Types of Badminton Racquets [with Material Types]
Playing with a premium quality badminton racquet is the dream of every badminton player. However, finding a good quality badminton racquet is a daunting task nowadays. With a diverse range of badminton racquets available in the market, it becomes difficult for players to choose the right one. One needs to have proper knowledge about badminton racquets before buying one. Do you know how many types of badminton racquets are there and what are different materials used to make them? To know the answers to these critical questions, read our detailed informative article.
Types of Badminton Racquets
Badminton is one of the popular sports across the world. In order to become a professional player one needs to train for years with sheer dedication. Along with hard work, players require premium quality badminton racquets and other gear to become professional and shine on the world stage. Below mentioned are the different types of badminton racquets that players can choose as per their age and game style.
1. Head Heavy Badminton Racquets
Head-heavy badminton racquets are widely used by players who love to play aggressive games. The extra weight in the head of the racquet allows players to hit clear and precise smashes. It helps in generating more power. However, playing with heavy heavy badminton racquets is not an easy task. Since they are heavyweight one needs to have a powerful wrist and grip to play head-heavy badminton racquet.
Best-selling Head-Heavy badminton racquets - Yonex Astrox 100 ZZ, Yonex Voltric Z Force 2, Li Ning Windstorm 78 S, HEAD Octane Pro
2. Head Light Badminton Racquets
As the name suggests, headlight badminton racquets are lightweight. The frame and head of the racquets do not have extra mass like head-heavy racquets. Headlight badminton racquets are most suitable for club players who play doubles. The lightweight allows players to have control and swing. Moreover, you can delicately play precise net shots with headlight badminton racquets. Another advantage is during long rallies you can turn the tide in your favor with accurate returns and hitting some pinpoint drop shots.
Best-selling Head-Light Badminton Racquets - Yonex Nanoflare 750, HEAD Falcon Attack, Li Ning Blade X 73
3. Head Even Badminton Racquets
Head even badminton racquets are balanced. They are neither too heavy nor too light. These racquets offer you enough power to hit smash and at the same provide enough control and swing to return powerful shots at opponents. If you like to move around the court by playing on the net and then playing at the back, you should play go for head even badminton racquets. For beginner and intermediate players, head even badminton racquets are a perfect choice.
Best-selling Head-Even Badminton Racquets - Yonex Duora 10, Li-Ning 3D Caliber 300, HEAD Ignition Pro
4. High Tension Badminton Racquets
High-tension badminton racquets have a tighter string band that allows precise placement and more control over the shot. However, the repulsion from the strings is less. One needs to have a good technical ability to play with high-tension badminton racquets. High tension will increase the feel and control but at the same time, it will decrease the durability and increase vibration. Since high-tension badminton racquets have a small sweet spot, players who are professional and have pinpoint accuracy should play with high-tension strings.
Best-selling High-Tension Badminton Racquets - Yonex Voltric 10DG, HEAD Airflow 3000, Yonex 0.7 DG Light
5. Light-Weight Badminton Racquets
Lightweight badminton Racquets are in today’s generation's demand. Players are generally looking to have racquets less than or equal to 75-76 gms in weight so they can swing it easily and make their reflexes fast. Many of the Badminton makers mark this racquet in 5U category. Lightweight racquets are giving you no shoulder pain but more swing gain.
Brands like Yonex, HEAD, Li Ning, and Apacs are major brands that make lightweight badminton racquets. They are easy to swing giving more power to your reflexes.
But they are also more prone to damage as compared to heavy weights. So one has to be very careful while playing.
Best-selling Light Weight Badminton Racquets - HEAD Airflow 1000, Yonex Arcsaber Lite, Li-Ning Windstorm 72
What Are the Different Materials Used to Make Badminton Racquets?
Badminton racquets are made up of different materials. Each material has its own pros and cons. Below mentioned are the four materials used to make badminton racquets.
1. Graphite Badminton Racquets
Graphite badminton racquets have changed the way badminton is played. They are made by arranging a pure form of carbon with its atoms on big sheets of hexagonal rings. Graphite badminton racquets are extremely stable and do not react to any other material used in the racquets.
The weights in these racquets are equally distributed. Due to its firm properties, graphite badminton racquets can be strung at high tension with minimal risk to cause damage to the frame. These racquets have been in the market for the last three decades and are used by various professional players.
Top Graphite Badminton Racquets - Yonex Astrox 88, HEAD Tenor-X, Li Ning Turbo-X
2. Carbon Fiber Badminton Racquets
These are the most widely used badminton racquets. A wide range of professional players play with carbon fiber badminton racquets and the main reason is its solid strength that allows players to play with higher string tension.
Carbon fiber badminton racquets are lightweight and provide good control to players. These racquets are made up of the highest grade of carbon fiber. Li-Ning Air Force 77 G2 Carbon Fibre Badminton Racquet, QICHUAN Carbon Fiber Professional Racquet etc. are some of the top quality carbon fiber badminton racquets that players can buy.
Top Carbon Fiber Badminton Racquets - Yonex Carbonex 7000, HEAD Ignition 100, Li Ning Challenger Boost
3. Aluminum Badminton Racquets
Players of all levels: beginners, amateurs and professionals, like to play with aluminum badminton racquets. These racquets are light weights, provide a good shot response, and are durable. Aluminum badminton racquets offer optimum swing to players that allows them to hit precise shots.
Top Aluminium Badminton Racquets - HEAD Reflex 10, Yonex GR 303, Li Ning Mega Power 500
4. Metal Badminton Racquets
These kinds of racquets dominated the 80s and 90s era. Metal badminton racquets are not used by professional players anymore. However, beginners and intermediate players still use them. Metal badminton racquets are durable and strong. Since they are strong they have minimal elasticity. Another advantage of metal badminton racquets is they are cheap and not heavy on the pocket.
Now metal badminton racquets are not made.
Conclusion
It is very important to have complete knowledge of buying a badminton racquet, especially if you are a pro. A good badminton racquet will surely amplify your game and take it to the next level. So invest as much time as you want, but always buy a premium quality badminton racquet that fulfills your needs and suits your game style.
Types of Badminton Racquets FAQs
1Q. Which type of badminton racquet is best for beginners?
Ans. For a beginner player, any lightweight badminton racquet would work perfectly.
2Q. Is a heavier or lighter racket better for badminton?
Ans. It is a personal choice and varies from player to player. Heavy badminton racquets will offer more power but they will strain your muscles during play. On the other hand, lightweight badminton racquets offer comfort but lack power.
3Q. How much tension is good for a badminton racquet?
Ans. The string tension depends on your level of play. For beginners, it should be 17 lbs - 20 lbs, for intermediate: 20 lbs - 24 lbs and for advanced players: 24 lbs - 27 lbs.
4Q. Which type of badminton racquet is most popular?
Ans. The most popular badminton racquet nowadays is the graphite badminton racquets.
5Q. How long does a badminton racquet last?
Ans. The durability of a badminton racquet depends on various factors such as level of play, type of care, racquet quality, string tension etc. Good quality badminton racquets usually last for at least three years.
