#Victor Thruster F Enhanced Edition

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Unveiling the Best of 2024: Top 5+ Badminton Racket Brands

Choosing the right badminton racket can significantly impact your game, whether you're a beginner aiming to learn the ropes or a seasoned professional looking for that competitive edge. Understanding the top badminton racket brands is crucial in making an informed decision. Let’s delve into the world of badminton rackets and learn which brand will best suit your needs in the New Year!

1. Victor: Precision Craftsmanship from Taiwan

Originating from Taiwan, Victor Rackets Industrial Corporation, popularly known as Victor, has earned a reputation of producing top-quality badminton equipment. The company was founded in 1968 by Chen Den-li. The company quickly expanded its distribution to European countries after early successful years in Taiwan.

From badminton rackets, shoes, to shuttlecocks and other badminton gear, the brand offers premium sports equipment approved by BWF for international tournaments. The brand is well-known for their advanced technology, durable materials, and exceptional performance.

Global Technical Advisor/Brand Ambassadors: Zhao Jianhua, Wang Shixian, and Li Jinhui.

Victor Sponsored Players: Denmark national badminton team, Anders Antonsen, Tai Tzu-ying, Wang Tzu-wei, Jenny Moore, Greg Mairs , Ashwini Ponnappa, Hendra Setiawan, Mohammad Ahsan, Praveen Jordan, Melati Daeva Oktavianti, Greysia Polii, Apriyani Rahayu, Siti Fadia Silva Ramadhanti, Lee Zii Jia, and Kirsty Gilmour.

Top Badminton Rackets from Victor:

1. Victor Thruster TTY A is a head-heavy racket for advanced players. 2. Victor Thruster F Enhanced Edition is an excellent racket for smashes. 3. Victor Thruster F Claw LTD Edition is the hallmark of long-term collaboration between VICTOR and World No. 1 Tai Tzu Ying. 4. Victor BraveSword 12 is an all-around racket for dominating rallies. 5. Victor Jetspeed S 12 ii F ensures superior agility and pace on the badminton court. 6. Victor Thruster Ryuga offers great offensive shots, given by its characteristics. 7. Victor AuraSpeed 100X focuses more on the continuity between each shot.

2. Yonex: Japanese Excellence in Badminton

Who doesn’t know about Yonex in the world of sports? Hailing from Japan, the company was started by Minoru Yoneyama in 1946. The company produced fishing equipment and later began manufacturing badminton rackets for other brands in 1957. The company started selling Yoneyama-branded racquet in 1961 and became a world leader. It started manufacturing tennis rackets and golf clubs soon after.

Renowned for its cutting-edge technology, Yonex rackets are favored by top players globally. The brand is committed to advanced research and development to ensure that their rackets deliver the best innovations to its players.

Yonex Sponsored Teams: National Badminton Teams of Malaysia, China, South Korea, Japan, Thailand, India, England, France, Chinese Taipei, and Spain.

Yonex Sponsored Players: Lin Dan, Viktor Axelsen, Lakshya Sen, Satwiksairaj Rankireddy, Chirag Shetty, Marcus Fernaldi Gideon, Taufik Hidayat, Kevin Sanjaya Sukamuljo, Kento Momota, Yugo Kobayashi, Lee Yang , Lee Chong Wei, Choi Sol-gyu, Lee Yong-dae, Zheng Si Wei, Dechapol Puavaranukroh, Kantaphon Wangcharoen, Kunlavut Vitidsarn, Lucas Mazur, Wang Yi Lyu, Aaron Chia, Sooh Wooic Yik, Takuro Hoki, and many other professional male badminton players.

Yonex also sponsors Kim So Yeong, Michelle Li, Saina Nehwal, Yuki Fukushima, Arisa Higashino, Sayaka Hirota, Mayu Matsumoto, Nami Matsuyama Wakana Nagahara, Aya Ohori, Chiharu Shida, Sayaka Takahashi, Akane Yamaguchi, An Se-young, Chae Yoo-jung, Chang Ye-na, Kim Ga-eun, Kim So-yeong, Kim Hye-rin, Kong Hee-yong, Huang Dong Ping, Huang Ya Qiong, Lee So-hee, Shin Seung-chan, Jia Yi Fan, Sung Ji-hyun, Ratchanok Intanon, Busanan Ongbamrungphan, Sapsiree Taerattanachai, Beiwen Zhang, Carolina Marin, Chen Qing Chen, Chen Yu Fei, and Delhpine Delrue.

