Official Badminton

Badminton Racquets

There are many different badminton racquets available to the player. There are even specially designed badminton racquets for women which are usually lighter in weight than men's racquets. The brand, "Head", has a selection of women's racquets which have a medium flex, slimmer wooden grip handles, and a light weight head, giving optimum balance to the racquet.

Many of the modern badminton racquets are made from ultra-strong titanium which provides a stiffness in the racquet which, although very light weight, provides maximum power. The stringing on most of the racquets have equal length on the main and cross strings, while the 'sweet' spot has enlarged strings which provides more precise and consistent shots.

Ashaway kevlar racquets are an extremely popular brand. The company produces many different racquets, some of which are designed for doubles players. These have a stiff flex and are made from graphite with "isometric" racquet heads and precise stringing tension on the main strings of between 22 and 25 pounds, with the cross strings 2 pounds lighter. The advertising for this particular badminton racquet claims that this is the racquet choice of England's Nathan Rice. Ashaway also has racquets for attacking play. These racquets are made from graphite with a reinforced woven titanium or palladium invisible vibration absorption cap. The design of this racquet is good for both power and control. Ashaway has a vast range of badminton racquets to suit all players including super light-weight models which are favoured by professional players.

Carlton has a range of titanium alloy heads with steel shaft construction which are ideal for recreational badminton players. Their "Powerblade" ranges are more affordable while still being very durable. Carlton also has more expensive elite badminton racquets which have a heavy head balance and a classical head shape with aerodynamic profile. These elite racquets are extra stiff and provide controlled power. This racquet is the choice of the former British number 1 Richard Vaughn.

Which racquet to buy? The choice of badminton racquets is dependant on individual needs and budgets. The majority of the well known brands have a large variety of badminton racquets in a range of colors, weights and head shapes. They also have racquets designed for children which have smaller head sizes and shaft lengths as well as being lighter in weight.