round control with minimum weight

A lightweight control option that’s kind on the arm. The enlarged sweet spot and even balance help newer players guide the shuttle accurately, especially around the net and mid‑court.

Yonex Astrox 77 Play 4U Badminton Racket – High Orange

The Yonex Astrox 77 Play 4U Badminton Racket in High Orange is crafted with a graphite frame featuring an ISOMETRIC string pattern highlighted by red triangular designs. It has a black grip tape on the handle, and a close-up shows the detailed craftsmanship of the strings.

Match Type: Singles or Doubles
Style of Play: Forgiving head‑heavy power

A friendly entry into the Astrox power family. The 77 Play’s hi‑flex shaft and accessible balance make it easier to generate power and depth while you build timing and consistency.

----- 

So that's out Top 10 Beginner Badminton Rackets list to look out for! Let us know what you think!

If you're needing further advice on how to choose - check out our How to Choose a Badminton Racket Guide.

Also check our full range of Beginner Badminton Rackets.