How to Buy Badminton Gear

Badminton is a sport that's enjoyed everywhere from backyard picnics to international competitions, including the Olympics. Your level of competitiveness will determine the type of set you need.

Things You'll Need

  • Badminton Nets
  • Badminton Posts
  • Badminton Rackets
  • Badminton Set
  • Badminton Shuttlecocks
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Instructions

  1. For the Aspiring Competitor

    • 1

      Purchase equipment individually, as opposed to in sets, so you can get specific features that both suit you and match official regulations.

    • 2

      Select posts that rise 5 feet 1 inch from the court's surface.

    • 3

      Choose a net made of fine cord of a dark color and even thickness; make sure the mesh is not less than 15mm and not more than 20mm wide. The depth of the net should be 2 feet 6 inches. Make sure the top is edged with a 3-inch white tape doubled over a cord or cable running through it - that's a regulation play requirement. Good nets usually run about $30.

    • 4

      Pick a shuttlecock - the "birdie" - that works best for you financially. There are two types of shuttles: those made of nylon and those made of authentic feathers. The feathered shuttles run anywhere from $15 to $25 and are considered higher-brow. However, they don't last as long as the less expensive ($12 to $15) nylon shuttles.

    • 5

      Purchase a racket (or two) that's flat and consists of a pattern of crossed strings connected to a frame that's either alternately interlaced or bonded where the strings cross. A good-quality racket usually runs between $25 and $50, but they can be priced as low as $10 or as high as $90. Rackets are designed with different characteristics for different styles of play. Are you a power player, relying on the smash? A finesse player devoted to control and placement?

    • 6

      Make sure the frame of the racket, including the handle, isn't longer than 2 feet - 2 3/4 inches (680mm) and 9 inches (230mm) in width. The overall length of the head shouldn't exceed 11 3/8 inches (290mm). The strung surface shouldn't be more than 11 inches (280mm) in length and 8 5/8 inches (220mm) in width.

    For the Backyard Enthusiast

    • 7

      Purchase equipment in sets, since the quality is fine for what you need.

    • 8

      Make sure the set you're considering includes two to four rackets, two to four shuttles, two posts and a net, as well as basic instructions.

    • 9

      Browse sporting goods stores to find the best price. Most will have adequate sets for children or casual players; these will cost anywhere from $15 to about $40. You can expect the more expensive sets to be more durable.