How to Choose the Best Badminton Racket? | Sports Avenue USA Canada UK

How to Choose the Best Badminton Racket?

You probably have noticed it, how important it is to choose the right racket. If you do not know how to do it, then do not worry, this guide is going to explain and help you how to choose the best badminton racket.

The very first question you need to ask is what you prefer: Power or Control.

Getting both preference in the same measure is impossible, although, you could have what is known as a well-rounded racket, which provides a good balance between both elements.

Are you a professional or a total beginner?

If you are just getting started, then it does not make sense to choose a determined style if you do not know what your abilities are yet.

That is why it is always better to start with a low-cost and beginner friendly racket like the Yonex Nanoray 6. They are very affordable and well-rounded, therefore, they are a great way to get started and find out what your style is.

You could also consider some of the factors while taking into account.

The 4 Factors to Take into Account

There are four critical factors to take into account while choosing your badminton racket:

1. Weight
2. Balance point
3. Shaft stiffness
4. Frame shape

The Weight Factor:

The weight plays a very important role.

Badminton Rackets come in different weight categories:

1. 2U: 90-94 grams
2. 3U: 85-89 grams
3. 4U: 80-84 grams
4. 5U: 75-79 grams

The heavier your racquet the more power it will deliver.

For example, the Yonex Astrox99 comes in two versions: The 3U and the 4U. But you could make it heavier by following the tips given in the balance point section. The 3U is more suitable for singles while the 4U, which is lighter, performs better in doubles.

The disadvantage of heavy rackets is that it’s much harder to control. You are basically sacrificing control in favour of power, and unless you are very skilled, this could be a problem.

The Balance Point:

It’s critical depending on your style.

If you want more power, then the balance point of the racket should lean towards the head.

If you want more control, then the balance point should lean towards handle.

If you had a Yonex Astrox99 and put your finger in the center of the shaft, then it would lean towards the head.

But let’s say you are a beginner who has bought the Yonex Nanoray 6 and you have found out that you prefer power over control. Then, instead of buying a new racket, you could do the following:

1. Buy a good light badminton grip
2. Wrap it in the head of your racket

As a result you will get a heavier head and hence more power.

But what happens if you prefer control over power? Then you can use this trick: add more weight to the handle. There are many ways by which you can do this:

1. Change the stringing of your racket for a lighter one
2. Wrap a heavy badminton grip in the handle
3. Wrap 2-3 light badminton grips in the handle

This way you can balance things according to your own preference.

The Shaft: Flexible or Stiff?

There are main differences between each other. Each one of them has its own advantages and disadvantages, but do not worry, here you will find the answers you are looking for.

The Stiff Shaft:

It has less repulsion, which will have to be compensated with more powerful swings.

It’s not recommended for beginners, therefore, it’s better suited to advanced and intermediate-level players

Why not recommended for beginners?

Because a beginner will focus to generating more strength while sacrificing technique. If you are trying to get more advanced skills, then this may be a good option for you.

It is much faster than a flexible shaft racket. Although, the power output will be lesser. If you want fast attacks and replies, then this is a perfect choice for you. It allows you to return the shuttle much faster, which can bring you an edge over your competitors.

The shuttle placement is top-notch. If you want total accuracy with the placement of the shuttlecock, then this shaft will bring you so.

The Flexible Shaft:

It’s excellent for beginners, as you don’t have to concentrate more than needed on generating enough power, so you can focus on the technique.

The repulsion is notably better than a stiff shaft, this allows you to deliver pretty good clears without much effort.

A downside is that the shuttlecock placement will suffer in terms of accuracy. It’s mainly due to the repulsion, which makes it harder to deliver perfect placements.

They are also slower than stiff shaft racquets. This can be a problem for many, because it reduces the speed of your replies and attacks.

As you don’t have to generate much power to deliver powerful shots, it won’t tire your wrists as much as a stiff shaft.

Finally, it’s a good pick for defensive-style players. As you do not have to swing very hard, it allows you to focus more on defensive shots and your strategy in general.

The Shape of the Frame:

It’s important to choose the right shape of the frame. The market offers you two options: The traditional oval shape and the isometric frames.

There are key difference between each, and we will review them here. But what you need to know before is that the difference resides in the sweet spot.

Oval Shape:

This conventional shape has a trickier sweet spot, but if you manage to make the shuttle land on it, then you will get an excellent-quality shot.

Therefore, in order to make the most out of the oval shape, you need to be highly skilled so you can score a high success rate landing the shuttle in the sweet spot.

Isometric or Square Shape:

In comparison to the oval shape, it has a higher success rate landing the shuttle in the sweet spot. A great example of this is the Yonex Voltric FB, which has an excellent isometric frame shape and an excellent tension, which makes it easier for you to achieve high-quality shots.

Due to this characteristic many rackets in the market opt for using a square frame shape, while the oval shape is getting less popular.

Therefore, in our opinion especially if you are a beginner, you should go for a racket that uses an isometric frame shape. Moreover, oval shape rackets are harder to find these days.

Conclusion:

We have reviewed the best badminton rackets in the world. You have an option which perfectly fits each type of player. Moreover, you also have a guide which will help you to choose the perfect match.

Remember to take your own time, because selecting your racquet is very important. You don’t want to waste your money in something that doesn’t comes with the features you are looking for.

Therefore, follow our guide, check our badminton racket sections and decide which option suits you the best. That’s all you need to get a racket that will make you a better player.

For our full range of Badminton Rackets visit Sports Avenue

For our full range of Badminton Bags visit Sports Avenue

For our full range of Badminton Shoes visit Sports Avenue

For our full range of Badminton Accessories visit Sports Avenue

For our full range of YONEX Products visit Sports Avenue

For our full range of YONEX Rackets visit Sports Avenue

Sports Avenue:

Sports Avenue only sell wide range of genuine badminton racquets/rackets items.