Yonex Nanoflare 800 Review: A Pure Speed Badminton Racket — But Not for Everyone

If you’re looking for a badminton racket that feels fast the moment you swing, Yonex Nanoflare 800 is one of the most distinctive speed rackets on the market.

This is not a “do-everything” racket, and it’s definitely not designed to fix power problems.
Nanoflare 800 is a specialized weapon for speed, counter-attack, and rapid tempo control.

What Kind of Racket Is the Nanoflare 800?

Yonex Nanoflare 800 is built around one clear goal: maximum swing speed and instant rebound.

Key specifications that define its character:

• Head-light balance (~292 mm)

• Medium-stiff shaft

• Ultra-slim aerodynamic frame

• HM Graphite + M40X + Super HMG construction

• Designed primarily in 4U (most popular) and 3U versions

On court, this translates into:

• Extremely fast swing recovery

• Sharp, explosive drives and counter-smashes

• Very comfortable defense and quick transitions

• Crisp, clean hitting sound that gives clear feedback

This racket rewards timing, speed, and clean technique, not raw strength.

How Does It Play?

The Nanoflare 800 feels best when you play in rhythm.

Once your swing timing is correct:

• Flat exchanges become effortless

• Defensive blocks turn into instant counters

• Front-court interceptions feel decisive and confident

• The shuttle leaves the string bed quickly and cleanly

It gives that feeling of:

“As soon as I react, the racket is already there.”

This is why many players describe NF800 as a racket that:

• Feels alive

• Encourages aggressive tempo

• Makes fast badminton feel natural

The Trade-Offs You Need to Accept

This racket is not forgiving.

Because of its head-light balance and medium-stiff shaft:

• Players with weak wrists may feel the shuttle “slips” or lacks weight

• Pure rear-court power hitters may find clears and smashes less heavy

• Slow swing tempos feel unstable

• Trying to compensate with higher string tension often makes it worse, not better

Nanoflare 800 will not create power for you.
It amplifies what you already do well.

Who Is the Nanoflare 800 Best For?

Highly suitable for:

• Fast doubles players

• Front-court and mid-court specialists

• Defensive counter-attack players

• Technical players with compact swings

• Players who value speed over brute force

Not recommended for:

• Beginners

• Wrist-dependent hitters

• Players relying on high, heavy rear-court pressure

• Anyone expecting the racket to “add power” automatically

String Setup: Where Many Players Get It Wrong

Nanoflare 800 is very sensitive to string choice and tension.

Many players ruin the racket’s strengths by pulling the strings too tight or choosing overly hard setups.

Recommended Strings (Based on Design & Playstyle)

Exbolt 63 / Exbolt 65

• Very fast rebound

• Crisp, sharp hitting sound

• Excellent for flat drives and counter-attacks

• Best choice if you want to maximize speed

BG66 Ultimax (BG66UM)

• High elasticity with controlled response

• Clear feedback and easy timing

• More forgiving than Exbolt

• Great for technical doubles players

BG80 / BG80 Power (Use with caution)

• Strong bite and control

• More solid feel on impact

• Only recommended if tension is kept reasonable

• Not for players chasing maximum speed

Recommended Tension Range

• 4U: 24–27 lbs

• 3U: 25–28 lbs (only if technique is solid)

⚠️ Pulling NF800 to extreme tension often:

• Kills shuttle hold

• Makes the racket feel hollow

• Removes its biggest advantage: speed

This is not a “high-tension racket.”
Leave some elasticity, and the racket comes alive.

Practical Advice Before You Buy

• Focus on tempo and control, not maximum tension

• Let the racket do what it’s designed to do: move fast

• If it feels empty or unstable, lower tension first — don’t force it

• Pair it with fast strings, not stiff ones at extreme tension

Finally

Yonex Nanoflare 800 is a pure speed racket with a strong personality.

When used correctly, it delivers:

• Lightning-fast reactions

• Effortless defensive counters

• Aggressive flat exchanges

• Full control of match tempo

But it demands:

• Good technique

• Clean timing

• Smart string setup

If speed, reaction, and rhythm are your game — Nanoflare 800 will feel incredible.
If you’re chasing easy power — this is not your racket.