Buyer's Guide
Buyer's Guide
How to buy badminton rackets
There are different component of racket for example Grip, Material , Head Shape, Shaft Flexibility, Balance , Material, String Tension.
Grip
The grip is from where you hold the racket . It is denoted by G in Yonex badminton racket ,it comes in variance from G1 to G5 , G1 & G2 is having large diameter and it is designed for those who are having relatively large hands.
Smaller grip size will allow for finger power/ wrist action to be used whereas a bigger grip size will utilize more of arm.
There are different ways you can grip/ hold your racket depending upon your style of play ( How to hold the racket ) .G4 is the standard grip and most of the Yonex badminton racket comes in this size only .
| G1 | G2 | G3 | G4 | G5 | G6 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 inch | 3.75 inch | 3.5 inch | 3.25 inch | 3 inch | 2.75 inch |
While in Lining (another badminton racket manufacturing company) comes in S1 and S2 Grip sizes
| S1 | S2 |
|---|---|
| Small | Extra Small |
Weight
Most standard badminton rackets comes in weight from 85-92g( Without the string and grip ). It is donated by U.
U and 2U considered to be power racket and it is recommended for professional players and if you are beginner I would recommend you for 3U i.e Light racket.
For heavy weight racket more finger and wrist is used and for light weight arm is used.
| 5U | 4U | 3U | 2U | U |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75-79.7 gm | 80-84.9 gm | 85-92 gm | 90-94.9 gm | 95-99.9 gm |
head shape
There two types of shape either Oval shape or Isometric , In Isometric shape there is larger sweet spot for beginner to play more efficiently and if you are beginner I would recommend to have Isometric frame , the reason is larger sweet spot make it easier to hit a shot without putting too much power and result into better short .
While on the other side Oval shape rackets are there, on these types of shape of badminton rackets the sweet pot will be small and it will result into more power, we will recommend these types of rackets to professional or advanced players. Because of this small sweet spot more power will be delivered and more accuracy is required.
Material
Badminton racket is made up of either Wood , Aluminum, Steel , Carbon ,Graphite , Aluminum & Steel .If you are beginner and just starting we will recommend for Steel / Aluminum , and if you are intermediate then you can think of Carbon Fiber and for professional we will recommend for Graphite as it will be most expensive one.
| Purpose | Material |
|---|---|
| Beginner | Steel / Aluminum |
| Intermediate | Carbon Fiber |
| Professional | Graphite |
Conclusion
| Parameter | Beginner | Intermediate | Professional |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grip | G4 | G4 | G4 |
| Material | Steel / Aluminum | Carbon | Graphite |
| Weight | 3U/4U | 2U | 2U/U |
| Balance | Balance Racquet | HeadLight/Heavy | Heavy |
| Head Shape | Isometric | Oval | Oval |
| String | 18-21 Lbs | 22-28 Lbs | 25-35 Lbs |
string tension
The string tension is inversely proportionate to sweet spot , if you will increase the tension then sweet spot will reduce and more power will generated , so for beginner it is always advice able to have low low tension because it will give them better sweet spot and more use of arm will come into play , as they are not perfectionist so will play better while on other had professional player will have high string tension.
For string tension, you have also considered the racket strength also because over and above of that level it can break the badminton racket. You have check before buying the racket what is the maximum.
Following is the grid according to level of the player you are. As suggested earlier, if you are beginner you should go for low tension and if you are.
| String Tension | Playing Level |
|---|---|
| 18-21 Lbs | Armature |
| 22-24 Lbs | Intermediate |
| 25- 28 Lbs | Advance Player |
| 29-35 lbs | Country Player |
Balance
Balance point is center point of the racket starting from top and bottom of the racket , it is basically center point of badminton racket . It is the weight distribution of the badminton racket. There can three possibility either it can have Heavy Head Racket are Heavier at racket head and will generate more power for smash , it is advice able for those player whose playing style is attacking these type of racket is used for double player . While on the other side Balance badminton racket are those having equal weight distribution across badminton racket, it is advice able for more for defensive players and require more speed.
shaft flexibility
Shaft is the rod which connect frame of the badminton racket to grip of the racket .The shaft the racket can be flexible of stiff . Flexibly is more advice able for beginner player while on the side stiff is used for professional or advance level player. Both Flexible and stiff have pros and cons. Following is comparison of Both:
flexible
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| This is suitable for beginner because they don’t have to focus on generating on power , in initial phase player more concentration on accuracy rather than force. | Because of flexibility when someone defend the shot Badminton shuttle stays for longer period of time result into week defend. |
| By putting less strength, player can generate power because of flexibility of shaft. | S Less control over shuttle placement since shaft is easily bent. |
stiff shaft
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Since It has Stiff shaft so shuttle will not stay for longer period of time on string bed and result into faster return of the shot. | It require good technique. |
| It gives high power. | Suitable for advance or professional player. |
