Badminton is a popular sport in India. From spending afternoons playing badminton in the colonies to engaging in competitive matches at the local sports club, badminton is one of India's favourite pastimes. And, that is why you will find an array of badminton racket brands catering to the requirements of Indians. With the advent of online badminton stores, you can shop for a professional racket or choose an inexpensive one for casual play on a budget.
Do you plan to buy your next racket? Let's delve into this comprehensive guide shedding light on India's most popular badminton racket brands. Whether you're a beginner taking your first steps or a seasoned player seeking an upgrade, join us as we explore the top contenders vying for a place in your racket bag.
1. Yonex
(Far Beyond Ordinary)
Website: https://www.yonex.com/
Yonex is synonymous with badminton globally and it is not different in India. It is arguably the most popular and prestigious badminton brand in the country. Its flagship series includes the Astrox series for aggressive players, the Nanoflare for speed players, and the Arcsaber for control players. Its rackets feature advanced technologies such as Rotational Generator System, Solid Feel Core, Slim Shaft, Super HMG, Pocketing Booster, Power Bumper, etc.
The Japanese company offers a wide range of high-performance rackets for players of all levels. Yonex has recently introduced different variants of each racket model to address the needs of players with different playing levels and budgets. For example, the Play and Game versions of Yonex rackets are catered to beginners, casual players, and intermediate-level players. On the other hand, Pro and Tour models complement advanced players.
Indian shuttlers like Lakshya Sen, Satwiksairaj Rankireddy, and Chirag Shetty use Yonex. Find a list of the top-rated Yonex badminton rackets here.
Yonex Astrox 100 ZZ
Astrox 100 ZZ Specifications:
- Flex: Extra Stiff
- Balance: Head Heavy
- Play Level: Professional
- Weight / Grip: 4U (Avg 83g) / G5,6 - 3U (Avg 88g) G4,5,6
- Stringing Advice: 4U (20-28 lbs), 3U (21-29 lbs)
- Color: Kurenai, Dark Navy
Yonex Nanoflare 1000 Z
Nanoflare 1000 Z Specifications:
- Flex: Extra Stiff
- Balance: Even Balance/ Head Light
- Play Level: Professional
- Weight / Grip: 4U (Avg. 83g) G5,6 - 3U(Avg. 88g) G4,5,6
- Stringing Advice: 4U (20-28 lbs), 3U (19-29 lbs)
- Color: Lighting Yellow
Yonex Astrox 99 Pro
Astrox 99 Pro Specifications:
- Flex: Stiff
- Balance: Head Heavy
- Play Level: Advanced
- Weight / Grip: 4U (Avg 83g) / G5
- Stringing Advice: 4U: 20-28 lbs
- Color: White Tiger, Cherry Sunburst
Yonex Arcsaber 11 Pro
Arcsaber 11 Pro Specifications:
- Flex: Stiff
- Balance: Even Balanced
- Play Level: Advanced
- Weight / Grip: 4U (Avg. 83g) G5
- Stringing Advice: 4U: 19-27 lbs
- Color: Grayish Pearl
Yonex Arcsaber 7 Pro
Arcsaber 7 Pro Specifications:
- Flex: Medium
- Balance: Even Balance
- Play Level: Professional
- Weight / Grip: 4U (Avg. 83g) G5, 6
- Stringing Advice: 4U (19-27 lbs)
- Color: Gray/Yellow
2. Li-Ning
(Anything is Possible)
Website: https://in.lining.studio/
Li-Ning, a Chinese sports brand named after the famous gymnast, has gained a strong foothold in the Indian badminton market. The brand's rackets are known for their affordable pricing and high-quality construction, making them an attractive choice for many Indian players.
Their 3-D Caliber, G-Force, Air Force, and Windstorm racket series are quite popular among Indian players, offering versatile racket choices based on player levels, playing styles and budget. Made with ACC-Riftech, HDF technology, Slim Shaft, Stabilized Layout, TB Nano, Aerotec Beam System, Dynamic Optimum Frame, and other state-of-the-art technologies, Li-Ning is poised to become the most sought-after brand in India.
Li-Ning has sponsored several Indian badminton stars, including the legendary Saina Nehwal, Kidambi Srikanth and Pusarla V. Sindhu, further enhancing its brand recognition in the country.
3. Victor Sports
(Ready to Win)
Website: https://in.victorsport.com/
Victor is a renowned Taiwanese badminton brand that has made a mark in the price-conscious Indian market with its high-quality rackets. Its Thruster, BraveSword, and JetSpeed series are popular among Indian players for offering a combination of power, control, and maneuverability.
Victor rackets are favoured by many professional and top-level players in India due to their advanced technologies like WES 2.0, Power Ring, Shaft Recovery System, Nanofortify, Dynamic Sword, Tri-Formation, and Anti-Torsion. Their commitment to excellence, durability, and stability has earned them many loyal fans in the country.
Victor Sports sponsors Indian shuttlers H.S. Pranoy, Ashwini Ponnappa, and Vaishnavi Puneyani.
