A racket is the most dominant piece of equipment in badminton, as a good racket helps the player increase his skills, power, and maneuverability. However, the player must examine several factors before choosing and purchasing a racket.
But sometimes, it can be challenging to choose an ideal racket when you have a fixed budget. Professional rackets can be expensive and are only affordable for some.
I have researched and listed the prime rackets, which are readily available at an affordable price of under 3,000. This list was created with a balanced and unbiased approach, and here we are not condemning any particular brand or model.
So, let’s take a closer look at this table.
| S. No. | Racket | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Li-Ning Wind Lite 700 | Check Price on Amazon |
| 2 | Li-Ning G Force 3600 Superlite | Check Price on Amazon |
| 3 | Yonex Voltric 0.7 DG Slim | Check Price on Amazon |
| 4 | Yonex Astrox Smash | Check Price on Amazon |
| 5 | Yonex Astrox 99 Play | Check Price on Amazon |
| 6 | Yonex Astrox 88D Play | Check Price on Amazon |
| 7 | Li-Ning Air Force 77 G2 Carbon | Check Price on Amazon |
| 8 | Apacs Vanguard 11 | Check Price on Amazon |
| 9 | Yonex Arcsaber 7 Play | Check Price on Amazon |
| 10 | Yonex Muscle Power 29 Lite | Check Price on Amazon |
10 Best Badminton Racket Under 3000
So let’s dive in and begin with:
1. Li-Ning Wind Lite 700
Li-Ning launched Wind Lite 700, an even-balanced racket generally designed for intermediate to advanced players and features a lightweight design with a balance point that favors maneuverability and speed.
The racket is constructed with high-quality materials, including carbon fiber and graphite, which give it a durable and responsive feel. The frame is designed to be aerodynamic, allowing players to generate more racket head speed and hit faster, more powerful shots.
The Wind Lite 700 also features Li-Ning’s unique Dynamic-Optimum Frame technology, which helps increase the racket’s sweet spot and improve shot accuracy.
Rather than this, it holds a slim shaft design that helps to reduce air resistance and improves overall racket speed.
Technologies and special features
Li-Ning has manufactured Wind Lite 700 racket with these features indulged in it:
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Isometric head shape
The isometric head shape enlarges the racket’s sweet spot and helps the player to hit off-center shots with more power.
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Aerotec beam system
The Aerotec Beam System reduces air resistance and increases the racket’s swing speed.
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Dynamic optimum frame
This technology enables a larger sweet spot on the racket, which helps to improve accuracy and power on off-center hits.
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UHB shaft
The Ultra-High Balance Shaft technology uses a unique carbon fiber material to increase the stiffness of the racket’s shaft, which helps to improve control and accuracy on shots.
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The high tensile slim shaft
The High Tensile Slim Shaft technology uses a slim shaft design to reduce air resistance and improve overall racket speed.
Who should buy it?
Li-Ning Wind Lite 700 is best for advanced and intermediate players with fast and aggressive playing styles and who value maneuverability and quick swings; you will appreciate this racket’s lightweight design and aerodynamic features.
Pros
- Budget-friendly.
- Lightweight racket.
- Isometric head shape.
- Easy to control and handle.
- It holds a long and slim shaft.
- It provides good repulsion to perform fast returns and smashes.
- Suitable for intermediate and advanced level players.
Cons
- Not suitable for beginners and amateur players.
2. Li-Ning G Force 3600 Superlite
Li-Ning G Force 3600 Superlite is a high-performance racket designed for advanced players. This racket is manufactured using a solid material called carbon fiber, which makes it robust, lightweight, and easy to handle.
This racket holds a unique aerodynamic design that reduces air resistance and helps players generate faster swing speeds. It also comes with a high-quality grip that provides excellent traction and comfort, ensuring the racket feels secure in the player’s hand.
So, if you are looking for a lightweight and powerful racket under your budget, you can opt for Li-Ning G-Force 3600 Superlite.
Technologies and special features
Li-Ning has manufactured G-Force 3600 Superlite racket with these features indulged in it:
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Stabilized torsion angle
The stabilized torsion angle helps to stabilize the racket’s frame and reduce vibration, resulting in a more comfortable and stable feel.
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UHB shaft
The ultra-high balance point shaft provides excellent control and stability, allowing players to make quick and precise shots.
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TB Nano Powertec
This technology combines nanometer materials with a special bonding process to increase the racket’s elasticity and strength, resulting in more powerful shots.
