If you are regularly playing or practicing badminton, you can understand how important a good racket is. If you're just getting into the game, then a good badminton racket will have you feeling confident on the court. If you are going to step into the court with only a racket, you better make sure you get the best one that works for you.
A badminton racket is designed to be comfortable and durable so that players can utilize their skills during competitive matches. There are many different styles of racket that are designed for different skills, play levels and body types.
Some rackets are lightweight and those will offer more agility and power. There are also heavier rackets that can potentially improve accuracy for some types of players.
It can be challenging to narrow down which racket type works for you. In order to provide an overall review of the rackets available, we surveyed different racket details and characteristics. Customer reviews, price range, product brand and racket features were some of the main factors that were used to construct this top five product review listing.
Top 5: Badminton Rackets Review
Product Image & Rating (Out Of 10) | Product Name | Price |
|---|---|---|
9.8 | ||
9.6 | ||
9.4 | ||
9.3 | ||
9.1 |
This premium level racket has earned the number one position is this product review. This product is designed with all types of players in mind. This set of rackets is perfect for amateurs, casuals, beginners, and professionals alike. They can be used for both practice or competitions.
This Trained Premium Quality Set of Badminton Racket products also comes endorsed by Amazon due to such positive customer ratings and outstanding reputation. This should resonate well with future consumers who are looking for a proven product.
One of the main reasons that it has received this kind of positive reputation is because these rackets do a great job between balancing all of the factors that customers want in a badminton racket.
These factors include the premium design quality, the price range, and the comfort level for different types of players. Players should be very intrigued by the fact that these rackets consistently checked off all of the boxes that a premium level product should.
Pros
Cons
This Franklin Sports Player Badminton Racquet Set is a high quality and affordable pair of rackets that each feature a steel design and heavy duty frame. There are several unique colors to choose from that add another layer of customization to your racket selection.
The affordable price range is another positive factor that has resulted in a positive reaction from customers. The positive customer reviews stem from the fact that this is built with high quality materials and just might bring your game to the next level.
Pros
Cons
This Yonex 2013 Racket Combo Set features a carrying bag and two high quality badminton rackets that come completely game ready. The storage bag is a nice touch for these lightweight racquets so that users can easily place them and store them conveniently.
These rackets are ideal for beginners because of their enhanced forgiveness. They are perfect for casual amateur players to get started out and to learn the basic fundamentals. At this price, they are a great beginner set and a fair value to customers.
Pros
Cons
The Senston features a collection of two rackets and a carrying bag so that players can easily use and store their rackets conveniently. This set is constructed with high quality materials to ensure the highest level of quality can be achieved.
The shaft is made with graphite which can offer a unique lightweight feeling for players. This is great for players that want added agility and speed. Customer reviews are extremely positive and the general consensus is that this product has definitely earned its place on this countdown.
Pros
Cons
This particular product is extremely affordable and features heavy duty nylon strings that are extremely important for long term durability. The leather grip is designed for comfort so that players can reach their optimal level of performance out on the court.
Customers appreciate the simplicity in the design of the Champion Sports Double Steel Frame Badminton Racket. It is an ideal racket that amateur and professional players can both appreciate.
Pros
Cons
best badminton racket
After evaluating each of these products, it is clear that there are some exceptional rackets to choose from. The difference between each racket may be minor, but it is important to consider what you need in a racket.
We believe that the Trained Premium Quality Set of Badminton Rackets does a great job at balancing all of the desired characteristics in a racket. This product overall has the right amount of features that a badminton player is looking for. Players are more comfortable when playing and they won't break the bank with this option.
Frequently Asked Questions
What characteristics are most important when looking for a racket?
The most important characteristic is comfort. This is not only true for professional players, but amateurs as well. It is impossible to enjoy the game if you are not comfortable. The number one priority should be to focus on finding a badminton rackuet that is ideal for your specific needs. For example, can you handle a heavier racket? Or do you want to focus on speed? Once you find the perfect solution, you will want to practice with it and get as comfortable as possible to enhance your skills.
What is the difference between various badminton rackets?
One of the most common differences is racket weight. Some players prefer a lightweight racket shaft, which can help increase speed or agility. Many of the differences between rackets is more to do with personal preferences and play styles. From an overall perspective, weight can have a major impact on how a badminton racket is used on the court. Heavier rackets tend to offer a stiffer feel. This can potentially lead to more accuracy or additional comfort.
Are there any particular badminton rackets to avoid completely?
The only rackets that should completely avoided are cheap, casual rackets that are designed to be used as a toy. Some of these products exist, but they are usually extremely cheap and low end products that don't represent the better half of the badminton racket industry.
When you play badminton, you hit the shuttlecock with the string bed of the racket. Different areas of the racket produce different levels of power. The "sweet spot" is considered to be the part of the string bed that produces the most power when it hits the shuttlecock.
The name comes not just from the amount of power generated, but also from the physical feeling of the hit. Hitting the sweet spot brings more physical satisfaction because it has the best sound, most impact, and least amount of vibration through the racket.
Though the center of the racket may seem like the best place to hit, this isn't actually where the sweet spot is. Badminton isn't like target practice. You don't have to hit a bullseye. Instead, the sweet spot tends to be midway between the center of the racket and the outside of it.
The exact location and size of the sweet spot varies depending on the racket. Some of the factors influencing it include the racket's design, head shape, and overall technology. Because of this, you'll need to practice with a new racket to figure out the best feeling.
What rackets have the largest sweet spots?
Amateurs, beginners, and casual social players may appreciate a racket with a large sweet spot. This makes it much easier and more fun to play, since you'll have a higher chance of consistently hitting the sweet spot.
