Can't Find the Right Equipment for Your Favorite Sport? Check out these Expert Tips on How to Select a Badminton Racket 2020

Badminton is a global game and, of late, it is also gaining popularity in this country. It is second to cricket in popularity. It is mainly due to the several laurels that our national team has brought home over the last few years. Several academies are coming up throughout the country and have several youngsters taking up the sport. Moreover, we are also getting more and more conscious of our health and fitness levels. People are taking to sports more, and badminton has been an attraction for most of us.

The weight of the racket is dependent on the level of your game. It is an essential criterion while selecting a badminton racket. Beginners must use a lighter racket, weighing around 85 - 89 grams as it will help them grasp the game and serve and smash faster. It will help the novices learn the finer points of the game more quickly. Also, if you are predominantly a doubles player and starting to learn the nuances of the game, the ideal weight of the racket would be between 80 – 84 grams.

The selection of the balance depends on whether you are singles or a doubles player. A lot depends on your game too. A head-heavy racket is one whose head is heavier. It helps to provide more power when smashing. It also helps the player to play to the full potential from the back of the court. However, the player must be skilled enough to use this racket. A racket with a lighter head is ideal for playing near the nets. As it can be manoeuvred easily, it is suitable for doubles players. An even balanced one is where the weight is balanced evenly across the racket.

Rackets are made from three types of materials, viz. steel, aluminium, and graphite. Steel rackets are the strongest ones, and novices may find it uncomfortable while playing. The graphite ones are of the ideal weight. They are flexible to use and very easy to handle. While players may find it to be comfortable, they are expensive too. The ones made of aluminium are lighter than the steel ones but are not so flexible as the ones made from graphite.

The tension of the string can be gauged by pressing it with your hands. If the sunken depth is 1 mm, it is the ideal tension for most players. If you want to have more power into your play, you can have a racket of higher tension. You must also note that the temperature of the location can also affect the tension levels. Those living near the tropics must use a racket of higher tension.

You can also choose the tension based on your style of play. If you prefer to hit hard, you can choose a racket with higher tension. As a player, you can have more control and precision over your shot. Beginners can use a racket with lower tension.

The grip of the racket is the personal preference of the player. It is suggested that you buy a racket with a smaller grip. The grip can be increased later according to requirement. But it is cumbersome to get it reduced. It is suggested that kids do not use too thick grips as they would be using their arms to generate power when they were young. As a result, they will find it difficult to generate power with their fingers when they play as an adult.

Players must choose the type of grip according to their needs. They are usually of two types, synthetic and towel. The towel grip absorbs the sweat and is softer. On the flip side, these grips lead to the accumulation of germs and are very unhygienic. Also, it becomes flimsy over time and requires changing the racquet too often. Synthetic grips are not messy like the towel grips. However, novices may find it a tad uneasy as it does not absorb the sweat.

The speed of your arm must be the deciding factor for the flexibility of the shaft for your chosen racket. Manufacturers categorise the shaft as flexible, medium and stiff, though there be slight variations too. The swing speed of the player is essential if they wish to reap the benefits of a stiff shaft. If you have a slower wrist speed, you must choose a racket with a flexible shaft. It is the reason that beginners prefer a flexible shaft, while the more seasoned ones want a stiffer one. Those who have reasonable experience in the game, but with lesser arm speed can choose a medium-stiff racket.

If you are a beginner or a player with intermediate skills, you must always keep the budget at the back of your mind. It is crucial when you are choosing a badminton racket as the price difference to a great extent. A badminton racket can cost starting from sub Rs. 1,000 levels to even above Rs. 15,000. Apart from deciding on the various factors also mentioned in this article, you must also filter the budget that you have when you are researching online.