Best badminton rackets for amateurs & excercise players 2025
I have tested and compared the best badminton rackets on the market for amateurs and excercise players, so you can easily find the racket that suits your style and skill level. Read on to see my recommendations.
Finding the right badminton racket can be a challenge. Should it be light? Should it provide more power – or more control? And how do you even know what you need? Don’t worry – I’ve done the legwork for you.
The best badminton rackets for intermediate & recreational players 2025
Updated: November 2025
As a passionate badminton player and co-owner of Badminton-shop, I’ve tested tons of rackets over the years. In this guide, I share my 10 absolute favorites among badminton rackets for players at an intermediate or recreational level. My recommendations are based on:
- Playing style (control, power, or all-round)
- Skill level and experience
- Racket weight, balance, and flexibility
I’ve included a clear comparison table and detailed mini-reviews, so you can easily find a racket that matches your style and ambitions.


Also read our other badminton tests and guides
→ Best badmintonrackets for advanced and tournament players 2025
How to choose the right badminton racket as an intermediate or recreational player
Before diving into my recommendations, it helps to understand which factors to consider. I’ve gathered them in our custom evaluation scale, which I’ll explain briefly so you can better understand how it works.
What does the scale mean?

Control vs. Power: Indicates whether the racket focuses more on control or power. All rackets offer both advantages, but each leans more toward one aspect.
Flexible vs. Stiff: A flexible racket is easier to play with, offering more forgiveness and power support – ideal for beginners. A stiffer racket demands better technique and faster swings but provides more control and optimal smash efficiency for experienced players.
Easy vs. Difficult: Indicates how easy or challenging the racket is to play with.
Beginner vs. Advanced: Indicates the intended player level. The more difficult a racket is to use, the closer it is to the “advanced” end of the scale.
Head-light vs. Head-heavy: This tells you the racket’s balance. A head-heavy racket gives more power, while a head-light one offers more control and faster maneuverability.


The 10 best rackets for recreational and intermediate badminton players 2025
Have you gone from playing badminton once a month to several times or want to upgrade your gear? Then you’re what I consider an intermediate or recreational player.
By now, you’ve gained a better understanding of the game and can keep rallies going longer. This requires a better racket than cheaper beginner models.
Below is a table where I’ve categorized the 10 best badminton rackets by level and player type.
- Skill level is divided in beginner, amateur, excerciser, practiced and tournament players.
- Player types is divided in power, control and allround.
After the table I’ve created a more detailed review of the different rackets based on different parameters. This means you’ll be able to compare the different rackets and choose the one that fits you perfectly as an amateur or excerciser!
| Best badminton rackets | Skill level | Player type |
| Yonex Astrox ST Orange | Amateur/Exerciser | Power |
| ZERV Dragonfly Elite | Amateur/Exerciser/Practiced | Allround |
| ZERV Battleax Elite | Amateur/Exerciser/Practiced | Power |
| Forza Precision TI-X7 | Exerciser/Practiced/Tournament player | Control |
| Yonex Nanoflare 1000 Tour | Exerciser/Practiced/Tournament player | Power |
| Yonex Arcsaber 11 Tour | Amateur/Exerciser/Practiced | Control/Allround |
| Yonex Nanoflare 700 Game Silver/Sky Blue | Amateur/Exerciser | Allround |
| Yonex Astrox 100 VA Game | Amateur/Exerciser | Power |
| Li-Ning HC1000 Black | Beginner/Amateur/Exerciser | Allround |
| RSL Master Speed 9000 V2 | Exerciser/Practiced/Tournament player | Control |
Yonex Astrox ST Orange
RRP: 100,00 €

Yonex Astrox ST Orange is a powerful racket. It features a head-heavy balance and medium flexibility, combining both power and control. The racket is equipped with the Rotational Generator System, a technology that ensures even weight distribution, improving balance and allowing quick transitions between offense and defense. Isometric Frame technology expands the sweet spot, increasing precision and giving better control over shots. The frame and shaft are made from graphite, combining lightness, stability, and power.
Balance: Head-heavy
Playing style: Power
✅ Good quality
✅ Excellent power
✅ Cool design
⛔ Limited advanced technology
ZERV Dragonfly Elite
RRP: 75 €

ZERV Dragonfly Elite is a lightweight and lightning-fast badminton racket designed for players seeking explosive speed and precise control. Weighing only 78 grams and with a head-heavy balance point at 305 mm, it offers plenty of hitting power and fast maneuverability. Made from 30T Graphite and reinforced with Carbon Woven Structure, it ensures strength and stability. Technologies such as Stabilized Slim Shaft and Sprint Light Frame optimize aerodynamics and control, making it ideal for intermediate, recreational, and advanced players.
Balance: Head-heavy
Playing style: All-round
✅ Light and fast
✅ 30T Graphite
✅ Sleek design
⛔ Less power
ZERV Battleax Elite
RRP: 75 €

ZERV Battleax Elite is a powerful badminton racket for players wanting maximum power in their shots without breaking the budget. Weighing 85 grams with a head-heavy balance, it delivers solid hitting strength, while the medium-flex shaft offers a good combination of control and speed. Built with 30T Graphite and reinforced with Carbon Woven Structure for extra stability and durability. Power Tec Frame and Stabilized Slim Shaft ensure explosive shots and quick response – perfect for intermediate, recreational, and advanced players with an offensive playing style.
Balance: Head-heavy
Playing style: Power
✅ 30T Graphite
✅ Excellent power
✅ Cool design
⛔ Less control
Forza Precision TI-X7
RRP: 130 €

