Best Badminton Equipment
Choosing badminton gear is mostly about matching a racket's weight, balance and flex to how you actually play - not buying the most expensive frame. Below is a curated guide across rackets, shoes, shuttlecocks and strings for beginners through advanced players, with the specs and trade-offs that matter and where to buy.
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Best Badminton Rackets
Cosco CBX-450 (beginner)
Cosco
₹350–₹550
Ultra-budget Indian brand racket for absolute beginners and casual backyard play. Not suited for competitive play.
- Sub-Rs.600 entry price — accessible for absolute first-timers
- Aluminum + steel construction is hard to bend or break in casual use
- Even balance is forgiving for unrefined swings
Cosco CB-885 (beginner)
Cosco
₹500–₹750
Slightly better Cosco model with improved frame. Good for school-level players and beginners on a tight budget.
- Slightly lighter 90g frame moves better than the CBX-450
- Up to 20 lbs tension allows a marginally crisper hit
- Cheap enough to keep as a backyard / spare racket
Yonex GR 303 (beginner)
Yonex
₹550–₹800
India's best-selling entry-level Yonex racket. The GR series is the go-to starter racket for millions of Indian beginners.
- Trusted Yonex build at a sub-Rs.800 price point
- 90g even balance is well suited to first-time players learning all shots
- Widely available across India — easy to replace or restring
Yonex Muscle Power 29 (beginner)
Yonex
₹1,200–₹1,800
Upgraded beginner racket with graphite construction and Muscle Power frame for extra repulsion.
- Graphite construction at 85g is a real step up from aluminum starters
- Muscle Power frame geometry adds noticeable repulsion off the string bed
- Handles up to 24 lbs tension — fine for early intermediate play
Li-Ning XP 2020 (beginner)
Li-Ning
₹800–₹1,200
Budget Li-Ning graphite racket. Good build quality at a competitive price point for Indian beginners.
- Full-graphite frame at ~Rs.1000 is unusual value
- Light 85g 4U weight is easy on the wrist for long sessions
- Up to 22 lbs tension is enough for early-club-level play
Yonex Voltric Lite 20i (beginner)
Yonex
₹1,800–₹2,500
Affordable, lightweight beginner racket with flexible shaft for easy power generation. India-specific model, very popular.
- Ultra-light 78g (5U) frame is friendly for juniors and women players
- Up to 26 lbs tension is generous for a beginner-tier racket
- Nanomesh shaft adds repulsion without raising weight
Yonex Astrox Lite 27i (intermediate)
Yonex
₹3,000–₹4,500
India-specific intermediate racket with head-heavy balance. Good for developing smash power.
- Head-heavy balance at only 82g delivers smash bite without tiring the wrist
- Rotational Generator System aids continuous attacking play
- Up to 28 lbs tension supports an intermediate stringing setup
Li-Ning Axforce 80 (intermediate)
Li-Ning
₹9,000–₹12,000
Li-Ning's flagship power racket with Dynamic Optimum Frame for explosive smashes.
- Stiff shaft + head-heavy 4U build delivers explosive flat-game smashes
- Carbon Fiber + TB Nano frame holds up to 30 lbs tension cleanly
- Used on tour by several Chinese national players — proven attack racket
Victor Thruster K 9900 (intermediate)
Victor
₹10,000–₹13,000
Victor's power flagship. Extremely head-heavy for maximum smash power.
- 88g 3U head-heavy frame produces some of the steepest smash angles in the category
- HM Graphite + Pyrofil makes the frame torsionally stable on off-centre hits
- Holds up to 30 lbs tension — caters to power-string setups
Yonex Arcsaber 11 Pro (intermediate)
Yonex
₹10,000–₹14,000
The quintessential all-round racket. Pocketing Booster holds shuttles longer for precise placement.
- Pocketing Booster genuinely increases dwell time for placement-oriented players
- Even balance + medium flex makes it a true do-everything frame
- 88g 3U weight gives stability on defence and counter-drives
Yonex Astrox 88D Pro (advanced)
Yonex
₹12,000–₹16,000
Top-tier doubles racket for rear-court power. Rotational Generator System for devastating smashes.
