Best Badminton Racquet for Beginners in Australia (2026 Guide)
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Starting badminton in Australia in 2026? You don’t need to spend a lot to get a genuine, well-made racquet. But there are plenty of cheap, unbranded options that look fine in photos, feel poor to play with, and may develop bad habits in your technique before you’ve even started.
What to Look For in a Beginner Racquet
- Lightweight — reduces arm fatigue while you’re learning.
- Flexible shaft — more forgiving on mishits and easier for power generation.
- Even or head-light balance — easier to control in all directions.
- Authentic brand — Yonex is widely regarded as the world standard in badminton equipment. Cheap unbranded alternatives may not deliver comparable performance or durability.
Best for Two Players: Yonex GR 303i Set of 2
If you’re buying for two people, the Yonex GR 303i Set of 2 is the obvious starting point. Two full-size authentic Yonex racquets, both pre-strung and ready to play. Aluminium frame, even balance, lightweight. Available in Black and Deep Red.
Best Single Racquet for a Beginner: Yonex Nanoray Light 18i
For a dedicated solo racquet, the Yonex Nanoray Light 18i is a popular choice. Ultra-lightweight construction, isometric head for a larger sweet spot, flexible shaft.
If You Plan to Improve Quickly: Yonex Astrox Lite 27i
If you plan to join a club and play weekly, consider starting with the Yonex Astrox Lite 27i. Technically an intermediate graphite racquet, but you won’t outgrow it quickly. Head-heavy balance, more power than aluminium.
Quick Comparison
| Racquet | Best for | Frame |
|---|---|---|
| GR 303i Set of 2 | Two players starting together | Aluminium |
| Nanoray Light 18i | Solo beginner, first racquet | Ultra-lightweight |
| Astrox Lite 27i | Serious beginner planning to improve | Graphite composite |
What to Be Aware Of
- No-brand discount store racquets — may be poorly balanced and less durable.
- Counterfeit Yonex from eBay or Facebook Marketplace — counterfeit products are common in this category and may not perform as expected.
- Factory tension — 21–25 lbs is a common factory tension range and is generally appropriate for beginners.
Browse our full beginner range at Skippy Sports — Beginner Racquets. Authentic Yonex, fast Australia-wide shipping. Free delivery over $100. 30-day returns.