Badminton is a fast-paced sport that doesn’t only require skill; you also need the right gear. All of these are essential in badminton, from what you wear to what racket to use. In this article, we will help you choose the right gear to have a good game and possibly win. This applies to professional players and hobbyists.
Your racket is an important part of your gear; therefore, you need to consider these factors before you swipe that card.
Grip Size: Players with small hands would get the grip sizes G2 or G3, while players with bigger hands go with G4 or G5. A comfortable grip is important for controlling how you use your racket. To know which size fits you, you can test out demo rackets.
Head Balance: The head-light rackets are great for fast swings and net play, while the heavy rackets are good for power smashes. Rackets that meet in the middle are known as balanced rackets. These are good for beginners or for people who like to be flexible.
Flex: This is a stiffer racket; however, it’s powerful when it comes to smashes. You also need to swing it faster. Yes, rackets like these give better control, but their power is slightly less. Beginner players think that flexible rackets are doable.
Material: When looking for the right material, know that graphite is the standard. It’s lightweight and has a powerful frame. There are also rackets that are made of aluminum or titanium; they are usually fit for playing a specific style.
String Tension: Depending on the string tension, it can either be high or low. High tension means it has more control, but it’s also going to be difficult to use. Low tension means it has more power, but the accuracy might not be exact. You can ask a stringer or a coach to find the right tension for your playing style and racket.
Apart from the racket, you also need the following:
Shuttlecocks: If you’re playing badminton for fun, it’s better to get the nylon shuttlecock. But if you are into competitive games, it’s better to get the feathered shuttlecocks. One thing to note is that the feather shuttlecock is more expensive and delicate, even though its flight path is very nice.
Badminton Shoes: Just like any other shoes for sports, some shoes are fit for badminton players. There are shoes that are designed for indoor courts, like shoes with non-marking soles. Wearing shoes with good cushions will prevent you from getting injured as well.
Badminton Outfits: Clothes that are made from polyester or Dri-FIT are the ideal clothing to wear. Genting Casino put together popular brands for athletic wear that you might want to check out.
Additionally, you can get extra gear, like wristbands, to absorb the sweat and provide support for your wrist. You can also get overgrips to have better control of your racket, and you can personalize the size of it as well.
To better protect your knees, you can get knee braces. Not only does it support them, it also provides stability. So, if you’re someone who’s prone to knee injuries, having this will be helpful for you. What’s even more helpful is getting a badminton bag for all your gear.
Now that you’ve got an idea of what gear to get, you need to choose which is the right gear for you. If you’re a beginner, it’s better to focus on comfort and control. Get a headlight racket that has a flexible shaft and a comfortable grip size. For shuttlecocks, get the one made from nylon, and as for your shoes, get badminton shoes.
If you’re an intermediate player, you can consider getting a balanced or head-heavy racket that focuses on power. You can also experiment with different string tensions to find the one that fits you. Also, at this level, you can get feather shuttlecocks.
If you’re an advanced player, you can focus on performance and may get a head-heavy racket with a stiff shaft for more power. Advanced players most likely have a preferred string tension and brand that’s based on their play style.
Once you’ve gotten all the right gear for you, it’s also a priority to take care of your equipment so its lifespan gets prolonged. You can take care of them by doing the following:
- Storing your racket in a case will protect it from getting damaged.
- Replacing the strings of yours to retain its tension and control.
- Clean your grip with a damp cloth.
- Store your shuttlecocks in a cool, dry place.
Investing in gear for sports may take time to happen, but it’ll get you ready to play, whether you want it to be a career or as someone who plays for fun.
