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Yonex dominates Indian badminton, but its flagship Astrox and Nanoray Voltric-class rackets cost well over ₹3,000–₹5,000 – what actually sits under ₹2,000 is Yonex’s entry GR line, plus budget-friendly options from Li-Ning, Cosco, Hundred, Nivia and Vector X. Most rackets in this range come pre-strung (check the listing – some “strung” variants specify tension, most don’t) and use aluminium or an aluminium/graphite blend rather than full graphite, which means more flex and less control than premium rackets, but plenty good enough for casual and club-level play.
| # | Product | Price | Where to buy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Yonex Nanoray Light 18i (Graphite) | ~₹1,699 | Amazon |
| 2 | Yonex GR 303i Strung Badminton Racquet | ₹629–₹1,625 (single vs pack of 2) | Amazon |
| 3 | Li-Ning Smash XP 90 IV Badminton Racket | ₹900–₹1,400 | Amazon |
| 4 | Cosco CB-150E Badminton Racket | ₹350–₹740 | Amazon |
| 5 | Hundred Rock 88 Badminton Racket | ~₹1,349 | Amazon |
| 6 | Hundred Energy Burst Badminton Racket | ~₹1,190 | Amazon |
| 7 | Nivia N-Ray 100 Badminton Racket | ₹285–₹968 | Amazon |
| 8 | Vector X VXB 330 Badminton Racquet | ₹896–₹1,599 | Amazon |
The picks, in detail
Yonex Nanoray Light 18i (Graphite)
The best-known name in this budget – an ultra-light 77g (5U) full graphite racket with Yonex’s isometric head shape for a larger sweet spot, genuinely under ₹2,000 unlike most other Yonex rackets.
- Full graphite frame
- 77g (5U) ultra-light
- Isometric head shape
- Nanoscience-branded construction
- Real Yonex build quality and graphite frame at this price is rare
- Very fast swing speed thanks to the light frame
- Lighter frames give up some smash power for speed – not ideal if you want a power-first racket
Yonex GR 303i Strung Badminton Racquet
Yonex’s genuine entry-level aluminium racket, sold both single and as a pack of two – the racket most Indian badminton coaches recommend for absolute beginners.
- Aluminium blend frame
- Strung
- 83–95g depending on variant
- Full or half cover included
- Cheapest way to own an authentic Yonex racket
- Widely available, easy to find replacement covers/grips
- Aluminium frame flexes more and transmits more vibration than graphite – not for serious/frequent play
Li-Ning Smash XP 90 IV Badminton Racket
Li-Ning’s budget line, sold as a set of 1+1 with a full cover – a reasonable step-up feel from pure aluminium rackets without breaking the ₹2,000 mark.
- 95g frame
- Strung
- Full cover included
- Sold as a pair
- Comes with a spare racket, useful for doubles or backup
- Full cover protects the frame in a kit bag
- Entry-tier build – not aimed at competitive play
Cosco CB-150E Badminton Racket
Cosco’s training-focused racket – an aluminium frame paired with a steel shaft for extra stability, marketed explicitly for beginners and training sessions rather than competitive play.
- Aluminium frame, steel shaft
- ISO head shape
- Half or full cover depending on listing
- Steel shaft adds stability that pure aluminium rackets lack
- Cheapest racket in this list from a mainstream Indian sports brand
- Heavier than the Yonex and Li-Ning options here, which slows swing speed
Hundred Rock 88 Badminton Racket
Hundred is a newer Indian sports brand that’s built a following for value-for-money rackets – the Rock 88 sits comfortably mid-pack in this list on both price and specs.
- Aluminium/composite frame
- Isometric head
- Lightweight build
- Good reviews for the price from casual and club players
- Modern head shape for a wider sweet spot
- Newer brand – fewer years of track record than Yonex or Cosco
Hundred Energy Burst Badminton Racket
Hundred’s other budget entry, priced a shade below the Rock 88 – a straightforward, no-frills option if you just need a functional racket without extras.
- Lightweight aluminium/composite frame
- Pre-strung
- One of the cheaper genuinely-reviewed rackets in this list
- Decent build quality for the price
- Basic feature set – no standout technology or premium materials
Nivia N-Ray 100 Badminton Racket
Nivia’s entry racket in alloy steel – among the cheapest options here, aimed squarely at absolute beginners and casual backyard play.
- Alloy steel frame
- Lightweight
- Basic strung setup
- Very low entry price for anyone just trying the sport
- Nivia is a well-known, established Indian sports brand
- Alloy steel is the least premium material in this list – more flex, less control
Vector X VXB 330 Badminton Racquet
Vector X’s mid-tier racket – a step above its cheapest models, positioned as a genuine option for regular recreational players rather than a one-time-use racket.
- Aluminium/composite frame
- Strung
- Available in multiple colours
- Reasonable middle ground on price and build for regular play
- Vector X has decent availability across Amazon.in
- Not a standout on any single spec compared to the Yonex or Li-Ning options
Buying tips
- A genuine Yonex Astrox or Nanoray Voltric model costs well over ₹3,000–₹5,000 – what’s sold under ₹2,000 with the Yonex name is the GR/entry line, which is a different (and much more affordable) tier, not a discounted flagship.
- Check whether the listing says “strung” and at what tension – most sub-₹2,000 rackets come pre-strung at a fixed factory tension rather than customisable.
- Aluminium and steel-shaft rackets flex more than graphite – that’s fine and even beginner-friendly (more forgiving, larger effective sweet spot) but don’t expect the same control as pricier full-graphite rackets.
- If you’re buying for two players, look at the Li-Ning-style “set of 2” listings – they’re often cheaper per racket than buying two singles.
As an Amazon Associate and eBay Partner, toptenpick.com earns from qualifying purchases. Prices and availability are subject to change.