Priya Nair
15 Mar 2026
Recommended badminton racket for intermediate players under ₹3000?
I've been playing badminton regularly for about 2 years now, mostly doubles. I use a Yonex Nanoray Light 18i which I got for ₹1200 when I started. My game has improved a lot and I feel the racket is limiting me now – smashes feel weak and clears don't reach the back. I want to upgrade to something under ₹3000. I play an aggressive game with lots of smashes. Head-heavy rackets appeal to me but I'm open to suggestions. Which racket and string tension would you recommend for someone at intermediate level?
2 Answers
Sneha Desai
16 Mar 2026
Great that you're looking to upgrade! At the intermediate level with an aggressive playstyle, here are my top recommendations under ₹3000: **Top Pick: Yonex Astrox Smash (₹2490)** - Head-heavy balance – perfect for your smash-heavy game - Rotational Generator System gives extra power on steep angles - Weight: 73g (manageable for doubles) - This is probably the best value-for-money racket in India right now for aggressive intermediate players **Runner Up: Li-Ning Windstorm 72 (₹2800)** - Extra-light at 72g but still head-heavy - Carbon fibre frame gives excellent power transfer - Very popular in Indian doubles circuits - Slightly more expensive but the build quality justifies it **Budget Option: Victor Thruster K Onigiri (₹2200)** - Compact frame provides faster racket speed - Good power despite the lighter weight - Excellent for quick exchanges at the net in doubles **String Recommendation:** At intermediate level, go for **BG65 at 24-25 lbs tension**. This gives you a good balance of power and control. Don't go above 26 lbs yet – higher tension needs very clean technique at the sweet spot, and you'll lose power if your timing is even slightly off. **Important:** Buy from authorised Yonex/Li-Ning dealers or their official online stores. There are MANY counterfeit rackets on Amazon and Flipkart. If the deal seems too good to be true, it probably is.
Divya Pillai
17 Mar 2026
Agreeing with the Astrox Smash recommendation – I switched to it 6 months ago from a similar beginner racket and the difference was night and day. My smashes became noticeably harder and steeper. One thing I want to add about **string tension**: when you restring, ask the stringer to do it **2-point stringing** (different tension for mains and crosses). For example, 25 lbs on mains and 27 lbs on crosses. This gives you more power on smashes while maintaining control on net shots. Most good stringers in Bangalore know this technique. For stringing shops in Bangalore, **Prakash Sports** near Jayanagar is excellent. They use proper Yonex machines and the stringer has strung rackets for Karnataka state players. Costs about ₹200-250 for stringing with your own string.