How to choose badminton racket

Weight  

The weight and balance of a badminton racket is crucial for feel and performance. Most badminton rackets are somewhere between 80-90 grams. A good rule to follow is that the faster the game, the lighter the racket needs to be.  

Lightweight rackets are easier to swing, making them ideal for quick movements and reactions. During long playing sessions, they are also less stressful on the arm and wrist. However, they generate less power in the blows because they do not have the same weight behind them. This requires the player to generate more power with their swing.  

Heavy badminton rackets generate more power in the strokes and provide better stability. A heavier racket absorbs power from the opponent's strokes and provides a steady feel in powerful strokes, giving the player better control. A heavier racket, on the other hand, is more difficult to swing quickly and can be more strenuous on the arm and wrist.  

• Lightweight rackets: Good for fast movements, require more effort.  

• Heavy rackets: Generate power and stability, more difficult to swing quickly.  

Balance  

The balance of the racket affects the playing characteristics. There are three types of balance, which describe where the balance point in the racket is located.  

Head Heavy is high balance, and has the balance point high up in the blade. Therefore, it suits players who hit hard, such as smashes and long-distance shots. STIGA Aviox Pro is an example of a high balance badminton racket.    

Even is called an even balance and has the weight distribution in the center, which brings both power and control. This gives the player flexibility to adapt to different game moments.  

Head Light is a low balance and means that the weight is concentrated towards the handle, making the blade feel lighter. The low balance allows you to add speed to the game. Because the blade is light, you need to add power yourself, but the low balance provides control and allows you to hit the ball back quickly. The STIGA Aviox Advance badminton racket has a low balance.   

Keep in mind that the weight of the badminton racket's head increases slightly when you string it, causing the balance point to increase. The same applies when you wind the handle, the weight against the handle increases and the balance point is reduced.  

• Head Heavy: Balance point high up, powerful strokes.  

• Even: Even weight distribution, power and control.  

• Head Light: Weight towards the handle, faster play and control.  

String tension indicates how tightly the strings are stretched across the racquet frame and affects both power and control. String tension is normally measured in pounds (lbs) or kilograms (kg). String tensions usually range between 8-12 kg.  

A lower string tension means that the string bed will be looser. The hit surface will then be larger, resulting in more forgiving hits. A lower string tension means that the strings absorb the force from the shuttlecock, giving more power but also less control.   

A higher string tension means that the string bed is harder and provides more control and precision for clean hits. The hitting surface, on the other hand, becomes smaller with higher tension, and does not generate the same force as a lower string tension.   

String tension can also be affected by factors such as temperature and humidity. High temperatures can make strings more flexible, while low temperatures can make them stiffer and more prone to breakage. Therefore, remember to adjust the string tension according to the playing environment.  

The higher the tension of the racket, the faster the strings are likely to break. In addition, if the tension is too high, the risk of breaking the frame, for example in a collision between rackets, also increases. When choosing string tension, there is a trade-off between achieving the desired playing feel and preserving the durability of the racket.   

• Lower tension: Looser string bed, larger hitting surface, more power but less control.  

• Higher tension: Harder stringbed, smaller hitting surface, more control but less power.  

Experienced players  

A rule of thumb is that the more experienced badminton player you are, the more stiffness the shaft should have.  

A medium stiff shaft will suit the vast majority of players, but especially those who are a slightly more experienced badminton player and have a fast stroke. The medium stiff shaft gives you a little extra power in your shots.    

The stiff shaft is suitable for those who are used to the game, compete and have good hitting strength. It gives you more control and feel for the game, but also requires you to already have a good technique as the sweetspot will be smaller. Extra stiff shafts suit elite players who want a lot of control, and who can generate a lot of power on their own. You won't get the same power as with a more flexible shaft, but you will get significantly more precision.  

As an experienced player, you've usually developed a playing style and technique, which means that the characteristics of the racket need to match your specific needs. Read on to find out how to choose the right racket for your playing style.  

• Stiffer shafts for more experience.  

• Medium shaft: Provides extra power, for players with faster strokes.  

• Stiff shaft: Provides control and precision, requires good technique and is ideal for intermediate and competitive players.  

• Choose your racket according to your playing style.