I recently felt like my elbow was struggling to swing my heavier racket, so I finally allowed myself to get a new one as having a problem-free elbow is priceless.
Getting the best badminton racket for intermediate players is not exactly a breeze, though.
It’s nearly impossible to play-test a racket before buying it unless we are lucky enough to find a friend with that exact model who is willing to lend it to us. If not, we’re buying blindly and hoping for the best.
Sure, online reviews like these can be useful but they do a better job of creating a shortlist to dive deeper with than helping us settle on the perfect racket.
After my own frustration with this experience as a player, I dream of opening test centers worldwide so every badminton player can try out rackets before buying them… but that’ll stay a dream for now (if you’re interested, please leave a comment or send me an email).
Just like it’s extra tricky for us intermediate players to find the right match-up with opponents that aren’t too advanced or inexperienced, we have the same problem when it comes to finding the perfect racket.
If you’re a pro or a beginner there are certain ranges that just don’t fit for whatever reason. At the intermediate level, it’s murkier…
At the upper-intermediate level, we tend to be more focused and aware of our playing style and preferences. But at the lower intermediate and mid-intermediate levels, we might not be too confident in our playing style, strengths, and weaknesses just yet.
If that’s you, you’ll likely benefit from a racket that helps with many facets of the game and is playable on off-days when you aren’t bringing your A-game. If you play doubles, like many other casual players in this category, you’ll need to cover both the front-court, rear-court and be able to play a variety of shots reasonably well.
Middle of the road-rackets fit this description the best as they sacrifice some raw smash power or speed in exchange for a more balanced game overall. Choosing that style of racket removes most choices and allows you to focus on just two things: how flexible you prefer your racket to be and what your budget is.
There are general rules of thumb when it comes to flexibility but it comes down to your preference as each brand does it slightly differently. It can be a clue that your racket is too flexible if you mistime easy shots you normally wouldn’t when you’re not under pressure.
In this mini-guide, I’ve broken the intermediate player category up into lower, mid, and upper-intermediate. In the first two, I’ll be looking at all-around styled rackets whereas in the last category, I’ll be diving deeper into two subcategories: power and speed.
If you know you’d like a particular type of racket such as a head heavy one, have a look at the upper-intermediate category but be mindful of rackets that are too stiff, as you might struggle to get everything you want out of them.
I figure you’ll prefer to see some of the best badminton rackets for intermediate players right away, so let’s dive right in rather than cover the methodology first. Towards the end of this article, I’ll share pointers on how to judge if you’re an intermediate badminton player and how I selected these rackets.
Instead of a long list with tens of options, I’ve selected seven rackets worth considering but I don’t earn anything if you buy them — this is an unbiased review.
Sounds good?
Let’s look at an overview of the rackets next.
The best badminton racket for intermediate players – 7 thrilling contenders
- Yonex Arcsaber 11 Play – best for low-intermediate players
- Yonex Astrox 77 Play – second best for low-intermediate players
- Victor Thruster F Enhanced Edition – best for mid-intermediate players
- Yonex Astrox 100 Game – best power racket for upper-intermediate players
- Yonex Astrox 88D Game – second best power racket for upper-intermediate players
- Yonex Nanoflare 700 – best speed racket for upper-intermediate players
- Victor Auraspeed 90S – second best speed racket for upper-intermediate players
Intermediate badminton rackets by playing style
I’ve put together a racket matrix estimating how the rackets compare to each other based on power and control. You’ll be able to find the details in the methodology section at the bottom of this guide.
Here’s how different intermediate-level playing styles add up on the racket matrix.
Here are the rackets mapped out on the matrix. It’s difficult to get 100% accurate, especially when comparing different brands, so take this with a grain of salt.
The best badminton rackets for intermediate players
1. Yonex Arcsaber 11 Play – best for low-intermediate players
The Arcsaber 11 Play from Yonex is a good option for anyone who doesn’t have a pronounced playing style.
You might think that sounds bland. However, it’s an evenly balanced racket that is reported to be a relying weapon when you fight out close and tense net battles, while still being able to swing enough attacking power to put pressure on your opponent.
Its versatile balance point means that you can consider it for both singles or doubles matches.
It falls right in the middle on the flexibility scale and offers good accuracy in your shots while lower intermediate players will still be able to generate fast shuttles even if they don’t have the sharpest technique and stroking power.
It also features a square/isometric head shape. Not because one of the engineers shat the bed, or because they let everyone in the design department run wild.
Many newer badminton rackets have started leaning towards this design over the round/egg shape, as it provides a larger “sweet-spot” area which means you’ll have a little extra help in hitting the shuttle right where it hurts.