Top Badminton Rackets from Yonex:

1. NanoFlare 800 Pro will make your counter-drive shots more effective. 2. NanoFlare 1000 Z delivers incredible speed and cuts air resistance like none. 3. ArcSaber 11 Pro designed for all-around performance on the court. 4. Astrox 99 Pro makes your attacks more powerful than ever. 5. Astrox 88D Pro designed for quick attacks in a doubles game. 6. Astrox 88S Pro is made for professionals who demand control over their shots. 7. ArcSaber 7 Pro helps you with incredible precision, accuracy, and control. 8. Astrox 100 ZZ is the perfect choice for speedy smashes. 9. NanoFlare 700 delivers lightning-fast drives, net shots, and smashes. 10. Nanoflare NextAge will make your shots faster without being too demanding.

3. Apacs: Malaysian Ingenuity for All Levels

Established in 2002, the Malaysian brand Apacs, is now available across 50 countries. The company has gained a quick reputation for its commitment to manufacturing high-quality badminton equipment with advanced technology. Whether you are a beginner or an advanced player, Apacs rackets will provide a wide range of options to enhance your game.

The name of the company incorporates all the essential ingredients of the game including Aggressive, Power, Accurate, Control and Speed.

Apacs Sponsored Players: Cheam June Wei, Tommy Sugiarto, Soong Joo Ven, Tan Wee Kiong, Cheak Liek Hou, Lee Hyun IL, and others.

Top Badminton Rackets from Apacs:

1. Apacs Ziggler LHI Pro III is ideal for pro players who want a slightly head heavy racket for hard smashes and faster defense. 2. Stardom Pro III is the perfect racket for all-around performance in a singles and doubles game. 3. Apacs Honor Pro racket will dominate the court with powerful smashes and controlled shots. Another racket for aggressive players is the Apacs Imperial Pro.

4. Li-Ning: A Chinese Powerhouse on the Court

Li-Ning, originating from China, was started by the legendary gymnast, Mr. Li Ning in 1990 with a goal of providing local athletes a national brand that they can proudly wear on the global stage. Several years later, the company has become a global force in badminton equipment because of its innovation and design. The company celebrates 21st century technology and matches it with the nation’s glorious heritage.

Li-Ning rackets are well-known for their unique design, cutting-edge technology, and diverse range that caters the demands of all playing styles and levels.

Li-Ning Sponsored Players: PV Sindhu, Yuta Watanabe, Srikanth Kidambi, Goh Liu Ying, Chen Long, Fu Haifeng, Zhang Nan, Li Xuerui, Zhao Yunlei, Liliyana Natsir, Liu Yuchen, Pornpawee Chochuwong, Jonatan Christie, Jia Yifan, Ou Xuanyi, Liu Yuchen, Loh Kean Yew, and many others.

Top Badminton Rackets from Li-Ning

1. Li Ning Ax Force 80 is a head-heavy racket for powerful shots. 2. Li-Ning G-Force 3500 Superlite is a carbon-fiber racket for attacking. 3. Li-Ning Aeronaut 6000 headlight racket makes your defense lightning fast. 4. Li-Ning BladeX-700 delivers striking force for more efficient shots.

5. Babolat: Heritage Meets Precision

What started as a family business in Lyon for manufacturing raw material for racket strings, the brand is now a leader in racquet-sports equipment. In 1995, the French company was a well-known name in the tennis world. The company decided to expand and foray into the game of badminton with the very first Babolat badminton racket frame. Today, it has a wide range of badminton rackets for children and adults of all playing levels.

Babolat Sponsored Players: In addition to Chloe Birch, Babolat is popular in the European continent where it sponsors several junior and club teams.

