Racquets
Badminton racquets vary by weight (typically 3U to 5U), balance (head-heavy for power, head-light for control), and flex (stiff vs. flexible shafts). Beginners often prefer balanced, medium-flex frames.
- Head-heavy: More power on smashes; may feel slower to maneuver.
- Head-light: Quicker defense and drives; less raw power.
- Even balance: Versatile for all-round play.
- String tension: Lower tension adds forgiveness; higher tension adds precision (within safe frame limits).
Popular Racquet Brands
Top brands include Yonex, Li-Ning, Victor, and Carlton, each offering a range of models for different skill levels and play styles.
- Yonex: Renowned for innovation and quality; popular models include the Astrox and Nanoray series.
- Li-Ning: Known for powerful racquets favored by aggressive players; models like the Turbo Charging series are well-regarded.
- Victor: Offers a balance of power and control; the Jetspeed and Brave Sword lines are popular choices.
- Carlton: Trusted for durability and performance; the Kinesis and Vapour series are notable options.
Where to Purchase Racquets
Racquets can be purchased at specialized badminton stores, sporting goods retailers, and online marketplaces such as Amazon, eBay, and dedicated badminton equipment websites.
- Specialty Stores: Local badminton shops often provide expert advice and allow you to test racquets. They carry racquets from all the brands above.
- Sporting Goods Retailers: Chains like Big 5 and Dick's Sporting Goods carry racquets from Wilson, but is only good for very casual play.
For competitive and recreational play, it's better to purchase a racquet from Yonex, Li-Ning, Victor, and Carlton, which you could buy online, but for backyard and very casual play, it's better to get a Wilson racket from Big 5 or Dick's Sporting Goods.