If you’re someone who’s just getting into badminton or looking for a decent racket without spending a fortune, you’ve probably come across a Cosco badminton racket. You might even remember seeing that name from your school days — Cosco is practically a household brand in India, especially when it comes to sports like basketball, volleyball, football, and yes, badminton.
Now, with so many flashy brands dominating the badminton scene — Yonex, Li-Ning, Apacs — it’s fair to wonder: Is Cosco still relevant? Are their rackets any good?
As someone who’s played badminton for over a decade, both casually and competitively, I’ve tried a fair share of rackets — from entry-level ones for weekend games to high-end carbon fiber ones for tournaments. And Cosco has a special place in that journey.
So if you’re trying to figure out whether a Cosco badminton racket is right for you — this is your no-BS guide. Let’s dive into everything: the history, the models, the performance, and who these rackets are really made for.
A Quick Look at Cosco: More Than Just a Budget Brand
Let’s start with a bit of context.
Cosco India Ltd., founded in 1980, is one of India’s oldest and most trusted sports equipment manufacturers. Headquartered in Delhi, Cosco has been making sports gear for over four decades and has a huge presence in schools, colleges, and recreational clubs across the country.
But here’s the thing: Cosco isn’t chasing Olympic athletes. They’re not trying to sell you a ₹10,000 racket with marketing jargon. They’re focused on value-for-money gear — and that’s actually what makes them stand out in the badminton racket market.
Why You Might Be Considering a Cosco Badminton Racket
You’re not alone.
Thousands of people choose Cosco rackets every year — here’s why:
1. Affordability
Let’s face it. Not everyone wants to spend a bomb on a racket, especially if you’re:
- A beginner
- A college student
- A casual weekend player
- Buying for kids or school use
Cosco rackets usually fall in the ₹500–₹2,000 range. That’s incredibly affordable, and in many cases, unbeatable for the quality you get.
2. Availability
Whether it’s your local sports shop, Amazon, Flipkart, or even the nearby stationery store — chances are, you’ll find Cosco products on the shelves. Their distribution is massive across India.
3. Built for Indian Conditions
Unlike some foreign brands that aren’t made for rugged use, Cosco rackets tend to be more durable and forgiving. They’re built for school gyms, concrete courts, and the kind of daily abuse only Indian players can throw at them.
Types of Cosco Badminton Rackets: What to Expect
Now let’s talk specifics. Cosco offers a pretty solid range of rackets across different player levels. I’ve grouped them into three categories for easier understanding:
1. Beginner Rackets (Under ₹1,000)
These are ideal for complete beginners, school kids, or someone who plays occasionally.
a. Cosco CB-88
- Weight: Around 95g
- Material: Steel shaft and aluminum head
- Balance: Slightly head-heavy
- Price: ₹700–₹850
Verdict:
Sturdy and reliable. Not feather-light, but perfect for learning basic strokes. Good control and surprisingly strong for its price.
b. Cosco CB-80
- Weight: 100g+
- Material: Full steel
- Price: ₹500–₹600
Verdict:
More of a rough-use racket. It’s heavy, but if you’re buying for kids who are just starting out or for PE classes in school, it does the job.
2. Intermediate Rackets (₹1,000–₹1,500)
Ideal for players who understand the basics and want better control and lighter feel.
a. Cosco CBX-410
- Weight: Approx. 90g
- Material: Graphite shaft + aluminum frame
- Balance: Even-balanced
- Flexibility: Medium
- Price: ₹1,200–₹1,400
Verdict:
This is a solid option for players who’ve outgrown beginner rackets. It swings faster, offers better maneuverability, and feels lighter in the hand.
b. Cosco CB-150
- Weight: ~88g
- Material: Alloy frame + graphite shaft
- Price: ₹1,300 (approx)
Verdict:
Offers slightly better smash potential than entry-level rackets. Balanced and suitable for longer play sessions.
3. Advanced/Club-Level Rackets (₹1,500–₹2,500)
Cosco doesn’t compete in the high-end tournament category, but some of their rackets can hold their own for regular club matches.
a. Cosco CBX-555
- Weight: ~85g
- Material: Full graphite
- Flexibility: Medium-stiff
- Price: ₹1,800–₹2,200
Verdict:
This is probably the best Cosco badminton racket if you’re looking for that sweet spot between price and performance. Lightweight, decent power, and it won’t break the bank.
How Cosco Rackets Perform: A Realistic Take
Let’s talk about actual on-court performance. Based on months of testing and feedback from fellow players, here’s what I’ve found:
1. Durability
This is where Cosco shines. Especially the steel/aluminum frames — they’re practically unbreakable unless you’re smashing them on concrete. Great for rough use.
2. Power
Don’t expect insane smash power. These rackets are decent, but they aren’t designed for aggressive advanced play. That said, models like CBX-555 do have respectable punch.
3. Control & Maneuverability
Lightweight models like CBX-410 or CB-150 give you better control than cheaper rackets. Not as smooth as a high-end Yonex, but good enough for casual and intermediate matches.
4. Grip & Comfort
You’ll likely want to replace the default grip — Cosco rackets usually come with thin, generic grips. Wrap a towel grip or PU grip to improve feel and reduce vibrations.
Who Should Buy a Cosco Badminton Racket?
Let’s simplify things.
| Player Type | Recommended Cosco Models | Why It’s a Good Fit |
|---|---|---|
| Total beginner/kid | CB-88, CB-80 | Cheap, durable, easy to use |
| School/college student | CBX-410, CB-150 | Balanced play, affordable |
| Recreational adult | CBX-555, CBX-410 | Good control, decent power |
| Rough-use environment | CB-80, CB-88 | Heavy-duty frames |
| Budget-conscious buyer | Any under ₹1,500 | Best value per rupee |
If you’re a serious competitive player, Cosco might not be your top pick. But for 90% of casual players, it’s honestly more than enough.
Cosco vs Other Popular Brands (Fair Comparison)
Here’s a quick comparison based on my experience:
| Brand | Strengths | Drawbacks |
|---|---|---|
| Cosco | Affordable, durable, wide range | Lacks high-end models, basic design |
| Yonex | Performance, tech, lightweight | Expensive |
| Li-Ning | Great design, balanced feel | Costlier, some models fragile |
| Apacs | Value-for-money performers | Fewer service centers in India |
Tips for Buying the Right Cosco Racket
- Know your playing style: Defensive? Go for lighter rackets. Offensive? Pick slightly head-heavy ones.
- Grip it first: If possible, hold the racket in hand before buying. Feel matters.
- Avoid fakes: Only buy from trusted stores or Cosco-authorized dealers.
- Don’t ignore string tension: Most Cosco rackets come pre-strung, but tension may be low. Consider restringing for better feel if you’re an intermediate player.