Best Badminton Equipment & Gear to help you improve your game.
Badminton is the most popular racquet sport in India right now, thanks to players like Lakshya Sen, P.V. Sindhu, Saina Nehwal.
Here we look at the various badminton equipment/gear you need to play the game.
While you’re always free to choose chic shoes and smart looking attire, if you have a limited budget, you should looking for functionality over aesthetics when it comes to buying badminton related gear.
Badminton Shuttlecocks?
A shuttlecock (also called a bird or birdie) is the conical shaped thing that is tossed around the net in the game of badminton.
The better ones (used by professional players) are made of feathers, and has a rounded cork base. Most enthusiasts use shuttlecocks that are made of plastic (is inexpensive), as the ones made of feathers are expensive and don’t last more than a few games.
The plastic ones are great for the beginners, to learn the basics of the game.
Things to look out for in a badminton Shuttlecock – flight performance, durability and cost.
Yonex MAVIS 350 Shuttlecock (Nylon)
However, the main advantage of using these shuttlecocks is that they are much more durable, and last longer (much more durable than ordinary nylon shuttlecocks).
Recovery Time When smashed: A MAVIS shuttlecock recovers in only 0.02 seconds. This performance is just 0.005 seconds slower than a YONEX Feather shuttlecock and 0.008 seconds faster than the recovery of an ordinary shuttlecock.
These are slower shuttlecocks, which means you will have more rallies and will enjoy the game more, besides sweating out more.
Buy Yonex MAVIS Shuttlecocks on Amazon
Badminton Rackets (Rackets)
A good racquet is essential to play good badminton and to beat your opposition. Modern badminton racquets are made of carbon fibre composite or aluminium. Its important for a good racket to be lightweight (should not ideally weigh more than 100 grams).
Here are the top badminton racquets that you may consider to improve your game.
Yonex Muscle Power 29
Yonex Muscle Power 29 Lite Badminton Racket is sturdy, features graphite frame, Ti-Mesh, nice grip. Good racquet for intermediate level badminton players.
The Muscle Power series has high repulsive power that helps in sharp smashes. You get a decent graphite shaft with an aluminium head. With a medium flex, expect good amounts of stability and control. You get a head cover that protects the raquet
Yonex Gr 303 Badminton Racquet
Great for beginner badminton players. The racquet generates decent force, and is convenient to play with. It comes with a head cover for safe storage.
This will serve as a nice first badminton raquet, especially for those who have recently started playing badminton, and are still learning the skills. The handle has a nice grip to it, it won’t slip from your hands when you sweat. And its made by Yonex, a leading badminton racquet brand. It comes with head cover.
Buy Yonex Gr-303 on Amazon
Wilson Fierce C1500
Wilson Fierce C1500 badminton racket is a great competitive racquet available at a reasonable price. The frame is made of HM graphite, weighs around 84 grams. Features Wilson’s BLX technology that reduces vibrations and improves control. Its ideal for intermediate badminton players. If you are looking to replace the strings, consider getting strings that offer 24-26 lbs of tension (we recommend strings from Yonex).
Yonex Duora 10
The Duora features a revolutionary dual optimum design that combines the box and the aero frame design to increase the repulsion speed (great for forehand and backhand). Composite shaft made of H.M. graphite, Nanometric DR, and Ni-Ti Fibre. Its extremely lighter yet offers tremendous impact strength. The Duora 10 is the slimmest racquet ever produced by Yonex(reduces air resistance). The racquet weighs 88-93 grams. This racket is ideal for advanced/senior badminton players. For stringing, go for 3U strings with 16-26 lbs of tension.
Badminton Shoes & Socks
You need a good pair of Badminton Shoes that will provide nice grip and cushioning.
Use thick cotton socks inside your shoes for playing badminton as they help absorb sweat better. They also prevent your feet from slipping inside your shoes. Avoid wearing Nylon socks as they are not good at absorbing sweat.
Badminton Accessories
While racket and shuttlecocks are the basic requirements, you will need a few more accessories such as Grip for your requirement, Wrist Band, Head Band (maybe), Badminton Clothes and Socks.
Grip
You may need to change the grip on the handle of the racket. A grip helps absorb sweat better and prevents the racket from slipping away. A grip made of cloth or synthetic fiber works best.
Wrist Band
Those who perspire a lot should consider using a wrist band, it prevents your sweat from flowing to the handle of your racket.
Head Band
You need a head band to stop the sweat from getting into your eyes while playing. It’s quite useful, especially if you wear spectacles.
Badminton Clothes
Wear comfortable T-shirts and shorts while playing badminton, something that doesn’t restrict your movements while playing.
Cotton round-neck or a collar t-shirts with a pair of light shorts are good choices for playing badminton.
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