The best badminton rackets under 5000 are the economical versions of the professional rackets. These badminton rackets are designed for beginner and intermediate players who want the power and speed of the professional rackets without the hefty price tag.
In this article, I have reviewed the top 5 rackets below 5000 rupees that are best for different styles of play.
YONEX Nanoflare 1000 Play
Best for Speed
Summary: The Nanoflare 1000 play is known for its exceptional speed and reflection. It’s ideal for players who want to enjoy doubles with fast drives, rapid defence, and quick reaction at the net.
| Weight | 83 grams (Avg.), 4U |
| Frame Material | H.M. Graphite |
| Shaft Material | H.M. Graphite |
| Balance | Head Light |
| Stiffness | Medium |
| String Tension | 20 – 28 lbs |
The Yonex Nanoflare 1000 Play is a blend of speed, agility, and power. The Sonic Flare system increases the repulsion and frame stability. The Areo frame design reduces the air resistance for faster racket swing. The slim shaft design further increases the racket speed. The Head-Light balance helps for quick reaction when countering at the net.
The Nanoflare 1000 Play is a perfect choice for beginners and intermediates who want a fast racket for solid defence and fast drives without spending too much.
Pros
- Speed booster
- Great control
- Lightweight and sturdy
- Great for doubles
- Economical
- Value for money
Cons
- It lacks the power for pro players
Yonex Arcsaber 11 Play
Best for All-rounders
Summary: The Arcsaber 11 is built for exceptional control. The even-balanced and stable frame design ensures consistency, timing, and pinpoint accuracy.
| Weight | 83 grams (Avg.), 4U |
| Frame Material | H.M. Graphite |
| Shaft Material | H.M. Graphite |
| Balance | Even |
| Stiffness | Medium |
| String Tension | 19 – 27 lbs |
Yonex Arcsaber 11 Play is an affordable version of the Arcsaber 11 Pro. It is an even-balanced racket. The medium-stiff badminton racket can hold string tension up to 27 lbs. It is good for power stroke, but the main strength of the racket is control. If you prefer a badminton racket to bring more consistency to your game, the Arcsaber 11 Play can be a great asset for you.
The flexible frame holds the shuttlecock longer at the point of contact. You get more time to react in your gameplay. The Box frame design increases stability. The grommet holes are not as wide as those on the Astrox Series rackets. This gives a more concentrated feel. All these features add to the supreme control for which the Arcsaber 11 Play is designed.
Pros
- Excellent control
- Good power
- User-friendly
- Good for singles and doubles
- Value for money
Cons
- Need to change the default strings for better performance
YONEX Astrox 88 Play
Best for Singles & Doubles
Summary: The Astrox 88 Play is a combo of power and defence. It has the smash power for singles and fast drives for doubles. This beginner-friendly racket is definitely a value for money.
| 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 |
The Astrox 88 Play, a 3rd-generation Yonex series racket, is a hybrid model of the Astrox 88D Play and Astrox 88S Play. It is a combination of Power from the rear court and the balancing speed of the front court.
The use of the Rotational Generator System distributes the racket weight at the frame top, joint, and grip end to maximize control with a smooth transition from one shot to another shot
The Aerodynamic shape accelerates racket speed, while the Box shape provides stability and a solid hitting feel.
This head-heavy racket is for players who want power for singles and speed and agility for doubles.
Pros
- Powerful
- Good control
- Beginner-friendly
- Great for Singles and Doubles
- Value for money
Cons
- Not for professionals
Yonex Astrox 99 Play
Best for Power
Summary: The head-heavy Astrox 99 Play is a power booster for offensive attacking play in singles.
| 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 |
Yonex Astrox 99 Play is the economical version of the famous Astrox 99 Pro model. It’s a medium-flex racket that uses Astrox’s Rotational Generator system and Aero + Box frame design. The racket is super smooth, and the feel of smashing is nice.
The head-heavy racket gives explosive power to dominate your opponents with attacking play. The string tension (20 – 28 lbs) perfectly balances power and control.
The price of the Astrox 99 Play is 1/3 of the Pro, but not the performance. It’s not the line of the Pro, but the performance difference is minimal.
Pros
- Well-built and durable
- Sharp powerful smashes
- Great for Singles
- Great value for money
- Ideal for intermediates
Cons
- You need to restring to unlock the racket’s true potential
Li-Ning Air-Force 79
Best for Smashers
Summary: The Li-Ning Air Force is a lightweight, flexible racket. It’s well-made and durable. It’s a racket for powerful smashing without sacrificing its defensive quality.
| Weight | 79 grams |
| Frame Material | Carbon Fiber |
| Shaft Material | Carbon Fiber |
| Balance | Head Heavy |
| Stiffness | Flexible |
| String Tension | ≤ 30 lbs |
The Li-Ning Air Force 79 has been built with superlight carbon material. It is a lightweight racket weighing only 79 grams. Due to its lightweight, it cuts the air resistance easily.
It has an aerodynamic design. It has a very flexible shaft and an Aerotech beam system. That’s why you need less effort to swing the racket through the air, resulting in a higher racket speed.
Being a head-heavy badminton racket, it can easily magnify the smash power. The lightweight and flexibility add more punch to its powerful smashing with less effort. The Dynamic Optimum frame design adds more power and consistency to your shots.
Pros
- Speed booster
- Great control
- Lightweight and sturdy
- Great for doubles
- Economical
- Value for money
Cons
- It lacks the power for pro players
Best Badminton Racket Under 5000: Buying Guide
A badminton racket is not just an extension of your arm; it’s your tool for victory on the court. Choosing the right racket can significantly impact your game. The perfect racket should match your playing style, level, and price under ₹5000.
The following table presents the recommended parameters based on playing level and style.
| Selection Criterion | Playing level (Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced) |
| Weight (Heavy: More Force Light: Easy to Handle) Yonex: (1U: Heaviest, 8U: Lightest) Li-Ning: (W3: Heaviest, W1: Lightest) | Beginners: 85 – 89 gms Intermediates: 84 – 94 gms Advanced: > 85 gms |
| Balance (Head Heavy: More power, Less control Head Light: More control, Less power Even: Allrounder) | Beginners: Even balanced Singles: Head Heavy Doubles: Head Light |
| Flexibility Stiff: (More power with arm action) Flexible: (Easy to generate power) | Beginners: Flexible Intermediates: Medium stiff Advanced: Stiff |
| String Tension (Higher: For control with precise placement Lower: For power with a larger sweet spot) | Beginners: 18 – 20 lbs Intermediates: 21 – 23 lbs Advanced: 24 – 30 lbs |
| Grip Size Yonex: (G1: Largest, G5: Smallest) Li-Ning: S1: Extra Small, S2: Small) | High Grip: More arm movement Small Grip: Quick wrist action |
| Material | Aluminum or Steel: Heavy and rigid Graphite or Carbon fiber: Light and flexible |
| Head Shape | Isometric: Extended hitting area Oval: Concentrated feel and control |
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