In badminton, a smash is a stroke that a player plays to score points by dismantling the opponent’s defense. Players mostly perform a smash while leaping into the air to create a steeper angle and make it challenging for the adversary to reciprocate.
Smash is not only about just indulging power to the shot. However, the racket used must also be capable of doing it. As a result, certain badminton rackets come with features that aid in smashing.
And if you are willing to buy a badminton racket that can support smash hits well, then you need to consider three factors in the racket: stiffness, balance point, and string tension that will support smash strikes effectively.
Therefore, to help you, I have researched and mentioned some of the top badminton rackets, which are ideal for smash and power.
So let’s dive in:
Top 10 badminton rackets for smash and power
Let’s begin with:
1. Yonex Astrox 77 Play
The Yonex Astrox 77 is the ideal racket for all skill levels of players, from beginners to advanced, and has an incredibly comfortable grip. This racket is recommended for offensive players requiring more speed and a diving smash for attacking from all court areas.
The Astrox 77 Pro (The younger sibling of the 77 Pro) is a graphite racket used by some of the top players in the world and is an excellent deal. The Play version mimics the Pro’s features while being more approachable.
Rather than this, it suits both doubles and singles players who want to control and dominate rallies from the back of the court with devastating smashes and will benefit from this racket’s general focus on power.
The high-flex shaft, which is incredibly forgiving for players still refining their technique and timing, makes this power more accessible.
Technologies and special features
Yonex has manufactured Astrox 77 Play racket with these features indulged in it:
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Aero+box frame
The aero-box frame aerodynamically contours the racket and provides a solid hitting feel. It helps minimize air resistance so that air can flow faster across the curved surface while swinging the racket, which lets you perform fast swings and helps transfer more speed and power into hits more accurately.
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Isometric head shape
The isometric design increases the sweet spot by 7%. A square-shaped isometric racquet creates a larger sweet spot than a traditional circular frame by maximizing the intersection of the main and cross strings.
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Rotational generator system
Counterbalance theory is applied while manufacturing this racket, and the weight is equally distributed throughout the grip end, handle, and frame for better control and handling.
Who should buy it?
Yonex Astrox 77 Play is a powerful racket. It is one of the best options for beginners, intermediates, and advanced players with an offensive gameplay style looking for more power and control. Rather than this, Astrox 77 is preferred by both singles and doubles players who want to control and dominate rallies.
Pros
- Easy to use and handle.
- Allows you to perform powerful smashes.
- Lightweight racket.
- Head-heavy racket.
- Best for the offensive style of the game.
- Also suitable for control players and hard hitters.
Cons
- Not suitable for professional players.
2. Yonex Astrox 99 Play
Yonex Astrox 99 Play uses high-quality materials like graphite, Namd, and tungsten. These materials make the racket stiff and highly responsive, providing excellent control and precision during gameplay.
It is an excellent racket for players who rely on power, speed, and control to win matches. Astrox 99 Play is a head-heavy racket with a stiff shaft, making it ideal for players who want more power in their shots. It also has a slim shaft, making it easier to control and maneuver.
Rather than this, it is indulged with some advanced and featured Yonex technologies, like a rotational generator system, which optimizes the placement of the racket’s weight for maximum power and speed. Also, it has an isometric head shape, providing a large sweet spot for better accuracy.
Technologies and special features
Yonex has manufactured Astrox 99 Play racket with these features indulged in it:
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Nanometric technology
The nanometric technology improves the bonding strength between carbon fibers, resulting in a more stable and durable racket.
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Rotational generator system
The rotational generator system helps distribute the racket’s weight equally throughout the racket’s frame and handle. Also, it allows the player to perform more controlled swings and provides better power and accuracy while hitting some intense shots.
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Namd technology
Namd technology is used in the racket shaft to increase the shaft’s flexibility and snap-back, resulting in increased power and speed.
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Energy boost cap
This technology is incorporated into the end of the grip to maximize energy transfer from the player’s hand to the racket head.
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Aero+box frame
This technology combines a box-shaped frame with an aerodynamic design to increase swing speed and power.
Who should buy it?
Yonex Astrox 99 Play is a high-end racket designed for intermediate and advanced players looking for a powerful and fast racket that can help them enhance their performance on the court. Also, this racket is suitable for players who love to perform a strong and fast swing while hitting the shuttle.
