Choosing your best badminton racket and which brand of badminton racket as a player can be a headache but at the same time crucial for your performance during a game. It is maybe your most important badminton tool and it can effect your game in terms of power, control and maneuvrability. Sometimes it can get overwhelming with the huge selection on the market. In this article we will get you through the factors to consider when buying the best racket for you. But beware, if you are just starting badminton we suggest not to spend all of your budgeted badminton money on a racket. You do not need the best yonex badminton racket to start with.
How to decide which is the best badminton racket for you?
First things first. You can start by analysing your level of play and adapt a racket to your level. Are you just starting playing badminton, an intermediate player or an advanced or professional player? Rackets are indeed designed for different levels of play. To start with, a racket with a large sweet spot and a lower string tension is better as it can forgive off-centre hits.
And if you’re asking what a sweet spot is, it is the best area to hit the shuttle with for best control and strength. For intermediate and advanced level players. a professional badminton racket can be beneficial. This usually means having a smaller sweet spot and higher string tension.
Determine your playing style
You love smashing and attacking or you prefer to take your time and defend wisely? There is always a racket that matches your style and this is another factor on how to choose the right racket for you. If you are an attacking player and you just enjoy smashing, then look for a racket with a head-heavy balance and a stiff shaft. This helps you generating more power and speed and this a more powerful smash.
On the other hand if you are a defensive player who likes to test your opponent’s nerves, then a racket with a head-light balance and a flexible shaft is more suitable for you. This makes you quicker and be able to maneuver easier.
Consider the weight and balance of the racket
As discussed and depending on your playing style, the weight and balance of a racket are important factors to consider as they affect your swing and maneuverability. Weight also has the same effect as a heavier racket provides more power and stability, while a lighter racket offers greater maneuverability and control. The balance of the racket refers to where the weight is distributed along the frame. A head-heavy racket has more weight towards the head, while a head-light racket has more weight towards the handle.
A balanced racket offers a combination of power and control. But how can you check whether a racket is top heavy or bottom heavy? Very easy, just put your racket on your index finger from the middle of the shaft (the middle part of the racket between the grip and the head) and if the rackets falls from the head then the racket is top heavy. If instead it falls from the grip side then it is bottom heavy (head-light)
Look at the racket’s frame and strings
When buying a racket have a look also at the frame as this can effect the durability, power, and control. Although a racket with a thinner frame and a smaller string diameter might be less durable but can offer more power and maneuverability. If you prefer more durability and control, a racket with a thicker frame and larger string diameter can be great for you.
Keep in mind also though that the material also make a huge difference in many aspects and also affects the racket’s performance. For example, a good badminton racket can be made of carbon fiber or graphite which usually make rackets lighter and more flexible, while rackets made of aluminum or steel are heavier, stiffer and more durable. Back to where badminton originated, rackets were made of wood and were much heavier than today’s.
The same tips to choose your best badminton shoes apply to rackets. Trying out is always the best way to know something so trying different rackets will help you choose the best one for you. Many shops give you the opportunity to test out a racket before purchasing. If this is not possible you can try different rackets from your badminton friends and then but the same model online.
Take your time to test different rackets and always pay attention how comfortable it is for you, how you feel playing with it and also how it effects your shots. It would be best to try out different rackets with diverse weights, balances, and string tensions to find the matcht the perfect racket for you and your playing style.
Talk to people and read reviews
Knowledge and power and even in this case, reading, talking with your peers and gathering as much information as possible will help you narrow the choice down to a couple of rackets and hopefully then choose the best racket for you. Having said that, be careful not to fret too much as badminton has many other aspects and if you are just starting out the best way to learn is to go on court and play so be sure to make that as soon as you can!
In conclusion, choosing the right racket is a process that involves understanding your level of play, determining your playing style, considering the weight and balance of the racket, looking at the racket’s frame and strings, and trying out different rackets to see what you are most comfortable playing with. By taking the time to consider these factors and trying out different rackets, you’ll be able to find the perfect racket that will help you perform your best on the court and enjoy your game of badminton. If you would like more tips and news about badminton keep following Badmintonradar.com