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Best Badminton Racquets for Beginners and Intermediate Players
Find the right fit—not just the biggest name.
By Western Badminton ·
The best racquet is the one you can swing comfortably and use consistently. Whether you are buying your first graphite racquet or moving beyond a starter setup, begin with how you play—not what a professional carries.
How we chose: this is a specification-based editorial shortlist, not a hands-on test or a ranking of the whole market. We compare four Yonex models with published manufacturer specifications. Other brands may suit you equally well. Specifications checked on 16 October 2026; confirm the exact version and Australian availability before buying.
Start with the player.
Our suggested starting point: compare an all-round option with one that matches the part of the game you enjoy most. A demo is more useful than a long list of marketing features.
Comfort first
Try clears, drives, defence and net shots—not just a few hard smashes.
Grip & handling
Hold the actual racquet with its playing grip. A comfortable handle matters.
The complete setup
Budget for strings, fitting and a grip alongside the frame.
Beginner: prioritise comfortable handling and consistent contact while learning. Intermediate: identify a specific reason to change—perhaps a different balance or shaft response—rather than upgrading because of the label.
Four options. Different priorities.
“Why consider it” is our interpretation of the published specifications, not a measured performance claim. Try the exact model before deciding.
Yonex ARCSABER 7 PLAY
- Balance
- Even
- Flex
- Hi-Flex
- Weight
- 4U · average 83 g
- Listed tension
- 19–27 lb
Why consider it: our first option to demo if you are learning doubles and have not settled on a particular playing style.
Think twice if: you already know you prefer a firmer shaft response.
Manufacturer specifications · 7 PLAY ↗Yonex ASTROX 77 PLAY
- Construction
- Graphite frame & shaft
- Flex
- Hi-Flex
- Weight
- 4U · average 83 g
- Listed tension
- 20–28 lb
Why consider it: a beginner-oriented alternative to compare with the ARCSABER, especially if the ASTROX family interests you.
Think twice if: you are buying it because you expect the same feel as the 77 PRO. The shared number does not make them the same racquet.
Manufacturer specifications · 77 PLAY ↗Yonex NANOFLARE 700 GAME
- Balance
- Head-light
- Flex
- Hi-Flex
- Weight
- 4U · average 83 g
- Listed tension
- 20–28 lb
Why consider it: a useful demo for developing or intermediate doubles players who want to explore head-light handling for exchanges and defence.
Think twice if: you prefer a firmer shaft. Check whether its flexible response suits your timing.
Manufacturer specifications · 700 GAME ↗Yonex ARCSABER 7 TOUR
- Balance
- Even
- Flex
- Medium
- Weight
- 4U · average 83 g
- Listed tension
- 19–27 lb
Why consider it: an intermediate option to demo when you want an even-balanced racquet with a less flexible shaft than the 7 PLAY.
Think twice if: your current racquet already suits you. A higher product tier is not a reason on its own to replace it.
Manufacturer specifications · 7 TOUR ↗Manufacturer figures describe the versions linked above, not a guarantee of ready-to-play weight. Strings and extra grips change the finished setup. Local versions and grip options may differ.
Try it. Price it. Then decide.
Use the same checklist for any brand or model.
- Compare like with like. Check the model suffix, weight class, grip size and whether stringing is included.
- Ask for the total in Australian dollars. Include strings, labour, grip and delivery. This guide does not quote live prices or promise local stock.
- Demo beyond the warm-up. If a loan is available, use your normal shuttles and play rallies. Notice whether handling still feels comfortable later in the session.
- Check the seller. Ask about authenticity, warranty support and returns before paying, particularly when buying overseas or second-hand.
- Keep your priorities clear. A suitable racquet plus regular practice is a better plan than buying a premium model and hoping it will fix every shot.
A few questions before checkout.
Which would you try first as a beginner?
From this shortlist, start by trying the ARCSABER 7 PLAY as the all-round reference. Compare the 77 PLAY if available, then choose on comfort and consistency. This is a starting suggestion, not a guarantee that either will suit you.
Do intermediate players need a PRO racquet?
No. Buy for a clear need and a response you enjoy. The 7 TOUR and 700 GAME provide different options to compare; neither is an automatic upgrade for every player.
Should women and men choose different racquets?
Choose by handling, grip fit, technique and preference—not gender. The same shortlist can be explored by any adult player. Children may need a different length or weight and should get individual fitting advice.
What if these models are not available locally?
Ask a reputable badminton retailer for comparable balance, flex and weight options within your budget. This is a focused Yonex shortlist, not an exhaustive comparison of Victor, Li-Ning and other manufacturers.
A transparent shortlist
Specifications come from the official product pages linked in each card. Suitability notes are editorial inferences, not hands-on ratings. Links go directly to manufacturer pages and contain no affiliate tracking. Advertising is labelled separately and is not a product recommendation.
The tournament photograph illustrates community badminton; it does not identify the racquet models used by the players.