Top Badminton Rackets from Babolat

1. Babolat X-Feel Origin Power racket delivers extreme control over your shots with incredible precision and sensation. 2. Babolat X-Feel Origin Essential is an all-around racket with even balance. 3. Babolat Satellite Gravity 74 weighs just 74 grams to give you faster swings than any other racket. 4. Babolat Satellite Blast is a head-heavy racket to empower your game.

Carlton: British Legacy in Badminton

Carlton is credited to introducing the first modern-day metal badminton racket that utilizes grommets to make the equipment more stable and durable. Carlton has introduced many innovative technologies in the field of badminton such as the first truly one-piece graphite racket.

Carlton has sponsored several All England Champions such as Eddy Choong, Lim Swie King, Morten Frost, and Mike Tredgett. The company also sponsored legends such as Peter Rasmussen, Simon Archer, Nathan Robertson, and Gail Emms.

Top Badminton Rackets from Carlton

1. Carlton MegaFlex F1 Titanium is an offensive racket with even balance. 2. Carlton MegaFlex F2 has a head-heavy balance for maximum power. 3. Carlton Airblade Tour is an all-around racket to play both: defensive and aggressive game.

Bonus! Franklin Sports for Recreational Badminton Play

For those engaging in badminton recreationally, Franklin Sports provides a range of rackets that emphasize fun and accessibility. The company was started in 1946 as a regional brand by Irving H. Franklin and brother Sydney Franklin. The brand has collaborated with several world-class athletes including Sugar Ray Leonard, David Robinson, Dan Marino, Barry Bonds, and Joe Namath.

Franklin Sports is dedicated to creating equipment that encourages players to enjoy the game at any skill level, thus, making the brand an excellent choice for family gatherings and picnics.

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Best Badminton Rackets for Powerful Smashes: 2023 Edition

Whether you are a professional player or love to play badminton as a means to keep yourself fit, your preference will decide your badminton racket. It is your chosen weapon to fight your opponent, overpower them, and win crucial points to win the match.

If you have an aggressive playing style, you require a head-heavy racket to complement your power. Here are the best badminton rackets of the current year to help you excel.

1. Yonex Astrox 100 ZZ

A popular racket among aggressive badminton players is Yonex Astrox 100 ZZ. Badminton coaches recommend the racket to players who want the perfect blend of power and speed. Yonex has used the innovative Black Micro Core material for the first time with Astrox 100 ZZ to remove vibrations and introduce a more solid feeling and strength to the racket.

The company has used an inventive Rotational Generator System and NAMD material to counter the weight of Black Micro Core technology. It makes the racket powerful and fast together. Like any other racket made in the Yonex Japanese factory, it has the Solid Feel Core to reduce vibrations caused by the shuttlecock.

2. Yonex Astrox 88D Pro

Yonex launched the original Astrox 88D in the year 2018. Since then, the company has introduced many models and versions of the popular AX88 racket to make it faster for the changing doubles game. The latest in the series is the Astrox 88D Pro badminton racket with several changes to the original one.

With an innovative rotational generator system for an even-balanced weight distribution, a newer isometric head shape for an enlarged sweet spot, improved handle length, reduced shaft diameter for additional speed, and a more durable grommet pattern to handle extra power, the Yonex Astrox 88D Pro is a champion!

If you are looking for uncompromised power and speed, especially while playing a doubles game, Yonex Astrox 88D Pro can be your weapon.

3. Yonex Astrox 99 Pro

Astrox 99 Pro badminton racket has consistently been on the list of top power badminton rackets worldwide. It delivers a unique feel because even though it is a head-heavy racket with an additional Power Assist Bumper in the head, it does not feel heavy or wear you down during intense matches.

Made in Japan, the AX99-P racket is not only stylish but powerful as well. It is why Kento Momota has been endorsing the racket since the company launched Astrox 99 in September 2018. It has NAMD material throughout the body to ensure faster snapback and superior resilience. With Dual-Optimum System, it strengthens your backhand and forehand shots simultaneously. Yonex has included the Solid Feel Core technology to eliminate vibration and ensure more stable performance.