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Dynamic optimum frame
Li-Ning offered a unique position in the sweet spot area. The sweet spot area in this racket frame is a little upwards to the racket head.
The dynamic optimum frame design improves the mechanical racket structure for a more efficient attack and defense system.
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Carbon fiber
The racket frame and shaft are made of high-quality carbon fiber, making them lightweight and durable.
Who should buy it?
Li-Ning G-Force 3600 Superlite is an excellent choice for advanced players who want a lightweight and suitable racket that can help them improve their game and add more power and speed to their shots.
Pros
- Highly durable.
- Budget-friendly.
- Super lightweight racket.
- It is made of solid material known as Carbon fiber.
- Easy to handle and perform some fast moves and strokes.
Cons
- Not suitable for beginners and intermediate players.
3. Yonex Voltric 0.7 DG Slim
Yonex Voltric 0.7 DG Slim is one of the best rackets for intermediate players looking to improve their game and who want to develop more power and speed in their shots and can benefit from using Voltric 0.7 DG Slim. But beginners may find it challenging to handle and control as it’s slightly heavy and stiff according to their game level.
Rather than this, the series of Yonex DG (Durable Grade) Slim rackets are slimmer in the frame, which makes them more aerodynamic with reduced air resistance, resulting in stronger and more intense shots.
It provides amazing power and fast racket handling while hitting the shots, which makes it a perfect racket for players seeking exceptional ‘all-round’ performance.
Technologies and special features
Yonex has manufactured Voltric 0.7 DG Slim racket with these features indulged in it:
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Isometric head shape
The isometric head shape provides a larger sweet spot, allowing more powerful and accurate shots.
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Aero-Box Frame
Yonex Voltric 0.7 DG Slim holds an aero-box frame, which helps to minimize air resistance so that air can flow faster across the curved surface while swinging the racket. Also, it allows you to perform fast swings and helps transfer more speed and power into hits with more accuracy.
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Built-in T-Joint
T-joint refers to the joint that helps to connect the frame to the shaft and is embedded with carbon particles to reduce vibration and strengthen the fusing of the two. This construction reduces torque from both the frame and shaft and the lateral twisting of the frame in off-center shots for a better transfer of power and control.
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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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Tri voltage system
The Tri-Voltage System is a unique combination of a head-heavy and stiff structure, which enhances power and stability while maintaining quick handling.
Who should buy it?
Yonex Voltric 0.7 DG Slim is a great choice for intermediate to advance badminton players who have already developed good technique and skills but are looking for a better balance of power, speed, and control in their racket.
Pros
- Easy to control and handle.
- Lightweight and versatile racket.
- It can bear high string tension of up to 35 lbs.
- It holds a sleek and attractive design and looks.
- Best for intermediate and advanced badminton players.
- It allows the player to perform some powerful shots and smashes.
Cons
- Not suitable for beginners and amateur players.
- The racket requires specialized stringing, which can be costly and time-consuming.
4. 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 and crosses strings in the string, 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 colours 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
- Extremely lightweight racket.
- Suitable for all-around play.
- It holds an isometric head shape.
- Indulged with the high-performance stringing pattern.
Cons
- Not suitable for professional-level players.
5. 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.
Talking about its balance, the Astrox 99 Play is a head-heavy racket that holds a stiff shaft, which makes it ideal for players who want more power in their shots. It also holds a slim shaft, making it easier to control and maneuver.
Rather than this, it is indulged with a rotational generator system, which optimizes the placement of the racket’s weight for maximum power and speed. Also, it holds an isometric head shape, providing a large sweet spot for better accuracy.
Technologies and special features
Yonex has manufactured an Astrox 99 Play racket with these features indulged in it:
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Rotational generator system
This technology helps to distribute the racket’s weight to the top of the frame, resulting in a faster and more powerful swing.
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Nanometric technology
This technology uses nanomaterials to strengthen the racket frame, making it more durable and resilient.
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Namd technology
This 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
- Easy to handle.
- Offers great power and control.
- Budget-friendly and long-lasting.
- Best for beginners and intermediate players.
- It provides a unique and easy grip that provides a comfortable and secure grip for the player.
Cons
- Not suitable for professional badminton players.
6. Yonex Astrox 88D Play
Yonex Astrox 88D Play is another badminton racket in the Astrox series designed for advanced and professional players. It is manufactured using a strong material called graphite, weighing about 80 grams, making it one of the lightweight rackets.
If you are an intermediate badminton player looking for a versatile and powerful racket, you can opt for Yonex Astrox 88D Play, which will help you enhance your skills and game.
