A great badminton racket is often the first thing players want when they get into the sport. The age-old question for many badminton players “What Is The Best Badminton Racket?” This is typically asked by younger players and amateurs who are not in the know about the types and range of badminton rackets available. Unless you’re a seasoned player, it is unlikely you will know which is the best racket for you.
What Is The Best Badminton Racket?
Simply put, there isn’t a best badminton racket. Clever marketing and endorsements make it seem like there is. Especially if you are an amateur or recreational player. If you are not aware of the options available, you might take this at face value. However this does not make the latest rackets the best, only the latest available. What we mean by best is, what is best for you and your abilities. Therefore, as everybody is different, everyone will have a different opinion on what they believe to be the best racket.
Choosing a racket is a personal choice not dictated (but may be influenced by) marketing and endorsements. Many people are drawn in by the advertising without really evaluating whether or not it would be a good fit for them. I myself did this. When the Yonex Z-Slash first came out, I was impressed by the smash speed world record at the time. I hadn’t enough experience at that point to know anything different than what the manufacturer told me. So I was sold. Of course, that’s the power of advertising. However, I have seen amateur players buying what they considered to be the “best” racket and injuring themselves as a result because it was too stiff or too light. The individual did not have the right technique to use it correctly.
Finding The Right Badminton Racket
The problem I find, at least in the UK, there isn’t sufficient availability to test the rackets before you buy them. So if you don’t know the specifications of the racket you wish to purchase, you’re going in a little blind. Not always the best way, given the price of the high-end rackets! In most instances, the best option for local players is to see if any of their friends or club members already have the racket you wish to purchase and see if they will let you try it out!
The best badminton racket is the one which you feel most comfortable playing with. It should also complement your playing style. For example, if you enjoy dominating from the back, a head heavy racket will probably be a more likely choice than a headlight one. Unfortunately, it’s not so easy to just buy a head heavy racket because there’s such a vast choice available. That’s why for me, it’s important to test the racket first if you can so you can really get a feel for it.
Will The Right Racket Help Me Improve My Game?
Yes! But there’s a catch. It will improve your game only if you are competent in the hitting skills and footwork to play a good level of badminton. If you buy a new one simply in the hope it will improve your overall game, then this will not be the case. Of course, you might see little changes like a slightly stronger smash, but if you can’t get to the shuttle most of the time to use it, what is the advantage?
Even at a professional level, the rackets being used contributes a maximum 5% of overall ability. But these players are able to exploit the new technologies in their rackets because they are technically excellent at the foundations of the sport. If it really made that much difference we would all be professionals! I am pretty sure if I gave Lin Dan a stick, he could still beat me. Therefore if you looking at a racket as only a means of improvement, perhaps you should first focus on your technical skills, footwork etc. Otherwise, you are doing your badminton a disservice.
Picking a racket is a very personal choice. What one person may deem a good racket for them may not be necessarily good for you. It comes down to your playing style, abilities and those rackets which naturally fit your attributes. Good luck in finding yours!
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Have you tried rackets from Basic Feather by Morten Frost? Would like to know your opinion. http://www.basicfeather.com
No I haven’t actually but they certainly look interesting!