A racket is the most important part of badminton. That’s why professional players carefully evaluate their playing style and choose the racket that fits their criteria. Some focus on more power while others require a more flexible racket.
All the professional players definitely follow this checklist:
- Material
- Weight
- Shape
- Balance
- String Material
- String Tension
- Grip
They choose a racket that’s best suited for their playing style, and you should, too. Because a different racket can change the entire way you swing and hit.
In this article, we will see which badminton rackets professionals use. We will thoroughly discuss each racket and try to understand why a racket works for a specific player. Let’s dive in.
Yonex Astrox 88 D Pro
Used By: Soh Wooi Yik (Malaysia)
Perfect for: Back-court attacks
Specifications:
| Specs | Details |
| Frame Material | HM Graphite, CFR, Tungsten |
| Shaft | HM Graphite, 2G-Namd FLEX FORCE, Ultra PE Fiber |
| Joint | Built-in T-Joint |
| Flexibility | Stiff |
| Shape | Isometric |
| Color(s) | Black / Silver |
| Weight / Grip | 4U: (Avg. 83g) G5, 6 3U: (Avg. 88g) G4, 5, 6 |
| String Tension | 4U: 20 – 28 lbs 3U: 21 – 29 lbs |
Description:
- Combination frame: This racket uses a combination of Aero and Box frames so the player gets faster swing speeds plus a solid feel in the hand.
- Equal weight distribution: The weight of this racket is equally distributed between the grip end, frame top, and joint. So you can easily switch between different shots.
- Added weight on the sides: Weight distribution is added on the sides of the racket. This results in maximum power during a smash. It also makes the racket perfect for backcourt attack.
- Lightweight fibers: The racket’s shaft is made from Ultra PE fiber that is very lightweight. It can withstand great force while absorbing vibrations or any shock.
- Tungsten-infused nylon bumper: Attached to the racket to enforce more power into the shuttlecock.
Yonex Astrox 99 Pro
Used By: Kento Momota (Japan)
Perfect for: Powerful strokes
Specifications:
| Specs | Details |
| Frame Material | HM Graphite, Namd, VOLUME CUT RESIN, Tungsten |
| Shaft | HM Graphite, Namd |
| Joint | Built-in T-Joint |
| Flexibility | Stiff |
| Shape | Isometric |
| Color(s) | White Tiger, Cherry Sunburst |
| Weight / Grip | 4U (Avg.83g) G5, 6 3U (Avg.88g) G4, 5, 6 |
| String Tension | 4U: 20 – 28 lbs 3U: 21 – 29 lbs |
Description:
- Recommended Strings: For control players, use Yonex AEROBITE strings and for hard hitters, use Yonex BG66 FORCE.
- Advanced Material: This racket uses a new dimension graphite material called Namd. It gives a faster snapback and produces more flexibility.
- Dual Dynamic Design: The forehand side of the racket uses a Box frame. This increases the shuttle hold by 3%. Meanwhile, the backhand side of the racket uses an Aero frame. This increases the repulsion speed by 9%. Thus, the forehand side gives better shuttle hold and high power, and the backhand side gives high stiffness and quick repulsion.
- Solid Feel Core: The core of the racket cuts the vibration and reduces it from traveling down the shaft. This brings more comfort while holding it.
- Extra Slim Shaft: This racket has the thinnest and strongest shaft ever produced by Yonex.
Yonex Astrox 100ZZ
Used By: Viktor Axelsen (Denmark), Akane Yamaguchi (Japan), Li Shi Feng (China), Chen Qing Chen (China), Takuro Hoki (Japan)
Perfect for: Advanced players who need more power in their shots
Specifications:
| Specs | Details |
| Frame Material | HM Graphite, Namd, Tungsten, Black Micro Core, Nanometric |
| Shaft | HM Graphite, Namd |
| Joint | Built-in T-Joint |
| Flexibility | Extra Stiff |
| Shape | Isometric |
| Color(s) | Kurenai, Dark Navy |
| Weight / Grip | 4U (Avg.83g) G5, 6 3U (Avg.88g) G4, 5, 6 |
| String Tension | 4U: 20 – 28 lbs 3U: 21 – 29 lbs |
Description:
- Recommended String: For control players, use AEROBITE BOOST strings and for hard hitters, use BG66 FORCE strings.
- Manometric material: This racket uses manometric material made using the nanoalloy technology. This makes the cross-section of the shaft approximately 60% thinner than a conventional Yonex racket.
- Increased Swing Speed: Because of the nanometric material, advanced players can experience an increase in swing speed of approximately 30 km/hr.
- Hyper Slim Shaft: This racket has a hyper-slim shaft. This enables the player to slice through the air and generate speedy power.
- Energy Boost Cap Plus: This racket uses a unique cap shape that prevents the shaft from twisting and gives an energy boost.
- Black Micro Core: The upper half of the frame uses a high-density vibration-dampening material. Because of this, a player can hit a shuttlecock with more power.
