Badminton rackets are made mainly from two materials – graphite and carbon fiber. I have already posted a blog on the best carbon fiber rackets. However, fiber rackets are a bit expensive. In terms of affordability, graphite rackets are the best.
So, in this blog, I will recommend the best graphite rackets I have encountered.
Who Will Benefit From Graphite Rackets?
Graphite rackets are well-known for their ability to deliver outstanding power in the shots. Plus, they are more lightweight than aluminum rackets. With the flexibility of graphite, thinner and stronger shafts are available.
Many modern graphite rackets have excellent shock absorption. You won’t feel the shivers when the racket makes contact with the shuttlecock.
Considering all this and more, the following types of players will benefit the most from graphite badminton rackets:
- Players with offensive playing styles.
- Ones who prefer more power in their shots.
- Players who prefer to have more control over their shots.
- Aggressive players who dominate rallies with powerful shots.
- Players who like a balance of power and control in their shots.
Best Graphite Badminton Rackets
The following are my recommendations for the best graphite rackets:
- Yonex Astrox 99 Play
- Victor DX-1L-A
- Yonex NanoFlare 1000 Play
- Yonex ArcSaber 11 Play
- Yonex Voltric Z-Force II
There are many others who could match the performance of these rackets in one way or another, but I have personally tried and tested these.
Most of the rackets are from Yonex. I have tried to include my best pick of Yonex graphite rackets from each of their series. So, you have a wide variety to choose from.
In the following sections, I will discuss all these rackets in detail so it’s easier for you to decide which graphite badminton racket is the best for you.
1. Yonex Astrox 99 Play
The 99 Paly is one of the top models from the Astrox series. This particular series is known for the head-heavy nature of its rackets.
It is perfect for intermediate and advanced players who seek enhanced control, maneuverability, and power on the court. Pair this racket with Aerobite strings from Yonex to achieve the best control.
| Specifications | Details |
| Brand | Yonex |
| Material | Graphite |
| Weight | 4U (Avg: 83g) |
| Grip Size | G5, 6 |
| Stringing Advice | 4U: 20 – 28 lbs |
| Balance | Head Heavy |
| Flexibility | Medium |
| Color(s) | White Tiger, Cherry Sunburst |
| Skill Level | Intermediate and Advanced Players |
Features of Yonex Astrox 99 Play
- Rotational Generator System: The principle of counterbalance weight distribution is applied to this racket. Weight is distributed between the grip end, joint, and frame top. This will give you maximum control and a smooth transition to the next shot.
- Power Assist Bumper: A tungsten-infused nylon bumper is attached to the racket to enforce increased power. The bumper configures the weight directed into the shuttlecock to enhance power.
- Enlarged Sweet Spot: The racket has an isometric frame as opposed to a traditional round frame, increasing the sweet spot by 7%.
2. Victor DX-1L-A
The Victor DriveX 1L A is the lightest racket in the DriveX series. It offers an excellent blend of flexibility and lightness.
It is suitable for all-rounder players who want a bit of control and speed in their shots. Intermediate players could get the best out of this racket as they are experienced enough to use it to suit different playing styles.
| Specifications | Details |
| Brand | Victor |
| Material | Graphite, Resin |
| Weight | 6U (Avg: 75 gram) |
| Grip Size | G5 |
| Stringing Advice | 5U: ≤24 lbs, 6U :≤23 lbs |
| Balance | Even Balanced |
| Flexibility | Flexible |
| Color(s) | White |
| Skill Level | Intermediate Players |
Features of Victor DX-1L-A
- Single-Pass Grommet Pattern: This creates little to no friction between the strings and thus helps maintain high string tension of up to 24 lbs for an extended period.
- Aero Hex Technology: Victor has added better airflow to traditional hexagonal frames with this technology. This gives better stability to the entire frame.
3. Yonex NanoFlare 1000 Play
Players more comfortable with a head-light badminton racket will love the Yonex NanoFlare 1000 Play. It’s especially well-liked amongst doubles players.