4. Victor Thruster F Enhanced Edition

When Victor announced the Thruster K Falcon edition, the racket became the choice of badminton professionals for a comfortable and direct hitting experience. In 2021, the TK-F C Enhanced Edition made a powerful comeback to the global stage after two years in R&D. The Victor team has focused on increasing the racket strength and improving its features to become more powerful.

It inherits the following features from the original racket: an Anti-torsion system for a stable shaft, a Tri-Formation system for smoother swing, and a unique racket frame for a larger and elongated sweet spot. If you consider the Anti-Torsion, Victor has upgraded it to a 6.5mm slim shaft. It is four times stronger for a stable and more accurate attack.

In addition to the popular badminton technologies, Victor has made the racket handle more comfortable and elastic. It also has a multi-layer frame for elasticity and quick snapback to make it faster.

5. Victor Thruster Ryuga II

“Ryuga” is translated to “dragon” in the Japanese language. And, just like its predecessor, the Ryuga II has dragon elements in its design to pay an ode to the domineering spirit of the legendary creature.

The favorite racket of Lee Zii Jai, Victor Thruster Ryuga II, delivers stable performance, especially during continuous attacks from opponents. It has the power box design to withstand the high stringing required by aggressive players. You can trust the durability of the racket because of its Pyrofil material that encourages better shock absorption and more control.

The Victor team has improved the shaft technology with WES 2.0 to make the racket flex faster and your smashes more fierce. It also has the Free Core synthetic handle for a smoother swing and improved overall handling experience.

Make your Smashes More Powerful

When picking a new badminton racket, do not shy away from research. List your requirements, preferences, and budget to choose the right badminton racket. Your research may take time, but you will get a quality badminton racket that matches your playing style.

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Best Yonex and Victor Badminton Rackets for 2023: What’s your Pick?

Choosing the right badminton racket can impact your performance and enjoyment of the sport. Whether you are a professional or choose to play badminton as a recreational sport, you must buy a racket that suits your playing style, skill, and comfort.

Before, only a few brands sold badminton rackets, but today there are many options. With a wide array of options available in the market, each with its unique features and specifications, the decision becomes challenging.

The Best of 2023: Detailed Review of the Top Badminton Rackets  

To make matters simple, here’s the review of the top badminton rackets for 2023. With this comprehensive buying guide, get expert assistance in finding the perfect badminton racket to elevate your game.

1. Yonex Nanoflare 1000Z: Already a Champion

Ideal for: All-round players seeking speed and agility.

The latest in the successful series, Yonex Nanoflare 1000Z, is already ringing bells in the badminton world! Before its official launch, the sharp and vibrant lightning-yellow racket received accolades from badminton champs who tested it. So, there is palpable excitement in the community for the Yonex NF-1000Z.

It is an even-balanced racket that may feel head-light because of its lightweight. A perfect choice for all-round players, the Yonex Nanoflare 1000Z has a compact frame to make it even faster. Yonex promises faster racquet handling and a smooth swing. Choose it to enjoy unrivaled power, maximum stability, and immense shuttle acceleration.

The made-in-Japan racket has received endorsement from mixed doubles player Chen Tang Jie. With its enhanced sweet spot, the badminton champ mentioned that it delivers an ideal contact point for fast rallies. Lakshya Sen of India and Carolina Marin of Spain have endorsed the Nanoflare 1000Z.

The Yonex Nanoflare 1000 is available in four variants: 1000 Z, Play, Game, and Tour. The lightning will strike on 16th June 2023.

2. Yonex Astrox 100 ZZ: Immediate Access to Power

Ideal for: Aggressive players with an attacking style of play.

Designed for players who love to dominate the game with powerful smashes and intense drop shots, the Astrox 100 ZZ is a high-performance racket that delivers explosive power.

The made-in-Japan racket is available in dark navy and kurenai colors. Victor Axelsen, Akane Yamaguchi, Chen Qing Chen, and several other singles players have chosen this racket because they want faster energy transfer and powerful & more accurate shots.