Victor Auraspeed ARS-90 K II
Used By: Anders Antonsen (Denmark)
Perfect for: Offense for advanced players
Specifications:
| Specs | Details |
| Frame Material | High Resilience Modulus Graphite and Nano Fortify TR |
| Shaft | High Resilience Modulus Graphite and PYROFIL |
| Flexibility | Less Stiff |
| Shape | Isometric |
| Color(s) | Blue |
| Weight / Grip | 4U / G5 |
| String Tension | 4U ≦30 lbs |
Description:
- WES 2.0 Technology: This technology allows the racket to gain more speed during attack and superior recovery.
- Anti-Torsion System: The Anti-Torsion System prevents twisting of the racket and allows precise control in fast-paced games.
- Designed for power shots: The design of this racket is perfect for delivering powerful smashes and drives. You can hit the shuttlecock at sharp, downward angles with ease.
- Clever graffiti elements: The entire racket is decorated with lightning motifs and graffiti elements. This doesn’t contribute to the performance of the racket but gives it a unique look.
Victor Thruster K RYUGA II
Used By: Lee Zii Jia (Malaysia)
Perfect for: To achieve a balance between power and comfort
Specifications:
| Specs | Details |
| Frame Material | High Resilience Modulus Graphite |
| Shaft | High Resilience Modulus Graphite + PYROFIL |
| Flexibility | Stiff |
| Shape | Isometric |
| Color(s) | Black and Violet |
| Weight / Grip | 4U/G5, 3U/G5 |
| String Tension | 4U: ≦31 lbs |
Description:
- Explosive Power: This racket can generate explosive power because of this free core shaft technology. So, it’s perfect to hit smashes and drives.
- Precise Maneuverability: You can execute each shot with precision and finesse because this racket is crafted specially to achieve precision in shots.
- Stability during rallies: You will experience high stability of the racket during uninterrupted matches. The chances of shock and vibrations are minimal.
- Balanced: It’s a perfect racket if you are looking for a good balance between ease of use, power, and comfort.
- Premium material: Special HME material is used to construct the racket. This gives it more strength and stiffness.
Yonex Nanoflare 1000 Z
Used By: Carolina Marin (Spain)
Perfect for: Accelerated shots with high speed and power. Best for offense.
Specifications:
| Specs | Details |
| Frame Material | HM Graphite, NANOMETRIC DR, M40X, EX-HYPER MG |
| Shaft | HM Graphite, Ultra PE fiber |
| Joint | Built-in T-Joint |
| Flexibility | Extra Stiff |
| Shape | Isometric |
| Color(s) | Lightning Yellow |
| Weight / Grip | 4U (Avg. 83g) G5, 6 3U (Avg. 88g) G4, 5, 6 |
| String Tension | 4U: 20 – 28 lbs 3U: 21 – 29 lbs |
Description:
- String Recommendation: For control players, use AEROBITE strings and for hard hitters, use EXBOLT65 strings.
- Maximum repulsion: This racket is made from an enhanced graphite based on nanoscience technology. This material enables a firm hold on the shuttlecock and creates maximum repulsion.
- Aero Frame: For faster swing speeds and increased maneuverability, this racket is made using an Aero frame. It cuts air resistance and enables swift movements.
- Faster Swing: Because of the compact frame of this racket, a player can achieve a faster swing. They will also feel reduced air resistance and have an improved feeling with the shuttlecock.
- Strong Material: For this racket, Yonex uses a highly strong but elastic carbon fiber.
- Maximum Acceleration: A high-modulus graphite material is strategically placed across the bottom of the frame of this racket. This provides excellent power and stability so that your shuttlecock can achieve maximum acceleration.
- Speed-Assist Bumper: A connected grommet is created at the bottom of the frame to amplify shuttle repulsion. A high-strength titanate material is used to reinforce the frame and limit deformation. This usually generates a higher initial launch speed.
Victor Thruster F C
Used By: Tai Tzu-Ying (Taiwan)
Perfect for: Smooth handling experience with less power but more precision.
Specifications:
| Specs | Details |
| Frame Material | High Resilience Modulus Graphite, Nano Fortify TR, HARD CORED TECHNOLOGY |
| Shaft | High Resilience Modulus Graphite and PYROFIL |
| Flexibility | Stiff |
| Shape | Isometric |
| Color(s) | White |
| Weight / Grip | 4U / G5 |
| String Tension | 4U: ≤ 31lbs |
Description:
- Excellent Shock Absorption: The racket uses PYROFIL carbon fiber and its composites. This material gives excellent shock absorption and enables enhanced handling.
- Multi-Layered Structure: The racket is built with a multi-layer carbon fiber material. So, it creates reinforced material without compromising the size of the racket.
- Elasticity and Impact Resistance: The use of special material upgrades the elasticity and impact resistance of the racket. It also provides greater repulsion and enables smooth shots.
- Advanced Racket Handling: You can expect excellent performance from this racket. Because of the upgrades, you will have an advanced racket handling experience.
- Anti-Torsion Shaft: The racket’s shaft is designed with anti-torsion technology so the racket doesn’t twist during power shots.
