The Yonex GR505 Badminton Racket Set: Ready to Play Out of the Box
Overview
The Yonex GR505 is a beginner badminton racket set from Yonex Japan, built for casual and recreational play. It suits new players, families and anyone looking for an easy way to start the sport. The set pairs two 96g steel-framed rackets with an even balance and medium flex for forgiving, all-round play.
Each racket in the Yonex GR505 badminton racket set uses a durable steel shaft and frame. It is strung with Yonex BG3 string at a 14 to 16lbs tension. Steel is heavier than graphite, but it forgives the mishits and frame knocks that come with learning the game. The even balance point spreads weight evenly along the frame. This keeps the racket stable and easy to control on both forehand and backhand shots.
The oval pear drop head shape gives a slightly larger hitting area than a round head. This helps when your timing is still developing. At 665mm overall length with a G4/S2 medium grip, the racket suits most junior and adult hands without feeling bulky. Two plastic shuttlecocks and a carry case are included. The set is ready to use straight out of the box.
Features
Here is what makes the Yonex GR505 badminton racket set a good starting point for new players.
- Steel shaft and frame: Handles the knocks and mishits of learning without warping or cracking, unlike lighter carbon frames.
- Even balance design: Spreads weight along the frame for stable, predictable shots rather than head-heavy power or head-light speed.
- Medium flex shaft: Forgives a slower or inconsistent swing. Shots still carry through even before your technique is fully formed.
- Pre-strung with Yonex BG3: Strung at 14 to 16lbs. Both rackets are ready to play with no separate stringing job needed.
- G4/S2 medium grip: A comfortable, universal grip size that works for most teenage and adult hands.
- Oval pear drop head: A larger sweet spot that helps you connect cleanly with the shuttle while your timing improves.
- Two rackets and two shuttles: Everything two players need for a game, with no extra purchases required.
- Carry case included: Keeps both rackets and shuttles together and protected between games.
Design and Materials
Yonex builds the GR505 around a full steel shaft and frame rather than the graphite used in performance rackets. Steel adds weight. But it is also more resistant to the stress of hitting the ground, a wall or a net post. That makes it a practical choice for a first racket. The frame is made in China to Yonex's design specification, which keeps the set affordable.
The factory-strung Yonex BG3 string sits in the middle of the racket's 14 to 16lbs tension range. Lower tensions like this give more trampoline effect off the string bed. This helps beginners generate clearance and depth without needing a fast swing. The 96g racket weight and even balance combine to keep the swing simple to control.
Key Technologies
Steel Shaft Construction: A solid steel shaft and frame resist bending and cracking from beginner mishits. This gives the racket a longer working life than a light graphite frame at this price.
Even Balance Point: Weight is spread evenly along the frame instead of loaded at the head or handle. This keeps shots predictable while you learn stroke technique.
Oval Pear Drop Head: This head shape opens up the hitting area compared with a round head. It gives you a bigger margin for error on off-centre hits.
Yonex BG3 String: A durable, budget-friendly string that Yonex pre-strings at 14 to 16lbs. It favours durability and clearance over the control of a thinner competition string.
Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|
| Brand | Yonex |
| Model Series | GR505 |
| Shaft Construction | Steel |
| Original String | Yonex BG3 |
| String Tension Range | 14 to 16lbs |
| Player Level | Beginner |
| Racket Balance | Even Balance |
| Flex | Medium |
| Weight | 96 grams per racket |
| Grip Size | G4/S2 (Medium) |
| Head Shape | Oval Pear Drop |
| Overall Length | 665mm |
VKS Review
For a first badminton set, the Yonex GR505 does exactly what it needs to. The steel frame and even balance make it easy to pick up and swing straight away. The medium flex shaft carries the shuttle even when your timing is still off. At 96g per racket it sits on the heavier side. Players who progress quickly may want a lighter graphite racket within a season or two.
This set suits families, park players and anyone trying badminton for the first time. Players who already know they want to compete at a club should look at a graphite racket instead. A graphite frame offers a lighter swing and more feel on touch shots. You can also visit our London store in Ealing to try rackets before you buy. Our team can advise on grip size and string tension in person.
Q&A Section
Is the Yonex GR505 badminton racket set suitable for complete beginners?
Yes, it is designed specifically for beginners. The even balance and medium flex make the racket forgiving and easy to control during your first games. It is not built for competitive club or tournament play.
What comes in the Yonex GR505 racket set?
The set includes two steel-framed rackets, two plastic shuttlecocks and a carry case. This gives two players everything needed for a game with no extra purchases. The case also keeps everything together between sessions.
Can adults and children both use this racket set?
Yes, the G4/S2 medium grip and 665mm length suit most teenagers and adults. Younger children may find the 96g weight a little heavy compared with a junior-specific racket. It works well as a shared family set for casual play.
Does the GR505 racket set come pre-strung?
Yes, both rackets arrive strung with Yonex BG3 at a 14 to 16lbs tension. This tension range favours durability and shuttle clearance over precise control. You can play straight from the box with no setup needed.
Should I restring the racket once I start playing more often?
Once you play regularly, restringing at a tension suited to your swing can improve feel and control. For best performance, have this racket strung by a specialist. VKS offers a same-day restringing service from our London store.
Which badminton racket set is best for a beginner on a budget?
A steel-framed, even balance set like the GR505 is a strong starting point for most new players. Its medium flex and pre-strung setup remove the guesswork of choosing tension or grip separately. It suits recreational play rather than competitive training.
