Carlton Badminton Rackets 2026/2027

New Carlton badminton rackets for 2026/2027

Carlton is renewing its range of badminton rackets for the 2026/2027 season. Well-known series such as the Carlton Vapour Trail rackets and Carlton Velocitex rackets return with a new generation. At the same time, Carlton introduces the eye-catching new 3.7 series.

This gives players even more choice between power, control and speed. Carlton does not simply divide these characteristics across different price levels. Instead, each series contains rackets with their own distinctive playing characteristics.

In this blog, we take a closer look at the most important new Carlton badminton rackets. Discover which series and model best match your playing style.

Carlton 3.7: new yet familiar

The biggest addition for 2026/2027 is the introduction of the Carlton 3.7 series. Its name and design reference Carlton's heritage, while the construction itself is thoroughly modern.

At the top of the range are two distinctly different rackets: the Carlton 3.7C and Carlton 3.7P. They are joined by three lighter Team models.

Carlton 3.7C for control

Looking for a racket that makes it easy to vary your game? The Carlton 3.7C is worth considering.

The C stands for Control. According to the specifications, the racket weighs 80 grams and has an even balance. Its medium-flexible shaft makes it accessible across a wide range of shots.

The 3.7C therefore suits players who like to construct rallies. Think accurate placement, quick interceptions and controlled attacking shots.

Carlton 3.7P for more power

The Carlton 3.7P takes a different approach. The P stands for Power.

At 84 grams, this model is slightly heavier. Its head-heavy balance places more weight towards the racket head, helping transfer additional force into clears and smashes.

The flexible shaft supports racket acceleration. This makes the 3.7P particularly interesting for badminton players who like to attack from the rear court.

Modern technology in the 3.7 series

The retro appearance does not mean Carlton relies on old technology. The 3.7C and 3.7P use Japanese Hotmelt Graphite and combine several technologies throughout the frame, shaft and connection points.

These include:

• Aerocap: designed to reduce unwanted vibration and deformation.
• Xtreme Tension Frame: provides a strong and stable frame construction.
• Mono G-Coil Frame: increases stability in the upper section of the racket frame.
• SSS 6.8: improves torsional stability around the T-joint.
• Inner X-Core: contributes to a firmer and more stable racket feel.

Carlton therefore combines a distinctive retro design with features developed for modern badminton.

Carlton 3.7 Team: light and accessible

Not every badminton player needs a premium competition racket. That is why the new range also includes the 3.7 Team I, Team II and Team IV.

The main differences between these rackets are their weight and balance.

• Carlton 3.7 Team I: 78 grams, head-heavy and flexible.
• Carlton 3.7 Team II: 76 grams, even balance and medium-flexible.
• Carlton 3.7 Team IV: 72 grams, head-heavy and medium-flexible.

The Team I combines a relatively low weight with support for attacking shots. The Team II has a more neutral character, making it suitable for an all-round playing style.

At only 72 grams, the Team IV is the lightest of the three. It offers plenty of racket speed, while its head-heavy balance still provides support when attacking.

New Carlton Vapour Trail rackets

The Carlton Vapour Trail rackets remain an important part of the collection. Three models are available for 2026/2027: the Vapour Trail HT 86, HT 82 and HT 74.

The model numbers immediately highlight one of the main differences. The range goes from a relatively heavy and stiff attacking racket to an exceptionally lightweight option.

Carlton Vapour Trail HT 86

The Carlton Vapour Trail HT 86 is the most powerful of the three models. It has a frame weight of 86 grams, combined with a head-heavy balance and extra-stiff shaft.

This makes the HT 86 particularly suitable for experienced players. With good technique, it provides a stable feel and direct transfer of power into the shuttle.

The additional weight and stiff shaft require more from your own technique. If ease of play is your main priority, another model may be a better choice.

Carlton Vapour Trail HT 82

The Carlton Vapour Trail HT 82 sits between the other two models.

At 82 grams, with an even balance and medium-flexible shaft, it has a much more neutral character. You get enough stability for attacking play without sacrificing speed and control.

This makes the HT 82 probably the most versatile all-round choice within the new Vapour Trail series.

Carlton Vapour Trail HT 74

Is maximum racket speed your priority? Then the Carlton Vapour Trail HT 74 stands out.

Its frame weighs just 74 grams, yet Carlton combines this low weight with a head-heavy balance. This gives the racket quick handling while retaining support for more powerful shots.

The flexible shaft also helps generate length. This makes the HT 74 an interesting choice for players who defend quickly, intercept early and switch rapidly into attack.

What do the Vapour Trail rackets share?

Although the three rackets have clearly different playing characteristics, they share several important features.

Carlton uses Japanese High Modulus Graphite and technologies including:

• Stabilisor Top Cap
• Xtreme Tension Frame
• Ti Mesh Tech
• SSS 6.8

Your choice therefore mainly depends on your playing style. The HT 86 focuses on stability and power, the HT 82 offers all-round performance and the HT 74 prioritises speed.

New Carlton Velocitex rackets

The familiar Carlton Velocitex rackets also return in the new collection. For 2026/2027, the series consists of four new G2 models.

All four feature a medium-flexible shaft. Carlton then varies the weight and balance to create distinctly different playing characteristics.

• Carlton Velocitex G2.3: 84 grams and head-light.
• Carlton Velocitex G2.2: 82 grams and even balance.
• Carlton Velocitex G2.1: 80 grams and head-heavy.
• Carlton Velocitex G2.0: 78 grams and even balance.

From speed to attack

The Velocitex G2.3 is particularly interesting when fast racket movement matters. Its head-light balance suits defence, drives and quick exchanges at the front of the court.

The G2.2 offers a more neutral feel thanks to its even balance. It is therefore well suited to badminton players who do not focus exclusively on either attack or defence.

With the G2.1, the balance shifts towards the racket head. Combined with its 80-gram weight, this creates an interesting blend of speed and support for attacking shots such as smashes.

The G2.0 is even lighter at 78 grams. Its even balance keeps the racket versatile and accessible.

The new Velocitex models use graphite construction and include technologies such as M24 Graphite and the Xtreme Tension Frame.

Which Carlton badminton racket suits you?

With so many new models, choosing the right racket may seem difficult. Start with your own playing style rather than simply choosing by design.

Are you mainly looking for control? The Carlton 3.7C is an interesting option. If you prefer additional support for attacking shots, the 3.7P is the more logical choice.

The differences become even clearer within the Vapour Trail series. The HT 86 is aimed firmly at experienced attacking players. The HT 82 offers a more balanced combination of characteristics, while the HT 74 puts greater emphasis on speed.

The Carlton Velocitex rackets offer several options for players looking for an accessible and versatile badminton racket.

Use this overview as a starting point. Weight alone does not determine how a racket plays. Balance, shaft flexibility and your own technique are just as important.

Carlton badminton rackets at KW FLEX

The 2026/2027 collection clearly shows that Carlton caters to different types of badminton players. The new 3.7 series introduces a fresh character to the range, while Vapour Trail and Velocitex continue with new models and clearly differentiated specifications.

Looking for a new racket? Compare weight, balance and flexibility first. These characteristics tell you much more about how a racket will play than price or appearance alone.

Discover the new Carlton badminton rackets at KW FLEX and choose the model that matches your playing style. Still unsure? Ask for advice in our Badminton shop. This helps you choose more than just the best-looking racket and find one that genuinely suits your game.

Ready for your new Carlton racket?

Explore the Carlton badminton rackets and compare the latest 3.7, Vapour Trail and Velocitex models.

Choosing between two models? Ask KW FLEX for personal racket advice and let us help you compare weight, balance and flexibility.