- Tungsten-loaded head amplifies power transfer from rear court
- Stiff shaft + Rotational Generator System rewards fast, full swings
- Designed and proven for doubles rear-court attackers
Yonex Astrox 99 Pro (advanced)
Yonex
₹13,000–₹17,000
Ultimate power racket with NAMD technology for maximum shuttle deformation and steep angles.
- NAMD graphite delivers the steepest smash trajectory in Yonex's lineup
- 88g 3U head-heavy weight loads up massive power for backhand and jump smashes
- Pro-tour proven (Momota, Axelsen)
Perfly BR 990P (Decathlon) (intermediate)
Perfly (Decathlon)
₹4,000–₹5,500
Decathlon's performance racket. Impressive specs at a fraction of premium brand prices.
- Carbon-fiber head-heavy build at half the price of equivalent Yonex models
- Up to 28 lbs tension supports proper intermediate stringing
- Backed by Decathlon's straightforward 2-year warranty / return policy
Apacs Ziggler 555 (beginner)
Apacs
₹1,500–₹2,500
Malaysian brand Apacs's popular budget-friendly all-rounder. Surprisingly durable graphite build at this price; a common upgrade from aluminum starter rackets.
- Full graphite frame at sub-Rs.2500 is rare value
- Holds up to 30 lbs tension — overbuilt for its price tier
- 85g 4U even-balance suits transitioning beginners
Apacs Feather Weight 55 (advanced)
Apacs
₹7,500–₹9,500
World's lightest production badminton racket at 55g. Unusual combination of ultra-light + head-heavy — gives advanced attackers sniper-accurate control at the net while retaining smash speed. Premium price, niche appeal.
- 55g ultra-light frame is the lightest production racket in the world
- Surprising head-heavy balance gives sniper-fast net play with retained smash speed
- Holds 32 lbs tension — extremely stiff for an ultra-light
Buy: Amazon
Apacs Finapi 201 (intermediate)
Apacs
₹2,500–₹3,500
Balanced intermediate racket that performs well beyond its price. Good starter for club-level players wanting to move past entry-level gear.
- Even-to-slightly-head-heavy balance covers attack and defence cleanly
- Medium-stiff shaft rewards developing technique without punishing mishits
- Genuine 30 lbs string tension support unusual at this Rs.2500-3500 bracket
Buy: Amazon
Apacs Nano Power 900 (intermediate)
Apacs
₹2,000–₹3,000
Aggressive head-heavy racket at a very accessible price. Built for players who want to smash hard without spending Yonex-tier money.
- Genuine head-heavy 3U build at sub-Rs.3000 — rare price-to-attack ratio
- Stiff shaft and Nano Carbon frame respond well to fast swings
- Up to 30 lbs tension supports an aggressive string setup
Buy: Amazon
FZ Forza Light 7.1 (intermediate)
FZ Forza
₹2,500–₹3,500
Danish brand FZ Forza's ultra-light head-light racket, ideal for doubles front-court play and defensive counters. Lightning-fast in rapid exchanges at the net.
- Head-light 81g 5U frame is ideal for fast doubles front-court racket head movement
- Medium shaft balances control and repulsion for net interceptions
- Distinctive Danish brand engineering — different feel from Asian rackets
Buy: Amazon
FZ Forza Power 988 (advanced)
FZ Forza
₹4,500–₹6,500
Head-heavy stiff shaft = classic attacker's racket. Used by several European tour players. Good Yonex Astrox alternative for advanced players wanting a different feel.
- Stiff-shaft head-heavy 88g build hits like an Astrox 88D at lower cost
- Holds 32 lbs tension — pro-level stringing capability
- European tour pedigree — trusted by some Danish/Swedish players
Buy: Amazon
Hundred Powertek 1000 (beginner)
Hundred
₹1,200–₹1,800
Indian brand Hundred's popular entry-level all-rounder. Very affordable, widely stocked — a common first 'real' racket for school and college players.
- Carbon-graphite construction at sub-Rs.1800 is competitive with Yonex GR/Voltric Lite range
- 85g even balance is genuinely all-round for school and college players
- Indian brand — easy stock and replacement availability
Hundred Rock Z 90 (intermediate)
Hundred
₹1,800–₹2,500
Affordable head-heavy attacker racket from Hundred. Good step-up option for players outgrowing beginner frames but not ready for 5000+ INR gear.
