What rackets do professional badminton players use

Introduction

Professional badminton players use a wide range of rackets, from high-end models to budget-friendly options, for their attempts to outfox the competition. Selecting the right racket for your game boils down to individual preference and playing style, as well as understanding the features and technologies available on each model. If you’re looking to find the right equipment for your badminton career, it’s best to start by understanding what professional players use and why they are so popular.

In this article, we’ll provide an overview of what pro badminton players favor when it comes to choosing their racket. We’ll explore some of the key features that contribute to an effective racket design along with a few models favored by elite badminton players. With this information in hand, anyone can find a versatile competitive racket that is suited for their skill level and priced according to their budget.

Types of Badminton Rackets

While playing badminton, the choice of a racket can make a huge difference in the outcome of the match. Professional badminton players will generally use specialized rackets designed to give them the best performance for their particular playing style.

In this article, we will discuss the various types of badminton rackets and the advantages of each:

Head-Heavy Rackets

Head-heavy badminton rackets are favored among professional and competitive badminton players due to their greater energy transfer. These rackets are thicker at the head which gives them superior smashing power for experienced players who can control the badminton stroke accurately. However, head-heavy rackets require increased strength and skill as well as good physical fitness for the player, so they may not be suitable for beginners.

Common types of head-heavy badminton rackets include:

Force Pro XT – Designed to provide superior aerodynamics with a head heavy frame construction that facilitates greater energy transfer than traditional frames.
Force Pro II – Built with an isometric square frame shape that makes it easier to generate greater speed and power with each shot.
Yonex Voltric Z Force II – Built with aero dynamics and durability in mind, this is one of Yonex’s most popular professional level racket lines available today. It comes equipped with Tri-Voltage System Technology (TVS) which reduces air resistance so you can hit those powerful shots more efficiently.
Yonex Nanoray 700FX – Balanced between both power and control, this racket has not only been endorsed by current world no:1 Viktor Axelsen but also provides experienced players the perfect mix of power and accuracy when on court.

Head-Light Rackets

Head-light rackets are favored by players who value speed and maneuverability. This type of badminton racket weighs less in the head of the racket and has a more evenly distributed balance—especially toward the handle where most of the weight is concentrated. This results in improved control, fast swing speeds, and quick reaction time when hitting shots. Professional badminton players often opt for head-light rackets when competing on court because they allow for greater flexibility and precision during rallies, resulting in sharper moves when playing.

However, it’s important to note that head-light rackets can require more skill to use effectively than heavier rackets. For example, using a head-light racket in an overhead stroke requires more wrist movement while executing the shot; whereas, other types of rackets may allow a player to generate more power with fewer adjustments to their technique.

Therefore, while head-light racquets provide many advantages throughout matches—namely due to their control benefits—it’s important to recognize that they might not always be the right choice depending on your skill level or desired style of play.

Isometric Rackets

Isometric rackets are popular among professional badminton players due to the increased power they offer. An isometric racket usually has a larger head size than elliptical and teardrop shaped rackets, meaning that it has more main and cross strings to produce a larger sweet spot. This offers maximum contact between the strings and shuttlecock for greater power when hitting shots.

In addition to its larger sweet spot, an isometric racket also has better stability due to the larger head size being well balanced with the shaft of the racket. This makes it easier for players to generate powerful shots at optimum angles and gives them greater control during serves and mid-court rallies. As such, isometric badminton rackets are often recommended for:

Beginners as well as
Advanced players who are looking for high power combined with great control.

Balanced Rackets

Badminton rackets are usually marked with a Head Heavy (HH) putter or Balance (B). Professional badminton players often use badminton rackets with head heavy balance as they provide more power while executing powerful shots. A Balance racket is the one that is neither head heavy nor head light, providing an equal balance in both places. It is ideal for a player who requires power and exactness at each shot. Generally, balanced rackets range from 80 to 89gms and feature medium stiff shafts which offer great control and accuracy over your shots. Such rackets are suitable for attacking-styled players in need of a higher throw angle during rallies.

