A badminton player must choose the racket according to his gameplay, and it should match his playing ability and skills. And coming to the factors of a racket, some well-known brands like Yonex, Li-Ning, Cosco, and Nivia are in the market that designs and manufactures top quality and tested rackets.
Sometimes, it can be challenging to choose an ideal racket when you have a fixed budget. Professional rackets can be expensive and only affordable for some, especially when you are a beginner or have just started playing badminton.
So, for those players, I have researched and listed some prime rackets, which are readily available at an affordable price of under 1000.
Now let’s take a closer look at this table.
| S. No. | Racket | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Yonex Muscle Power 2 | Check Price on Amazon |
| 2 | Li-Ning Smash XP | Check Price on Amazon |
| 3 | Nivia N-Ray 100 | Check Price on Amazon |
| 4 | Li-Ning G-TEK GX | Check Price on Amazon |
| 5 | Li-Ning XP 707 | Check Price on Amazon |
| 6 | Yonex ZR 100 Light | Check Price on Amazon |
| 7 | Li-Ning XP 800 | Check Price on Amazon |
| 8 | Yonex GR 303 | Check Price on Amazon |
| 9 | Cosco Cb-120 | Check Price on Amazon |
| 10 | Yonex GR 777 | Check Price on Amazon |
10 Best Rackets Under 1000
Let’s begin with the following:
1. Yonex Muscle Power 2
Yonex Muscle Power 2 is a beginner’s racket, slightly similar to Yonex 22 racket, with a steel shaft and isometric design. It is an effective racket readily available under budget and is suitable for amateur, beginners, and intermediate players.
It holds an aluminium frame and a steel shaft that increases the versatility of the racket and allows you to make quick moves. And the best thing about this racket is that it is available in two colours: white and black.
Rather than this, it provides you with amazing power, accuracy, and control while hitting the shuttlecock. Also, it holds an impressive and firm grip, which helps you play high-intensity games.
Technologies and special features
Yonex has manufactured a Muscle Power 2 racket with these features indulged in it:
-
Isometric head shape
Traditional rackets often hold an oval head shape. But, Yonex Muscle Power 2 racket holds an isometric head shape that provides a larger sweet spot in all directions, which helps to improve your accuracy and power.
-
Muscle power frame
Muscle Power 2 holds a muscle power frame, where the grommets are indulged in corner archways which helps to improve string moment within the racket frame. The string and frame are completely united in this structure, which makes the racket more repulsive.
Who should buy it?
Yonex Muscle Power 2 is one of the best choices for those beginner and intermediate players who want to perform shots like professionals with amazing power and accuracy.
Pros
- Long-lasting.
- Easy to handle.
- Budget-friendly.
- It holds an excellent grip.
- It adds amazing power to your shots.
- Best for beginners and intermediate players.
- It provides better accuracy and control to the players.
Cons
- Slightly heavy racket.
- It is indulged with poor-quality strings.
- Not suitable for advanced and professional players.
2. Li-Ning Smash XP
Li-Ning designs rackets for elite and professional players, but this one is exceptional and is designed for beginners and intermediate players.
It is a lightweight racket that weighs between 86-89 grams, made of carbon fibre and aluminium, making it more robust and long-lasting. Also, it holds an isometric head shape, which provides a more prominent sweet spot in all directions.
Rather than this, it holds a stiff shaft that offers more stability and control to the players while hitting the shuttle.
Technologies and special features
Li-Ning has manufactured a Smash XP racket with these features indulged in it:
-
High tensile slim shaft
Li-Ning designed a high tensile slim shaft of 7.0 mm, providing extreme strength and better control. The shaft comprises ultra-strong material that allows it to bear high string tension and perform accurate and powerful strokes.
-
Dynamic optimum frame
Dynamic optimum frame technology is also introduced by Li-Ning, which is slightly similar to the isometric frame design. The optimized frame design improves the mechanical racket structure for a more efficient attack and defense system.
