Badminton has seen significant growth in India lately, both at professional and recreational levels. Amid the surge in the number of people playing the sport, the demand for its equipment has also risen.
Selecting the right racket becomes crucial for intermediate players. Factors such as weight and balance play a major role in the selection, along with the price.
The wide range of brands and price points often leads to confusion among buyers. Moreover, the racket should also match the player's style of play, as head-heavy rackets benefit attacking players by generating more power, while head-light ones are better for defense.
Here, we take a look at the best badminton rackets under ₹5,000 for intermediate players in India.
#1 Yonex Astrox 99 Play badminton racket
The Yonex Astrox 99 Play is a great choice for intermediate players with an attacking game. It has an average weight of 83 grams. The head-heavy racket is a nice option for power and stability.
It is typically priced between ₹3,600 and ₹4,100 on major Indian e-commerce websites. The particular racket is made of high-modulus graphite and is available in colorways such as white tiger and cherry sunburst.
#2 Li-Ning Axforce Cannon 4U badminton racket
The Li-Ning Axforce Cannon 4U is another good head-heavy racket under ₹5,000. Its weight ranges from 80 to 84 grams, and it comes with a Dynamic Optimum Frame.
The material used for the racket is standard modulus carbon fiber, allowing the players to use higher string tensions. It is available for ₹4,790 on Li-Ning's official website in black, white, deep teal and ambrosia colors.
#3 Yonex Muscle Power 55 Light badminton racket
The Yonex Muscle Power 55 Light is a lightweight racket with a good balance. It aids in power and maneuverability. It uses high-modulus graphite for construction along with a titanium mesh.
The racket is priced at ₹3,436 on major e-commerce platforms. Its weight ranges between 80 and 86 grams and is available in grey and light green colors.
#4 Hundred Atomic X Black Knight badminton racket
The Hundred Atomic X Black Knight is another suitable head-heavy option within the ₹5,000 price bracket. It is made with carbon fiber and is available in black/red and black/blue colors.
The racket is currently for sale at ₹3,490 on the brand's official website. It falls in the 4U weight category and comes in 80-84 grams.
#5 Li-Ning Wind Lite 900 II badminton racket
The Li-Ning Wind Lite 900 II is a suitable option for intermediate players looking for lightweight rackets. With a weight of around 79 grams, it aids in both quick defense and attack.
The particular model uses carbon fiber in its construction and comes in white/black and black/gold color options. It is currently priced at ₹3,590 on leading e-commerce websites.
It is worth noting that the prices mentioned for the rackets may vary across platforms.