A Badminton Racket Guide to Finding the Perfect Racket

Ashley | 03 - 05 - 2021
Badminton Racket

How to buy a badminton racket? This is one common question for every beginner badminton player. All the badminton lovers would know the importance of choosing the right badminton racket. However, it is not an easy task. There are certain things one must consider while choosing your badminton racket. 

How to choose a badminton racket? There are several types of badminton rackets. All badminton players cannot use the same type of rackets. There are several factors to consider while choosing the right one. In this badminton racket guide, we will discuss the 5 important factors you need to consider while buying a badminton racket. 

Racket Weight

Usually, a badminton racket’s weight is denoted by “U”. The larger the number, the lighter the weight of the badminton racket. 

Who Can Use a Badminton Racket with Stiff Shafts?
  • A. Beginners
  • B. Pro Player
  • C. All of the Above
  • D. None of the Above

80g to 100g is the normal weight of a badminton racket. 

5U 4U 3U 2U 1U
75-79g 80-84g 85-89g 90-94g 95-100g

Lightweight Badminton Racket

Lightweight badminton rackets that weigh between 5U(75-79g) and 4U(80-84g) are perfect for beginners as they would be easier to control.

Benefits:

  • It allows for quick stroking speeds and recovery.
  • You can deliver quick serves.
  • You can switch to different strokes easily. 
  • Since they are easier on the wrist and shoulder, the chances of injuries can be reduced. 
  • Generates faster swing speed.

Single players usually use slightly heavier rackets such as 3U rackets and 4U rackets for more speed. 

Heavier Badminton Racket

Advanced level badminton mostly prefers 1U(95-100g), 2U(90-94g), or 3U(85-89g) badminton rackets. 

Benefits:

  • Effective transfer of power and speed to the shuttle.

2) Racket Balance

It is one of the important factors that determine your playing style. The racket balance indicates the racket’s mass distribution, starting from the base of the handle to the top of the racket head.

How to Determine the Type of Balance Your Racket Has?

1) Place a finer slightly below the head of the racket.

2) Note down which side the racket tilts. 

A) Head Heavy Balance

If the mass is more towards the head of the racket, it is called the head-heavy racket. 

Uses:

B) Head Light Balance

If the mass is less towards the head of the racket, it is called a head-light racket.

Uses:

  • It is easier to control, manipulate, and swing the racket.
  • Suitable for defensive counter-attacking
  • Perfect while playing doubles.
  • Because of the less mass in the head, it is easily maneuverable.
  • It is perfect while playing on the frontcourt. 

C) Even Balance

If you are a beginner and unsure about your playing style, the even balance racket is highly recommended. In this, the mass is evenly distributed throughout the racket. Once you find your style, you can choose between the Head-Heavy or Head-light versions.  

3) String Tension

The strings attached to the badminton rackets start to lose their tension when they are strung. 

How to Find the Tension of Your Racket?

  • Press your palm against the strings.
  • Note down how far it sinks. 
Beginner Intermediate Advanced
18-20 lbs 20-23 lbs 24-27 lbs

Beginners tend to experience several mis-hits. Therefore it is recommended to use rackets with lower tension. If you are a beginner, it is advised to start with a tension of 18-20 lbs. Beginners: 

  • The strings are usually loose in this type of racket so that you can have more control. More bounce or repulsion because of the softer strings.  
  • If you need more force into your strokes, you might need a higher tension for your racket strings. 

Advanced:

  • Advanced-level players usually prefer getting rackets with a tension of 24-27 lbs. 
  • The string bed is tighter. Hence it helps pro players to have more control. 
  • The players have to generate more power because of less bounce or repulsion.

If you are an intermediate player, you can use rackets with a tension of 20-23 lbs. 

The temperature of the place you live in might also affect the tension of the strings. Hence, the tension standards might vary from region to region. It is to be noted that people living in the tropics might require rackets with higher tension. 

4) Hand Grip

Types of Badminton Grips

Towel

  • These are usually softer and have a good moisture-wicking tendency. Hence, perfect for those players who sweat a lot while playing. 
  • The accumulation of moisture makes them prone to germs and bacteria. Therefore, you will also need to change your towel grips frequently. 

Synthetic

  • These are usually less messy compared to towel grips. 
  • It has a low absorbing tendency, making it less comfortable to use. 

Size of Badminton Grips

The badminton rackets come in different sizes. 

  • Bigger size- For players who prefer a tighter feel in order to generate more power. 
  • Smaller size- Help move the racket easily.

5) Shaft Flexibility

The shaft flexibility is also one of the important factors while choosing the appropriate badminton racket. 

Stiff: These are suitable for players with faster and powerful swing speed. 

Medium: If you are an intermediate player with developing techniques or someone who is unsure about choosing the shaft flexibility, these are perfect for you. 

Flexible: These are perfect for beginners with slower swing speed. 

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