Pros
- Durable and budget-friendly.
- Easy to handle and maneuver.
- Provides great power and control.
- Well-suited for intermediates and beginners.
- It comes in two colour combinations: White tiger and Cherry Sunburst.
Cons
- Not suitable for professional players.
3. Victor Brave Sword 12
The weight of Victor Brave Sword 12 is evenly distributed, and it is moderately firm for players who wish to play a well-rounded game.
It is indulged with revolutionary technology, as this racket lowers air resistance during a swing by 10%. Air resistance is drastically reduced by the diamond-shaped design, which also promotes simple handling.
The frame and shaft of this racket are made using Nano-resin and ultra-high-modulus graphite. At the same time, the racket measures 675 mm in length. Also, it offers strong, effortless smashes because they are light and well-balanced.
Rather than this, the Victor Brave Sword 12 (BS12) racket features an aerodynamic diamond-shaped design to assist the racket’s swing cut through the air, significantly lowering air resistance by about 10% and enhancing its maneuverability.
Technologies and special features
Victor has manufactured Brave Sword 12 with these features indulged in it:
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The inner wave technology
The inner-wave technology provides more consistent and stable shots. It is a great racket for those looking for an all-around performance.
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Nano-tec technology
By properly distributing nano-sized particles in the space between carbon fiber bundles, the nano-tec technology boosts the overall stiffness of the carbon composite fibers and decreases frame deformation.
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Shock absorbing technology
Victor Brave Sword 12 holds some special shock-absorbing materials at 3 and 9′, significantly reducing the impact shock while hitting the shuttle.
Who should buy it?
The Brave Sword 12 is ideal for fast doubles games when accuracy and haste are necessary for victory. Top professionals like Lee Yong-Dae and Yoo Yeon-Seong previously used it.
Pros
- Robust and durable.
- Holds a flexible shaft.
- Even-balanced badminton racket.
- It can bear high string tension, about 28 lbs.
- Also, it allows you to perform powerful smashes and drop shots from the rear court.
Cons
- Not suitable for beginners.
4. Li-Ning Windstrom 72
The Li-Ning Windstorm 72 is a badminton racket from Li-Ning’s Windstorm series, which is designed for players who prefer a balance of speed and control.
It is well known for its lightweight design, which makes it easy to maneuver and generate quick shots on the badminton court. It’s suitable for intermediate to advanced players looking for a versatile racket to enhance their game.
The racket promises a head-heavy balance, meaning that the weight is spread towards the head of the racket, giving you a raging surge of power combined with a flexible shaft that provides you more strength, and you get a sense of control over your frantic game.
Also, it gives you more power and speed, greatly increasing the player’s reaction time and making you unbeatable on the court.
Technologies and special features
Li-Ning has manufactured Windstrom 72 with these features indulged in it:
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The Aerotec beam system
The racket frame’s Aerotec beam system structure aids in lowering air resistance. The Aero-beam System also adds to the strength of the structure.
Also, it helps athletes perform better by reducing their level of weariness. The racket construction has a low drag coefficient and a high intensity. It also helps players perform better and move faster in different court directions.
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UHB shaft
The shaft of Li-Ning Windstorm 72 is made up of high-quality materials like UHB, which has a frontal bending point and improves the racket’s smash power.
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TB Nano Powertec
Nanometer technology refers to the combination of resin and carbon fiber, providing stability, elasticity, and excellent striking. Also, it increases the racket’s strength and durability.
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Dynamic optimum frame
Dynamic optimum frame technology was first introduced by Li-Ning, offering a unique position in the sweet spot area. And the sweet spot area in the Li-Ning Dynamic Optimum Frame is slightly upwards from the racket head, which makes it ideal for defending and smashing.
Who should buy it?
The Li-Ning Windstrom 72 racket is best for intermediate and advanced players who prefer more speed and control. Rather than this, it is an ideal match for players looking for a fast and lightweight racket that delivers more power.
Pros
- Lightweight.
- Easy to handle and swing.
- High-quality badminton racket.
- Allows you to perform some powerful smashes.
- Best for those players who have defensive gameplay.
Cons
- Not suitable for beginners.
- Players might take some time to get used to it.