Rather than this, the dynamic optimum frame helps increase the racket’s strength and power. Also, it enlarges the string area and bounce intensity of the shuttlecock.
Who should buy it?
If you are a beginner or an intermediate player learning and mastering basic badminton skills, I suggest you buy Li-Ning Smash XP. It is a lightweight and flexible racket that is easy to handle for beginners.
Pros
- Lightweight.
- Long-lasting.
- Easy to handle.
- Budget-friendly.
- Worth buying this racket.
- Best for beginners and intermediate players.
Cons
- Not suitable for elite and professional players.
3. Nivia N-Ray 100
Nivia is a well-known sports brand in the market, which is well-known for its superior quality gear and accessories.
N-Ray 100 racket is also designed and manufactured by the brand Nivia, an ultra-lightweight racket weighing between 77-95 grams and allowing you to easily perform impactful and consistent strokes.
It holds an aluminium frame and alloy steel shaft, which makes it robust and long-lasting. Also, it allows you to deliver some powerful strokes on the court.
Technologies and special features
Nivia has manufactured an N-Ray 100 racket with these features indulged in it:
-
Isometric head shape
The isometric technology generally refers to the racket’s head shape squared off at the head’s tip that is designed to keep vertical strings at a similar length, as well as the horizontal strings, to produce an expanded sweet spot in all directions.
Who should buy it?
If you are a beginner or an intermediate player who wants to increase your skills and performance level and does not want to lose points during an important match, I suggest you buy this racket.
Pros
- Budget-friendly.
- Ultra-lightweight.
- Full composite racket.
- Easy to control and handle.
- Best for beginners and intermediate players.
Cons
- Not suitable for advanced and professional players.
4. Li-Ning G-TEK GX
Li-Ning G-Tek GX is the racket that you can always trust when it comes to controlling and accuracy. It is a composite racket with a high-tensile slim shaft, which helps in the easy handling of the racket and provides higher swing speed to deliver powerful smashes.
Rather than this, the racket is slightly head-heavy, which helps to generate maximum power from your forearm rotation.
And the best thing about this racket is that it is available in three colour variants: Yellow, black, and red, which allows you to choose one according to your choice and gameplay.
Technologies and special features
Li-Ning has manufactured a G-Tek GX racket with these features indulged in it:
-
Li-Ning power frame
Li-Ning G-Tek GX holds a unique box-shaped power frame which provides a more stabilized structure and improves stability and attack accuracy.
-
High tensile slim shaft
Li-Ning designed a 7.0 mm slim shaft with a unique elastic material and craft work, effectively balancing the rebound and anti-torsional performance, accurately transmitting power.
-
Lightweight
Li-Ning’s unique and super lightweight technology helps to reduce air resistance and enhance the swing speed of the racket.
Who should buy it?
This racket is specially designed for intermediates and advanced players who want to step up their game and loves to perform fast and powerful smashes on the court.
Pros
- Budget-friendly.
- Easy to handle and control.
- It holds a high tensile slim shaft.
- It is available in three colour variants.
- It allows you to perform powerful smashes.
Cons
- Non-durable.
- Not suitable for professional players.
5. Li-Ning XP 707
Li-Ning XP 707 is an aluminum racket suitable for those who have just started playing badminton. It is a lightweight racket that weighs about 90 grams and holds a G4 grip size, which is very effective for beginners.
If we talk about its design and features, let me inform you that it holds an isometric head shape, and its frame and shaft are made of aluminum, making it a robust and long-lasting racket.
Technologies and special features
Li-Ning has manufactured an XP 707 racket with these features indulged in it:
-
Isometric head shape
XP 707 holds an isometric head shape, which keeps the vertical strings at a similar length, and horizontal strings produce an expanded sweet spot.
Who should buy it?
Li-Ning XP 707 is an ideal match for players who play badminton for fun or practice. Beginners and intermediate players can also use this racket for practising and playing friendly matches.
