Best Yonex and Victor Badminton Rackets for 2024: 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 2024: Detailed Review of the Top Badminton Rackets

To make matters simple, here's the review of the top badminton rackets for 2024. With this comprehensive buying guide, get expert assistance in finding the perfect badminton racket to elevate your game.

1. Nanoflare 800 Pro (Play Counter Drive)

Ideal for: Advanced Professionals with a need to hit fast, aggressive shots.

With a worldwide release on 17th November 2023, Yonex Nanoflare 800 Pro is ready to help you launch a counter-drive attack on your opponents. The head-light racket promises excellent maneuverability and repulsion to lend incredible speed to your shots.

The made-in-Japan racket comes in a menacing deep green color and will be wielded by World Champion, Soh Wooi Yik and 2022 YONEX All-England women’s doubles champion Chiharu Shida. They have selected the speed racket because of its ability to generate smash opportunities with unimaginable fast counter drives.

The company has used an Aero Frame with isometric technology for accurate shuttlecock placement and reduced wind resistance. There is also the inclusion of M40X and super HMG for shuttlecock acceleration, stability, and power. You will enjoy a stiff shaft with extreme repulsion for lightning-fast speed.

The Yonex Nanoflare 800 has three variants: Pro Tour, Game, and Play.

2. 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 striked on 16th June 2023.

3. 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. Viktor Axelsen, Akane Yamaguchi, Chen Qing Chen, and several other singles players have chosen this racket because they want faster energy transfer and powerful and more accurate shots.

Yonex has used the Black Micro Core in the Astrox 100 ZZ 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.

4. Thruster F Enhanced Edition(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.

5. Arcsaber 11 Pro (Accuracy & 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.

6. 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.

7. 2024 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 the Astrox 88D Pro. And, now we have the third generation Astrox 88D Pro racket that Yonex launched in 2024. Speculations are on the rise and many big names like Muhammad Rian Ardianto, Chen Qing Chen, and Kunlavut Vitidsarn are expected to endorse it this year.

The racket frame is made from advanced HM Graphite, CFR, and Tungsten material. In addition to the advanced Rotational Generator System, the company has also introduced 2G-Namd Flex Force in the shaft region for maximizing shot power and improved repulsion. The core is built with ultra-PE Fiber to absorb shock. You will notice the Power-Assist Bumper in the racket head for more power to your shots and reduced wind resistance. The made-in-Japan 3AX88D-P badminton racket has a concentrated sweet spot to control your shots and make them more accurate than ever.

The 3rd generation Yonex Astrox 88D has three variants: Pro, Tour, and Game. The company has also introduced a Yonex Astrox 88 Play version for beginners.

8. Thruster Ryuga II Pro B (A Lethal Weapon for Professionals)

Ideal for: Aggressive badminton professionals who play an attacking game.

Victor launched the pro-version of the already successful Thruster Ryuga II in 2024. The Thruster Ryuga II Pro B racket is available in a menacing black-purple color and enhanced with graffiti features. The racket is a lethal weapon in the hands of an experienced player who loves aggressive attacking play.

The company has introduced POWER RING PRO features and Free Core in the shaft to elevate elasticity and power. Also, including the Hard Core technology makes the swing weight heavier, thus making your game more offensive than ever.

Victor has included its unique WES 2.0 and Pyrofil in the racket for a smooth and powerful transition between shots. Thus, the Thruster Ryuga 2 Pro racket perfectly balances power, convenience, and comfort.

9. Nanoflare 800 LT (Light Weight; Heavy 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.

10. 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.

11. 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.