Badminton can be played individually and as doubles. Therefore, a player must always choose an ideal racket according to his gameplay and level.
But while choosing an ideal racket, you need to keep a few points in your mind: a costly racket will make a slight difference in the outcome of your game. Rather than this, you must also check the racket’s stiffness, balance, and weight.
And according to this, I have mentioned below a table with the list of the top singles rackets, which are budget-friendly, well-designed, repellent, and have all those features a player seeks in his racket.
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 | Yonex Voltric Z-Force II | Check Price on Amazon |
| 2 | Yonex Doura 10 | Check Price on Amazon |
| 3 | Yonex Nanoray 18i | Check Price on Amazon |
| 4 | Li-Ning N7 II | Check Price on Amazon |
| 5 | Victor Arrow Speed 11 | Check Price on Amazon |
| 6 | Victor Jet Speed S 2SP | Check Price on Amazon |
| 7 | Yonex Nanoray 7000i | Check Price on Amazon |
| 8 | Victor Arrow Power 80 | Check Price on Amazon |
| 9 | Li-Ning G Force Superlite Max 9 | Check Price on Amazon |
| 10 | Yonex Nanoray 70 Light | Check Price on Amazon |
Also read 10 Best badminton rackets for 2022 | Intermediates and professionals.
Badminton Rackets for Singles
Check out these amazing rackets, that are specially designed for singles badminton players:
1. Yonex Voltric Z-Force II
Yonex Voltric Z-Force II was launched in 2014, just before the All England Badminton Championships, held in Birmingham.
The World Badminton Champion, Lee Chong Wei, and many other international players like Lin Dan, Kento Momota, Chris Adcock, Srikanth Kidambi, and P.V Sindhu used this racket in many of their international debuts.
Voltric Z-Force II replaced Voltric Z-Force because of its advanced features and performance, making it a prime choice for players.
Rather than this, Voltric Z-Force II is a head-heavy racket, which makes it suitable for advanced and professional-level players.
Technologies and special features
Yonex has manufactured a Voltric Z-Force II racket with these features indulged in it:
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Isometric head shape
Yonex Voltric Z-Force II holds an isometric head shape that improves the sweet spot by 7%, which helps to hit powerful and accurate smashes.
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Sound filter
The sound Filter indulged in this racket helps to cut and eliminate vibration. Also, it helps produce a louder and sharper sound when the shuttlecock hits the string bed and is on impact to unsettle opponents, allowing a player to play more aggressively.
Rather than this, the sound Filter technology also helps reduce the racket’s uncomfortable sensation by rapidly eliminating 31% of vibrations.
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Built in T-Joint
This racket is built in T-Joint, which helps reduce 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.
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Tri-Voltage system
The tri-Voltage system distributes the weight between the head of the frame and the joint area, which provides good handling while also maintaining power.
Who should buy it?
Yonex Voltric Z-Force II well suits advanced and professional players. It holds a robust graphite frame, allowing players to play accurate smashes and speedy and powerful shots.
Beginners and intermediate players should not use this racket as it is head-heavy and can be hard to use and cause injuries.
Pros
- Budget-friendly.
- Best for singles badminton players.
- It provides amazing power and swing speed.
- Voltric Z-Force II holds the thinnest shaft in Yonex history.
- It is available in different colours and grip sizes.
- Despite being head-heavy, it is easy to handle and maneuver.
Cons
- Not suitable for beginners, as beginners might find it hard to control.
2. Yonex Doura 10
Yonex Doura 10 was launched in 2015 and was used by men’s singles world champion Lee Chong Wei (Malaysia) and other international players like Chou Tien Chen, Kim Astrup, Anders Rasmussen, and Ng Ka Long Angus.
It was slightly different from other rackets that Yonex launched during that period. Yonex divided the racket frame head into two sides: one traditional box frame and another aero box frame, which makes the racket fast and slow. The faster side would be able to perform a much faster and more powerful swing.
