Best Badminton Rackets Under $50: Stop Renting Broken Club Rackets
Tired of renting broken rackets at the club? You know the ones - warped frames, frayed strings, and grips that feel like sandpaper. It is time to buy your own. The good news? You do not need to spend $150. In fact, for beginners and recreational players, a $40-50 racket is often better because it is more durable and more forgiving.
This guide covers the best budget rackets that actually perform well, not the junk you find at discount stores that will snap on your first smash.
⚡ Quick Recommendations
Best Overall: Yonex Nanoray 10F ($40-45) - Trusted brand, durable, easy to swing
Best Value: Senston N80 ($45 for TWO rackets) - Perfect for casual play or gifting
Best for Power: Li-Ning G-Force 2600 ($45-50) - Helps with clears if you lack arm strength
What Can You Actually Expect for $50?
Let us set realistic expectations. A $50 racket will NOT perform like a $200 professional racket. But here is what you SHOULD get:
Material: Graphite Composite (Not Steel)
Look for "Graphite" or "Carbon Fiber" in the description. Avoid:
- Steel rackets - Too heavy (100g+), will tire your arm in 20 minutes
- Aluminum rackets - Cheap but vibrates too much, bad for your elbow
Weight: 85-90g (3U or 4U)
Budget rackets tend to be slightly heavier than premium ones. This is fine for beginners because:
- The extra weight provides stability
- Helps you develop proper swing technique
- More durable than ultra-light rackets
Durability: Built Like Tanks
The biggest advantage of budget rackets? They can handle abuse. Clash rackets with your doubles partner? Hit the frame on the floor? These rackets survive. Your $220 Astrox 100ZZ would snap instantly.
Quick Comparison Table
| Racket | Price | Weight | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yonex Nanoray 10F | $40-45 | 85g (4U) | Serious beginners |
| Senston N80 (2-pack) | $45 (TWO) | 87g | Casual/backyard play |
| Li-Ning G-Force 2600 | $45-50 | 86g | Power/clears |
| Victor Brave Sword 1500 | $48-52 | 84g (4U) | Speed players |
| Carlton Powerblade | $35-40 | 88g | Absolute beginners |
Detailed Reviews: Top 5 Budget Rackets
1. Yonex Nanoray 10F / Nanoray 20 - The Safe Choice
$40-45If you only trust one brand, make it Yonex. The Nanoray series is their entry-level line, but it still carries the quality control Yonex is famous for. The Nanoray 10F is head-light (fast swing speed) with a flexible shaft that helps beginners generate power.
What You Get:
- Pre-strung at factory (saves $20-25 on stringing)
- Head cover included
- Large Isometric sweet spot (forgiving on mis-hits)
- Flexible shaft helps with clears
Who Should Buy This:
You are learning proper technique and want a racket that will not hold you back. You play 1-2 times per week at a club or gym. You might upgrade to a $100-150 racket in 6-12 months.
Who Should Skip This:
You are just playing casually in the park (buy the cheaper Senston instead). You already have good technique (upgrade to rackets under $100).
Check Price on Amazon →2. Senston N80 (2-Player Set) - The Value King
$45 for TWO racketsThis is insane value. For $45, you get TWO graphite rackets, 3 shuttlecocks, a carrying bag, and sometimes extra overgrips. Senston is a Chinese brand that makes surprisingly decent equipment for the price.
What You Get:
- 2 full-size rackets (not kids rackets)
- 3-6 shuttlecocks (usually plastic)
- Carrying bag with shoulder strap
- Pre-strung and ready to play
Who Should Buy This:
You want to play in the backyard or park with friends/family. You are buying a gift for someone who wants to try badminton. You need a cheap backup racket for doubles games where rackets might clash.
The Catch:
Build quality is hit-or-miss. Some sets are great, others have crooked string jobs. But at $22 per racket, you really cannot complain.
Check Price on Amazon →3. Li-Ning G-Force 2600 - The Power Pick
$45-50Li-Ning's budget rackets tend to be slightly head-heavy compared to Yonex. This means the weight is concentrated near the racket head, which gives you more momentum on smashes and clears. Great if you struggle to hit the shuttle to the back of the court.
