As someone who eats, sleeps, and breathes badminton, I’ve always enjoyed testing rackets that are tailored for different levels and play styles. While I usually play with higher-end rackets, I recently went back to the basics to see what beginner rackets are offering these days. One of the rackets that kept popping up was the Yonex Nanoray 10F, and it has genuinely impressed me. It’s budget-friendly, beginner-ready, and surprisingly fun to play badminton with.
First Impressions: Featherlight but Solid
The first thing I noticed was how light this racket is. At just around 77g unstrung, the Nanoray 10F feels effortless in hand. Its graphite frame with a carbon fiber shaft gives it a crisp, clean look, and the matte black and blue aesthetic is understated but sleek.
When you pick it up, you immediately feel that it’s built for speed. The weight distribution is quite headlight, which basically means the bulk of the mass is in the handle. This makes it incredibly maneuverable and ideal for defensive players or anyone who enjoys quick net play and lightning-fast drives.
How It Plays: Speed and Control over Raw Power
I tested the Nanoray 10F during a mixed doubles session at my local badminton club, and here’s how it performed across different shots that i played:
Drives and Net Play
This is where the Nanoray 10F shines. As stated before, the racket is head-light and makes drive shots effortless. You can whip it through the air with minimal wrist strain and it makes that sweet whoosh sound. It’s also very responsive at the net. I felt comfortable reacting to quick smashes or executing fast push shots and had the confidence to play the shot.
Drops and Placement
The dropshot is one of the most tactical shots in badminton. I found that it was easy to control delicate drop shots and push the shuttle into corners with accuracy. The head shape offers quite a big sweet spot, which helps reduce mishits. This is perfect for beginners still trying to build their consistency with shots.
Power Shots (Smashes/Clears)
This is where you notice the racket’s limitations. It’s not built for powerful smashes. Having a lightweight head just doesn’t give you that thumping oomph you’d get from a head-heavy racket like the Voltric series. When trying to perform clears, they are manageable, but they require a full swing and solid technique to push to the baseline.
Defensive Play
If you’re a defensive-style player like me, you’ll love how fast this racket moves. It’s easy to block and counter powerful shots. I didn’t feel fatigued even after two hours of playing because of the weight of the racket. This is a bonus for recreational players or beginners still developing their badminton stamina.
Who Is It For?
The Yonex Nanoray 10F is clearly designed for beginners and casual intermediate players. If you’re just getting into badminton or play casually on weekends at your locla club, this racket will serve you well.
It’s also ideal for younger players or people with wrist/shoulder sensitivity becuase of its lightweight build and medium flexibility that absorbs a good amount of vibration.
Do the Pros Use It?
Not quite. The Nanoray 10F isn’t designed for pro-level play; it’s an entry-level racket, and professionals typically go for more specialized options with tighter string tension and heavier frames. That said, the Nanoray series has been used in the past by speed-focused pros like Ratchanok Intanon (although with higher-tier models like the Nanoray Z-Speed or Nanoray 900).
Pros of the Nanoray 10F badminton racket :
- Super lightweight and easy to handle racket
- Great for defensive and control-oriented playstyles
- Forgiving sweet spot face for off-center hits
- Very affordable (excellent value for money)
- No fatigue after long sessions
Cons:
- Lacks power for smashes and deep clears
- Won’t satisfy advanced players needing precision or power
- Doesn’t offer much customization or string tension tolerance
Final Thoughts:
The Yonex Nanoray 10F may not be a flashy or powerful badminton racket, but it does what it’s designed to do exceptionally well. It’s an affordable, well-constructed racket that helps beginners build good technique and confidence on court. For anyone starting out at badminton or looking for a light, responsive racket for social games, this one’s a no-brainer.