Rather than this, it is also suitable for both doubles and singles badminton players who have offensive and aggressive gameplay.
Technologies and special features
Yonex has manufactured an Astrox 88D Play racket with these features indulged in it:
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Rotational generator system
It helps to distribute the racket’s weight to the top of the frame, resulting in a faster and more powerful swing.
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Namd technology
This 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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Slim Shaft
The Astrox 88D Play holds a slim shaft design that helps to improve aerodynamics and increase swing speed.
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Isometric head shape
The isometric head shape of this racket helps to increase its sweet spot, which results in more powerful and accurate shots.
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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.
Who should buy it?
Yonex Astrox 88D Play is suitable for players who prefer a more attacking playing style, as it is designed to provide power and speed for aggressive shots. It is also suitable for players who want a versatile racket that can be used for both singles and doubles matches.
Pros
- Budget-friendly.
- Head-heavy racket.
- Robust and long-lasting.
- Powerful and versatile racket.
- Holds a comfortable and easy grip.
- Best for intermediates and advanced badminton players.
Cons
- It is a slightly heavy racket.
- Beginners and new players can face difficulties or injuries while handling this racket.
7. Li-Ning Air Force 77 G2 Carbon
The frame of Li-Ning Air Force 77 G2 is made of high-quality carbon fiber, making it robust and highly durable. It holds a high tensile graphite stiff shaft. It is slightly head-heavy, which makes it an ideal racket for intermediate and advanced players looking for lightness, versatility, control, and an easy-to-play racquet.
Talking about its features, let me inform you that it holds an oval head shape, providing a smaller sweet spot than the other rackets mentioned here on this entire list.
Rather than this, it holds a slim shaft and is available in G4 grip size.
Technologies and special features
Li-Ning has manufactured an Air Force 77 G2 racket with these features indulged in it:
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High-quality carbon fiber construction
The frame and shaft of this racket are made using high-quality carbon fiber, which helps to make it lightweight, durable, and responsive.
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Aerodynamic frame design
This racket’s aerodynamic frame design helps reduce air resistance and increase swing speed, resulting in faster and more powerful shots.
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UHB Shaft Technology
The Ultra High Balance Shaft Technology used in the Air Force 77 G2 Carbon helps to increase the stiffness and stability of the shaft, providing more power and control.
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Comfortable grip
The Air Force 77 G2 Carbon racket features a comfortable grip that provides a secure and stable hold, allowing you to perform more precise shots.
Who should buy it?
If you are looking for a powerful racket with a moderate level of control, then Li-Ning Air Force 77 G2 is a perfect choice.
Rather than this, it is excellent for intermediate to advanced players looking for a racket with extra control and all-around features.
Pros
- Budget-friendly.
- Highly durable racket.
- Head-heavy racket.
- It holds a comfortable grip.
- This racket is suitable for intermediates and advanced players.
Cons
- Stiff shaft.
- Not suitable for beginners and amateur badminton players.
8. Apacs Vanguard 11
Apacs Vanguard 11 is a lightweight racket weighing about 84 grams. It is similar to Yonex Arcsaber 11 racket, as both are all-around rackets and have many similarities like both can bear high string tension up to 38 lbs.
The Vanguard 11 racket allows you to perform powerful smashes, precise drop shots, and flicks, making it one of the best choices for players with offensive and aggressive gameplay.
Rather than this, it holds a Muscle Power frame technology, which gives a tighter contact between string and frame.
And being a medium flex racket, it is also suitable for beginners and intermediates who love power and control in their shots.
Technologies and special features
Apacs has manufactured Vanguard 11 racket with these features indulged in it:
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IPN Graphite
It provides a smooth surface quality and helps enhance the racket’s mechanical performance. It also withstands the string tension to an extreme level, 38 lbs.
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Whip Slim-Muscle Frame
This racket holds a Whip Slim Muscle frame, which is slightly narrow and extended, making the head heavier. It reduces air resistance and improves swing speed. Also, the racket’s muscle frame holds strings firmly to eliminate stress load and prolong string life.
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7.0 mm Slim Shaft
Apacs Vanguard 11 holds a slim shaft, which enables stable handling and increases your shot accuracy. Rather than this, a 7.0mm shaft offers a medium feel, providing comfort and ease of shots.
Who should buy it?
Apacs Vanguard 11 is a perfect match for beginners and intermediate players who love performing sharper smashes and simultaneously enjoy the precise drop shot and net play. It is a fast and well-balanced racket, which is excellent at persistent offence (continuous smashing).
