Badminton

Best Badminton Rackets for Doubles Players in India

Doubles rewards speed over smashing. Here's what balance, weight and shaft to look for, plus value rackets and twin sets for Indian players.

Instasport Admin

• 3 min read
Cosco CB 86 twin badminton rackets for doubles play in India

Best badminton rackets for doubles players in India

Doubles is a different game from singles — faster exchanges, more flat drives, and split-second reactions at the net. The best badminton rackets for doubles players reflect that: they prize speed and manoeuvrability over raw smashing power. If you mostly play doubles at your society court or club, here is what to look for and which value rackets fit the bill in India.

What makes a good doubles racket?

Three traits matter most for doubles:

  • Head-light or even balance: a lighter head whips around faster for quick blocks, drives and net kills.
  • Lower weight: a lighter overall frame (the 5U/4U range) speeds up your hands during fast flat exchanges.
  • Stiff-to-medium shaft: a slightly stiffer shaft returns energy quickly for those rapid-fire defensive blocks.

You are not looking for the heaviest, most head-heavy smasher here — that is a singles tool. Doubles rewards reflexes and placement: the front player needs a racket that flicks up instantly to intercept at the net, while the back player wants enough stiffness to drive flat and hard. A balanced, manoeuvrable frame lets one racket do both jobs as you rotate, which is exactly what most club pairs need.

Value rackets that suit doubles

For club and society doubles you do not need a flagship frame. A light, durable all-rounder like the Yonex GR 303I Badminton Racket (₹700) is quick in the hand and near-indestructible — ideal for fast net play. The Cosco CB 86 Twin Badminton Racket (₹702) is another sturdy, manoeuvrable pick that handles the constant drives of doubles well.

Buying for a pair

Doubles means two players, so racket sets are excellent value. The Puls8 T-1005 Badminton Racket Set (₹909) and the Puls8 Power-2232 Badminton Racket Set (₹1049) each come as a ready-to-play pair — a simple, affordable way to kit out a doubles partnership or get the family on court together. Sets like these usually include a cover and sometimes shuttles, so they are a genuine grab-and-go option for casual society games where you just want two matched rackets without fuss or a big outlay.

Don't forget grip and shuttles

In fast doubles your hand sweats and the racket twists, so a fresh overgrip is the cheapest upgrade you can make for control. Re-grip the moment the handle feels slick. And match your shuttles to your play — nylon for durable practice, feather for match feel.

The bottom line

String tension and footwork matter too

In doubles, control around the net often beats raw power, so do not over-tension your strings chasing smashes; a mid tension gives more forgiveness and a livelier feel for blocks and drives. Lower tension also helps newer players generate pace without perfect timing. Beyond the racket, good non-marking court shoes are the single biggest performance upgrade for doubles, where quick lateral steps and split-second reactions decide points — proper shoes protect your ankles and let you cover the net faster. Pair them with a fresh overgrip and you have a setup that rewards reflexes over brute strength.

For doubles, choose a light, even-or-head-light racket that you can swing fast at the net, keep the grip fresh, and consider a twin set so both players are sorted. Speed and reflexes win doubles far more often than brute power.

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Frequently asked questions

What badminton racket is best for doubles?

A light, head-light or even-balanced racket you can swing fast. Doubles is about quick drives, blocks and net play, so manoeuvrability and reflexes matter more than the head-heavy power you'd want for singles smashing.

Should doubles players use a lighter racket?

Generally yes. A lighter overall frame (around the 4U/5U range) speeds up your hands during fast flat exchanges at the net, which is where doubles points are won and lost.

Are badminton racket twin sets good value?

For doubles, very much so. A twin set kits out both players or a family in one purchase and is usually cheaper than buying two rackets separately, making it an easy starting point for casual doubles.