How to choose the right badminton racquet
In choosing a racquet, don’t fall into the trap of playing eenie-meenie-mienie-moe or getting what-Mr.Pro-is-using. Enough drooling over what you think is cool. Know the basics so you can get the right racquet that is right for you.
WEIGHT DOES MATTER
Before typing that I am biased on the comment box, know that the weight that I am pertaining to is the weight of the racquet. Lighter racquets weighing from 85 to 90 grams is ideal for players opting for more control on their swing. Players, especially newbies, use this kind of racquet because its weight enables you to control your swing and hit the shuttle easier. In badminton, it is important to train your wrists first. So if you are not gifted with a powerful wrist to unleash a smash, begin with lighter racquets.
If you are opting for more power on your hit, and you want to unleash powerful smashes that will surprise your opponent, then go for heavier racquets. Heavier racquets often have stiffer shafts as it unbends and releases power faster compared to flexible shafts. They offer larger sweet spots too. These racquets usually weigh from 89 grams to 92 grams so expect it to be stiffer on feel when you play.
Which is which? Light or heavy racquet?
You may find doing smashes more appealing than doing dramatic drop shots, and that’s probably why you are now thinking of buying a heavier racquet. But you should take note that not all players—beginners and veterans alike—are awarded with a powerful and flexible wrist. Usually, it takes time to develop and train your wrist, and not having a powerful wrist after a few tries might get you frustrated. It is really best to first know your strengths and capabilities so that you’ll know which racquet is best to get. Solution: know your style of play, and from there, you’ll know if you’re one of those lucky newbies who has a powerful wrist to unleash a powerful smash. For those who aren’t so lucky, don’t lose hope. The smash isn’t the only skill in badminton, and champions will attest to how a well-timed drop shot can win a game. Similarly, a lighter racquet can work just as well, if not better, than a heavy one. But if you’re really committed to having a wrist powerful enough to smash that birdie like the Hulk, well, all you need is hours upon hours of practice.
STIFFER or FLEXIBLE shaft?
Before discussing flexibility, let me explain how the shaft works: When you make a swing on your racquet, like for example during overhead clear shots, the racquet bends back and unleashes it power when it bends forward. At the transitional moment, the shaft bends. How fast you need your racquet’s shaft to bend backward and forward will affect your choice of racquet.
A short, fast, and powerful backswing hit requires a stiffer shaft as it unbends and releases power into the hit faster. Smoother, yet slower strokes would need a flexible shaft to fully unload the power at impact. Usually, flexible racquets are ideal for newbies since stiffer shafts require more power and control. But there are some who can control and maximize the capabilities of a stiffer racquet and that really depends on the player. It is best that you test-play using racquets of different shaft stiffness to know which one works best for you.
Composition
Every brand has its own technology to flag. Each technology is made to improve the performance and durability of the racquet. Usually, the better technology the racquet has, the more expensive it gets. But expect that the performance improves as well. Like for example, Yonex features its nano-structured racquets – nanospeed, wherein it is composed of carbon and fullerene, so you gain more control and power on every swing. RSL on the other hand features its Pulse Technology which makes the frame of the racquet stronger and more durable than ever before. Each racquet has its own technology, and each technology has its own benefits. Weigh which technology will benefit your play more, but remember: no matter how great the technology your racquet has, if you don’t know how to maximize it, then it is like fighting with a light saber without turning it on.
Getting the racquet
Toby’s Sports showcases a wide selection of the best badminton racquets and gears. From RSL, Yonex, Prince, Toalson, to Dunlop, you can expect that there is a wide arena of racquets to choose from. And if getting the right one seems to be a hard thing to do, you can expect Toby’s team of trained staff to be there to assist you. These guys can help you get your racquet and have it strung. Because only Toby’s offers professional racquet stringing services officially certified by the United States Racquet Stringers Association (USRSA). Twenty-five years of experience make Toby’s not just a reliable professional stringer but a sports store that knows what you need to know about racquets as well.
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