It doesn’t take long to realize that there are a lot of factors to consider in a badminton racket. What at first seems like nothing more than smaller tennis racket, there are a lot of things that play into better power and accuracy when hitting the birdie. Factor in recent technological improvements, and selecting between the bevy of choices can be overwhelming.
We’ve outlined the three most important factors to look into when you’re finding your next racket for badminton.
Weight
Generally speaking, when it comes to badminton rackets, the lighter the better. The lighter the racket, the faster you’ll be able to swing it, which leads to more power and quicker reaction time.
Technological improvements have made the top badminton racket options incredibly lightweight. Most are made from a carbon fiber composite that utilizes graphite, plastic, and other materials.
A good weight for a racket is somewhere between 75-90 grams, or 2.5-3.25 ounces. Yes, rackets are really that light!
There is a case to be made that, as you advance and get better, you might want a slightly heavier racket. You’re still on talking about one that is around 100 grams, but that extra weight can give you a little more power behind your smashes.
Balance Point
While weight is a pretty obvious consideration for a racket, the balance point of the design might not be quite as obvious. However, it is vital you take the balance point of the badminton racket into consideration.
Balance point refers to where the weight is distributed throughout the racket. Some rackets come heavier on the head, some heavier on the handle, and still others are perfectly balanced.
The balance point is really easy to measure and can be done if you know the total length of the racket.
There are situations where you might want a head heavy racket. For example, having more weight in the head will translate to more power in your swing.
Transversely, a racket that is heavier weighted on the handle will give you greater control in your swing.
If you’re new, opt for a balanced racket. Otherwise, use the balance point to tip the scales for the style of racket you prefer.
Frame
When talking about the frame of your racket, we’ve already discussed the material used in makeup. This portion refers to the shape of the frame, most notably in the area of the racket with the strings.
Nowadays, frames come in two standard shapes: isometric, which is best described as a little squarish, and oval, which is best referred to as round.
To the beginner, it can be difficult to determine at first glance. Both shapes often look very similar to the naked eye.
Generally speaking, though, an isometric shape elongates the sweet spot of the racket, enlarging the preferred area of striking the birdie. In essence, you get more preferred surface area to your racket.
Most modern rackets follow this design. On the other side, older rackets typically utilize the classic oval shape. This shape does (in theory) provide a little more power when you strike the birdie at the perfect spot.
But most agree that an isometric shape helps your game a lot more than the classic oval shape.
Conclusion
To the naked eye, it’s easy to assume that all badminton rackets are create the same. But, there are actually a number of factors that you need to take into consideration when selecting the right one. At the end of the day, you can focus on the weight, balance point, and frame shape when identifying which one is right for you.
