Best Badminton Rackets: What You Don't Know Could Be Killing Your Game!

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Badminton is an enjoyable sport. It is easy to learn. You can play for fun or professionally. You can play it with family or friends. It doesn’t require any special equipment because all you need is a net and rackets, which are relatively cheap to buy.

To decide which is the best badminton racket for you, you have to consider your experience level and how often you play. I want to highlight some factors you can consider to narrow your research for the best badminton rackets.

Our Recommended Badminton Rackets:

Product	Our Rating	Price
HIRALIY Badminton Rackets Set of 4	9.7	Check Price on Amazon
Franklin Sports 2 Player Badminton Racquet Replacement Set	9.5	Check Price on Amazon
Senston Badminton Rackets 4 Pack	9.1	Check Price on Amazon
Champion Sports Badminton Rackets Set of 6	8.8	Check Price on Amazon
BSN Badminton Racquet (Prism Pack)	8.6	Check Price on Amazon
Professional Badminton Rackets Set	8.2	Check Price on Amazon
STSTECH Badminton Rackets for Children	8	Check Price on Amazon
Badminton Rackets 4 Pack Set	7.7	Check Price on Amazon
AboveGenius Badminton Rackets Set of 6	7.4	Check Price on Amazon
Falconz Badminton Set	7.2	Check Price on Amazon

Last update on 21st March 2023 / Affiliate Links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Types of Badminton Rackets

Oval-Shaped vs. Isometric-Shaped Rackets

Traditionally, badminton rackets are known to be oval-shaped. They are lightweight and have an aerodynamic design which makes them suitable for both professional players and beginners. Because of the oval form, the threads across the sweet spot are quite short. As a result, this form provides a larger sweet spot and makes it easier to play with.

A regular racket is oval-shaped, whereas an isometric racket has a little wider top edge. This design delivers more power over a wider surface than other types. These rackets are easy to use and great for junior players. They come in small, medium, and large sizes.

High-Tension Rackets

They are designed to provide more power but the increased tension also comes with increased risks. It’s best for adults who have already gone through training sessions and can hit hard shots with accuracy.

If you want something that is easy to control, then lower-tension rackets are what you should be looking at. They generate less power because of the low tension. They are perfect for beginners who want to work their way up to more advanced models.

Lightweight VS Heavyweight Racket

Your choice should be based on how heavy a racket you can wield comfortably. A heavier racket will provide extra power to your shots but may tire out your arms faster. If you choose a lightweight one, make sure it is not too light for you as this affects your accuracy and power.

Rackets weighing less than 85 grams are known as lightweight rackets. They’re perfect for children since they’re easy to play with. However, adults who are not used to playing lightweight rackets might find it difficult to make accurate shots. You can train your arms but you shouldn’t expect much power from these rackets.

Heavyweights are generally preferred by pros because they offer more power. Most of them are made with carbon steel, graphite, aluminum, titanium, or fiberglass materials. They usually weigh between 90 to 120 grams. They generate a lot more power than lighter rackets. Avoid these if you’re a novice since incorrect use may lead to wrist injuries.

Synthetic Grip VS Towel Grip

Most beginners prefer this grip since they’re made from a more comfortable material and have a tacky feel that is easy to maintain. This type grips tightly which enables you to hit more powerful shots with ease.

Towel grips are more commonly found in professional badminton courts. They are preferred by advanced players because they allow for a better grip of the racket, even when you sweat. Because of the raised bumps of this type, it’s also easier to make accurate shots with high precision.

Flexible vs Stiff Shaft

If your racket has a stiff shaft, it won’t absorb much of the vibration so this would be a major hindrance to your performance.

A flexible shaft provides better shock absorption and allows you to make more accurate shots even when the shuttle moves fast or has a lot of spin on it. However, if the racket is not stiff enough, it will lack power and accuracy.

Stiff shafts are better for advanced players who rely on power and speed. The increase in accuracy is not worth it if your shots lack power, which is why many professionals prefer stiff rackets over flexible models.

Badminton is a growing sport that's accessible for all ages. It's great exercise and simple enough for beginners of any age.

Things to Consider When Looking for the Best Badminton Rackets:

Overall Weight

As your skills improve though, you may want a heavier racket to give you greater control. Typically rackets range from 85g – 160g and typically the bigger/heavier the badminton racket is the more powerful shot will be launched.

Balance Point

The balance point is the place where you hold your racket.

A headlight model would be ideal for beginners since it provides additional power to your shots without sacrificing too much control. If you are an advanced player, a head-heavy or even balanced racket would give you better control over your shots so this will be better suited to you.

Flexibility

If you are a more advanced or pro-level player, you should get a racket with extra-stiff shaft flexibility. The stiffer the better, because this would give you more power to smash the shuttlecock hard and also reduce the chance of your wrist or arm getting injured. And remember that it is very important for you to have a good practicing partner, or else you will never be able to reach your potential.

Tension of Strings

There are many badminton players who only care about the frame and think nothing about the tension of the strings.

A good rule of thumb is the lower the tension, the more control you will have over the racket. But too low a tension will lead to injuries because your muscles will be too weak to produce any force at all.

On the other hand, a too high tension will cause injuries because your muscles will be too tight and therefore, they will be straining to produce a maximum force which is almost impossible. So the best tension for you is neither too high nor too low, but rather just right. The ideal tension will allow you to use maximum power without causing the racket to bending too much or without making the strings too slack.

Grip

If you choose the wrong grip, you might experience discomfort in your hand after a short period of time.

