Guide
Squash racket selection: From classic hearts and teardrops
by Michael Restin
Three steps to the right badminton racket
14.3.2019
Translation: machine translated
You should have the right racket in your hand for the fastest of all return games. Although there are no special rackets for beginners, advanced players and professionals, there are models with different characteristics that need to suit you and your requirements.
Basically, the rackets differ in their balance, shaft flexibility and weight, which partly depends on the material used and therefore influences the price. You can play with all of them - the only question is how well. To find the racket that suits you best, you need to know a few things.
1. balance: head-heavy, grip-heavy or balanced
Balanced racquets are a compromise. When you have an advantage with which balance depends on the game situation and it is not possible to say in principle which racket you can hit harder with. It depends on the swing and your technique. Shaft flexibility also plays a decisive role when it comes to power.
2. shaft flexibility: More power or more precision?
If you want to put more power into your shots, a flexible shaft acts like a small catapult. Unfortunately, this comes at the expense of precision. This is higher with a stiff shaft. The differences were investigated at Aalborg University.
The strokes of two advanced players were recorded and analysed with an extremely hard racquet (ultra-stiff) and an extremely flexible model (ultra-soft). While the hard racquet was almost unbent at the time of impact, the soft model deviated from its normal position by four centimetres. This makes the shot more difficult to time and control. On the other hand, it is given extra acceleration by the racket bouncing back to its original position.
You therefore need to decide which factors are particularly important for your game. You can use the table to click directly to the rackets that meet your requirements.
3. weight, material and price
While the cheapest models are made of steel and aluminium, graphite and carbon are the most common materials used in racket construction. You don't have to spend a fortune on these: You can get a graphite racket made from one piece for under 100 francs.
At 88 grams, the Yonex Duora 88 is in the same weight class as most more expensive racquets, which also weigh between 80 and 90 grams, thanks to its balanced balance and stiff shaft. Even lighter does not necessarily mean better - the accelerated mass can ultimately also contribute to the hardness of the shot.
Header image: If you pay attention to the appropriate characteristics, you can also play professional rackets for beginners. Image: Flickr/Daniel (CC BY 2.0)
Michael Restin
Senior Editor
Michael.Restin@digitecgalaxus.chSimple writer and dad of two who likes to be on the move, wading through everyday family life. Juggling several balls, I'll occasionally drop one. It could be a ball, or a remark. Or both.
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