Fun with your friends and family
If you're just starting to play badminton and are planning to enjoy an occasional match or three with your family or friends, purchasing a badminton set could be a good idea. These sets generally contain two racquets or more, some shuttlecocks, and in some cases even a net. The main selling point is their very reasonable price.
Novice or veteran
When choosing a badminton racquet, the main things to keep in mind are the playing style and experience of the player. Flexible racquets are generally recommended for novice players, as they are suitable for defensive play and allow better shuttle control. These can be usually purchased for about £40. Stiff racquets are designed for experienced players who prefer an aggressive style of play. They cost £80 and more.
Materials
Badminton racquets are made of aluminium, graphite, or some combinations of those two materials. The aluminium racquets are heavier and cheaper, while graphite ones are lighter, better, and more expensive.
How to choose a shuttlecock?
Badminton is played with badminton shuttlecocks. They can be divided into two basic types: synthetic and feather.
- Synthetic shuttlecocks are designed primarily for recreational purposes or for beginners without a particular technique. Their biggest advantage is that they are resistant against damage.
- Feather shuttlecocks are suitable for advanced players who already have their own play style and technique. Compared to their synthetic counterparts, feather shuttlecocks have significantly better flight stability, but clumsy fumbled strokes can easily destroy them.