Yonex has used the Black Micro Core in the AX100ZZ for the first time to ensure a solid feel and power. Additionally, it has a hyper-slim shaft that is 60% thinner than other conventional racquets making it lightweight and contributing to faster shots. Yonex mentions that the racket slices through the air for speedy power.

The Yonex Astrox 100 has three variants: 100 ZZ, Game, and Tour.

3. Victor Thruster F Enhanced Edition Black (Hendra Setiawan): Embrace the Power 2.0

Ideal for: Aggressive players who want a comfortable hitting experience.

Victor mentions that the Thruster F Enhanced Edition - Black resulted from intense R&D efforts for two years. The company has taken suggestions and feedback from players and delivered a light swing weight and balance point than the first generation of the racquet. The brand has included its successful Tri-Formation and Free Core technology for a more comfortable hitting experience.

This limited-edition matte black racket with rose gold on the frame and a golden watermark sticker manifests royalty and luxury. It is head-heavy, with a more elastic racket frame and a durable shaft for controlled and precise aggression on the court. The Thruster Enhanced Edition Black's unique frame technology enhances stability and maximizes shuttle control, making it suitable for players who prioritize accuracy and finesse.

The racket is perfect for players who demand power without losing control over their shots. Men’s doubles champion Hendra Setiawan currently endorses the fully upgraded TK-F Enhanced Edition racket. Other players who enjoy the second generation of Victor Thruster K Falcon racquet include Praveen Jordan, Tan Kian Meng, Lai Pei Jing, Goh Soon Huat, and Jemie Shevon Lai.

4. Yonex Arcsaber 11 Pro: Accuracy and Control win the Game

Ideal for: Singles or doubles players who require a balance of accuracy and control.

The Arcsaber 11 Pro is a versatile racket that promises a blend of power, accuracy, and control. Its innovation enhances repulsion and stability, resulting in powerful and accurate shots.

If you want an all-around racket with superior control, incredible accuracy, and decent power, you cannot go wrong with Arcsaber 11 Pro. The greyish-pearl ARC11-P racquet has an enlarged sweet spot for easy shuttlecock contact and a lightweight, slim shaft for uncompromising speed.

This racket is a favorite of Canada’s Michelle Li and Malaysia’s Aaron Chia. Other players who endorse it include Sapsiree Taerattanachai (Thailand), and Zheng Si Wei (China).

Yonex Arcsaber 11 has three variants: Pro, Tour, and Play.

5. Victor Thruster F Claw Tai Tzu Ying Limited Edition

Ideal for: Dominating players who enjoy a game of power.

Victor released 2900 units of the limited edition racket to honor the 29 championships Tai has won throughout her illustrious career. The Thruster F Claw Tai Tzu Ying Limited Edition is a head-heavy racket with excellent control and maneuverability.

When the world badminton champion started using the racket in 2018, it became an instant hit among her fans. After the original Thruster K Falcon was a success, Victor improved upon the initial design and introduced Thruster K F Claw or the TK-F Claw version with a Tri-Formation aerodynamic/sword/power box racket, 4U weight, and extra-slim shaft.

The limited edition racket comes with an autograph of Tai Tzu Ying and her tattoo motif: “Believe in yourself.” Fans will also receive four cards that display Tai’s records, wins, and achievements.

6. Yonex Astrox 88D Pro: Dominate the Game like a Pro

Ideal for: Backcourt doubles players and singles players who want power and easy maneuverability.

After the astounding success of the Astrox 88 Dominate racket, the company introduced Astrox 88D Pro. It is a cult-favorite racket thanks to its endorsement by several international players, including Kim So Yeong, Kunlavut Vididsarn, Marcus Fernaldi Gideon, and many others.

Unlike its predecessor, the racket has a fully recessed frame, an extended racket handle, and a shorter shaft for a lightning-fast response on the court. The camel gold racket combines a solid hitting feel with a quick swing response and an enlarged sweet spot.

The AX88D-P is made in Japan and has the Solid Feel Core for more stability and reduced vibration on impact. It may be a head-heavy racket, but Rotational Generator System ensures even weight distribution so that your hands do not tire during long rallies.

