How to Choose a Badminton Racquet

There are a number of things to consider when you choose a badminton racquet. Badminton racquets are light and can be made from many different materials, and racquets with different characteristics will be appropriate for players with different styles. You should also consider the size and tension of the strings; texture and material of the grip; and shape of the racquet's head. If you consider all of the different features of the racquet, you can choose a badminton racquet that will help you improve your game.

Instructions

    • 1

      Decide on a material for the racquet. Racquets can be made of many different materials including carbon fiber, metal and wood. Less expensive racquets may be made of wood or heavier metals, but most of the higher end models will be made of lightweight aluminum or carbon fiber. Carbon fiber has the best strength to weight ratio of any material available, and is the best choice if you are not concerned about the price of the racquet.

    • 2

      Determine the string type you will want for your badminton racquet strings. Thicker strings last longer, but smaller strings allow the player to feel the shuttlecock more easily. Your playing style will determine the correct string tension for your racquet. Advanced players often string racquets at higher tension than beginners. Using an optimum string tension will allow you to balance power and control.

    • 3

      Choose a type of grip. The grip makes the racquet thicker at the handle and gives the player a comfortable handle to hold on to. Polyurethane and cloth are two common materials for badminton racquet grips. If your hands become sweaty easily, consider a leather grip to keep the sweat from making the grip slippery during play. Grip sizes range from G2 to G5, with G5 being the smallest size. According to ArxMan Sports, "If you want to attack the opposite player more aggressively, go for the bigger grip sizes."

    • 4

      Account for the shape of the racquet head. Two major shapes of racquets are commonly available: oval and isometric. An oval shaped racquet has a smaller sweet area, but hitting power will be more focused at this area. According to Racquet Research, "The 'sweet' area on the string bed is where the racquet's bounce is maximized." An isometric head provides a larger sweet area, and is more forgiving for beginning players who will hit the shuttlecock off center more often.

    • 5

      Experiment with racquets of different types. Only by testing different racquets with different qualities will you be able to choose a badminton racquet that is right for your game.