Isometric rackets usually have larger sweet spots than conventional oval-headed designs. You can also reduce the tension in the strings to widen the sweet spot. Similarly, you can get a more flexible shaft. This approach does have the trade-off of making it harder to hit accurately, though.
What are the different racket weights?
Buying a badminton racket can be confusing because most manufacturers use different units of measurement for weight. Unfortunately, there isn't one standardized scale. Instead, manufacturers create their own scales, most of which fall into roughly the same categories.
Most scales begin at 2U, which is the heaviest possible racket. They then continue with classes like 3U, 4U, and so on. Some scales go up to 8U, while others stop at around 5U.
With Yonex rackets, the scale goes from 2U to 5U, and then there's F rackets. These are the lightest rackets the manufacturer creates.
Apacs and Abroz both use the same scale of 2U through 8U. The categories all have the same weight ranges. 8U comprises anything below 60 grams, while 2U comprises anything including and above 90 grams.
Li Ning has a different weight system altogether. The scale has just three categories: W1, W2, and W3. W1 is the lightest rather than heaviest, including all rackets from 72 to 80 grams. W2 covers 81 to 84 grams, and W3 covers 85 to 89 grams.
How do you choose the right racket grip?
Different badminton grips work for different people. The right answer isn't actually about your strength or dexterity. Instead, the best way to choose a grip is by your play style. If you're a beginner, it's a great opportunity to get familiar with different play styles and figure out which one you like best!
Some people prefer powerful shots. They use consecutive badminton smashes to force opponents into returning weak shots. Since this play style involves tightly gripping your racket, it's best to get a thick grip.
Other people prefer to focus on their technique and accuracy. They enjoy long rallies. This type of play requires a lot of wrist action and racket control. Holding the racket tightly impedes this. Thin grips are best, since they let you control your racket more easily.
What are the different racket grip types?
You'll come across three different grips:
- Replacement
- Overgrip
- Towel
A replacement is a grip that you buy to replace the original grip on a badminton racket. These grips tend to be thick and are most commonly made from PU material. This material is a shock absorber and cushions your fingers. It also tends to absorb sweat rather than getting slick as play goes on.
An overgrip serves a similar purpose to a replacement. But an overgrip is also cheaper and significantly thinner. Rather than replacing a grip entirely, an overgrip is wrapped around your original or replacement grip. This lets you generate more power with the thicker grip.
A towel grip, as the name suggests, is made from fabric. This can make it easier to hold the racket. Most of these grips are made from cotton, since the material is soft, light, and excellent at sweat absorption. They are extremely thick grips, though, and the fabric can get heavy. Because of this, they're not the best for technique-focused players.
How are you supposed to hold a badminton racket?
There are slightly different basic grips for forehand and backhand hits. In addition, there are more advanced grips that are specific to different techniques, which can be learned as your skills improve.
With the forehand grip, the power of the racket comes from the index finger. With the backhand, the racket's power and stability comes from the thumb. A good grip should be relaxed.
Follow these steps to hold your racket properly:
- Pick up the racket by the shaft with your non-dominant hand.
- Hold the racket in front of you so the head points away, the handle points toward you, and the strings are parallel to the floor.
- Reach out with your dominant hand and grip the handle like you're giving a handshake. Make sure the edge is aligned with your hand's heel.
- Spread your fingers so that there's space between them. Don't make a fist. The index finger and middle finger should have the widest gap.
- Create a "V" shape with your index finger and thumb on the top part of the handle. The thumb should be lower than the index finger.
- Slowly move counterclockwise until the "V" is on the following bevel of the racket.
Doing all of these steps will give you the ability to hit forehand and backhand without changing your grip, making it the easiest position for a beginner.
When you hit forehand strokes, wrap your thumb around the handle. When you hit backhand strokes, extend your thumb until it's straight instead. Put the pad of the thumb on the handle's flat side. This allows for stability and power.
You can also test that your grip is light enough. Have a friend hold the racket's head and take it from your hand. If any resistance occurs, your grip is too tight.
10 Tips To Get Better At Badminton
1. Know your two grips
- Forehand Grip
The forehand grip is what you'll likely use the most in a match. It is deployed anytime you hit the shuttle from your dominant arm. First, place your hand on the racket as if you were shaking another hand. Your thumb should sit comfortably on the wide part of the racket's handle in between your middle and index fingers. Keep your hand relaxed and don't grip the racket too tightly. You need to maintain flexibility in your wrist, the source of your stroke's power and accuracy. In a forehand stroke, your index finger should be "in control," or pushing the racket forward. - Backhand Grip
The backhand grip can take a bit more practice to master, as it requires you to hold your racket in a completely different way. Even professionals struggle with this grip, as it can feel unnatural. The power of this backhand will come from your thumb, which should rest on the flat part of the racket. It should look like you'e making a thumbs up sign. Use the backhand grip for quick reactions, such as net shots.
2. Watch advanced players
3. Work on your body balance
4. Practice your service
5. Develop a powerful forehand smash
6. Improve your footwork
- When you're waiting on an opponent to serve, stand with your legs slightly open, with one leg in the front and one in the back.
- While playing, place the bulk of your body weight on your stronger leg and anchor that foot to the ground. Use your other foot for quick, nimble reactions if you need to stretch out and hit the shuttle. By doing this, you'll be able to get back to base position faster and maintain your balance.
- Jumping can help reduce the steps you need to take backwards to hit the shuttle. If you're ready to add in jumps, make sure you aim to land with both feet so both of your knees share the impact.
7. Know your strengths (and weaknesses)
8. Plan your game strategy
9. Stay healthy & in good shape
10. Trust yourself (or your partner)
Hopefully these tips help you, along with your new badminton racket!
Final Verdict
Now would be a great time to narrow down your search so that you can determine which badminton racket product is best for you. There are many great options to choose from and hopefully this product review made the decision a little bit easier!
