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Badminton Racquets Buying Guide

Whether you're playing at a family picnic  or are thinking of jumping into a serious competition, a decent game of badminton  is all about the racquet.   So before dishing out dough on a new set, get the low-down on all the good brands and the features that could make or break your game.

Racquet Selection

Determining which racquet is best for you often depends on your individual playing style and what sort of games you tend to use it for.  Consider these features before purchasing:     

  • Shape:  Badminton racquets come in a variety of shapes, the most common being egg/oval and square/isometric.  Egg-shaped  heads allow for greater power with each hit, so long as you hit the sweet spot on the strings.  If you miss, this shape head is often less forgiving.  As for square  heads, these are suitable for more amateur players as they provide a larger sweet spot which allows for fewer missed shots.
  • Stiffness:  Most racquets have a bit of give to them, but some are stiffer than others.  The firmness of your racquet should ultimately depend on the strength of the player.  Stronger players can use the stiffest racquets with tight string tension because they have the muscle to complete a more powerful shot.  A lighter, less powerful player, however, would experience a paddle effect with a stiff racquet and will get more momentum using a more flexible racquet.
  • Weight:  Lighter rackets allow you to swing faster and harder, allowing you to have more powerful shots.  Heavier rackets are more stable and are less likely to result in missed shots, but they are harder to manoeuvre.  Generally, lighter racquets are considered to be those that weigh between 85 and 89 grams, while normal to heavy are over 89 grams.

The Make-Up

  • Most badminton racquets are made of carbon-fibre or graphite, much like you would find in any average golf club.  Some manufacturers also put extra materials into the racquet to make it more flexible or powerful.  The extra benefits of added elements like nanocarbon and titanium, however, have been proven to be only very marginally effective.  
  • The balance of the racquet can affect game play.  Head balanced racquets have more mass near the head of the racquet, which gives it added stability and a higher angular momentum when it is swung.  An even balanced racquet, on the other hand, is often more manoeuvrable.

Other Tips

When purchasing remember to:

  • Choose a grip size that you feel comfortable with. 
    • If you tend to be a more offensive player, you'll need something with a more secure grip that allows you to have a more powerful swing.
    • If you tend to rally and make use of deceptive swings, you'll need a smaller grip that is easier to turn in your hands. 
  • Keep your racquet in tip-top shape by using a head cover whenever you are not playing.  Keep it away from any extreme heat source, whether it be a radiator or direct sunlight in the car, to ensure that your racquet does not become warped.

Major Manufacturers

Related Guides

Related Products

Badminton

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