- Free Core: The free core of this racket is designed using nano-nylon materials. It gives you more freedom, smoother swings, and greater comfort.
- Badminton Pro Players Signature Racket: This racket is supported by Tai Tzu-Ying, a great Taiwanese badminton player. Her signature and tattoo with the words ‘相信自己’ (Meaning: Believe in Yourself) is printed on the racket.
Li Ning N55 II
Used By: Zhou Haodong (China), Wang Xin (China), Chen Jin (China)
Perfect for: More flexibility for professional players
Specifications:
| Specs | Details |
| Frame Material | Military Grade Carbon Fiber |
| Shaft | Military Grade Carbon Fiber |
| Flexibility | Medium |
| Shape | Isometric |
| Color(s) | White / Red |
| Weight / Grip | 3U (85-89) / G2 |
| String Tension | 3U: 21 – 29 lbs |
Description:
- Medium Flexibility: If you are looking for a bit of flexibility while wanting some power in your shots, this is the perfect racket for you.
- Aerotec Beam System: The use of the Aerotec Beam System in the construction of this racket has given it a dynamic optimum frame. Thus, you can be assured of high performance in advanced games.
- Carbon Fiber Body: The entire body of the racket is made of carbon fiber, which is perfect for flexibility and strength.
- Heavy Head: Unlike most rackets covered in this article, this one has a heavy head. The weight of the racket is mostly concentrated in the head part, while the shaft is lighter. The shaft is stiff but offers some level of flexibility.
Yonex Arcsaber 11 Pro
Used By: Tan Qiang (China), Aaron Chia (Malaysia)
Perfect for: To experience extra comfort along with quick recovery
Specifications:
| Specs | Details |
| Frame Material | HM Graphite, POCKETING BOOSTER |
| Shaft | HM Graphite, SUPER HMG, ULTRA PE FIBER |
| Joint | Built-in T-Joint, T-ANCHOR |
| Flexibility | Stiff |
| Shape | Isometric |
| Color(s) | Grayish Pearl |
| Weight / Grip | 4U (Avg. 83g) G5, 6 3U (Avg. 88g) G4, 5, 6 |
| String Tension | 4U: 19 – 27 lbs 3U: 20 – 28 lbs |
Description:
- Solid Feel Core: The solid core of the shaft controls the vibrations that travel down the shaft. Due to this, the player doesn’t experience much shock from the impact. They can comfortably hold the racket without worrying about vibrations.
- Reduced Torque: This racquet has a unique T Anchor that’s present in very few Yonex rackets. This anchor reduces the total torque of the racket. This translates to increased stiffness. Thus, you can have quicker racket recovery for the next shot.
- Ultra-Elastic Material: The racket is made from Super High Modulus Graphite (HMG). It is an Ultra-Elastic material that helps deliver more power in every shot.
- Box Frame: Unlike most Yonex rackets that use dual frames, this one uses a box frame. This gives the racket an extra stiff profile. Because of that, you can expect a solid and stable feel on impact with the shuttlecock.
- Pocketing Booster: A rubber-like material is used in the frame to boost the elasticity in the frame’s flex.
Yonex Astrox 88S Pro
Used By: He Jiting (China), Baek Ha Na (Korea)
Perfect for: Front-court attacks
Specifications:
| Specs | Details |
| Frame Material | HM Graphite, CFR, Tungsten |
| Shaft | HM Graphite, 2G-Namd FLEX FORCE, Ultra PlongerE Fiber |
| Joint | Built-in T-Joint |
| Flexibility | Stiff |
| Shape | Isometric |
| Color(s) | Silver / Black, Emerald Blue |
| Weight / Grip | 4U (Avg. 83g) G5,6 3U (Avg. 88g) G4,5,6 |
| String Tension | 4U: 20 – 28 lbs 3U: 21 – 29 lbs |
Description:
- Larger Sweet Spot: This racket has a larger sweet spot, which allows you to hit the shuttlecock with more precision. This also makes it well-suited for beginners who don’t have that much control over the racket.
- 2G-NamdTM Flex Force: The innovative graphite 2G-NamdTM Flex Force design of the shaft gives it quick flex and snapback.
- Better Power: The Namd technology allows the player to put better power into each shot.
- Absorbs unwanted shock: The shaft of this racket is made with ultra-PE fiber. These fibers absorb unwanted shock by dampening the vibrations.
- Super Slim Shaft: The shaft is super slim, which makes the impact of air resistance less than that of thicker shafts. So the player can make fast movements.
Final Thoughts
By examining the rackets used by pro players, you gain insight into the qualities that a racket must have. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced player looking to upgrade, understanding the preferences of professional athletes can guide you. You can select a racket that matches your playing style and goals. Keep in mind that the best racket for you is ultimately the one that feels right in your hands. It must empower you to play your best game.
If you are still confused about which racket is right for you or you want to look for a cheaper alternative to a racket you liked, feel free to connect with me. I’ll do my best to guide you to select the right badminton racket for you.