5. Yonex Astrox 88D Pro
Yonex Astrox 88D Pro is an upgraded version of the Astrox 88D model with enhanced features, material technology, and specifications. This Astrox model is crafted to complement the evolving, influential doubles players and for continuous powerful attack shots, and Kento Momota is one of the top players using Astrox 88D.
The Astrox series are distinguished by the Rotational Generator System, our intricate weight distribution technology designed with the counterbalance theory that allows head-heavy racquets to recover faster between shots.
Rather than this, the frame structure of this racket is evolved with a more prominent sweet spot made possible by the strength-reinforced Isometric head shape, and the grommets are improved with a new pattern that uses more oversized, strategically-placed grommets, a technology that allows more string movement at impact and ultimately increases shuttle hold for powerful shot-making.
Technologies and special features
Yonex has manufactured an Astrox 88D Pro racket with these features indulged in it:
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Build on Namd technology.
Namd is a new material technology that helps better-bound resin and graphite fibers. It directly combines the graphite fiber with nanomaterial, offering better shaft characteristics, which improves the Shaft flex and power transfer to the shuttle.
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Isometric head shape
Yonex Astrox 88D Pro holds an isometric head shape. The sweet spot area is improved by 7%, which helps to hit powerful smashes.
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Extra slim shaft
Yonex Astrox 88D Pro holds an extra slim shaft, which provides extreme strength and easier free control.
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Solid feel core
This feature helps stop the unwanted vibration when the shuttlecock hits the racket string bed, as it creates problems placing accurate shots and power loss.
Who should buy it?
Yonex Astrox 88D Pro is designed for backcourt players and will balance repulsion and shuttle hold for maximum power.
Pros
- Robust and durable.
- Isometric head shape.
- Best for professional players.
- It allows you to perform excellent steep smashes.
- It makes a fantastic sound while hitting the shuttlecock.
Cons
- Not suitable for beginners and intermediates.
- It is available in a single colour variant.
- It is a head-heavy racket, and some players might face problems.
6. Yonex Astrox 100 ZZ
The Yonex Astrox 100 ZZ is a high-end racket and part of Yonex’s Astrox series. This racket was launched in 2020 and is one of the best options for doubles badminton players who need a powerful smash and racket speed or singles players who need control and accuracy.
Talking about its features, then let me inform you that it holds a sleek matte finish look with a blue and white design on it and a unique head shape (slightly flatter). Also, it has a stiff and responsive graphite frame with an extra-slim shaft for increased speed and control.
Rather than this, former World Champion Victor Axelsen and former World Number 1 Akane Yamaguchi used this racket.
Technologies and special features
Yonex has manufactured Astrox 100 ZZ racket with these features indulged in it:
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New grommet pattern
Yonex has designed a new grommet pattern, where a single-pass grommet hole construction provides more grommet holes for a more high-performance stringing pattern.
It is also known as Horizontal- A Concept to design the most petite frame. The pattern anchors four strings horizontally to allow greater flex in the string bed and to create an enlarged sweet spot at the top of the frame, due to which even off-center shots can be powerful.
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Namd technology
Nanometric technology helps improve the bonding strength between the carbon fibers, enabling us to take racquet shaft construction to another level.
It allows you to perform powerful shots and increase the strength of the racket’s shaft and frame. Also, it increases the repulsion power and toughness of the racket.
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Hyper slim shaft
Astrox 100 ZZ holds a hyper-slim shaft designed to slice through the air and generate more speed.
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Black micro core
Yonex uses Black Micro Core technology for the first time in the rackets. It is a stiff, high-density vibration-dampening material equipped into the upper part of the racket frame that allows the players to hit with a solid feeling and power.
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Nanomesh+neo
Nanomesh Neo is an adhesive combining graphite fiber with resin for a stronger, more flexible frame. Also, it provides better stability, control, strength, and power to your racket than traditional badminton rackets.
Who should buy it?
Yonex Astrox 100 ZZ is a powerful all-around racket, which makes it suitable for different playing styles. But it best suits badminton players with aggressive gameplay, attacking playing style, and who prefer head-heavy rackets.
So if you want to perform quick snapbacks and powerful smashes with great power, control, and maneuverability, you can opt for this racket.
Pros
- Robust and long-lasting.
- Lightweight racket.
- It holds a super thin and solid core shaft.
- Well-suit advanced and professional players.
- It has a stiff shaft and head-heavy balance, allowing you to perform powerful smashes.