- True head-heavy 3U attack frame at Rs.1800-2500 — strong attack-per-rupee
- Medium shaft is more forgiving than equivalently priced stiff alternatives
- Carbon graphite holds up to 28 lbs tension
Mizuno Fortius 65 (intermediate)
Mizuno
₹3,500–₹5,000
Mizuno's entry into the Indian badminton market. Balanced 5U frame good for players who want Japanese build quality without Yonex prices.
- Light 80g 5U frame is easy to maneuver in fast exchanges
- Slight head-heavy balance offers a hint of attack without sacrificing speed
- Premium Japanese build quality at half the cost of comparable Yonex models
Buy: Amazon
Mizuno JPX Limited (advanced)
Mizuno
₹7,000–₹9,500
Premium all-rounder aimed at advanced players who want a refined, neutral feel. Solid build quality typical of Japanese manufacturing.
- Premium Japanese graphite + carbon nano build feels notably refined in hand
- Even balance + medium-stiff shaft rewards advanced all-court technique
- Holds 32 lbs string tension — supports pro-tier setups
Buy: Amazon
Yonex Astrox 88D Pro (3rd Gen 2024) (advanced)
Yonex
₹16,000–₹19,000
The doubles rear-court attacker's tool of choice. New 3rd-gen 88D Pro adds REXIL Fiber for improved frame stability on full-power smashes.
- Tungsten-loaded head + REXIL Fiber delivers outstanding rear-court power
- Stiff shaft + Rotational Generator System rewards full-arm doubles smashes
- Used by Mohammad Ahsan and Hendra Setiawan on the BWF doubles tour
Yonex Astrox 88S Pro (3rd Gen 2024) (advanced)
Yonex
₹16,000–₹19,000
The 'S' (Skill) variant of Yonex's flagship doubles racket — front-court control specialist. Used by Marcus Gideon and front-court doubles specialists on tour.
- 2G-NAMD Speed shaft snaps back faster — ideal for front-court interceptions
- Slightly head-heavy keeps drive shots crisp without sacrificing speed
- Excellent racket-head response on flat exchanges and net pushes
Yonex Astrox 100 ZZ (advanced)
Yonex
₹18,000–₹22,000
Kento Momota's signature racket — the steepest, sharpest power racket Yonex makes. Extreme head-heavy + extra stiff shaft = pinpoint smash steepness for advanced singles attackers.
- NAMD + extreme head-heavy build delivers among the steepest smash angles in badminton
- Volume Cut Resin reduces frame torque for accurate placement on full swings
- Pro-tour signature racket of Kento Momota — proven tournament pedigree
Li-Ning Lin Dan PD9000 (Project D9000) (advanced)
Li-Ning
₹11,000–₹14,000
Lin Dan's signature 'Project D9000' racket from Li-Ning. Aggressive head-heavy stiff frame designed for the same attacking style that made Lin Dan a 2-time Olympic champion.
- Genuine Lin Dan signature racket — strong pedigree appeal
- Holds 30 lbs tension — supports pro-tier stringing setups
- Aggressive head-heavy 4U is more wrist-friendly than 3U power frames
Victor Thruster K F (advanced)
Victor
₹11,000–₹14,000
Victor's flagship 'F' (Falcon) doubles power racket. Used by Lee Yong Dae and the Korean doubles squad — designed for fast, flat doubles attacking style.
- Hard Cored Technology shaft delivers extreme power transfer on fast swings
- 88g 3U head-heavy build is purpose-built for doubles rear-court power
- Holds up to 30 lbs tension — pro-tour stringing supported
Best Badminton Shoes
Perfly BS 560 (Decathlon) (beginner)
Perfly (Decathlon)
₹1,500–₹2,500
Affordable court shoe for beginners. Decent grip and comfort.
- Non-marking rubber sole works on all indoor surfaces
- EVA cushion provides decent shock absorption for the price
- Decathlon's clear sizing and 2-year warranty reduces buying risk
Nivia HY-Court 2.0 (beginner)
Nivia
₹1,000–₹1,800
Budget Indian brand court shoe. Non-marking sole, basic cushioning for recreational play.