Talking about its design and appearance, let me inform you that it is available in different colour variants but is commonly available in black.
Rather than this, it is a headlight racket, one of the best choices for intermediates and advanced players.
Technologies and special features
Yonex has manufactured a Doura 10 racket with these features indulged in it:
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Nanometric DR
It is a unique and new carbon material developed by Yonex based on its Nanoscience technology. It provides high repulsion and puts the Doura 10 into a class of its own.
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Dual optimum system
Dual Optimum System 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 results in improved 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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New grommet pattern
Doura 10 holds a new grommet pattern, where a single-pass grommet hole construction provides more grommet holes for a more high-performance stringing pattern.
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Super slim shaft
The slim shaft of Doura 10 is designed to slice through the air and generate more speed. Also, it provides extreme strength and easy control.
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Control support cap
Doura 10 also holds a control support cap, which makes the cone flatter for a better grip near the net, especially backhand shots and smashes played with the little backswing and plenty of wrists movements.
Who should buy it?
Yonex Doura 10 is the best choice for singles badminton players with aggressive gameplay, those who want to balance defence and net play, and those who want to improve their backhand shots.
Pros
- This racket performs well in defence.
- Ideal for intermediate and advanced players.
- Doura 10 is a headlight racket that is easy to handle and use.
- The boxed side of the racket provides amazing hitting power and feel.
- The aerodynamic side of this racket helps to perform fast and quick shots.
Cons
- Slightly expensive.
- It might take time to get used to it.
3. Yonex Nanoray 18i
Yonex Nanoray Light 18i is suitable for both singles and doubles badminton players. It helps the singles players to generate a massive amount of power with their shots, as this racket is very lightweight and easy to handle, whereas doubles is a fast game, and due to the light weight of this racket, one can master their play.
This latest headlight series comes with a new and unique frame design. In addition, it is specifically designed in such a way as to enhance your grip and fast racket-handling techniques.
Yonex Nanoray Light 18i comprises graphite, aluminium, and carbon fibre, making it one of the most robust rackets. And it weighs between 75-79.9 grams, which makes it one of the lightweight rackets.
Technologies and special features
Yonex has manufactured a Nanoray 18i racket with these features indulged in it:
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Isometric head shape
Nanoray 18i holds a square-shaped frame designed to keep vertical strings at a similar length, and vertical strings produce an expanded sweet spot in all directions.
Also, remember to choose perfect and suitable strings for your racket to get better repulsion and accuracy.
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Nanoscience technology
Yonex Nanoray Light 18i is indulged with streamlined aerodynamic nanoscience technology built into the shaft for stiff flex and unparalleled repulsion power. In addition, the Nanoray 18i is made explicitly for performing some lightning-fast shots.
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Aero-box frame
The aero-box frame aerodynamically contoured the racket and combines a solid hitting feel. It helps to 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 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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Control support cap
A control support cap provides you wider surface, better gripping, unwanted vibrations, racket handling, and a soft feel while learning or playing against your opponent.
Who should buy it?
It is an entire graphite racket designed for beginners and those players who want to add more power to their shots. Rather than this, intermediates and defensive players can also use this racket to play outdoors.
So, if you are a beginner or an intermediate player, you can opt for this racket.
Pros
- Budget-friendly.
- Headlight racket.
- Easy to use and handle.
- Strong and long-lasting.
- It holds a bigger sweet spot.
- Best for beginners and intermediates.
Cons
- Not suitable for advanced and professional players.
4. Li-Ning N7 II
Li-Ning N7 II is a new racket that has been added to the N-series. This racket is used by the international badminton champions Shi Yuqi (China) and Zhang Nan (China).
It is an all-around racket used by both singles and doubles badminton players as it is a head-heavy racket that is well known for its power and accuracy. On the other hand, it weighs between 79-85 grams, which makes it a lightweight racket and easy to handle.
One of the best things about this racket is that it generates less vibration, even after performing fast and powerful smashes and strokes, compared to the others.