Cons
- Slightly expensive.
- Not suitable for beginners and intermediate players.
7. Yonex Doura 10
Yonex Doura 10 racket was launched in 2015 and is one of the best badminton rackets, also used by men’s singles world champion Lee Chon Wei from Malaysia.
The Yonex Duora 10 is the first racket from Yonex in which the head’s frame is separated into two sides in the notion of a two-side racket: one side is a conventional box frame, and the other side (the aero frame) has a more acute cutting edge.
Talking about its look, it is a black racket with different color marks on both sides: 1 side is green, and the other is orange to distinguish the different sides of the frame.
Overall, the Yonex Duora 10 is an even-balanced racket. Its heavy overall weight, slightly head-heavy design, and wide string bed make it a forgiving and aggressive racket. It was quick and simple to control the defense side.
You must also be physically fit and muscular to master it because the racket is slightly heavy. And beginners who are not that fit may hurt their wrists, so be very careful while using this racket.
Technologies and special features
Yonex has manufactured Doura 10 with these features indulged in it:
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Dual optimum system
Dual optimum frame technology helps to power up your forehand and backhand shots. According to Yonex, the forehand and backhand head frames are different structures.
The box frame of the forehand side provides a more powerful smash and improves stability. At the same time, the aero frame of the backhand side provides better rebounding and faster speed so that you can perform a quick return.
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Aerodynamic frame
Yonex Doura 10 racket has an aerodynamic frame, which helps cut through the air for a flat and attacking drive.
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Isometric head shape
The isometric head shape of Yonex Doura 10 helps keep the vertical strings at a similar length and the horizontal strings to produce an expanded sweet spot in all directions.
Who should buy it?
Yonex Doura 10 is a great racket suitable for advanced and professional players with an aggressive gameplay style who want a balance of defense and net performance.
Pros
- Easy to handle and control.
- Best for defensive as well as offensive style of gameplay.
- It holds an isometric head shape.
- Allows you to hit powerful shots and smashes.
Cons
- Pretty head-heavy.
- Not suitable for beginners.
- It might take some time for the players to get used to it.
8. Yonex Voltric Z Force II
Voltric Z-Force II is a head-heavy racket that weighs between 80 and 84 grams and is an ideal choice for those doubles badminton players who love to perform powerful and high smashes.
The best thing about this racket is that it comes in two weight options: 3U (88g) and 4U (83g), making it much easier for players to choose the most suitable racket.
Rather than this, it holds an extra slim shaft that keeps your arms from getting tired quickly when swinging the racket. In addition, it has additional stiffness to support your smash and drive more powerfully.
Also, let me inform you that this racket is used by many professional players like Lin Dan (China), Lee Chong Wei (Malaysia), Kidambi Srikanth (India), Prannoy H.S. (India), Pusarla V. Sindhu (India), Jonatan Christie (Indonesia), and Anthony Sinisuka Ginting (Indonesia).
Technologies and special features
Yonex has manufactured Voltric Z-Force II with these features indulged in it:
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Tri-voltage system
The tri-Voltage system only indulges in the Yonex Voltric Series rackets, making the racket more effective, durable, strong, and powerful. It also lets you play powerful smashes, transfer more energy to your shots, and even play short-range rallies.
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Sound filter
Sound Filter is another innovative Yonex technology that uses new materials which help to reduce only high-pitched and dull soundwaves.
Also, it produces louder and sharper sounds on impact to unsettle opponents and provides a more aggressive tone to your game for a relentlessly attacking style of play.
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Extra slim shaft
Yonex Voltric Z-Force II holds an extra slim and the most robust shaft ever made by Yonex, which provides extreme strength and easier free control.
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Single-pass grommet system
A single-pass grommet hole construction provides more grommet holes for a more high-performance stringing pattern. Yonex uses this concept to design the most petite frame, where the way anchors four strings horizontally to allow greater flex in the string bed and to create an enlarged sweet spot at the top of the frame, due to which even off-center shots can be powerful.
Who should buy it?
Yonex Voltric Z-Force II is generally designed for those advanced and professional players who have longed for a racket with the right combination of weight, excellent handling, and steady smash power.
Pros
- It holds a unique and small head.
- It has tungsten grommet strips.
- It contains the thinnest shaft in Yonex history.
- It is more aerodynamic in comparison to the other rackets mentioned here in this entire list.