- Sub-Rs.1800 court shoe with non-marking sole — entry-level value
- Lightweight 330g for the price tier
- Widely available across Indian retailers
Yonex Power Cushion SHB 37EX (beginner)
Yonex
₹3,500–₹4,500
Entry-level Yonex court shoe with Power Cushion. Great for beginners wanting brand quality.
- Yonex Power Cushion technology absorbs heel impact noticeably better than EVA
- Light 310g build at the entry tier of Yonex's range
- Trusted brand — easy to find replacements and proper sizing in India
Li-Ning Saga Lite 3 (intermediate)
Li-Ning
₹4,000–₹5,500
Lightweight training shoe. Good for daily practice sessions.
- Light 295g build — quick on lateral cuts and split-step recoveries
- Cloud Lite cushioning balances comfort and responsiveness for daily training
- Solid choice for high-volume practice players
Victor A960 (intermediate)
Victor
₹6,000–₹8,500
Victor's performance shoe with Energymax cushioning for powerful court movement.
- VSR rubber outsole grips synthetic and wooden courts equally well
- Energymax cushion gives a notably energetic push-off feel
- 300g weight strikes a good speed/stability balance
Yonex Power Cushion 65Z3 (advanced)
Yonex
₹8,000–₹11,000
Yonex flagship court shoe. Superior cushioning and stability for intense play.
- Power Cushion+ heel system is the gold standard for high-impact landing shock absorption
- Sole compound is engineered for grip on Yonex tournament courts
- Used on the BWF tour — proven advanced-player shoe
Yonex Power Cushion Aerus Z2 (advanced)
Yonex
₹9,000–₹12,000
Ultra-light court shoe for speed-focused players. Incredible agility on court.
- Ultra-light 260g — among the lightest serious badminton shoes available
- Power Cushion still delivers heel protection despite the low weight
- Designed for speed-focused doubles and singles styles
Apacs Cushion Power 091 (beginner)
Apacs
₹2,000–₹3,000
Mid-range court shoe at a beginner-friendly price. Good cushioning for footwork drills, gum-rubber outsole won't leave marks on indoor courts.
- Gum-rubber outsole grips Indian indoor courts well, including older wooden floors
- 340g weight with medium cushion is fine for footwork drills and light training
- Sub-Rs.3000 entry into a proper court shoe
Buy: Amazon
Hundred Court Pro (intermediate)
Hundred
₹2,500–₹3,500
Popular choice at club level in India. Gel cushion system plus higher ankle support helps with quick lateral cuts.
- Gel cushion offers good heel impact protection for the Rs.2500-3500 tier
- Higher ankle support helps prevent rolls during sharp lateral cuts
- Indian brand — pricing, sizing and stock are predictable
Mizuno Wave Claw 2 (advanced)
Mizuno
₹6,000–₹9,000
Mizuno's flagship badminton shoe. Lightweight (290g), aggressive X10 outsole grip, and the Wave Plate cushioning is legitimately one of the best in the sport. Direct competitor to Yonex Aerus Z.
- Mizuno Wave Plate cushioning is genuinely competitive with Yonex Power Cushion+
- Light 290g for an advanced-level shoe
- X10 outsole grip is among the stickiest on synthetic courts
Buy: Amazon
Yonex Power Cushion SHB-V200i (intermediate)
Yonex
₹4,500–₹6,000
India-specific Yonex shoe positioned between the entry SHB-37EX and the flagship 65Z3. Excellent value-tier court shoe with proper Power Cushion heel system.
- Genuine Power Cushion heel insert — significant comfort step over EVA shoes
- 300g weight is competitive with much pricier flagship models
- India-specific pricing makes it the sweet-spot Yonex shoe for club players
Best Badminton Shuttlecocks
Cosco Aero 777 (Pack of 6) (beginner)
Cosco
₹150–₹300
Budget nylon shuttles for casual play. Durable and affordable for practice.