Rather than this, it is a head-heavy racket with a medium flex shaft, providing fantastic speed, power, and feel.
Technologies and special features
Li-Ning has manufactured an N7 II racket with these features indulged in it:
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Dynamic optimum frame
The dynamic optimum frame extends the sweet point upward and moves the hitting point higher, which enlarges the defence area for powerful smashes. The hitting velocity is improved considerably with the widened stringing area and increased bounce strength.
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Aerotec beam system
It helps to minimize air resistance while maintaining the frame’s strength and allowing you to perform some powerful strokes.
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TB Nanotechnology
This racket is manufactured using TB Nano-technology, which provides better strength and power.
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Superlight racket technology
This technology offers high power to the racket while being super light. It allows the player to be agile on the court without compromising power.
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Stabilized torsion angle
This feature implements a highly flexible design built into the racket frame to reduce torsional forces caused by hitting outside of the sweet spot. The Stabilized Torsion Angle significantly improves accuracy and consistency with every swing.
Who should buy it?
This racket is designed for singles and doubles players who love to dominate the game with fast racket handling and those who love to perform powerful smashes with perfect control over shots.
Pros
- It is a medium-flex racket.
- It is the lightest racket in the Li-Ning series.
- Best for intermediates and advanced badminton players.
- Also, it provides the best flex with perfect control over shots.
- This racket is available in different colour variants, like pink and yellow.
Cons
- Slightly expensive.
- Not suitable for beginners and new players.
5. Victor Arrow Speed 11
Victor Arrow Speed 11 holds a similar design as Victor Bravesword 11. Arrow Speed 11 is a heavy head racket made of graphite, making it sturdy and long-lasting.
It weighs between 80-89.9 grams, and the length of this racket is 675 mm. Also, it holds an isometric head shape that provides a large sweet spot and distributes equal force across the frame.
It is indulged with inner waves technology, which extends the sweet spot by about 5%, reduces vibration, and provides more face stability.
Rather than this, Arrow Speed 11 is a good choice for intermediate and advanced-level players.
Technologies and special features
Victor has manufactured an Arrow Speed 11 racket with these features indulged in it:
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Aerodynamic frame
The aerodynamic frame structure of this racket is designed to minimize air resistance while maintaining its strength, as it helps the players to perform quick drive shots and increase the speed of returning hits.
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Nano-tec
This technology evenly distributes the nano-sized particles in the vacant space between carbon fibre bundles, which highly increases the carbon composite fibres’ overall stiffness and reduces the frame’s twisting.
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Isometric head shape
The isometric head shape of the racket provides a more significant sweet spot by optimizing the intersection of the top and cross strings, which helps the players handle the shuttlecock easily.
Who should buy it?
The Arrow Speed is head-heavy and has a stiff frame, making it an ideal racket for intermediates and advanced players with an aggressive attacking and all-around game style.
Pros
- Budget-friendly.
- Robust and long-lasting.
- It allows you to perform quick and accurate shots.
- This racket is available in red, steel, blue, and white variants.
- It is ideal for badminton players with an aggressive all-round style of game.
Cons
- Not suitable for beginners.
- It might take some time to get used to this racket.
6. Victor Jet Speed S 2SP
Victor Jetspeed S 2SP racket is Victor’s high-end racket series, designed for those players who love extended defensive play but still want to have powerful smashes.
This racket weighs between 85 and 89 grams, making it lightweight. In addition, it is a moderately stiff racket, which makes it easy to use and handle. It also provides a good rotation between attack and defence.
Rather than this, the Victor Jetspeed S 2SP racket has a unique and eye-catching design, making it a prime choice for an intermediate-level racket.
Technologies and special features
Victor has manufactured a Jet Speed S 2 SP racket with these features indulged in it:
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Nano-Tec
This fantastic technology helps to distribute the nano-sized particles in the vacant space between carbon fibre bundles, which increases the stiffness of carbon fibre particles and prevents the racket frame from twisting.
