Badminton is a fast-paced game that needs the right techniques to excel which is very much incorporated with the right selection of racket. If you are an intermediate player who has gained enough expertise in the basic shots, you need to upgrade your racket to improve your game. There are many factors like weight, balance, stiffness, and string tension that determine the quality of a racket which are again co-related with the playing styles and levels. With so many options available in the market in India, the selection of the right racket is not an easy task. So to make your selection easier, I will try to explore the 5 best badminton rackets for intermediate players in India to build more authority in your game.
Best Badminton Racket for Intermediate Players in India: Quick Comparison
Yonex Astrox 99 Play/ Best Badminton Racket for Intermediate Players
| Weight | 83 grams (Avg.), 4U |
| Frame Material | H.M. Graphite |
| Shaft Material | H.M. Graphite |
| Balance | Head Heavy |
| Stiffness | Medium |
| String Tension | 20 – 28 lbs |
| Grip | G5 |
| Country of Origin | China |
Technologies Used
- Rotational Generator System: The weight of the racket is distributed at the frame top, joint, and grip end. This helps to maximize control with a smooth transition from one shot to another shot
- Aero + Box Frame: More swing by cutting through the air easily along with stability and solid hitting feel.
- Longer Slim Shaft
- Isometric Head: An enlarged sweet spot for a more effective hitting area
- Power Assist Bumper: For increased power enforcing the weight to the shuttlecock with the assistance of a tungsten-infused nylon bumper
The Astrox 99 Play has a slim shaft (7.5 mm) with a bigger frame than the famous Astrox 99 Pro model. The Astrox 99 Play is a very well-built racket that performs just behind the Astrox 99 Pro. But surprisingly, the price is nearly one-third! The Astrox 99 Play is a huge performer considering it is only priced ₹3249 on Amazon India.
It is a medium flex, 4U category badminton racket that is ideally suited for intermediate players. The head-heavy balance gives the power to dominate your opponents with attacking play. The string tension (20 – 28 lbs) is perfect to balance between power and control.
The Astrox 99 Play ranks 1st for best badminton racket for intermediate players in India considering its excellent performance and affordability. The racket is available in two colors, White Tiger and Cherry Sunburst.
Pros
- Well-built and durable
- Sharp powerful smashes
- Good control
- Great value for money
- Ideal for intermediates
Cons
- Nothing
Yonex Arcsaber 11 Play
| Weight | 83 grams (Avg.), 4U |
| Frame Material | H.M. Graphite |
| Shaft Material | H.M. Graphite |
| Balance | Even |
| Stiffness | Medium |
| String Tension | 19 – 27 lbs |
| Grip | G5 |
| Country of Origin | China |
Technology Used
- BOX Frame: Solid feel while hitting the shuttlecock
- Control Assist Bumper for improved accuracy
- Longer Slim Shaft
- Isometric Head: An enlarged sweet spot for a more effective hitting area
Yonex Arcsaber 11 Play is an even balanced medium stiff racket that can hold tension up to 27 lbs. The racket is pretty easy to use. It has both power and speed, but the main strength of the racket is control. If you prefer control, you will certainly love this racket.
The flexible frame holds the shuttlecock for a longer time at the point of contact. To give a more concentrated feel, the holes of grommets are not wider as compared to the Astrox series racket. All these features add to the supreme control for which the Arcsaber 11 Play is designed.
If you want a good quality balanced racket at a reasonable price, the Arcsaber 11 Play certainly would not dishearten you.
Pros
- Excellent control
- Good power
- Good for singles and doubles
- Value for money
Cons
- Need to change the default strings for better performance
Yonex Astrox 100 Game
| Weight | 83 grams (Avg.), 4U |
| Frame Material | H.M. Graphite + Nanomesh Neo + Tungsten |
| Shaft Material | H.M. Graphite + Nanomesh Neo |
| Balance | Head Heavy |
| Stiffness | Medium |
| String Tension | 20 – 28 lbs |
| Grip | G5 |
| Country of Origin | Taiwan |
Technology Used
- Rotational Generator System
- Nanomesh Neo: An additive among carbon fibers to increase the shaft strength and flexibility
- Aero + Box Frame
- Longer Slim Shaft
- Energy Boost Cap: For increased control
The Astrox 100 Game is an affordable version of the famous Astrox 100 ZZ. The racket is built in the line with the high-end Astrox 100 ZZ with minor adjustments to make it affordable and easier to play. The Game model is designed aiming at intermediate players and to do so, the frame is made slightly wider and thinner. Due to the slightly lighter head, it is relatively easier to deliver the punch.