Cons
- Slightly expensive for amateurs and beginners.
- Also, it is not suitable for beginners and amateur players.
9. Apacs Z-Ziggler
Apacs Z Ziggler is an awful racket with features similar to Yonex Nanoray Z Speed and Yonex Voltric Z-Force II. It is a head-heavy racket, preferred mainly by the attacking players. Also, it can bear high string tension of up to 38 lbs.
On the other hand, another noticeable thing in this racket is its slimmer shaft, which measures about 6.4 mm in diameter.
Rather than this, Apacs Z Ziggler is made using the Triple Speed Platform Frame for high smash power and fast racket handling, and buying this racket is a total value for money.
Technologies and special features
Apacs has manufactured a Z-Ziggler racket with these features indulged in it:
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Triple-speed platform frame
The frame of Apacs Z-Ziggler is made using the TSP concept (Triple Platform Speed), which helps increase the speed and adds more power to your smashes. Also, it allows you good racket handling.
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Ultra slim shaft
The shaft of this racket is inserted with Nanopreme, which ensures better stability and durability than traditional rackets. Also, it provides excellent control and flexibility while performing the strokes.
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Hi-modulus graphite
The shaft and frame of Apacs Z Ziggler are made up of hi-modulus graphite, which provides better strength and high repulsion power.
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Single-pass grommet system
This racket also holds a single-pass grommet pattern, where a single-pass grommet hole construction provides more grommet holes for a more high-performance stringing pattern.
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High tension capability
Apacs Z Ziggler can bear high string tension up to 38 lbs with extreme durability, a unique feature of rackets from Apacs.
Who should buy it?
Apacs Z Ziggler is the best choice for attacking and offensive players who want instant access to power with more control.
Pros
- Budget-friendly.
- Ultra-strong racket.
- Excellent offensive racket.
- It can bear high string tension up to 38 lbs.
- Best for intermediates and advanced players.
- It enhances the attacking power of the player.
Cons
- Not suitable for amateurs and beginners.
- Some players might face difficulties while handling this racket.
10. Yonex Astrox Smash
Astrox Smash Racket is the best choice for recreational and intermediate-level players who demand a steep, angled, and devastating smash, taking the point to their opponent, as it is a lightweight racket that weighs only 73gm and supports maximum tension up to 28lbs.
This racket is head heavy and holds an isometric head shape, which helps generate power while increased shaft flexibility offers excellent maneuverability.
The isometric head shape of the racket equalizes the length of the primary strings in the frame, enlarging the sweet spot for more consistent accuracy even on off-center hits.
Rather than this, the Yonex Astrox Smash racket comes in 5 different colors and is readily available at an affordable price.
Technologies and special features
Yonex has manufactured an Astrox Smash racket with these features indulged in it:
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Control support cap
Control Support Cap provides an 88% wider flat surface than an ordinary racket for easy gripping and fast swing.
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Aero-box frame
Aero-box frame helps to reduce air resistance and maintain the structural integrity of a traditional box frame so that you perform fast swings and helps transfer more speed and power into hits with more accuracy.
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New grommet pattern
The grommets are improved with a new pattern that uses more oversized, strategically-placed grommets, a technology that allows more string movement at impact and ultimately increases shuttle hold for powerful shot-making.
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Rotational generator system
Counterbalance theory is applied while manufacturing this racket, and the weight is equally distributed throughout the grip end, handle, and frame for better control and handling.
Who should buy it?
Yonex Astrox Smash is a lightweight racket that singles, and doubles badminton players prefer. It is suitable for all-around play and defense, and, as per its name, this racket is best for performing powerful smashes and strokes.
Pros
- Easy to control.
- Ultra-lightweight racket.
- It allows you to hit powerful smashes.
- An ideal match for playing good rallies.
- Best for doubles badminton players.
- Indulged with the high-performance stringing pattern.
Cons
- Not-suitable for professional badminton players.
Final Words
So, these were some of the ideal badminton rackets for Smash and Power, which are readily available at a reasonable price in the market and online stores.
But remember, skills and equipment are equally important to improve your game. Therefore I suggest you always choose a racket according to your game level and skills.
Also, you need not worry about the quality of these rackets because they are manufactured by top racket brands like Yonex, Victor, and Li-Ning and are tested before launching in the market.