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Advanced grommet system
Victor Jet Speed S 2SP holds 76 single-passed grommet holes, which creates less friction among the strings. Also, it helps in reducing tension loss and extending strings life.
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Aero-Sword
This technology combines two popular frame structures: Aerodynamic and Sword, which helps reduce air resistance and allows you to perform fast strokes.
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Pyrofil and hard-cored technology
Victor Jet Speed S 2SP is manufactured using multi-layered pyrofil carbon fibres and composites, which offer excellent shock absorption and game handling.
Who should buy it?
Suppose you are an intermediate-level player looking for a headlight and a balanced racket to play accurate and perfect strokes with easy handling. In that case, I recommend you choose and opt for this specific racket.
Pros
- It is a sturdy and repulsive racket.
- Best for intermediate-level players.
- It offers the best handling to the players.
- This racket holds a 76 single-pass grommet system.
- It can bear high string tension of up to 30 lbs.
Cons
- Not suitable for professional-level players.
7. Yonex Nanoray 7000i
The frame and shaft of Nanoray 7000i comprise graphite and aluminium, allowing you to perform fast racket swings, powerful strokes, and quick repulsion.
It is an even-balanced racquet specially designed for beginners and intermediate players. Nanoray 7000i weighs about 80 grams, which makes it a lightweight racket.
Talking about its specifications, then let me inform you that the frame of Nanoray 7000i is designed using an Aero-type cross-section, which helps in reducing air resistance and results in better racket handling.
It also holds an isometric head shape, designed to offer a similar length of the vertical string as a horizontal string.
Technologies and special features
Yonex has manufactured a Nanoray 7000i racket with these features indulged in it:
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Built-in T-joint
Yonex Nanoray 7000i is built in T-Joint, which helps increase the shuttle’s stability on the strings, maximizing power and control.
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Box frame
A box-frame design has an ultra-stiff profile that increases racket strength and provides a solid feel to the players while hitting the shuttlecock.
Who should buy it?
Yonex Nanoray 7000i suits beginners and intermediate badminton players who love to perform hard drive shots and smashes. This racket is even-balanced, making it easy to handle and use.
Pros
- Budget-friendly.
- Easy to use and handle.
- Even-balanced racket.
- This racket is available in different colour variants, like blue and red.
- It holds an isometric head shape, which generates a more prominent sweet spot.
Cons
- Not suitable for professional-level players.
8. Victor Arrow Power 80
Victor Arrow Power 80 is manufactured using high-modulus graphite, is slightly stiffer, and provides excellent control and flexibility while hitting the shuttle.
This racket holds a fantastic and latest aerodynamic frame shape (Sword designed frame), which reduces air resistance and provides better swing speed.
And the best thing about this racket is that a player can highly string it according to his gameplay up to 33 lbs.
Rather than this, it is developed with some advanced technologies like Nano-tec, inner waves, and shock absorption, which you will get to know below:
Technologies and special features
Victor has manufactured an Arrow Power 80 racket with these features indulged in it:
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Inner Waves
Inner wave technology help in lengthening the strings with a 5% extended sweet spot and provides extra maneuverability and face stability to the racket.
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Nano-tec technology
The Nano-tec technology helps to evenly distribute the nano-sized particles in the vacant space between carbon fibre bundles, which highly increases the carbon composite fibres and reduces the frame’s twisting and breakage.
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Shock absorbing
Some unique and high resilience shock absorbing materials are located at 3 and 9 o’clock, allowing maximum shock absorption.
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Sword designed frame
Sword technology designs the frame of this racket in a diamond shape, which gives perfect aerodynamics to rackets and cuts through the air like a sword. Also, it reduces air resistance and improves racket speed.
Who should buy it?
If you have an aggressive, attacking gameplay style and are looking for a stiff-frame racket, then Victor Arrow Power 80 is one of the ideal choices.
Pros
- Budget-friendly.
- Repulsive racket.