Reviews
2. Yonex Astrox 77 Play – second best for low-intermediate players
Another good option is the Astrox 77 Play, which is a strong middle of the road-racket with just a pinch of head heaviness to it.
If you come from a very head heavy racket, you might find that you have to work a little harder with your raw power smashes but less in all other aspects of the game. Clears and quick “wrist” smashes are effortless though.
If I had to guess how often each type of shot were played in intermediate games in general, I’d bet that this would be to your advantage.
The balance with head heaviness makes drop shots and blocks or softer shots from the mid-court to the net, easy to control. The same goes for drives and quick interceptions.
The biggest downside to this racket is that it’s on the flexible side (meaning extra assist with power if you haven’t practiced generating it with your technique but in exchange for control), which some lower intermediate players will be moving away from. If that’s you, consider the Tour or Pro edition of this racket or the next one I’ll suggest below.
Reviews
3. Victor Thruster F Enhanced Edition – best for mid-intermediate players
Next, let’s look at the best badminton racket for intermediate players who aren’t lower intermediate or upper intermediate but somewhere right in the middle.
We can all have an off-day or struggle with consistency, so we might fall into any of those three subcategories on a given day, so take this with a pinch of salt as it isn’t that clear cut.
Because of that, the new Astrox 77 Play and the Arcsaber 11 Play can also be great rackets for you, so don’t discard them just because they were mentioned under the lower-intermediate category.
Either way, I’d like to add one racket to your consideration if you fall into this player category: the Victor Thruster F Enhanced Edition.
It’s a popular racket that I haven’t even been able to get my hands on, at the time of writing this, because it’s been sold out at all the stores I’ve contacted.
Players report that this racket is as well-balanced between power, precision as speed as its weight balance point is between the handle and the head: right in the middle.
I understand that clears are effortless, drives are fast and it’ll be a trusted help in any aspect of the game without being amazing at one in particular.
If this sounds intriguing, check out the in-depth reviews below.
Reviews
4. Yonex Astrox 100 Game – best power racket for upper-intermediate players
Next, let’s look at rackets for the upper intermediate player. Instead of more all-around rackets, I’ve divided this up into rackets prone to speed or power as these two player styles are the most common and selected two from each category.
At the upper-intermediate level, you’re likely getting more in tune with the nuances of the game and especially the nuances of your own game. You’ll have a better understanding of your strengths and weaknesses, which ones you’d like to practice more, and which ones you’d like your racket to help you with.
The Yonex Astrox 100 Game is the less beasty version of Viktor Axelsen’s racket, that we mere mortals can tame. The other editions, the Astrox 100ZZ, 100 Tour, and 100ZX are all extra stiff meaning that they require extra good technique.
Players describe this racket as being stiff in a different way than the classic power rackets. Like a nicer stiffness that not only can help you with an easy smash where you’re waiting to hammer it into the ground from a perfect position, but also if you’re late and under pressure. That makes it more playable, especially on off-days rather than only catering to the one element of raw power.
I’m keeping this suggestion short as there are many great and in-depth reviews about this popular racket out there.
Reviews
- CKYew – Best Yonex power racket
- Astrox 100ZZ vs Tour and Game
- Axelsen’s own review of 100ZZ and ZX
- Volant 100ZZ and ZX
5. Yonex Astrox 88D Game – second best power racket for upper-intermediate players
If you’re an upper-intermediate power player who most often plays doubles games and prefers to be at the rear court, you might really come to like the Astrox 88D Game.
It’s reported to have a nice and fast swing for a head heavy racket while still being a powerhouse when you need it.
It’s not as smooth as the 88D Pro but both that one and the Tour edition are stiffer and may require better technique in order for you to really take advantage of what they have to offer, at least on paper. The game edition is medium on the flexibility scale and budget friendly.
Reviews
- Volant Badminton
- CK Yew – Yonex Astrox 88D Pro, Tour, Game
- CKYew – Yonex Astrox 88S Pro vs Astrox 88D Pro
- Paul Stewart
6. Yonex Nanoflare 700 – best speed racket for upper-intermediate players
Within this section focusing on speed for the upper-intermediate player, I really wanted to include the Yonex Nanoflare 800 but it’s pretty stiff and might not be the right fit just yet.
The sister racket, the Nanoflare 700 is suggested by Yonex to be for intermediate to advanced players, it’s obviously fast and could be a good fit for you instead with its medium flexibility.
It’s highlighted to be easy to play with and has terrific shuttle hold (the feeling of the contact point between your racket and the shuttle) to help you guide the shuttle where you want.
