In the world of sports, one name that has increasingly become synonymous with affordable yet high-quality gear is Decathlon. Whether you are a beginner trying to get your hands on your first racket or an intermediate player looking to upgrade, Decathlon’s range of badminton rackets offers something for everyone. Known for its in-house brand Perfly, Decathlon has managed to create a niche in the Indian market, combining performance, durability, and value for money in a way few others have done.
In this article, we take a detailed look into the world of Decathlon badminton rackets — their varieties, technologies, pros and cons, best picks for different categories of players, and how they compare to global giants like Yonex and Li-Ning. This comprehensive guide aims to help you decide whether your next racket should be a Decathlon product.
Why Choose a Decathlon Badminton Racket?
Before diving into specific models, it’s worth understanding what sets Decathlon apart from other brands.
1. Value for Money
Decathlon’s strategy has always been about providing affordable sports equipment without compromising on functionality. Unlike premium international brands that often retail their rackets upwards of ₹10,000, most Perfly rackets from Decathlon cost between ₹500 to ₹3500, depending on the level of play.
2. In-House Innovation
Decathlon doesn’t just resell. It manufactures its own products, meaning it has end-to-end control over the quality, design, materials, and pricing. Their badminton rackets are developed in-house with research teams based in Europe and Asia. This allows them to innovate without outsourcing and pass the cost savings on to the customer.
3. Beginner-Friendly Approach
Most Decathlon badminton rackets are designed with beginners and intermediate players in mind. These rackets tend to be lightweight, durable, and easy to handle, making them ideal for learning stroke techniques and footwork without feeling overburdened.
4. Easy Accessibility
Whether you live in a metro or a small town, Decathlon’s physical presence across India and its reliable online platform make buying and servicing their products incredibly convenient.
Types of Decathlon Badminton Rackets
Decathlon categorizes its Perfly rackets based on skill level and frequency of play. This allows buyers to choose a model that best suits their game.
1. Rackets for Beginners
If you’re just starting your badminton journey, you don’t need an expensive racket. What you need is durability, comfort, and forgiveness — qualities found in these models:
a. Perfly BR 100
- Price: Around ₹499
- Weight: Medium-heavy
- Material: Aluminum head and steel shaft
- Best for: Casual beginners, school kids
This racket is designed to withstand rough usage, which is perfect for new players who are still getting used to grip and control.
b. Perfly BR 160
- Price: ₹699 – ₹799
- Weight: Slightly lighter than BR 100
- Material: Aluminum frame
- Best for: Recreational players
This model is a step up from BR 100, offering slightly better maneuverability. It’s ideal for those playing occasionally in local courts or housing complexes.
2. Rackets for Intermediate Players
These rackets are designed for players who play regularly and have developed proper technique. They are lighter, more responsive, and balanced for better power and control.
a. Perfly BR 530
- Price: ₹1499 – ₹1799
- Weight: Approx. 87g
- Material: High modulus graphite
- String Tension Tolerance: Up to 26 lbs
- Best for: Weekly or regular players
This is one of the most balanced rackets in the Perfly lineup. Its graphite construction gives it a nice mix of flexibility and stiffness. Great for improving your shot consistency.
b. Perfly BR 560 Lite
- Price: ₹2299
- Weight: Ultra-light (82g)
- Frame Shape: Isometric
- Best for: Fast players, defensive style
With its light frame and decent string tension, the BR 560 Lite is suited for intermediate players who rely on agility and speed over brute power.
3. Rackets for Advanced or Competitive Players
While Decathlon mainly targets beginners and hobbyists, it has slowly entered the competitive segment with some promising offerings.
a. Perfly BR 900 Ultra Lite
- Price: ₹3499 – ₹3999
- Weight: 79g
- Balance: Even balance
- Material: Carbon fiber
- String Tension: Up to 28 lbs
This racket can go head-to-head with more expensive international brands. It offers fast swing speed and tight control, suited for players who participate in tournaments or train regularly.
Key Technologies Used in Decathlon Badminton Rackets
While not overloaded with marketing jargon, Decathlon rackets are still built with a good degree of tech.