- Pack-of-6 nylon shuttles at Rs.150-300 — practically unbeatable cost-per-rally
- Plastic skirt survives heavy hits and beginners' mishits
- Medium speed works for typical Indian indoor club temperatures
Yonex Mavis 350 (Pack of 6) (beginner)
Yonex
₹400–₹600
Industry-standard nylon shuttle. Great for practice and recreational play.
- Industry-standard nylon shuttle — consistent quality batch to batch
- Yonex flight stamping makes speed selection reliable
- High durability — single shuttle can last several hours of beginner play
Yonex Mavis 10 (Pack of 6) (intermediate)
Yonex
₹600–₹900
Premium nylon shuttle with closer-to-feather flight. Good for regular training.
- Closer-to-feather flight characteristics than Mavis 350
- Medium-fast speed works for advanced training without burning feather budgets
- Long durability for a premium nylon
Li-Ning A+300 Feather (Tube of 12) (intermediate)
Li-Ning
₹1,200–₹1,800
High-quality feather shuttle. Excellent flight consistency for club-level play.
- Goose-feather construction delivers proper club-level flight feel
- Pricing (Rs.1200-1800/tube) undercuts comparable Yonex tubes
- Decent batch consistency for the price
Yonex AS-30 Feather (Tube of 12) (advanced)
Yonex
₹1,600–₹2,200
Premium tournament-grade feather shuttle. Consistent flight and response.
- Tournament-grade goose-feather flight consistency
- Reliable Yonex stamping — predictable speed across tubes
- Trusted choice for state-level and club tournaments
Yonex AS-50 Feather (Tube of 12) (advanced)
Yonex
₹2,000–₹2,800
Tournament-grade feather shuttle. Used in international competitions. Best flight stability.
- Used in international BWF competitions — gold-standard flight stability
- Top-tier feather selection gives extremely consistent trajectories
- Best 'feel' in the Yonex Aerosensa lineup short of AS-FF
Best Badminton Strings
Yonex BG65 (beginner)
Yonex
₹300–₹500
Most popular badminton string worldwide. Excellent all-round performance and durability.
- Best-selling badminton string globally — predictable performance and tension hold
- 0.70mm gauge gives 9/10 durability — survives months of regular play
- Strong all-round 7-9 balance across repulsion/durability/control
Li-Ning No. 1 String (beginner)
Li-Ning
₹250–₹450
Budget-friendly Li-Ning string. Good repulsion at an affordable price.
- Thinner 0.65mm gauge gives 8/10 repulsion at a budget price
- Cheaper alternative to Yonex BG65 with similar all-round balance
- Easy on stringers — beads up cleanly in the racket head
Yonex BG80 (intermediate)
Yonex
₹500–₹750
High-repulsion string for powerful shots. Popular among intermediate and advanced players.
- 9/10 repulsion delivers genuinely crisper smashes than BG65
- 0.68mm gauge balances power and reasonable durability
- Distinctive 'snap' sound preferred by attacking players
Victor VBS-68P (intermediate)
Victor
₹400–₹650
Victor's power string. Great repulsion and crisp hitting sound.
- 9/10 repulsion at a price below Yonex BG80
- 0.68mm gauge gives strong power-to-durability ratio
- Audible 'crack' on solid hits — satisfying feedback
Yonex Aerobite (advanced)
Yonex
₹600–₹900
Hybrid string for enhanced spin and control. Used by pro players for deceptive shots.
- Hybrid 0.67mm/0.61mm gauges combine control mains with high-spin crosses
- 9/10 control rating — best in this list for placement and slice shots
- Used by pro players including Marcus Gideon for deceptive shot work
Apacs 68 (intermediate)
Apacs
₹200–₹400
Apacs's all-rounder string. Decent repulsion with good durability. Popular cheap upgrade from stock strings.
- Sub-Rs.400 price tier — cheapest serious upgrade from factory strings
- Balanced 7/7/7 spec sheet — reliable for casual to club play
- 0.68mm gauge is a good gauge for most racket frames
Buy: Amazon
Ashaway ZyMax 66F (advanced)
Ashaway
₹600–₹900
American-brand thin-gauge string favored by advanced attackers for sharp repulsion on smashes. Trade-off: lower durability — expect restringing every 3-4 weeks of regular play.