If you are looking for something lightweight, easy to maneuver, not too stiff and generates good power all in one racket, then this NanoFlare is your best bet.
| Specifications | Details |
| Brand | Yonex |
| Material | Graphite |
| Weight | 4U (Avg. 83g) |
| Grip Size | G5,6 |
| Stringing Advice | 4U: 20 – 28 lbs |
| Balance | Head Light |
| Flexibility | Medium |
| Color(s) | Lightning Yellow |
| Skill Level | Beginners and Intermediate Players |
Features of Yonex NanoFlare 1000 Play
- Sonic Flare System: High Modulus Graphite pieces are strategically placed at the bottom of the frame. These pieces ensure you get maximum stability for shuttle acceleration. Not to mention the increased power.
- Aero Frame: The racket’s aerodynamic design ensures it cuts through the air resistance. So, you get faster swings and better maneuverability.
- Slim Shaft: It has a very slim shaft, which also contributes to the reduced air resistance. Plus, with the slim design, you can generate power faster.
4. Yonex ArcSaber 11 Play
The ArcSaber 11 Play is designed for control players. Its special feature is shuttle pocketing which helps in controlled offense games.
Players of all skill levels can benefit from this racket as it has varying flexibility of the frame. The improved accuracy is a plus for beginners who haven’t yet mastered control.
| Specifications | Details |
| Brand | Yonex |
| Material | Graphite |
| Weight | 4U (Avg.83g) |
| Grip Size | G5, 6 |
| Stringing Advice | 4U: 19 – 27 lbs |
| Balance | Head Heavy |
| Flexibility | Medium |
| Color(s) | Grayish Pearl |
| Skill Level | All Players |
Features of Yonex ArcSaber 11 Play
- Box Frame: The box frame is stiffer than an aero frame. This extra stiff nature gives you a solid feel on impact with the shuttlecock.
- Control-Assist Bumper: This bumper contains two elements – T-Anchor and micro-sized tetrapods. All this, in combination, improves the accuracy of shots.
- Enhanced Frame Design: The racket frame has varying levels of flexibility. The top and bottom are stiff, and both sides have high flexibility. This reduces the twisting and instability of the racket in impact with the shuttlecock.
5. Yonex Voltric Z-Force II
The Yonex Voltric series was later replaced by the Astrox series. However, some players still prefer the old-school Voltric rackets for their head-heavy nature.
The Z-Force II is a top-of-the-line badminton racket from the Voltric series. It gives maximum energy transfer from the racket to the shuttlecock.
| Specifications | Details |
| Brand | Yonex |
| Material | HM Graphite, Tungsten, EX-HMG |
| Weight | 4U (Avg. 83g) |
| Grip Size | G4 |
| Stringing Advice | 4U: 20 – 27 lbs |
| Balance | Head Heavy |
| Flexibility | Extra Stiff |
| Color(s) | Black |
| Skill Level | Advanced Players |
Features of Yonex Voltric Z-Force II
- Nanometric Material: A nanometric material is used to make the shaft approximately 60% thinner than a conventional Yonex shaft. This reduced size boosts the swing speed by approximately 30 km/hr.
- Reduced Vibrations: It has a solid feel core that cuts vibrations. The vibrations don’t reach your hand and create a comfortable playing effect.
- Sound Filter: A new generation of materials is used at two and ten o’clock positions on the frame. They reduce any high-pitched and dull sound waves. So you won’t get distracted on the court.
Conclusion
Graphite badminton rackets are affordable for players from all backgrounds. So, they are highly preferred over carbon fiber rackets. Plus, the most excellent graphite rackets are from top brands such as Yonex and Victor. That definitely makes them a better fit.
While choosing a graphite racket make sure you check for comfort. The racket should basically feel like an extension of your arm. Always test the racket before finalizing. So, you know how exactly it feels and performs.
FAQs
Which racket is better, carbon fiber or graphite?
Both types of rackets are equally good as both have their own set of benefits. Carbon fiber rackets are more durable but expensive. On the other hand, graphite rackets are versatile and cheap.
Is graphite stronger than carbon fiber?
No, graphite is not stronger than carbon fiber, but it has many benefits over fiber in badminton rackets. It gives more control and accuracy to the players.
How to find the perfect graphite badminton racket for professional players?
To find the perfect graphite racket for a professional player, look for the following points:
– Perfect grip size
– Suitable stringing capacity
– Weight
– Shaft length
– Flexibility of the frame
– Control on power and accuracy of shots
