Affordable Rackets That Deliver Performance on the Court!
Have you just started college and found a passion for badminton, but you’re unsure which racket to choose? You’ve come to the right place! In this article, we’ll walk you through some of the best badminton rackets for casual play, especially suited for indoor badminton courts.
As the saying goes, “Every professional was once a beginner.” I started with these very rackets and still use them for casual gameplay, whether it’s outdoors or just for fun. The rackets I’m recommending here are ones I’ve personally used or have solid firsthand experience with.
Without further ado, let’s jump right in!
Also, read Best badminton shoes for college students
1. Yonex GR 303i
- Skill Level: Beginner
- Frame Material: Aluminium
- Shaft Material: Aluminium
- Item Weight: 83 Grams
The Yonex GR 303i is your go-to racket if you’re new to the game and have no experience on an indoor court. It’s budget-friendly and offers solid durability. By the time this racket wears out, you’ll have gained enough skill to upgrade to a racket with an inbuilt T-joint.
For beginners, external T-joint rackets are common, though they’re more prone to breaking at the joint over time. Once you move up in price, inbuilt T-joints become standard for better durability.
Here’s the link to the Yonex GR 303i.
2. Yonex Nanoray Light 18i
- Skill Level: Intermediate
- Frame Material: Graphite
- Shaft Material: Graphite
- Item Weight: 77 Grams
If you’re looking for a one-time investment that will last throughout your college years—and beyond—the Yonex Nanoray Light 18i is perfect. It strikes a fantastic balance between control and power, and with its lightweight and durable build, it’s an excellent choice for anyone looking to take their game seriously without worrying about their racket breaking.
Here’s the link to the Yonex Nanoray 18i.
3. Yonex Astrox Lite 27i
- Skill Level: Intermediate
- Frame Material: Graphite
- Shaft Material: Graphite
- Item Weight: 77 Grams
While similar in specs to the Nanoray, the Yonex Astrox Lite 27i belongs to the Astrox series, which is designed for more attack-oriented play. If you’re looking to improve your smashes and add more power to your game, the Astrox Lite 27i is an excellent choice. It offers similar durability as the Nanoray 18i but with a more aggressive edge.
Here’s the link to the Yonex Astrox Lite 27i.
4. Hundred Carbon Fibre Energy Burst 18
- Material: Carbon Fibre
- Frame Material: Carbon Fiber
- Shaft Material: Graphite
- Item Weight: 77 Grams
Hundred have been gaining popularity for offering well-rounded rackets at affordable prices. The Hundred Carbon Fibre Energy Burst 18 is an excellent option if you’re looking for quality on a budget. It’s durable, lightweight, and gives great performance for casual play.
Here’s the link to the Hundred Carbon Fibre Energy Burst 18.
5. Hundred PowerTek 1000 Pro
- Material: Graphite
- Skill Level: Intermediate
- Frame Material: Aluminium
- Shaft Material: Graphite
- Item Weight: 95 Grams
If you’re on a tight budget but still want a durable racket, the Hundred PowerTek 1000 Pro is the most cost-effective option. Unlike cheaper rackets with external T-joints that tend to break quickly, this racket has an inbuilt T-joint, ensuring it lasts much longer. It’s a solid choice for casual college play.
Here’s the link to the Hundred PowerTek 1000 Pro.
That’s all for today! Feel free to ask if you have any questions, and be sure to check out our guide on Budget-Friendly Badminton Shoes for College Students to complete your setup.