Some of the higher-end models of balanced badminton rackets include Yonex Muscle Power 3, Li-Ning XP 200S, Victor Thruster K8000, Apacs Finapi 2222 etc. Such models are lightweight yet offer a perfect combination of power and speed necessary for intermediate to advanced level players. Balanced badminton rackets have enough strength to handle strong smashes while still enabling you to execute powerful shots with control and precision; thus they are admired by most professional badminton players around the world!

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Racket

Finding the right badminton racket can be a challenge, whether you’re a beginner or a professional player. As a player’s level increases, they tend to look for a more advanced racket with more advanced technology. It’s important to take certain factors into consideration when selecting a racket.

From head shape to frame material, every component has an effect on the feeling and performance of the racket. Let’s explore what factors to consider when choosing a badminton racket:

Weight

When choosing a racket, one of the main considerations is weight. Rackets have varying weights from heavy to light and the ideal one for you will depend on your playing style as well as physical strength and skill level.

The traditional choice for beginners is a heavier racket typically weighing 100-150g which gives more power to shots but less control during play.
Advanced players go for lighter varieties of around 80g, offering them more control due to improved handling and maneuverability.
Professional badminton players usually prefer rackets with lighter frames between 70 to 85g, giving their shots maximum acceleration with minimal effort required.
However, anything less than 70g may be too light so it is important to select something which balances power and control based on your individual needs.

Length

One of the most essential factors to consider when choosing a racket is the length. The length of the racket affects the swing speed, power and consistency. Generally, a longer racket will provide easier control and greater reach. A shorter racket is ideal for players who want more power behind their shots. Professional badminton players typically use a racket between 66cm and 68cm in length; adults should get a racquet around 675mm in length while children should look for something between 620mm to 655mm in length.

It is important to remember that each player’s individual strength and playing style must be taken into consideration when determining which length is best suited for them. If you are having trouble deciding on which length is best, it might be helpful to get advice from an experienced coach or player who can better understand your strengths and weaknesses in order to make the optimal decision for you.

Balance

When selecting your badminton racket, one of the primary factors to consider is the balance – the point at which the weight of the racket is balanced and centered. Professional badminton players usually prefer rackets with greater head-heavy balance for greater power on their shots, while recreational players tend to lean towards rackets with more even or head-light balances to have a faster swing during games.

Two main types of balance can be found in badminton rackets – dynamic or static balance – and manufacturers typically indicate which type a racket employs in its description. Dynamic balancing measures where the weight is distributed after you swing it, while static balance tells you where it’s situated at rest.

The optimal head-heavy/head-light set up changes depending on your playing style, individual preferences, and how you’re using your shots (smash or control). An understanding of these two types of balance may simplify your decision-making process when selecting a Badminton racket.

Grip

Grip is the handle of your racket that you use to hold and swing it. Badminton rackets come in a variety of grip sizes ranging from G1 (smallest) to G5 (largest). Professional badminton players usually prefer G3 or G4 grips which lies between medium and large.

It is important to choose a size which suits your hand size and preference. A good way to determine the grip size you need is by measuring the distance from end of your middle finger to the end of your wrist crease on your palm-side. If this distance is less than 18 cm, go for a smaller (G2 or lower) grip; if between 18-20 cm, opt for a medium (G3) grip; if above 20 cm, select a larger (G4 or higher) grip.

It is also important to choose the right shape for the handle. Badminton rackets have three main types of handle shapes: conical, round, and isometric. The conical shape has an oval shape with slightly wider top section allowing more control over shots while round handles provide greater comfort and baseline power as they generate more spin when used in forehand strokes. Lastly, Isometric handles provide uniform hitting area with power evenly distributed on all sides and therefore provide strong precision shots at all angles. Professional badminton players typically prefer Isometric shapes as it can help increase power while maintaining control over shots during rallies or games.

Popular Rackets Used by Professional Players

Professional badminton players have specific preferences when it comes to their badminton rackets. Many of the professional players use certain high-end rackets with certain specifications to fit their playing style. There are certain rackets that have been chosen by the majority of the world-class players over the years.

In this article, we will discuss the popular rackets used by these professional players:

Yonex Voltric Z-Force II

Yonex Voltric Z-Force II is one of the most popular rackets used by professional badminton players. It is designed for maximum power and speed, featuring an Isometric head shape for a larger sweet spot and a stiff shaft for great control. The aerodynamic frame reduces drag, allowing for faster swings and better maneuverability.