- Thin 0.66mm gauge gives 9/10 repulsion — sharp smash bite
- American-brand quality with consistent batch tolerances
- Strong 8/10 control given the high repulsion
Buy: Amazon
Gosen G-Tone 5 (intermediate)
Gosen
₹400–₹650
Japanese Gosen's thick, durable string. Ideal for hard hitters who break strings often. Modest repulsion but lasts 3-4× longer than thin strings.
- Thick 0.70mm gauge with 9/10 durability — lasts 3-4x longer than thin strings
- Ideal for hard hitters who break strings frequently
- Reliable Japanese Gosen build quality
Buy: Amazon
Yonex BG65 Ti (intermediate)
Yonex
₹400–₹600
Titanium-coated upgrade of the legendary BG65. Same durability with an extra repulsion bump — a popular intermediate-player upgrade from plain BG65.
- Titanium coating adds repulsion (8/10) without sacrificing BG65's durability
- Best-of-both-worlds string for players who hate frequent restringing
- Crisper hitting feel than plain BG65 at a small price premium
Best Badminton Grips & Overgrips
Yonex Super Grap (Pack of 3) (beginner)
Yonex
₹150–₹300
Universal overgrip. Thin, tacky, and sweat-absorbing. Works for all players.
- 0.6mm thin overgrip preserves the natural racket handle feel
- High tackiness keeps the racket secure on long smash swings
- Pack of 3 lasts roughly 3-6 weeks of regular play
Victor GR262 (Pack of 3) (beginner)
Victor
₹120–₹250
Excellent sweat absorption. Budget-friendly alternative to Yonex grips.
- High sweat absorption suited to hot/humid Indian playing conditions
- Cheaper than Yonex Super Grap by ~20% per piece
- Pack of 3 — economical bulk option
Yonex AC102 Towel Grip (intermediate)
Yonex
₹200–₹400
Cotton towel grip for sweaty hands. Very popular among Indian players due to hot climate.
- Cotton towel grip absorbs sweat far better than synthetic overgrips — ideal for humid Indian summers
- Very high absorption rating means less mid-game grip slipping
- 1.2mm replacement grip provides a thicker, padded handle feel
Li-Ning GP20 Overgrip (Pack of 3) (intermediate)
Li-Ning
₹180–₹350
Tacky and thin overgrip. Good alternative from Li-Ning.
- 0.6mm thin profile preserves handle feel like Yonex Super Grap
- High tackiness — secure hold during long rallies
- Cheaper alternative to Yonex Super Grap pack-of-3
Yonex AC108 Wave Grap (advanced)
Yonex
₹200–₹400
Wave-textured overgrip for extra grip during intense rallies. Premium Yonex option.
- Wave-textured surface adds grip security during high-tempo rallies
- Very high tackiness (highest in this list) holds even with sweaty hands
- Premium feel preferred by advanced players
Apacs Cushion Grip (all)
Apacs
₹80–₹150
Affordable cushion grip with good sweat absorbency. Comes as replacement grip — not an overgrip.
- Sub-Rs.150 pricing — cheapest cushion grip option in this list
- 0.75mm thickness gives a noticeable padded handle feel
- 8/10 absorbency suitable for sweaty Indian conditions
Buy: Amazon
Hundred Overgrip 3-Pack (all)
Hundred
₹200–₹350
Value 3-pack overgrip from Hundred. Tacky, thin, replace roughly every 2 weeks of regular play. Good way to experiment with grip feel without per-piece cost.
- 3-pack pricing makes per-grip cost very competitive
- Strong 8/10 tackiness — secure feel in fast rallies
- Thin 0.6mm profile preserves handle feel
Frequently asked questions
Which badminton racket is best for beginners?
Beginners want a light, even-balance, flexible-shaft racket that is forgiving on off-centre hits - a control frame rather than a stiff attacking one. See the beginner picks in the rackets section below.
How much should I spend on a first badminton racket?
A solid beginner racket sits in the entry-to-mid range; you do not need a pro frame to learn. The rackets below are grouped by level so you can match spend to your stage.
Does the racket or the player matter more?
The player, by far - but a racket that fights your style slows you down. The point of this guide is to remove that mismatch so your technique, not your gear, is the limit.