Hi all,
I've been picking up badminton as a fun activity recently and would like to invest in some quality equipment.
I've got a budget up to $200 for a racquet. Are there any deals of good value online ?
Any recommendations?
Badminton Equipment recommendations
faygo dreams on 27/09/2022 - 17:23
Comments
If you just started playing, you won't need to spend more than $100+ on a racquet. A $200 racquet will actually make you play worse because they're very stiff and meant to be strung with high tension. You won't have the technique to generate power and will injure your elbow/forearm trying to do so. Spend the other $100 on a pair of badminton shoes which is more important.
this - shoes and a mid tier racket is better than a high tier / top tier racket and normal joggers.
Badminton shoes also serve as protective equipment - the stiff heel support helps minimise the chance of rolled ankles.
100% agree with this guy.
I play squash and one of the biggest things I find is that people buy the lightest most tech'd up racquet, but beginners are far better getting a more forgiving and heavier racquet to encourage better technique earlier on.I assume they have 'beginner' or 'intermediate' racquets. Focus on these first, usually not that expensive, and then you can buy better racquets once you know your playstyle and preference etc
Best is to try out different racquets from other people you play with. Head light, balanced, or head heavy. 4U or 3U.
If you just started now and you want to get better then group coaching would be my first recommendation above all else!!
I've been playing for several years and I have had several coaching sessions on and off and I still struggle with the basic swing.Where are you located? It's usually best to go to a local badminton shop to get a good feel for the racket in person. It also makes returns and restringing easier.
As others have said, there are different types of rackets, and it is best to borrow a few friends to try. The main attributes to test are:
- Head heavy / Mid / Head-light
- 4U vs 3U
- Stiff vs Flexible.The $200 mark is about mid range for a badminton racket - a good racket to start with and will be enough for you to grow into for the next 2 years of social play.
No matter what others say, what matters most is how do you feel - a so called 'better' racket doesnt make you a better player. What matters most is if the racket feels right in your hands.Unfortunately, badminton isn't really a sport that has online sales. You might get lucky and find mid-range rackets at a decent price at your local store , especially rackets from the previous year's range or colours.
Also, for best results, stick to the trusted badminton brands - Yonex, Victor, Lining, Mizuno
If you know anyone in Singapore, ask them to look out for Yonex sales there. Sometimes they run really good sales of old stock. I picked up a few rackets for $100 that retailed for $200/$300 in Australia few years ago.
check https://www.ezbox.com.au/