Choosing the right badminton racquet is a very crucial decision for any player to make, whether they are a beginner or an advanced player. The racquet plays a major role in the overall playing style and performance of the players on the court. With so many options available in the market, in terms of weight, balance, flexibility, and materials, the buying process can be confusing. Every racquet does not work for every player, it depends on the skill level of the player and what one is looking for in a racquet. For players to make the right choice of racquets, they need to understand the elements that influence the racquet's performance. Here are the top five factors to consider before purchasing a badminton racquet.
Weight is one of the most important factors when players are deciding if a racquet is a good fit for them. The industry has a standard scale for all racquet weights. The scale runs from 1U to 9U, 1U being the heaviest and 9U being the lightest. The "U" means the weight of the racquet, and the number before the U determines whether the racquet is on the heavier side or the lighter side. Typically, most high-end racquets are manufactured between the 3U and 5U range. This means that they are usually between 80 grams to 90 grams. The most commonly used racquets are either a 3U or a 4U racquet. The weight represents the racquet frame itself, it does not include the grip or the strings that might add to the overall weight of the complete racquet. Lightweight racquets are mostly preferred by beginners and intermediate players because they are easier to use and allow faster reactions. These racquets reduce the risk of wrist and shoulder injuries, and so they are ideal for those players who are still developing and working on their technique. On the other hand, the heavier racquets are known to be more stable during power shots and smashes. Advanced players who are more aggressive during games and those who like to smash usually go for racquets on the heavier side to take advantage of the added momentum.
The balance point of the racquet or the weight distribution of the racquet is another aspect that players should consider before buying a badminton racquet. Racquets can be head-heavy, head-light, or balanced. Head-heavy racquets have more weight distributed at the head, head-light racquets have more weight distributed at the handle, and balanced racquets have the weight distributed somewhere in between. The weight distribution affects two things: the power and maneuverability of the racquet. Head-heavy racquets are known to generate more power, which means that players can make faster smashes along with effortless clears. The racquet gives players extra momentum and that makes it more powerful and harder to control. Head-light racquets are used in sharper situations where quick reflexes are required. Balanced racquets offer players a middle ground and provide them with a balance between power and control. All-rounders or beginners usually use balanced racquets because they are easy to use and versatile.
Another factor to consider while choosing a badminton racquet is its flexibility or stiffness. A flexible racquet is designed to bend more when it comes into contact with the shuttlecock. This means that the racquet will have more recoil effect, which can generate more power and provide greater control over the shot. Flexible racquets are known to be more forgiving while also being easier to use, and this makes them an excellent choice for beginners and intermediate players. A stiff racquet is designed to bend less when it comes into contact with the shuttlecock. This means that the racquet will have less recoil effect, so it is more challenging to generate power and have more control over shots. Stiff racquets are generally used by advanced players who have a more refined technique of playing and are looking to get more precision and control.
String tension is how tightly the strings are pulled and secured to the frame of a racquet. The first tension range is 18 to 22 pounds, and this tension will never break because it is very loose. Racquets with this tension are cheap and will last because they will not break. Racquets with tension from 22 to 24 pounds are for children or beginners. The strings won't break as often, and it is also very forgiving because, since the strings are loose, if a player mishits around the racquet, it won't snap right away. The third range is 24 to 26 pounds for players who have trained for a while and are starting to play more seriously. This range offers a good balance of durability of swings because it won't snap as often and power because players can start using better techniques. The next range is 26 to 28 pounds for professional and competitive players. This string tension requires players to have proper form and know how to generate power. With this range, one has to hit within the sweet spot, otherwise, the strings might snap. The last range is between 28 to 30 pounds, and this is the professional range. This range can be used when professionals have mastered the shots and when they want to maximize the shot speed. With this range, the shot has to be hit from the middle, and if it hits anywhere else, the strings will snap instantly.
Usually, on the side cap of any badminton racquet, some of the details of the racquet would be mentioned. One of them is the grip size of the racquet. Many grip sizes depend on the brand of the racquet. The weight of the grip could range between 80 to 84 grams, which is the lightest, 85 to 89 grams, 90 to 94 grams, and 95 to 100 grams, which is the heaviest. The lower the number, the bigger or thicker the grip handle of the racquet, and the higher the number, the smaller or more narrow the grip. The grip should be comfortable for the players, so it is easy to maneuver. There are also different grip materials to keep in mind. There are towel grips and synthetic grips. Towel grips are soft and comfortable, but eventually, after using it a few times and after it absorb sweat, it might become harder. Synthetic grips, on the other hand, are durable and feel good, but if the player is sweating too much, the racquet could be slippery.
Here at Sports Square, we believe that players need to understand how each aspect, such as weight, balance, shaft flexibility, string tension, and grip size of the racquet aligns with their needs and playing styles while choosing their badminton racquet. These factors influence performance, comfort and also help to prevent injuries.
We redefine the sports retail landscape in India by providing easy access to world-class sports gears, empowering every athlete to achieve their dreams.
