Badminton Rackets Guide
Badminton Rackets Buying Guide
Badminton is a popular game for many people around the world because it is a sport for all ages - an interesting way to keep your body fit and flexible. However, the most important reason remains the endless hours of enjoyment besides being an intense sport with lots of physical action involved in all directions.
The most important gears to play badminton well are badminton rackets. You may not need the most expensive rackets to make the best shots, but you should have the right rackets, the ones with which you are completely comfortable. Choose the ones that match your level and purpose to get the best results. For this, you need to know everything about your racket. Read on to find out interesting facts that will help you lay your hands on the best when choosing badminton rackets:
Badminton Rackets: Simple Facts You Should Know
The technology that is used in making badminton rackets is called nanotechnology. Though some of the rackets are made from carbon fibre, they are typically stiff. This makes them not-so-popular. However, the advanced ones that are made using the nanotechnology are more flexible. Also, badminton rackets are mostly given an isometric head shape and not a completely oval one.
Before buying a set for badminton rackets for yourself, you have to decide which ones suit you best. If you are a newbie, go for a heavier racket as at the beginning, you have to concentrate on developing power. As you become an advanced player, you can go for lighter rackets as your wrists have already become strong. Also, in competitive tournaments, heavy rackets are a disadvantage. Some players still prefer them over lighter ones for more power.
The string tension is one of the factors that can affect your performance to a great extent. If the string tension is higher, it can give a higher bounce to the shuttlecock. Again, if you are just starting off with your racket, go for the rackets that have less string tension as they are easier to control.
Whether you are buying badminton rackets for yourself or for gifting someone, it is always easier to choose the right equipment for the right players if you have a complete guide before you. In Altius Compare, we guide you through every detail regarding your racket that you need to know for selecting the best racket for yourself and putting up the best performance. Also, after you have decided everything about your racket, let us serve you better by guiding you through the prices of the rackets of all leading brands and give you a comparison overview:
Racket Head
The head of the racket can be of various shapes -- standard (oval or egg), isometric, diamond or teardrop shaped. The shapes of the racket affect the feel of the racket highly. The main string is longer in the diamond or teardrop shaped rackets giving a more "bouncier" feel to the player. The rackets which are standard or isometric shaped do not have such long main string and thus lack the bouncy feeling.
"Wide body" rackets which are wider from the sides help in adding more power to your shot.
Racket Shaft
The racket shaft is another important part of the racket that determines the flexing of the racket throughout the stroke. While stiffer shafts can give you more control, flexible shafts are better to play more powerful shots. Longer shaft can give you a feel of more flex while the short ones are a bit stiff than the longer ones.
Racket Grip
The grip of the rackets should be chosen according to the preference and comfort of the player. The type and size of the grip are some important things that are to be considered. There is nothing ‘standard’ when it comes to grip but normal rackets have the G4 grip. While players with small hands may feel comfortable with bigger grips (G5), the players who have big hands cannot do without smaller ones. There are additional over grips to thicken the grip if you are not satisfied with the grip on your racket.
Choose towel grip if your hands perspire a lot.
Racket Strings
Nylon and natural gut are the important materials for racket strings. Natural gut being more expensive, has been mostly replaced by nylon. However, with advanced technology, the quality and playability of nylon strings has increased relatively. Try different types of strings before you decide to stick with a particular one that will optimize both power and control. Also remember, the racket in which you are using the strings is also going to make a difference. If you like everything about your racket except the tension factor, you can also re-string your racket with the same string but with different tensions by professionals.
Remember this simple facts before you set out to buy your racket:
- Stiffer shaft on a racket = more control
- Flexible shaft on a racket = more power
- Tighter strings = more control
- Looser strings = more power
Updated on : 05 July 2011 7:18 AM