The Yonex Astrox 88D has four variants: Pro, Play, Game, and Tour.

7. Victor Thruster Ryuga II: A Lethal Weapon

Ideal for: Aggressive attacking badminton professionals.

Victor has designed the second-generation Thruster Ryuga II for powerful attacks. A dominating player like Lee Zii Jia has chosen it for its relentless and powerful attack.

Available in a stylish purple design with enhanced graffiti features, the racket is a lethal weapon in the hands of an experienced player who loves aggressive attacking play.

The new HME material makes it sturdier than ever. HME is a hybrid material with multiple modulus and carbon fiber for adding stiffness and strength to the racket.

Victor has included its unique WES 2.0 and Free Core in the racket shaft for a smooth transition between shots. It has 76 holes grommet pattern leading to less wear and tear. Thus, Thruster Ryuga 2 racket promises a perfect balance of power, convenience, and comfort.

8. Yonex Nanoflare 800 LT: Light on Weight; Heavy on Features

Ideal for: Advanced badminton professionals who want to control the shots with a head-light racket.

Yonex Nanoflare 800 LT is a lightweight racket with exceptional speed and maneuverability. A powerful tool in the hands of experienced players, the NF-800LT racket is made in Japan with Nanometric technology for a lightning speed and uncompromising control.

In addition to Nanometric, the company has also used M40X technology developed by Toray Industries, Inc. for superior flexibility and durability of the racket body. The Nanoflare 800 LT does not trade off racket handling and feel for speed. With its AERO+BOX design, you enjoy a solid hitting feel and faster swing.

Its Sonic Flare System enhances repulsion, enabling players to generate quick and powerful shots. Nanoflare 800 LT's medium flex and head-light balance suits players prioritizing speed and agility.

9. Yonex Astrox 99 Pro: Overpower your Opponent

Ideal for: Advanced badminton professionals who will settle for power and nothing else.

Available in cherry sunburst color and white tiger variant, the Yonex Astrox 99 Pro is apt for professional players with a penchant for smashes. Kento Momota has endorsed this racket for quite some time. And the reason lies in its ultimate powerful performance.

The racket is head-heavy, but the Rotational Generator System of the racquet avoids any stress on the player. It can last long in the hands of a power player with solid stability and strength in the form of Solid Feel Core and Power-Assist Bumper features.

It has the iconic NAMD technology from Yonex for hitting explosive shots every time. The Dual-Optimum System of the racket enables you to play backhand and forehand shots effortlessly.

Since its release, this made-in-Japan badminton racket is constantly topping the charts as a best-seller. It has been such a successful product for Yonex that it brings new variants frequently.

The Yonex Astrox 99 has four variants: Pro, Game, Tour, and Play.

10. Yonex Astrox 77 Pro: Elevate your Game

Ideal for: Players who want a power racket along with faster response.

The high-orange racket with purple detailing is taking the badminton world by storm. Yonex Astrox 77 Pro badminton racket is ideal for intermediate players and professional champions looking to play their game with unmatched power. In comparison to Astrox 77, the racket offers easy handling and a smooth feel.

The upgrade to Energy Boost Cap Plus in the AX77-P shows Yonex is committed to making it at par with other high-end offerings from the brand. It enhances the shaft performance and stabilizes the racket for more durability. It also allows the user to generate more power.

With the usual Yonex features such as Rotational Generator System, AERO +Box Frame, and isometric head shape, it also has a relatively newer feature called the Flex Fuse. It absorbs shock in a better way and provides a more comfortable hitting experience.

Yonex Astrox 77 has three variants: Pro, Play, and Tour.

The Final Decision is yours!

To make the decision-making process less overwhelming, do thorough research, read reviews, and seek advice from experienced players and coaches. Consult your trusted badminton store and seek guidance in buying a racket based on your needs.

Ultimately, selecting a badminton racket is a big decision that requires consideration of various factors. By taking the time to understand your playing style, skill level, and preferences, you can make an informed choice and find a racket that enhances your performance and enjoyment of the game.