Want to buy a badminton racket...

[TonyHetherington]

Hi all

Long story short; I used to play badminton a lot when I was younger. Really enjoyed it, and other, racket sports.

Then recently (past 5 months) I've been playing at lunch with guys in the office, always borrowing one of their rackets. Really getting into it now and want to buy my own one.

Is there anything I should look out for? Do badminton rackets have different lengths, flexes, strings etc. etc. or is any racket as good as another? Don't want to spend silly money, far from it, but as I'm only goin gto buy once I'd like it to be right?!

Much appreciated for any advice!
Thanks

[A - W]

All depends on your budget.

Tennisnuts.com are reasonable if you have an idea what you want or even to browse.

http://www.tennisnuts.com/ishop/677/shopscr3.html

[thewave]

TonyHetherington said:

Hi all

Long story short; I used to play badminton a lot when I was younger. Really enjoyed it, and other, racket sports.

Then recently (past 5 months) I've been playing at lunch with guys in the office, always borrowing one of their rackets. Really getting into it now and want to buy my own one.

Is there anything I should look out for? Do badminton rackets have different lengths, flexes, strings etc. etc. or is any racket as good as another? Don't want to spend silly money, far from it, but as I'm only goin gto buy once I'd like it to be right?!

Much appreciated for any advice!
Thanks

The length of a racket is governed by the rules, as is the head area, so there won't be much variance there, only the head 'shape' tends to change. Prince and Wilson used to do 'interesting' head shapes, but most seem to be a normal isometric/oval shape.

Cheap rackets will weigh more than expensive ones, but we're probably only talking 20g between a £20 racket and a £60 racket...

Strings are more important. I play with my strings at 24lbs, which is pretty high. I think this is personal preferance though, I'd suggest sticking to a tension around 20lbs.

Carlton and Yonex are the two better brands, I currently use a Carlton, but have had several of each over the years.

As is always said, try before you buy, or at least pick a few off the shelf and see how they feel.

Enjoy

[lazyitus]

Always used Yonex. Great quality racket. Go as light as you can possibly afford providing the strings are nice and tight.

[TonyHetherington]

Cool thanks for the info guys!

Just one final question; what do tight or loose strings do for you? I mean do you get more control but need to put more effort to strike, for example?!

[thewave]

TonyHetherington said:

Cool thanks for the info guys!

Just one final question; what do tight or loose strings do for you? I mean do you get more control but need to put more effort to strike, for example?!

High tension strings offer more control, less tension offers more power.

Hence a good player will have tighter strings as their ability/technique makes up for the power, but retaining better control.

I don't know how good you are Tony, so don't take this the wrong way, but you probably won't notice much difference either way. Just get a nice racket that feels good and is well within your budget.


ETA

Make sure you have 'grippy' trainers for the surface you're playing on. Invaluable addition.

Edited by thewave on Wednesday 23 April 12:40

[TonyHetherington]

Thanks

Yup I'm not great yet; happy with the level I get to play to, for sure, but looking to get better so I think you're right I won't notice a difference with subtleties in the game like that.

To a sports shop I will go!

Thanks

[Blue Meanie]

I used to love badminton, but it really isn't played over here in the states much. Equipment tends to be 'garden party' variety. I've taken up tennis instead, but would love to find somewhere local that has a court.