- Easy to handle and maneuver.
- It provides maximum power to your shots.
- Best for intermediate and advanced players.
- This racket can bear high string tension, about 33 lbs.
Cons
- This racket is not suitable for beginners and new badminton players.
9. Li-Ning G Force Superlite Max 9
If you want to perform some powerful and unreturnable smashes without compromising the stability and durability of the racket, then Li-Ning G-Force Superlite Max 9 is a perfect match for you.
This racket is made of carbon fibre, making it strong and long-lasting. On the other hand, it weighs about 80 grams, which makes it a lightweight racket.
Rather than this, it is developed for beginners and intermediate players with aggressive gameplay. It is equipped with the latest Li Ning technologies like Dynamic-Optimum Frame, Aerotec Beam System, and High Tensile Slim Shaft, which makes it an absolute giant slayer.
Technologies and special features
Li-Ning has manufactured a G-Force Superlite Max 9 with these features indulged in it:
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Dynamic optimum frame
The dynamic optimum frame offers the players an enlarged sweet spot area, and the hitting point is moved higher. It also improves the mechanical racket structure for a more efficient attack and defence system.
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Aerotec beam system
The Aerotec Beam System is an extra aerodynamic frame structure specially engineered to minimize air resistance while maintaining the frame’s strength. With better aerodynamics, players will get the ability to hit rapid drive shots.
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High tension capability
This racket is made of carbon fiber and can take 30-32 lbs of tension, enabling the player to maximize the racket frame strength and propulsion.
Who should buy it?
Players looking for a head-heavy balance type racket for more power in their smashes should buy this racket as its lightweight frame construction allows fast racket handling and superior gameplay.
Pros
- Lightweight racket.
- Affordable and long-lasting.
- It holds a high tensile slim shaft.
- It holds a high-tension capability.
- Best for intermediates and beginners.
- It provides incredible power and repulsion.
Cons
- Not suitable for advanced and professional badminton players.
10. Yonex Nanoray 70 Light
Yonex Nanoray 70 Light is one of the Rudy Hartono Signature series rackets manufactured using graphite and indulged with the latest technologies. It helps in delivering fast handling and high repulsion.
Talking about its design and shape, let me inform you that it holds an aero+box dynamic frame which helps minimize the air resistance and allows faster airflow across the curved surface while swinging the racket. It results in transferring more power and speed to the hits.
Also, it is a headlight racket and can bear string tension up to 30 lbs, which makes it an ideal choice for intermediates and advanced players.
Rather than this, Nanoray 70 Light is a budget-friendly racket, which is readily available in the market in the black colour variant.
And in case you have a fixed budget and are looking for affordable rackets, check out these rackets under 3000.
Technologies and special features
Yonex has manufactured a Nanoray 70 Light 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-centre shots with more power.
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Aero+box frame
The aero-box frame aerodynamically contoured the racket and combines a solid hitting feel. It helps to 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 with more accuracy.
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Nanocell neo
Nano cell neo is a flexible graphite material, which increases the stability and flexibility of the racket.
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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-centre shots for a better transfer of power and control.
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Nanomesh+Carbon Nanotube
The shaft and the frame of the Nanoray series are made using some exclusive structural material like nanomesh and carbon nanotube that helps increase the repulsion power, toughness, and impact strength within the racquet.
Who should buy it?
Nanoray 70 Light is a fast and repulsive racket, best for those singles badminton players who play with extreme speed and power.
Pros
- Long-lasting and affordable.
- Repulsive and sturdy racket.
- It holds an isometric head shape.
- Extremely lightweight racket.
- Best for intermediates and advanced players.
Cons
- Nanoray 70 light is not suitable for beginners and new players.
Final Words
These were some of the top rackets specially designed for singles badminton players. Also, these rackets are budget-friendly and readily available 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 Victor.
So, what are you waiting for? Hurry up! Choose one of the best rackets from the list for yourself or your loved ones, and get to playing right away.