Pros
- Budget-friendly.
- Durable and strong.
- Made up of rigid carbon fiber.
- Best for beginners and intermediate players.
Cons
- Not suitable for professionals.
- Beginners might find it slightly heavy.
- Some players might face problems with their grip.
6. Yonex ZR 100 Light
Yonex ZR-100 Light badminton racquet is used widely by beginners and intermediate. The steel shaft has a low torsion, enabling the user to swing the racket easily.
It is a head-heavy racket that lets you make powerful strokes with minimum effort. It is best for attacking gameplay and suitable for beginners and intermediate players to seek rackets that help them with power.
It is one of the best choices for those looking to have fast racket-handling skills in the future and those who need more money to shell out.
Technologies and special features
Yonex has manufactured a ZR 100 Light racket with these features indulged in it:
-
Isometric head shape
Yonex ZR 100 Light holds an isometric head shape designed to offer a similar length of the vertical string as a horizontal one. The isometric head shape gives better head stability, and its enlarged sweet spot allows players to perform some powerful shots.
-
Aluminum frame with steel shaft
This racket holds an aluminum frame and steel shaft, as aluminum and steel are the two materials that are always recommended for beginners. As they progress in their journey in badminton, they will shift to graphite racket.
-
Low torsion steel shaft
Yonex ZR 100 Light racket is made with a low torsion steel shaft, which reduces the chances of twisting the racket shaft and makes it easy for beginners to handle.
Who should buy it?
This racket is best for amateur, beginners, and intermediate players, who prefer quick reactions and precision during the game.
Pros
- Budget-friendly.
- Robust and durable.
- It holds a large sweet spot.
- It is available in 5 different colour variants.
- Best for beginners, intermediate, and amateur players.
Cons
- Not a single racket frame.
- Not suitable for advanced and professional players.
7. Li-Ning XP 800
Li-Ning XP 800 is one of the Srikanth Kidambi Signature Series rackets with a slim shaft to balance the rebound and anti-torsional performance.
The frame of this racket is made of aluminum, whereas the racket’s shaft is made using an alloy that can produce the perfect play.
Li-Ning XP 800 is a lightweight racket that weighs between 90-95 grams, which makes it suitable for beginners and intermediate players who are learning basic and advanced skills.
Also, it holds an isometric head shape that helps increase the racket’s intensity and torque ability, thus helping in striking power.
Technologies and special features
Li-Ning has manufactured XP 800 racket with these features indulged in it:
-
Isometric head shape
The isometric technology generally refers to the racket’s head shape squared off at the head’s tip that is designed to keep vertical strings at a similar length, as well as the horizontal strings, to produce an expanded sweet spot in all directions.
-
Slim shaft
A slim shaft design provides extreme strength, provides better control while hitting powerful shots, and helps to transfer the maximum power to the shuttlecock.
Who should buy it?
Li-Ning XP 800 is suitable for beginners and intermediate badminton players who are learning and mastering basic skills and wants to perfect their game.
Pros
- Lightweight.
- It holds a slim shaft.
- It comes with a soft bag.
- It holds a sized grip for all age group players.
Cons
- Non-durable.
- Need a lot of maintenance.
- Not suitable for professionals.
8. Yonex GR 303
Yonex GR 303 is a slightly heavyweight racket (95-99.9 grams) compared to the others mentioned on this list.
The features of the Yonex GR 303 are similar to Yonex ZR 100 Light, as it is also a stiff racket and can bear string tension up to 18 lbs, which is quite effective for beginners and intermediate players.
Rather than this, it holds a T-Joint, which comes in 5 colour options, and a G4 grip size, which is ideal for players of all age groups and will help in swinging with great accuracy.
Technologies and special features
Yonex has manufactured GR 303 racket with these features indulged in it:
-
Large sweet spot
Yonex GR 303 holds an isometric head shape, which generally refers to the racket’s head shape squared off at the head’s tip that is designed to keep vertical strings at a similar length, as well as the horizontal strings, to produce an expanded sweet spot in all directions.