1. Isometric Head Shape
Almost all Perfly rackets now come with an isometric frame. This increases the sweet spot and offers more forgiveness on off-center shots.
2. High Modulus Graphite
Decathlon uses high modulus graphite in its mid to upper-end rackets. This enhances racket rigidity, improves energy transfer, and gives better control during fast-paced rallies.
3. T-Joint Design
This joint between the shaft and head is reinforced in most models to provide extra durability. It also reduces torque during smashes or defensive blocks.
4. Featherweight Engineering
Especially in the BR 900 series, Decathlon focuses on ultra-light construction. This is useful for players who prefer fast exchanges, net kills, and deceptive drop shots.
How Do Decathlon Rackets Compare to Yonex or Li-Ning?
Many buyers ask — should I buy a Decathlon racket or go for popular brands like Yonex or Li-Ning? The answer depends entirely on your level of play, frequency, and goals.
Decathlon Advantages:
- Affordable for beginners
- Wider availability
- Balanced performance
- Longer return policies
- Great for learning and casual play
Where It Lags:
- Lacks advanced technologies like Nanomesh, AeroFrame, or Sonic Metal
- Fewer customization options (string tension, grip size)
- Not used by professional-level players
If you’re serious about competitive badminton, you might eventually upgrade to a top-end Yonex or Li-Ning racket. But for everything below that tier, Decathlon provides unbeatable value.
Tips to Choose the Right Decathlon Badminton Racket
Choosing a racket is personal. Here are some human-tested tips to help you select the right one.
1. Know Your Game Style
- Power players: Look for slightly head-heavy rackets like the BR 530.
- Speed players: Opt for lightweight rackets like the BR 560 Lite or BR 900.
- Control players: Choose rackets with even balance and stiff shafts.
2. Match Your Experience Level
Avoid buying an advanced racket if you’re still learning the basics. It can hurt your technique and control. Go step-by-step. Decathlon’s price structure helps you upgrade easily.
3. Try Before You Buy
If possible, visit a Decathlon store and test the racket. Check how it feels in your hand, the grip thickness, and the swing balance.
4. Consider the Stringing
Most Decathlon rackets come pre-strung. But if you’re an intermediate or advanced player, get it custom-strung at the right tension — typically 22–26 lbs for intermediates, 26–30 lbs for advanced.
Decathlon Badminton Accessories Worth Noting
To get the most out of your racket, consider pairing it with some of these Decathlon accessories:
1. Overgrips and Towel Grips
Sweaty hands can ruin your control. A good grip improves feel, prevents slipping, and enhances comfort.
2. Shuttlecocks
Decathlon offers both nylon and feather shuttle options. Their PSC 100 and PSC 500 shuttles are reasonably priced and perfect for training.
3. Racket Covers
Protect your racket from dust, heat, and damage. Most high-end Perfly rackets come with a full cover.
4. Badminton Shoes
Proper court shoes can make a huge difference in footwork and injury prevention. Decathlon offers good badminton-specific footwear under ₹2500.
Real User Reviews and Community Feedback
Feedback from Indian badminton forums, review sites, and local players tells a consistent story:
- Beginners love Decathlon rackets for their price and ease of use.
- Parents trust them for school-going kids due to their durability.
- Intermediate players appreciate the BR 530 and BR 560 for everyday practice.
- Advanced players say the BR 900 is solid, though some still prefer global brands for serious tournament play.
In other words, Decathlon meets expectations — and sometimes exceeds them — especially in the budget to mid-range segment.
Final Verdict: Should You Buy a Decathlon Badminton Racket?
If you are looking for a well-priced, reliable, and beginner-to-intermediate friendly badminton racket, then Decathlon is one of the best places to start. The Perfly series offers a clear upgrade path based on your growth as a player. From school children to weekend warriors, thousands of players trust Decathlon rackets to serve them well.
You may eventually move on to more specialized or elite brands if your ambitions demand it. But as far as learning, training, or casual playing is concerned, few can beat the blend of affordability and performance that Decathlon delivers.
In a market crowded with options, Decathlon’s honesty in design, pricing, and purpose stands out. It’s not about flashy endorsements or confusing technologies — it’s about getting people to play more, train better, and enjoy the sport without burning a hole in their wallet.