Badminton rackets

Weight in U and Balance: Reading a Racket's Specs

On a Yonex racket, the U code indicates the weight without strings: a three U weighs between eighty-five and just under ninety grams, a four U from eighty to just under eighty-five, and a five U even less. The accompanying G code denotes the grip size: at Yonex, the higher the number, the thinner the grip. The balance completes the reading: a head-heavy racket, like the Astrox, accumulates inertia for smashes, while a head-light racket, like the Nanoflare or the Victor Auraspeed, moves back into position quicker on defence and at the net.

The World of Badminton

Badminton also comes in :

• Shuttles.
• Strings and Grips.
• Shoes.
• Bags.
• Clothing.
• Nets.
• Club Equipment.

The entire range is gathered on the badminton page.

Pro, Tour, Clear: Variants of the Same Range

At Yonex, a single range comes in several levels. The Pro version uses the most rigid materials and is aimed at players who hit fast and accurately; the Tour version keeps the essence of the technology with a slightly more forgiving handle. The Astrox eighty-eight S is available in Pro and Tour: the S denotes the front player in doubles, as opposed to the D version, designed for the backcourt. At the other end of the range, the Nanoflare Clear, light and easy to handle, is perfect for beginners, while the Babolat Satelite also comes in different versions from beginner to expert.

School, Beginner and Weighted Training Rackets

For younger players, length is key: an adult racket measures at most sixty-eight centimeters, which is often too long for a six-year-old. The Tremblay racket designed for primary school and the Spordas Twin Shaft, with dual shafts, can withstand the impacts from group sessions. Beginner models with a metal frame, like the Yonex B four thousand, are resistant to drops and friction on the floor. On the other hand, the Isometric TR, weighted at around one hundred and fifty grams, is used to strengthen the wrist and forearm: it is used for warming up, never in a match.

Good Deals

Good deals can also be found in the bargains, promotions, clearance, sales, Black Friday. The new arrivals showcase the latest collections, and items shipped within 24h are prepared and dispatched within 24 hours. The key events of the year follow a stable order: the Black Friday at the end of autumn, the end-of-year holidays, the winter sales, the French Days in spring, then the summer sales and back to school.

Frequently Asked Questions

What tension should I choose for a badminton racket?

A recreational player is comfortable between eighteen and twenty-two pounds: the strings, being softer, return the shuttle without effort. Competitive players go beyond twenty-four pounds for better control, at the cost of a more demanding hitting area.

How do I get a badminton racket strung?

The strings are placed on a machine that holds the frame and tightens each strand to the chosen tension: hand it over to a stringer in a shop or club. Specify the string and tension desired, as well as the maximum tension recommended by the manufacturer.

How do I choose the thickness of the grip?

When gripping the handle, the tips of your fingers should lightly touch the palm without sinking into it. A grip that’s too thick hinders changes in hold, while one that's too thin requires a strong grip; an overgrip adds a bit of thickness and improves grip.

Yonex or Babolat: which brand should I choose?

Yonex offers the widest range, with selections for beginners up to expert. Babolat, a French brand, also covers all levels; the essence remains the weight, balance, and flexibility suited to your play, regardless of the brand.

How often should I change the strings?

A common guideline is to restring as many times a year as you play sessions per week. Strings lose tension over time, even without breaking, and a shuttle that flies soft or inaccurately indicates that it's time to replace them.