-
Built-in T-Joint
T-joint reduces torque from both the frame and shaft and the lateral twisting of the frame in off-centre shots for a better transfer of power and control.
-
Stiff shaft
Yonex GR 303 holds a stiff shaft, which is light enough to float on water yet withstand immense forces. In addition, it allows for maximum shock absorption.
Who should buy it?
Yonex GR 303 is one of the best rackets for beginners and intermediate players who like to play with a slightly heavier racket.
Pros
- Lightweight.
- Slightly stiff.
- Budget-friendly.
- It comes with a fantastic grip.
- It holds a low torsion steel shaft.
- Suitable for intermediate players.
Cons
- The T-Joint is slightly weaker.
- Not suitable for professionals and advanced players.
9. Cosco Cb-120
Cosco is one of the famous brands in the market today, and it is well known for its durable and excellent products at a cheap rate. Likewise, the CB-120 racket is also designed by Cosco, especially for recreational badminton players.
Talking about its features, let me inform you that this racket’s frame is made of aluminum, making it strong and lightweight.
The shaft of this racket is made from steel, which provides stability. The racket has a strong balance of
305 mm, which helps the players to improve their game. Rather than this, it holds an isometric head shape, which provides a large sweet spot.
Technologies and special features
Cosco has manufactured a CB-120 racket with these features indulged in it:
-
High string tension
Cosco CB-120 can bear 22-24 lbs of tension, enabling the player to maximize the racket frame strength and propulsion.
-
Isometric head shape
The isometric head shape of this racket provides more prominent space for the stringed area (the striking point) and helps the players to respond quickly with shots without missing the shuttlecock.
Who should buy it?
This racket is best for beginners and intermediate players who love to play with a slightly heavy weighted racket with a perfect grip and string tension. Also, this racket helps them in training and playing friendly tournaments.
Pros
- Durable.
- Budget-friendly.
- Flexible badminton racket.
- It adds more power to each stroke.
- Suitable for both intermediates and beginners.
Cons
- Slightly heavy.
- Not suitable for advanced and professional players.
10. Yonex GR 777
Yonex GR 777 is a budget-friendly racket suitable for intermediate and advanced players.
It holds a mega frame with a more prominent sweet spot for deeper shots. Due to its unique large-frame design, the Mega Frame further enlarges the sweet spot provided by the Isometric. Compared with an ordinary racquet, the Mega Frame provides a 34% larger sweet spot for greater reach and more effective off-centre hits.
Rather than this, it holds a low-torsion steel shaft and a suitable grip, which is suitable for all-around players.
Technologies and special features
Yonex has manufactured GR 777 racket with these features indulged in it:
-
Low torsion steel shaft
Yonex Gr 777 racket is made with a low torsion shaft, which reduces the chances of twisting the racket shaft and makes it easy for the players to handle it.
-
Isometric head shape
The frame of Yonex Gr 777 holds an isometric head shape, which produces an expanded sweet spot in all directions and helps players to hit the shot more effectively.
-
Dura frame
The frame of this racket is made using aluminum, which makes the racket highly durable and provides a solid feeling and face stability.
Who should buy it?
Yonex GR 777 is best for those intermediate and advanced players who love to perform powerful smash shots against their opponent.
Pros
- Value of money.
- Budget-friendly.
- Lightweight racket.
- It holds a fantastic grip.
- Best for intermediates and advanced players.
Cons
- Not suitable for professional players.
Final Words
So, these were the prime and budget-friendly badminton rackets readily available in the market and online stores under 1000.
Suppose you recently started playing this sport or are a beginner or an intermediate looking for a perfect racket for practising or playing friendly or domestic matches. You can choose a suitable racket according to your game level from the list above.
Also, you need not worry about the quality of these rackets because they are manufactured by top brands like Yonex, Cosco, Nivia, and Li-Ning, and are tested before launching in the market.