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UK based stock, staff and How to choose a badminton racket
We know it from our own playing experience - the difference the right badminton racket makes is incredible. A good racket can turn a good shot into a great one, and a great shot into a winning point. But with so many options out there, how do you find the one that's perfect for your playing style? We've put our playing know-how and hours of on-court racket testing into this guide to help you find a racket that feels like an extension of your arm.
Badminton racket frame flexibility
The flexibility of a badminton racket has a big impact on how it plays. Your playing style and level will make a difference to your choice.
Flexible rackets: These are ideal for players who want to maintain control with a lighter touch. They provide a lot of "give," which helps beginners and intermediate players generate power with less effort.
Stiff rackets: Aimed at more experienced players, these provide greater accuracy and power. They require more strength and precise technique to get the best out of them but reward the advanced player with superior control and a solid feel.
Badminton racket balance
The balance of a badminton racket refers to how its weight is distributed. There are three categories: head-heavy, head-light, and even-balanced.
Head-heavy: These rackets are designed for power players who love to smash from the back of the court. The extra weight in the head helps to generate more momentum, giving you powerful clears and smashes.
Head-light: These are great for club players, especially those who play doubles. With the weight focused in the handle, these rackets are incredibly quick and easy to manoeuvre, which is a massive advantage in fast-paced net exchanges and defensive situations.
Even-balanced: This type of racket offers a fantastic middle ground. It provides a good balance between power and speed, making it a versatile choice for players with an all-around game.
Badminton racket weight
Badminton rackets are typically categorised by weight, with the most common being 3U (85-89g) and 4U (80-84g). Generally, a lighter badminton racket is easier to handle, which is why we often recommend a lighter badminton racket for beginners. Lighter rackets allow for quicker shots and better manoeuvrability. As you get stronger and more confident, you might want to try a heavier racket for extra power.
Professional singles players often prefer the heavier 3U models for their powerful drives, while doubles players tend to opt for the quicker 4U racket to gain an edge in fast-paced rallies.
Badminton racket strings
The strings of your badminton racket are important, because the tension and type of string can alter how the racket performs.
Tension: A higher string tension gives you more control and feel, but it also makes the sweet spot smaller and less forgiving. A lower tension provides more power and is more durable. We'd suggest beginners to club players have their badminton racket strung between 20-24lbs, while advanced players might go for 24-28lbs for maximum control.
Type: Thinner strings offer more feel and control but are less durable, while thicker strings are more robust but offer less feedback on contact.
Choosing a badminton racket for your level
- Beginner players: For those just starting out, we recommend a lightweight and flexible badminton racket. Look for something that's even-balanced or slightly head-heavy to give you a good mix of power and control. A lighter racket is much easier to swing and helps you develop your technique without straining your arm.
Intermediate players: As your technique improves, you can start to experiment. An even-balanced badminton racket is a great choice as it gives you the flexibility to adapt to both singles and doubles. You might also want to try a slightly stiffer frame for more accuracy as your shot power increases.
- Advanced players: At this level, it all comes down to personal preference and playing style. A powerful singles player might opt for a head-heavy, stiff 3U badminton racket for maximum smash power. A fast doubles player, on the other hand, will probably prefer a head-light, stiff 4U badminton racket for rapid defence and quick net play.
Leading badminton racket brands
These are some of the high-quality badminton racket brands that we love to play with.
Karakal: Well-known for their lightweight designs, Karakal badminton rackets are built for speed and manoeuvrability. They often feature innovative graphite technology to provide a balance of power and feel, making them a popular choice for all-round players.
Ashaway: A specialist in racket strings and equipment, Ashaway's badminton rackets are known for their superb quality and feel. They are often favoured by advanced players who appreciate the exceptional control and feedback their frames offer.
Babolat: Players enjoy big racket sport brand Babolat's badminton rackets for their power and responsive feel. They are often developed with technologies that enhance frame stability and shot consistency, helping players generate more aggressive shots.
Yonex: The Yonex brand is associated with innovation and performance. Their rackets are used by a large number of the world's top professionals and are build with premium materials to advanced designs, providing a blend of power, control and aerodynamics.
Talk to us for personalised badminton racket advice
Still unsure which badminton racket is the perfect fit for you? Our expert team is here to help! We're all passionate about the game and can give you friendly advice to ensure you find the right badminton racket to take your game to the next level. Just give us a call or drop us a message via email or our social channels. We're always happy to help!