Badminton is a very technical sport, and equipment, particularly racquets, is crucial for the player performance. Since the introduction of modern Badminton game in the mid-19 th century, Badminton racquets significantly evolved with many changes and improvements with new materials happened in the recent years.

The letter “U” is used to describe the weight of a racquet. The larger the number is, the lighter the racquet is as shown below.

Although it looks very little difference in weight, one can actually feel quite a difference when swinging the racquets belonging to different weight categories.  Generally speaking, lighter racquets are easy to maneuver and especially good for playing delicate shots at the net.  On the other hand, with heavier racquets it is easier to produce more power on shots.

One can find the following displays on racquets:  “4UG5” or “3U4” or similar.  The last number, in these examples “5” and “4” respectively, shows the grip size.  The larger the number is, the smaller the grip size is.  Common grip size numbers are “4”, “5”, or “6”.  Smaller grips can be made thicker by applying an overgrip on the existing grip.  The table below shows the difference in characteristics.

Manufacturer’s recommended string tension is typically displayed on most racquets.  For players who don’t know the specific tension they like to use, it is a good idea to start with a middle tension of the recommended range.  Tensions are expressed in pounds (lbs); the smaller the number is, the looser the strings are.  The tension ranges are from around 16 lbs (for novices) to over 30 lbs (professional level).  Commonly, the looser the string tension is, the easier it is to generate longer distance shot.  It is similar to the principle of a trampoline.  Also, as a shuttle stays longer on the strings, the looser tension provides a better control.  In contrast, the tighter the string tension is, the smaller the sweet spot is.  This means that one has to have a good technique and experience to hit right on the sweet spot to accurately control the shots and aim on targets.  With a tighter strung racquet, the shuttle leaves strings quicker, and initial shuttle speed is higher than in the case of looser string tension.  Players who have power and faster head speed (swing speed) can hit fast and aggressive smash with tighter string tension.

Lastly, string tension decreases with time.  It is said that the string starts losing its elasticity from the moment a racquet is strung.  Therefore, it is recommended that the string should be changed even if it doesn’t break.  How often to replace the string typically depends on how much it is played; the more playing time, the more frequent changes of the string is needed.

A shuttlecock is used for a sport of Badminton.  It is also called a “shuttle”, a “bird” or a “birdie”.  There are two kinds of shuttlecocks: feather shuttlecock and nylon one as an alternative.  Feather shuttles are made of waterfowls: goose, duck or a combination of both.

While feather shuttles are used at many tournaments and used by competitive players, nylon shuttles are seen more at recreational and leisure scene as they are less expensive and last longer than the feather shuttles.

Feather shuttlecocks are described in detail below.

A part, which is the base of a shuttlecock, is called “cork”.  Its materials fall into one of three types: natural cork, artificial cork, or compressed cork.  Natural corks are the most expensive.  Also, corks can be solid or composite (in two to three layers) with the solid ones being more expensive.  In general, 100% solid natural cork offers the best hitting feeling on impact.

Generally, the better the quality of feather shuttlecocks is, the higher the price is.  It usually comes in a tube case of a dozen shuttles at a price for that can vary significantly (ranging between approximately $15~$50 Cdn).  Beginners may want to buy lower priced feather shuttles to start with due to a higher chance of a mishit, which often damages to feathers of the shuttle.  When the feather(s) of a shuttle breaks or comes off or when the shuttle doesn’t fly straight or rotates abnormally, it is better to be replaced.  Although feather shuttles aren’t cost-effective, using them should be considered as an investment for your game!

The speed of a shuttle is influenced mostly by temperature and altitude.  The higher the temperature is, the faster the shuttle travels.  Also the higher the altitude is, the faster the shuttle flies.  The shuttle speed is indicated as a number on the shuttle tube and/or its lid, and each manufacture uses its own series of numbers.  The table below compares their classification.