Reviews
7. Victor Auraspeed 90S – second best speed racket for upper-intermediate players
The fluidly fast Auraspeed 90S leans itself towards a very control-focused design with stiff flexibility and a very light-head balance.
You’re wielding a swift sword here and you’ll have to command more accurate techniques to generate fast attacking plays, especially on the smash.
For those intermediate players who keep focusing on improving their technique to hit the sweet spot with good swinging power, this will eventually follow your movement nicely and won’t feel like it’s a problem to send fast shots your opponent’s way.
The Auraspeed 90S might feel too stiff for some players. It’s not a super forgiving racket and if you don’t love the idea of instant feedback for both good and bad, this might take a while to get used to.
The racket will likely fit you well if you like long rallies and mixing up shots that move their opponents around the court like the conductor of a finely tuned orchestra.
Summary: the best badminton racket for intermediate players
When it comes to the best badminton racket for intermediate players, even if you’re a lower-intermediate player, there’s good reason to start moving away from assistance with power you’ll often get with flexible rackets and bring more control into the mix.
That being said, brands constantly launch new wacky designs and racket technology, but the weapon you wield in a badminton match will only ever be as good as you are.
Give Viktor Axelsen a racket from your local toy store and he’ll still dominate the best intermediate/advanced club players with the finest selection of top expensive rackets 10/10 times.
Methodology: how I selected the best badminton rackets for intermediate players
If you’re curious about what to look for when choosing a badminton racket in general, read this.
Here’s a breakdown of what I focused on in this article.
Balance point – this is very important since it has the biggest single effect on powerful attacking shots vs. finesse and defensive shots.
Weight class – I focused on selecting rackets that fall in the playing class of 3U and 4U since these are the two categories most players above a beginner level use, and intermediate players will have enough strength and skill to use rackets in these lighter categories.
String tension (somewhat) – I wanted the rackets to fall within an intermediate string tension category (24-28 lbs), but most of the selected rackets allow for above 28 lbs and have a recommended range.
Flex scale – I’ve considered that intermediate players should be moving away from pure power rackets and onto better control and accuracy, which is why we’ve only picked rackets that go from medium flexibility toward the stiffer end of the scale.
What I didn’t focus on in this selection:
The grip size – some players have a strong grip preference and will modify these.
However, changing the grip size would also change the weight class and more importantly the balance point. Because of that, I haven’t looked at this at all.
The material – Most modern rackets have moved away from heavy and less durable materials and onto superlight and durable ones like graphite and carbon fiber. I don’t believe that the slight differences here are something intermediate players will notice in their game.
What’s in the fabric of an intermediate badminton player?
Badminton rackets do vary, and some are directed more toward certain skill levels and playing styles than others, but it cannot be stated strongly enough – no racket upgrade will ever have a bigger impact than leveling up your technique and skill.
No two players are alike, and you can slice and dice skill levels in many different ways. In the end, it’s completely up to how you view your skill level. That being said, some things can help narrow it down.
Let’s first look at the most common types of shots and what is reasonable to expect at an intermediate level. After that, we’ll dive into which items are relevant to look at when selecting your next racket.
Service
The only shot in the game that’s guaranteed to be played at every single rally. There are many variations of intermediate players and preferences that it doesn’t make sense to look at each individual serve and how well we perfect each one.
As a rule of thumb, you’ll be able to serve and confidently get the shuttle over the net and within the court. You’ll often be able to serve in a way that doesn’t create a suicide for you or your teammate on the returning shot.
Clear shot
You’ll likely be able to hit a clear shot from backline to backline confidently, and use attacking clears every now and then.
Drop shot
At an intermediate level, you are relatively confident using drop shots even if they aren’t perfect. You understand not to attempt the trap of landing the perfect drop shot when you’re off balance and in trouble.
Drive shot
You’ve probably played around with the drive shot but might not have used it too much. You are likely familiar with it but might not have trained and mastered the finger push yet.
Lift
You know when to use lifts and you’re likely comfortable sending them to the backline to protect yourself from difficult smashes.
Smash
You’ll likely know how to hit a decent smash but haven’t mastered the forearm rotation and the temptation not to smash when you’re off balance, yet. Depending on your preferences, you may have experimented with jump smashes.
Quick quiz: check your ability
If you match up with these, it’s safe to say that you’re playing at a skill level somewhere in the realm of intermediate:
- During my serve, I rarely lose points directly
- I’m able to clear from backline to backline confidently
- I use the attacking clear shot on occasion
- If I’m not under pressure, I can fairly confidently land a good drop shot
- I can send my lifts to the backline when I want to
- Even if I mess up a smash, I can somewhat confidently land them if I’m not under pressure
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