4. Apacs
(Aggressive, Power, Accurate, Control And Speed)
Website: https://apacssports.com.my/
Apacs is a Malaysian badminton brand that has earned popularity in India due to its affordable yet high-performance rackets. The brand offers a diverse range of rackets catering to the needs of entry, intermediate, and advanced players.
Its Lethal, Virtuoso, Ziggler, Blend Pro, Honor Pro, and Imperial Pro series are quite popular among advanced players. The company uses Hexagon Throat, Heavy Impact Frame, Power Delta Frame, Armor Delta Frame, Power Grommel System, etc. to create unique racket models.
One of the key factors contributing to Apacs' success in India is its focus on catering to the needs of recreational and club-level players. It also has more than 100 rackets dedicated to beginners and casual players, thus delivering excellent value for money for the Indian sub-continent.
5. Carlton Sports
(Specialist Badminton Brand)
Website: https://carltonsports.in/
Carlton is a British badminton brand recognised in India for its diverse range of rackets. It designs badminton equipment for players of professional and club levels. It boasts technological advancements such as High Repulsion Shaft, M24 Japanese Hi-Modulus Graphite, Xtreme Tension Frame, Pro V12 Grommets, Box Frame, Bi-Axial Dynamics, TCS Torsion Control System, etc. The brand has established a strong presence in the Indian market through the availability of pro-level rackets at affordable prices. For example, its Airblade pro rackets are available under ₹5000.
6. Ashaway
(String Maker Forays into Rackets)
Website: https://www.ashawayusa.com/
What started as a family business in 1824, Ashaway has become a leader in making racket strings today. It has also introduced high-performance badminton rackets to cater to its loyal audience. The brand's popular series include the Superlight, Phantom, Vex Striker, and NanoQube rackets designed to provide excellent control and power over your shots. The company uses Phantom Airflow System, 40T Carbon, Hex technology, Isometric Head shape, Qubatech, Hi-Modulus Graphite, etc. to make their racket perform better than competitors.
7. Babolat
(Fair Victory)
Website: https://www.babolat.com/
Babolat is a French sports brand primarily known for its tennis equipment. It also offers badminton and equipment with advanced technologies and premium construction, catering to the needs of intermediate-level, professional and elite-level players.
Its reputation for quality and innovation in the world of tennis has helped the brand gain a following among discerning Indian badminton players seeking top-tier equipment. Its Satellite and X Feel series are popular among Indian players for innovative technologies like Metrix Flex, Aero+, Slim T, Maneuvrability Optimizer, Carbon Slimplies, XP Aero Tubing Technology, etc.
8. Young
(Endless Possibilities)
Website: https://www.young-international.com/
Young is a badminton brand from the successful Malaysian company Ruby Glamour Sdn. Bhd. The brand focuses on nurturing the passion of the young by providing them with functional and affordable badminton gear. It categorises its rackets into Professional & Advanced, Entry-Level, and Beginner categories.
Young uses technologies like Japan-made 40T HM Graphite, Nano Power Graphite, Slim Shaft, Protrusion Power Frame, Power System, 3D Breakthrough Shield, 3D Breakthrough Frame, etc. to enhance the racket performance. By providing value-for-money products, Young has resonated well with the Indian audience, thus contributing to its success.
9. Cosco Sports
(Making India Fit)
Website: https://www.cosco.in/
Based in Gurugram, Haryana, Cosco is quickly becoming a one-stop solution for Indians seeking badminton gear and other sports equipment. The company offers a wide range of budget-friendly badminton rackets for beginners and casual players. The company also has a full-graphite frame racket under ₹3000 to allow more playing opportunities for Indians.
10. Decathlon
(Move People Through the Wonders of Sport)
Website: https://www.decathlon.in/
For recreational play, Decathlon offers a plethora of options in India. Ranging from ₹300 to ₹6000, the French sports conglomerate wants to tap the market of casual players and address their needs for a sturdy and affordable badminton racket. With wide availability across India, the brand is becoming a trusted name among sports enthusiasts.
11. Feroc
(The Name of Quality)
Website: https://www.ferocshoes.com/
Established in 2008, "Feroc International" is an emerging Indian sports brand that has gained recognition for its innovative and affordable gear. Feroc's rackets are known for their modern designs and budget-conscious price points, thus making them appealing to younger players.
12. Nivia
(Step Out and Play)
Website: https://www.niviasports.com/
Nivia is an Indian sports brand that has diversified into the badminton racket market. It was started in the 1960s by Vijay Kharabanda as a manufacturing facility for football, volleyball and basketball. While not exclusively focused on badminton, Nivia today offers a range of rackets designed for recreational and entry-level players. It is known for its accessibility and availability across India, making it attractive to badminton enthusiasts.
Find your Favourite Racket!
The Indian badminton market is highly competitive, with brands vying for your attention. From established global giants like Yonex and Li-Ning to homegrown brands like Cosco and Nivia, the choices available cater to diverse preferences and budgets. It goes on to show that there is a guarantee for players and badminton enthusiasts to have access to the tools necessary to reach their full potential on the court.