Updated 24 Oct 2026
New to badminton, or back after years away? A flexible shaft and an even or head-light balance make clean contact easier while your technique grows, and these are well-made rackets you will not outgrow in a month.
Light, easy starter. A very cheap, pre-strung Arcsaber with a flexible shaft and even balance. Easy to wield for new players and juniors stepping up to adult rackets.
From £43.99 at Badminton HQ RRP £55
Controlled starter. A pre-strung entry Arcsaber with a flexible shaft, even balance and a high 30 lb tension ceiling for a beginner racket. Easy to control for new club players.
From £80.00 at Yonex UK (official shop)
Forgiving first graphite. A budget carbon racket with an enlarged head and flexible shaft that helps generate power without much effort. Fits new club players moving up from a basic aluminium racket.
From £30.00 at Central Sports RRP £60
Light starter racket. Pre-strung entry racket in the 700 line for recreational players. It is light and flexible, so it helps new players get the shuttle to the back of the court.
From £55.99 at Central Sports RRP £70
Light and cheap. An entry-level graphite racket from the Nanoflare line for recreational players. Light and flexible, with a higher stringing limit than most rackets at this price.
From £51.99 at Badminton HQ RRP £65
Cheap flexible starter. An affordable entry Auraspeed with a very flexible slider setting and low tension limits (24-26 lbs). It is aimed at newer players learning stroke production.
From £59.50 at Badminton HQ RRP £77
Short, quick defence. An unusual short racket (662 mm) with a head-light balance and flexible shaft. It brings the hitting zone closer to the hand for quick blocks, drives and net play in doubles.
From £50.00 at Central Sports RRP £100
Fast head-light defence. A head-light, flexible, thin-shafted racket for players who move around the court quickly and live on defence and fast exchanges. Aimed at tournament-level doubles players.
From £79.95 at Badminton HQ RRP £120
Smooth control feel. Babolat's precision racket: balanced, flexible and thin-shafted, so it swings fast and feels comfortable at contact. Suits club and county players who build points with placement more than brute force.
From £94.95 at Badminton HQ RRP £135
Light, slim and quick. A light (5U, about 78 g) even-balance beginner racket with a super slim shaft for low air resistance. Sold strung in a range of colours.
From £56.00 at Central Sports RRP £80