A 4U racket is lighter than a 3U; a 5U is lighter again. Those labels help you narrow a shortlist, but they won’t tell you how a racket feels once you start hitting.
If you have no reference point, try a 4U first, then compare a neighbouring weight in the same model. Pay attention to late defensive shots and repeated clears. That gives you more to go on than a few air swings in a shop.
What do 2U, 3U, 4U and 5U weigh?
| Class | VICTOR band | Yonex average |
|---|---|---|
| 2U | 90–94.9 g | 93 g |
| 3U | 85–89.9 g | 88 g |
| 4U | 80–84.9 g | 83 g |
| 5U | 75–79.9 g | 78 g |
The ranges come from VICTOR’s racket-specification guide; the averages come from Yonex’s badminton FAQ. An average is a class reference, so an individual 4U does not have to weigh exactly 83 g.
For lighter rackets, you’ll also see 6U and F. VICTOR’s 2024 Korean catalogue, page 02, lists 6U at 70–75 g; Yonex calls its average-73 g class F. Use the model’s stated grams when comparing these labels.
Can you compare U numbers across brands?
Use the listed grams first. Then check whether the specification includes strings. If one listing gives an average and another gives a range, they are describing weight differently.
A useful comparison reads “83 g unstrung versus 78 g unstrung.” Two labels saying “4U” tell you less, especially when the model pages leave the weighing conditions unclear. Ask for the actual weight if a few grams will decide your purchase.
Why does my 4U weigh more at home?
Your scale measures everything on the racket. Strings, an extra grip, finishing tape and any protective tape all count. “Unstrung” does not mean you should strip the handle down to bare wood before weighing it.
Weigh your current racket ready to play and write down its setup. For example, if you measure it at 91 g, that is your useful starting point when comparing another finished racket. Don’t compare that reading directly with an unstrung 83 g specification and conclude that the label is wrong.
There is no single number to add for a grip. Material, overlap, trimming and whether you remove the original grip all change the result.
Weight and balance answer different questions
Total weight tells you how much mass the racket has. Balance tells you where that mass sits. Swing weight describes resistance to being rotated: weight farther from your hand has more influence on the swing.
That is why two 4U rackets can feel quite different. Compare their balance as well as their weight, particularly if you like one racket’s handling and are trying to replace it. The head-heavy versus head-light guide explains what to look for.
Should you choose 3U, 4U or 5U?
Start with what your current racket makes difficult. A weight change is worth trying when you can name a problem.
- Try 5U if your racket feels slow to reposition. Test quick drives, blocks and grip changes, then check that your clears still reach comfortably. A lighter label alone won’t fix late preparation.
- Try 4U as a comparison point if you’re unsure. It sits between the common 3U and 5U options. Use the trial to find out whether you prefer more or less mass.
- Try 3U if you want more weight behind the same model. Judge your placement and timing over repeated rallies. Keep it only if you still handle rushed shots well.
Keep the string and grip setups similar when you test. Otherwise, you may be choosing a string bed or handle feel and attributing the difference to weight. For example, Yonex’s NANOFLARE 700 TOUR specification lists both 4U and 5U versions, making that distinction easy to see.
What does 4U G5 mean?
4U is the weight class. G5 is the grip size. They are separate choices. In Yonex’s system, G5 is thinner than G4 and thicker than G6, as its weight and grip-size FAQ shows. Use the brand’s own grip chart when comparing makes.
If the weight feels right but you keep squeezing to hold the racket securely, check the handle setup too. Our G4, G5 and G6 grip guide covers sizing and added grips.
Does a heavier racket mean a harder smash?
You cannot predict your smash from the U number alone. During a trial, compare the shots you can repeat accurately, including when the feed is less comfortable. A racket that produces one impressive hit but leaves you late on the next return is a poor trade for your game.
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