Forza Precision TI‑X7 is a powerful and control‑oriented badminton racket for intermediate and recreational players who want to dominate the game. It weighs 83 grams, has a head‑heavy balance and a stiff shaft, providing maximum precision and hitting power. The racket is made from 24T U‑HM CNT graphite reinforced with titanium technology, offering stability and improved energy transfer. Hexagon Frame and AirFlow Frame reduce air resistance and make the racket more maneuverable. An excellent choice for players seeking both power and control in one.
Balance: Head‑heavy
Playing style: Control/Power
✅ Exceptional precision
✅ Stable and powerfu
✅ Stylish design
⛔ Requires good technique
Yonex Nanoflare 1000 Tour
RRP: 240 €

Yonex Nanoflare 1000 Tour is a top racket for offensive players who want maximum speed in their smashes. It has very stiff flexibility, a head-light balance, and weighs 83–87 grams – perfect for lightning-fast reactions and explosive shots. Packed with advanced technologies such as Sonic Flare System, Aero Compact Frame, and Super Slim Shaft, it delivers high stability, power, and aerodynamics. Made from strong HM Graphite and Nanocell NEO – ideal for recreational and tournament players with a fast game.
Balance: Head-light
Playing style: Power
✅ Stylish design
✅ Explosive smash
✅ Lightning fast
⛔ Requires adjustment
Yonex Arcsaber 11 Tour
RRP: 205 €

Yonex Arcsaber 11 Tour is a stiff and precise badminton racket, designed for players focused on control and accuracy. Weighing 88 grams with an even balance, it delivers a stable and well-balanced playing experience. Built with High Modulus Graphite and Pocketing Booster, it offers strength, elasticity, and longer shuttle contact for better feel. The Isometric frame increases the sweet spot, while Control-Assist Bumper and T-Anchor technology provide string stability. A great choice for intermediate and advanced players seeking precision and control.
Balance: Even balance
Playing style: Control/Allround
✅ Lots of playing enjoyment
✅ Graphite frame and shaft
✅Great shuttle feel
⛔ Less power
Yonex Nanoflare 700 Game Silver/Sky Blue
RRP: 125 €

Yonex Nanoflare 700 Game is ideal for intermediate and amateur players seeking high speed and quick maneuverability. With its head-light balance, flexible shaft, and weight of 83–87 grams, it delivers both power and control in your shots. Equipped with Sonic Flare System, Servo Filter, and Super Slim Shaft, it ensures stability, vibration dampening, and lightning-fast reactions. The aerodynamic frame with Isometric design enlarges the sweet spot and improves accuracy. Perfect for those looking to take their game’s pace to the next level.
Balance: Head-light
Playing style: Allround
✅ Excellent speed
✅ Good quality
✅ Innovative technologies
⛔ Limited power
Yonex Astrox 100 VA Game
RRP: 150 €

The Yonex Astrox 100 VA Game is a powerful badminton racket and part of the Viktor Axelsen Collection. Perfect for intermediate and recreational players who want to take their game to the next level with more power and precision. With a head-heavy balance, medium flexibility, and a weight of 83–87 g, it offers an ideal blend of power and control. Built from graphite and equipped with advanced technologies such as NANOMESH NEO, AERO+BOX Frame, and the Rotational Generator System, it provides stability, speed, and extra power with every shot.
Balance: Head-heavy
Playing style: Power
✅ Quality materials
✅ Great technologies
✅ Viktor Axelsen collection
⛔ Less control
Li-Ning HC1000 Black
RRP: 150 €

Li‑Ning HC1000 Black is an all‑round badminton racket for beginners, intermediate, and recreational players who want a great combination of control and power. It weighs 83 grams, has an even balance and medium flexibility, which provides quick racket handling and good stability. The racket is built with a High Carbon frame and aerodynamic technologies such as UHB Shaft and Aerotec‑Beam System, which reduce air resistance and increase hitting power. The Dynamic‑Optimum Frame enlarges the sweet spot and ensures better precision during play. A solid choice with modern design and technical strength.
Balance: Even balance
Playing style: Allround/Power
✅ High‑quality materials
✅ UHB shaft
✅ Modern design
⛔ Delivered without factory stringing
RSL Master Speed 9000 V2
RRP: 195 €

RSL Master Speed 9000 V2 is a control-oriented badminton racket for recreational and advanced players who want to control the game with precision. Weighing 83 grams, with a head-light balance and a stiff shaft, it ensures quick reaction and great feel. Built with durable materials like 30T and 40T Graphite, plus technologies like Anti Twist and Poly Matrix Carbon, it improves stability and power transfer. A strong choice for players focused on control and accurate shots.
Balance: Head light
Playing style: Control
✅ Superior control
✅ Good quality
✅ Cool design
⛔ Less power
Still in doubt?
Are you still unsure which racket is best for you and your playing style? Don’t worry – I’m here to help you!
I recommend that you check out our complete racket advisor.
→ Try our complete racket advisor here
The advisor will help you find a badminton racket that matches your ambitions exactly, whether you are an intermediate, a recreational player, or on your way to becoming an advanced player.
Buy your amateur racket here at Badminton-shop
As mentioned earlier, I have a great passion for badminton, and I care deeply about making sure you get exactly the right badminton racket for your level and playing style. I hope this blog post has helped you on your way!
At Badminton-shop, we have a carefully curated selection of badminton rackets, so there’s something for everyone.
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