The Tri-voltage system gives you greater control over your shots by allowing you to adjust the tension of the string bed. This flexibility makes it the perfect choice for aggressive players who need performance with pinpoint accuracy. Yonex Voltric Z-Force II also has excellent balance which makes it easy to move around on the court quickly and accurately. With its lightweight frame and head heavy balance, this racket will provide you with complete power and precision during intense rallies, making it an ideal choice for badminton professionals.

Yonex Duora Z-Strike

The Yonex Duora Z-Strike is one of the most popular badminton rackets being used both on the professional level and among amateur badminton players. This racket is designed to provide power and control in two distinct areas: one side for power play, and the other for accuracy. Its unique “Z-Strike” shape helps players get the best of both worlds, with a stiffer shaft on one side, and a more flexible shaft on the other.

Additionally, it has an extra large sweet spot which helps to entertain huge smashes as well as better connection with repulsive shots. Because of its extreme balance and performance capabilities, this racket is especially suited for players who generate explosive power from their swings without compromising accuracy or precision. High level professionals such as Lin Dan prefer this racket for its ability to produce top notch performance under intense pressure in grueling tournaments.

Yonex Nanoray Z-Speed

Yonex Nanoray Z-Speed is a popular professional badminton racket used by many elite players. Designed with Yonex’s extremely light weight Nanoscience material, this racket offers optimized power and control at all levels of play. Its thin frame combined with a special aerodynamic design reduces drag, making it perfect for quick swings and explosive shots.

With an evenly balanced head and string tension, this racket enables the player to achieve great accuracy without sacrificing its speed. Featuring Yonex’s Ergoshock Grommets which are placed strategically in the frame to absorb impact shock and reduce vibrations, this rackets is designed to provide maximum comfort during matches.

The Yonex Nanoray Z-Speed is the perfect choice for all levels of badminton players looking for the best performance from their rackets.

Li-Ning Windstorm 800

Li-Ning Windstorm 800 is a popular choice amongst professional badminton players, thanks to its light weight and exceptional response. This racket features high modulus carbon fibre material and 24T high strength graphite frame, making it ideal for agile play. Additionally, its unique “edge” design increases sweet spot size and the racket’s overall stability. Furthermore, Li-Ning Windstorm 800 has a comprehensive array of technologies that provides enhanced responsiveness and precision control during intense rallies; such as Aerotec Beam System for better aerodynamic performance and INVinci Technology for more power.

Notably, this racket has won multiple awards from independent professional player reviews. Due to its light weight of 82g (unstrung) this racket is preferred by most professionals who are very particular about their equipment; especially during singles matches where quick touch shots are vital for success. Moreover, professionals prefer Li-Ning Windstorm 800 due to its well balanced performance characteristics such as:

Flexibility and stiffness balance
Power to accuracy balance – which makes this racket suitable for swift response when transitioning between defensive and offensive shots.

Conclusion

In conclusion, it is clear that the type of badminton racket that a professional badminton player uses depends on their playing style, preferences and skill level. The most important thing to know when looking for a racket is that it fits your style. Different brands and models serve different purposes, depending on what kind of player you are and how aggressive you like to play.

Understanding the various components of the racket – such as its weight, stringing pattern, grip size and more – can help you decide which one best suits your game. Lastly, selecting a quality racket from a reliable brand is paramount for improving your performance on court. Ultimately, with the right tools in hand and proficiency in your shots, you can join the league of professional badminton players with confidence.

Frequently Asked Questions

Question 1: What type of racket do professional badminton players use?

Answer 1: Professional badminton players typically use rackets made of graphite or carbon fibre, as these materials provide the best balance of weight and strength.

Question 2: What is the best brand of badminton racket?

Answer 2: The best badminton racket brand will depend on your individual preferences and playing style. Some of the most popular brands include Yonex, Li-Ning, and Victor.

Question 3: What is the difference between a badminton racket and a tennis racket?

Answer 3: Badminton rackets are generally lighter and smaller than tennis rackets, with a shorter handle and a narrower head. Badminton rackets also have a stiffer shaft, which gives them more power and accuracy.