The sub-£100 bracket is the sweet spot in badminton. This is where you get genuine graphite frames, refined balance and real playing performance, without paying flagship money. Here's how to choose the best badminton racket under £100 in 2026.
Quick answer: The best badminton rackets under £100 come from the Yonex Nanoflare, Yonex Astrox, Victor Thruster and Li-Ning ranges. Choose Nanoflare for speed and control, Astrox or Thruster for power, and an even-balance frame if you want a forgiving all-rounder.
What you get for under £100
At this price point you move from beginner rackets into serious intermediate territory. Expect:
- Full graphite (carbon) frames that are lighter and stiffer than aluminium.
- Better balance and feel, giving you more control over shot placement.
- Improved repulsion for faster, more effortless returns.
- Access to the lower tiers of the pro ranges — the same family names the top players use.
How to match a racket to your style
The right frame depends on how you play. Use this quick guide.
| Your style | Look for | Range to explore |
|---|---|---|
| Fast reactions, doubles, control | Head-light, flexible | Yonex Nanoflare, Victor Auraspeed |
| Attacking, big smash | Head-heavy, stiffer | Yonex Astrox, Victor Thruster |
| All-round club player | Even balance, medium flex | Li-Ning, Yonex entry ranges |
For control and speed players
If you love fast hands at the net and quick doubles exchanges, a head-light racket from the Yonex Nanoflare or Victor Auraspeed family gives you rapid manoeuvrability and clean blocks.
For attacking players
Prefer to dominate from the back and finish rallies with a smash? A slightly head-heavy frame from the Yonex Astrox or Victor Thruster range adds mass behind the shuttle without moving into flagship pricing.
For all-rounders
If you play a bit of everything, an even-balance, medium-flex racket is the most forgiving. Several Li-Ning and entry-level Yonex frames sit perfectly here and adapt as your game grows.
What to prioritise when buying
- Balance point — the biggest factor in how a racket feels and plays.
- Shaft flex — flexible shafts are more forgiving and beginner-friendly; stiff shafts reward faster swings.
- Grip size — most adult rackets suit a G5 grip; you can build it up with overgrips.
- String and tension — check whether the racket comes pre-strung and at what tension, then adjust to suit.
Don't get distracted by cosmetics. Balance and flex matter far more than colourway.
Should you restring a sub-£100 racket?
Absolutely. A quality frame with fresh string at the right tension will outperform a more expensive racket with dead, old string. Many rackets in this bracket ship pre-strung at a modest tension, so a professional restring is often the best upgrade you can make. See our string tension guide for how to choose.
FAQs
Is a £100 racket good enough for club play?
Yes. Most club and league players use rackets in the £70–£120 range. You only need flagship frames if you're chasing marginal performance gains at a high competitive level.
Yonex, Victor or Li-Ning under £100?
All three are excellent. Yonex has the widest range and resale value, Victor is renowned for build quality and power frames, and Li-Ning offers strong value. Pick on balance and feel rather than brand loyalty.
Should I buy pre-strung or get it strung?
A custom restring lets you dial in the exact tension for your game, which makes a noticeable difference. If buying pre-strung, treat the factory string as a starting point.
How long will a sub-£100 racket last?
The frame can last years with care. Strings need replacing periodically depending on how often you play and how hard you hit.
Browse our full range of badminton rackets to find the best frame under £100 for your game. Not sure where to start? Our team at Central Sports, Birmingham's badminton specialists, will happily point you to the right model, and our best rackets for attacking players guide is worth a look if power is your priority.