Here’s a detailed review of Franklin Sports Badminton Rackets / Sets, combining product specs, user impressions, strengths, and limitations. This should help you judge whether they’re a good fit for your needs (casual play, beginners, etc.).
What They Are
Franklin Sports offers several badminton racket or racket‑&‑birdie (shuttlecock) sets aimed at casual / recreational players, families, kids, backyard play, etc. Some of their product variants include:
- A 2‑player racket + birdie set.
- LED (light‑up) badminton racket sets designed for night play or novelty/fun use.
- “Smashminton” / oversize racket sets made for kids or backyard fun.
- Replacement / beginner racket sets with multiple rackets, shuttlecocks, etc.
Most Franklin sets are built from materials such as steel or aluminum frames, synthetic strings / nylon birdies, lightweight grips, and targeting value over high‑performance specs.
What Users Like (Pros)
- Good Value for Money
Many users say these rackets and sets are inexpensive yet “good enough” for casual use. If you just want something to play with family or in the backyard, the price is reasonable and the product does the job. - Fun Features / Novelty (LED, Oversize Sets, etc.)
Features like LED rackets or light‑up birdies make these sets more fun, especially for kids or evening play. Oversize racquets help beginner players get more hits (bigger sweet spot). - Lightweight and Easy to Use for Beginners
Many buyers report that the rackets aren’t too heavy, which is good for kids or beginners who may tire quickly. - Good Enough for Casual/Recreational Use
If your usage is occasional or non‑competitive, these rackets are suitable: for fun, social games, backyard, beach etc.
What Users Don’t Like / Limitations (Cons)
- Durability Issues
- The strings sometimes loosen quickly, or even break after few uses.
- Handles / grips can peel, wrap comes off, or the shaft‑handle connection can become loose.
- Frame strength is modest; aggressive or regular play tends to degrade material.
- Quality Control / Finish Issues
Some sets arrive with cosmetic defects (scratch, misalignments), or small parts are weak (LED switch break, etc.). - Birdie / Shuttlecock Quality
The included shuttlecocks are often of lower quality (cheap nylon/plastic, less stable flight) — okay for casual play but not for serious training. - Not Suitable for Competitive Play
Due to the above issues, these rackets aren’t a good choice if you play regularly in indoor courts, tournaments, or want very precise performance. - Weight / Handling Variation
Some users mention that though lightweight, handling or balance isn’t perfect; the rackets may feel slightly unwieldy or less responsive than higher‑end models.
Best Use Cases
Given their features & limitations, Franklin Sports Badminton Rackets / Sets are most suitable for:
- Novice players, kids, beginners who want to learn without investing heavily.
- Families or casual play (backyard, park, beach).
- Fun or novelty usage (LED sets for evening games, oversized racquets for easier hitting).
- As a backup or secondary set (for guests, travel, etc.).
Who Might Prefer Something Else
You might want to look at higher‑quality brands or higher performance rackets if:
- You play regularly or competitively.
- You want better materials (e.g. carbon or high‑grade alloy), tighter string tension, more precise handling.
- You need long‑term durability under frequent use.
Verdict
Overall, Franklin Sports badminton rackets and sets offer good value for recreational players. They deliver on the basics: you get playable rackets, enough to enjoy badminton socially, especially if you don’t mind replacing parts (grips, strings, birdies) every so often.