Pros
- Lightweight.
- Budget-friendly.
- Balanced badminton racket.
- It can easily handle high string tension.
- The medium flex provides maximum feel and control.
Cons
- It holds a slightly less stiff shaft that takes away power and feels from shots.
9. Yonex Arcsaber 7 Play
Yonex Arcsaber 7 Play is an entire graphite racket that gives you better repulsion on your shots. It also transmits energy more efficiently than heavy steel framed rackets.
It offers a new frame structure with varying flex levels from the top and sides to the bottom. Also, Arcsaber 7 Play is designed for optimal flex and torque to improve precision targeting for intermediate and advanced players.
Rather than this, if we talk about its structure and technologies, let me inform you that it holds an expanded sweet spot, an aero-box frame, a built-in T-Joint, and pocketing booster-lined frame.
Technologies and special features
Yonex has manufactured Arcsaber 7 Play racket with these features indulged in it:
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Poketing booster
The side of the frame is lined with a pocketing booster, a proprietary rubber-like material emphasizing elasticity in the frame’s flex which increases shuttle hole performance.
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Box frame
The extra stiff profile of the racket frame provides a solid and stable feel on impact with the shuttle.
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Slim and calculated shaft torque design
Arcsaber 7 Play holds an extra slim shaft, which provides extreme strength and easier free control to the player while hitting the shuttlecock. Also, the Arcsaber 7 Play shaft is designed with an optimal twist for improved control and flight.
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Isometric head shape
Arcsaber 7 Play holds an isometric head shape, providing an expanded sweet spot and allowing you to perform powerful strokes.
Who should buy it?
Yonex Arcsaber 7 Play is best for advanced and professional badminton players who love to perform powerful, controlled shots and smashes against opponents.
Pros
- Budget-friendly.
- Best for doubles gameplay.
- Easy to hold and maneuver.
- One of the best option players for control players.
- It provides amazing power, control, and stability.
- Arcsaber 7 Play holds a more prominent sweet spot than the other rackets on this list.
Cons
- Not an ideal racket for offensive gameplay.
10. Yonex Muscle Power 29 Lite
Yonex Muscle Power 29 Lite is suitable for all-around badminton players, but it is generally designed for those players who seek fast movement and effortless power with a comfortable feel.
It allows you to effectively place the power shots from the 3rd line and dominate the rallies with powerful smashes.
Talking about its shape and design, it holds an isometric head shape with a box-shape frame cross-section that gives a unique, solid feeling, more power, and control.
It is manufactured using High Modulus Graphite, providing better strength and optimum racket flex. The racket shaft is also made of graphite which helps in effective racket repulsion.
Rather than this, it is also technically designed with an anti-slip tape grip to help you stick to your game plan and earn points with a comfortable and firm grip.
Technologies and special features
Yonex has manufactured the Muscle Power 29 Light racket with these features indulged in it:
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Isometric head shape
The frame of Yonex Muscle Power 29 Light holds an isometric head shape, which increases the sweet spot by 7% and helps to deliver excellent control without sacrificing power.
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High Modulus Graphite shaft
Muscle Power 29 Light shaft comprises high modulus graphite, which helps you swing the racket effectively and adds more stability to your shots.
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Muscle power frame
The frame of Muscle Power 29 Lite is made up of graphite, and it locates the strings on rounded archways that helps to eliminate the stress load and fatigue through contact friction.
Such excellent construction creates total unity of the string and frame through closer and tighter contact.
Who should buy it?
Yonex Muscle Power is designed for those badminton players who love to play fast strokes with effortless power. Also, it best suits intermediate-level players with attacking gameplay, as it is an even-balanced racket, giving fast racket handling.
Rather than this, it effectively transfers more power to the shuttle, which helps to play powerful smashes and 3rd line clear.
So, the players looking for more power and those with aggressive gameplay must opt for this racket.
Pros
- Even balanced.
- Easy to control.
- Budget-friendly.
- It well suits intermediate-level players.
- It gives a soft and smooth feel while hitting the shuttle.
- It provides excellent repulsion when the shuttlecock hits the string bed.
Cons
- Average durability.
- Not suitable for professional badminton players.
Final Words
These were some of the top badminton rackets, which are budget-friendly and readily available for under 3000 in the market and online stores.
And yes, do not doubt the quality and durability of these rackets, as these rackets are designed and manufactured by top brands like Yonex, Li-Ning, Apacs, and FZ Forza.
So, what are you waiting for? Grab one according to your skills and game level.