The Astrox 100 Game is an excellent badminton racket for intermediate players who want to enjoy attacking play with devastating smashes and faster swings
Pros
- Massive power
- Suitable for singles and doubles play
- Easy to handle
Cons
- The quality of the default strings is not good
Yonex Astrox 7 DG
| Weight | 83 grams (Avg.), 4U |
| Frame Material | H.M. Graphite + Tungsten |
| Shaft Material | H.M. Graphite + Nanomesh Neo |
| Balance | Head Heavy |
| Stiffness | Medium |
| String Tension | 20 – 35 lbs |
| Grip | G4 (3.25”) |
| Country of Origin | Taiwan |
Technology Used
- Rotational Generator System
- Nanomesh Neo
- Aero + Box Frame
- Longer Slim Shaft
- Isometric Head
- Energy Boost Cap: For increased control
- New grommet pattern: The single-pass grommet system provides more holes for a high-performance stringing pattern.
Yonex Astrox 7 DG, a medium flex, 4U category racket, is a very good badminton racket for controlled aggression. The head-heavy racket powered by Astrox technology provides powerful steep smashes that are not easy to defend. The racket has also the ability to hold string tension up to 35 lbs. You can adjust the tension according to your needs. The racket features durable grade (DG) technology that adds to the durability of the racket. At a price of ₹5799 on Amazon India, the Astrox 7 DG is one of the best badminton rackets for intermediate players.
Pros
- Powerful smashes
- Good control
- Easy to handle
- Durable
Cons
- Slightly pricey
Yonex Astrox FB
| Weight | 73 grams (Avg.), F |
| Frame Material | H.M. Graphite + Tungsten |
| Shaft Material | H.M. Graphite + Nanomesh Neo |
| Balance | Head Heavy |
| Stiffness | Medium |
| String Tension | 20 – 28 lbs |
| Grip | G5 |
| Country of Origin | Taiwan |
Technology Used
- Rotational Generator System
- Nanomesh Neo: An additive among carbon material to increase the shaft strength and flexibility
- Aero + Box Frame
- Longer Slim Shaft
- Isometric Head
- Control Support Cap: Easy gripping (88% wider flat surface)
Yonex Astrox FB is a very lightweight, head-heavy, medium-stiff badminton racket. The racket is very good for front-court play. It is easy to react for quick returns. The head-heavy racket gives powerful steep smashes but is less powerful than the Astrox 99 Play. The racket is good for playing for a longer period without fatigue. If you are more active in doubles play, the Astrox FB would be an excellent option for you.
Pros
- Ultra lightweight
- Fast net exchanges
- Excellent for doubles play
- Great maneuverability
Cons
- Not suitable for singles
Best Badminton Racket for Intermediate Players: Selection Chart
| Selection Criterion For Intermediates | |
| Weight | Heavy: More Power Light: Easy to maneuver Recommended: 84 – 94 gms |
| Balance | Head Heavy: More power, less control Head Light: Less power, more control Even Balanced: Allrounder Singles: Head Heavy Doubles: Head Light |
| Stiffness | Stiff: More power can be generated with arm action & more control (Requires good techniques, good use of wrist action, & stronger swing) Flexible: Easy to generate power & quick reaction (Less potential of power & Less control of shuttle placement)Recommended: Medium stiff |
| String Tension | High Tension: More Control, Less Power Low tension: More Power, Less Control Recommended: 21 – 23 lbs |
| Grip | High Grip: More arm movement Small Grip: Quick wrist action Standard: G4 (3.25 inches) |
| Head Shape | Isometric: More sweet spot i.e. extended hitting area Oval: Concentrated feel and control |
Related Post: “8 Best Badminton Rackets For Beginners 2023 In India“
Last update on 2024-04-27 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