What Makes It Different:
- Head-heavy balance = easier power generation
- Slightly stiffer shaft than Yonex Nanoray
- Good paint durability (Li-Ning's strength)
- Pre-strung at moderate tension
Who Should Buy This:
You play singles and want more power on your smashes. You have trouble clearing the shuttle from baseline to baseline. You prefer a solid "thud" feel on contact rather than a crisp "ping."
Who Should Skip This:
You play doubles front court (need speed, not power). You already have fast arm speed (head-heavy will slow you down).
Check Price on Amazon →4. Victor Brave Sword 1500 - The Speed Option
$48-52Victor's budget version of their legendary Brave Sword 12. It uses a slimmer frame design that cuts through air faster. Slightly over $50 sometimes, but worth it if you prioritize speed over power.
What You Get:
- Even balance (versatile for all playing styles)
- Aerodynamic frame shape
- 4U weight (84g) - lighter than most budget options
- Pre-strung with Victor strings
Who Should Buy This:
You play fast doubles. You prioritize reaction time over raw power. You want a racket that "feels" more premium than the price suggests.
Check Price on Amazon →5. Carlton Powerblade - The Absolute Budget Pick
$35-40If you absolutely cannot spend more than $40, Carlton is a British brand that makes decent starter rackets. Not as refined as Yonex, but gets the job done for absolute beginners.
What You Get:
- Graphite composite frame
- Pre-strung (low tension)
- Basic head cover
- Very forgiving sweet spot
Who Should Buy This:
You are trying badminton for the first time and not sure if you will stick with it. You are a parent buying for a teenager. You need the cheapest graphite racket possible.
Check Price on Amazon →Budget Shopping Tips: Don't Waste Your Money
Tip 1: Buy Pre-Strung
Budget rackets almost always come pre-strung. If you find one that is NOT pre-strung, skip it. Getting a $40 racket strung will cost $20-25, making it pointless.
Tip 2: Check What's Included
Some packages include:
- Head cover (saves $5-8)
- Extra overgrips (saves $6-10)
- Shuttlecocks (saves $10-15)
- Carrying bag (saves $15-20)
A $50 package with all accessories can have $80 worth of value.
Tip 3: Don't Buy from Discount Stores
The $20 rackets at Walmart/Target are trash. They are steel, poorly balanced, and will break or hurt your arm. Spend the extra $20 for a real graphite racket on Amazon.
Tip 4: Check Reviews for "String Quality"
Budget rackets sometimes come with terrible factory strings. Check Amazon reviews. If 10+ people mention "strings broke immediately," consider buying from a different brand.
Tip 5: Budget for Restringing Later
Factory strings on budget rackets lose tension fast (2-3 months). Budget $20-25 for restringing. See our string tension guide for details.
What About Used Rackets?
Should you buy a used $150 racket for $50 instead of a new budget racket? Usually no. Here is why:
- You cannot inspect for frame cracks (invisible damage)
- String bed is probably dead (needs $25 restring immediately)
- Grip is worn out (needs $3-8 replacement)
- No warranty if it breaks
Exception: If you personally know the seller and can inspect the racket in person, used can be worth it.
When to Upgrade from Budget Rackets
Upgrade when you notice these signs:
- You play 3+ times per week consistently
- You have developed consistent technique
- Your racket feels "limiting" - you want more control/power
- You are joining a competitive league or tournament
At that point, check out our guides on best rackets for serious beginners or best rackets under $100.
Final Recommendations
Who Should Buy What:
If you are learning at a club: Yonex Nanoray 10F ($40-45) - Quality that lasts
If you are playing casually: Senston N80 2-pack ($45) - Unbeatable value
If you want power: Li-Ning G-Force 2600 ($45-50) - Helps with clears
If you want speed: Victor Brave Sword 1500 ($48-52) - Fast and responsive
If you are testing the sport: Carlton Powerblade ($35-40) - Cheapest graphite option
The Bottom Line
A $40-50 racket will NOT make you play like a pro. But it WILL let you enjoy badminton without wasting money on broken club rentals. And if you decide badminton is not for you, you are only out $40 instead of $150.
Start with the Yonex Nanoray 10F. It is the safe choice that 90% of beginners are happy with. Once you play for 6 months and know what you want, then consider upgrading to a $100-150 racket.
For more equipment advice, check out our guides on proper badminton shoes and how to choose your first racket.