Synthetic grips are becoming more popular these days. Why? Simply because they are easier to clean, last longer, and offer better grip than the old-fashioned towel grips.

Shape of the Head

The round shape is the most popular among all badminton players. Because of this, most players start out with a round-shaped racket.

If you do a little research, you will discover that there are many badminton players who use the isometric-shaped racket, and they seem to do better than other players who use the other types of rackets. So if you are serious about playing badminton, then you should definitely consider getting an isometric-shaped racket.

Material

If you are keen on becoming a professional badminton player, you should opt for rackets made using carbon-fiber materials. This is because the material is not only extremely light but also possesses great aerodynamic features. In line with this, it is ideal for use in competitive playings such as in leagues and tournaments.

Carbon fiber possesses all the essential features required to make a top-notch badminton racket. When it comes to performance, carbon fiber is unparalleled. It is also lightweight, which means that using it will not only make your game more energetic but also quicken your reactions. In general, carbon fiber is perfect for recreational players who want to have some fun while improving their game.

Other materials used in making these rackets include lightweight aluminum and steel. Each of these materials has its own unique properties. As such, you should research the material that suits your playing needs in the best way possible.

Budget

You must decide how much you are willing to spend on a badminton set. Rackets vary in price from less than $20 to several hundred dollars.

Some badminton rackets are expensive because they are made of carbon fiber that makes them have special properties. These properties make the badminton racket last longer and provide more power when hit with the shuttlecock.

Other badminton rackets are less expensive, but they may not have the same properties as the expensive badminton rackets. In this case, the lower-priced badminton rackets will still be good enough for most players.

FAQ

Would a Stiffer Shaft Be Better For Beginners?

It’s up to you. Personally, I prefer a slightly stiffer shaft because it gives me more control. But remember, you need a shaft that feels right to you. Find the shaft that suits you and you’ll find it will enhance your game.

How often should you replace your racket?

That really depends on you. Some people may play every day and never need to replace their rackets. On the other hand, if you are a serious tennis player and play more than one or two matches per week, you should probably replace your racket about every three months.

How much should I pay for a good quality badminton racket?

The price of a good quality badminton racket is dependent on the materials used, the size of the racket, and the brand. The cheapest badminton rackets can be had for around $35, but more expensive ones can be had for around $350.

What kind of grip should I buy?

That’s a great question, and there are a lot of different grips. Grips usually come in different sizes. This means that they will fit differently depending on your hand. It is important that you buy the right size! If you have a question about the size, the vendor should be able to help you.

How often should you replace your racket strings?

All racket strings will lose their elasticity after a certain time frame. The time frame will differ depending on the type of string. Synthetic strings will last way longer.

Should I buy a used badminton racket?

Sure, but make sure to check for cracks and damage, as it’s hard to know the extent of the damage by just looking at the racket. Some people, especially beginners, might be tempted to buy a used racket. But unless you know for sure how it was treated, it is not recommended.

How do you care for a badminton racket?

Routinely soak it in a solution of water and mild soap. Then, after it has thoroughly soaked up the soap, rinse it in clean water until the water runs clear. Next, put the racket in a bag with a few drops of dishwashing liquid and some rubbing alcohol. Shake the bag to mix the ingredients and let the racket soak overnight.

What is the difference between a standard and a graphite badminton racket?

The answer is simple. The main difference is in the frame. A graphite badminton frame is made out of a different material than the one used to make a standard badminton frame. That means it has a different “feel” when you hit the shuttle with it. It also means you get more power when you hit the shuttle with it. But, you have to be very careful. If you are not already a good badminton player, using a graphite frame for the first time can make you much worse instead of better.

Which is the best brand of racket?

That’s like asking which is the best car in the world. It depends on what you are driving for, who is driving it, and where they are going. There are certain brands that are almost universally acknowledged as the “go-to” choices. These brands have a reputation for being tough, durable, and built to last. They are considered the “safe” choices. I had a great experience with Yonex and Li-Ning, and I would highly recommend you start your research from our list of recommendations.

Which badminton racket is best for daily use?

The one you have in your hand right now. It doesn’t matter what kind of strings you put on it. The weight, balance, and overall feel of the racket in your hands will determine how well you can play. If you think you might be able to afford a new badminton set, by all means, get the one you want. But for daily use, you should use the racket you are most comfortable with.

Which brand of a badminton racket is best?

It really doesn’t matter. All you need is something that feels good in your hands and that you can adjust to fit your own personal swing. The best advice is to get a few different brands and go to a local store and try them all out. You’ll soon find the one that feels right in your hands. It might be a natural or synthetic string material, it might be a combination of materials or even a graphite or metal frame.

What is the best tennis racket for seniors?

For senior citizens (over 50., the most important consideration is that the racket must be comfortable. It should have a low “swing weight” which means it will feel natural to them. If you examine their rackets, you’ll notice that they are almost always strung with strings that are very thin and have relatively little “give”. Senior players don’t like a stiff racket because it requires more effort to hit the ball with. And the effort is something that most seniors find hard to muster.

Should I get a heavy or light tennis racket?

That really depends on you, doesn’t it? If you’re a beginner, go for the lighter one. You’ll improve more quickly with a lighter racket and you won’t injure yourself as easily if you happen to hit a ball hard enough to cause your arm to give out from swinging the heavier racket.

Which type of badminton racket is the best?

It’s the one you personally feel most comfortable using! There’s no right or wrong when it comes to choosing a racket. It’s a personal thing. What’s important is that you choose something you’re going to be happy using for years to come!