I am new to this forum. Say hi to all of you here.
I noticed that they are a lot of advanced players and experts in choosing rackets here. I read a lot of threads here regarding choosing racket to fit your playing style. I am ready to buy a new racket. I need help here.

My deciding factors (in order) are:
1. price (my budget is about US$125
2. durability
3. color
4. playing style. (offense/defense, control, net shot, etc, etc)
I considered playing style as the least factor here. For an average intermediate player as myself, do you think I should pick an advanced racket and work you way out to adopt it?

My deciding factors (in order) are:
1. price (my budget is about US$125
2. durability
3. color
4. playing style. (offense/defense, control, net shot, etc, etc)
I considered playing style as the least factor here. For an average intermediate player as myself, do you think I should pick an advanced racket and work you way out to adopt it? Hi there, welcome and pleasure to have you in the forum. Here's a little advice from me on choosing racquet:

I don't quite agree when you say play style is the least factor. Many players tend to think so because they think they are of intermediate or beginner standard so whatever racquet doesn't matter much or makes no difference. OK, you may not feel the difference, but when you can feel the difference you might have hurt your wrist or elbow....

If you are not a hard-hitter or power smasher, avoid using a heavy or head-heavy (offensive) racquet. Try use a medium weight one and one with flexible shaft, so you can play more soft or control shot. Once you feel comfotable that your technique has reached a certain level, then change to a racquet that suits your play style. Just like driving, when you are a beginner or intermediate level driver, you will find a Ferrari difficult to handle...right?;)

Price is another consideration. To start with, I'd say you can have a wide range of choice below US$100 too. Shop around !!!

Durability - most racquets are very durable as long as you use them properly. Bad craftmanships do exist, but very rarely. Most racquets breaks or snaps into half because of metal fatique due to collisions.

Color - very subjective. Of course, pick one you like most otherwise you'd be very unhappy having to play with an ugly color racquet.:D

Hope it helps. Take care.

I am new to this forum. Say hi to all of you here.
I noticed that they are a lot of advanced players and experts in choosing rackets here. I read a lot of threads here regarding choosing racket to fit your playing style. I am ready to buy a new racket. I need help here.

My deciding factors (in order) are:
1. price (my budget is about US$125
2. durability
3. color
4. playing style. (offense/defense, control, net shot, etc, etc)
I considered playing style as the least factor here. For an average intermediate player as myself, do you think I should pick an advanced racket and work you way out to adopt it?
i wrote a guide that may clear up some (but probably not all) confusion, it is worth a read:

http://www.badmintoncentral.com/badminton-central/content/view/91/33/

Thanks Winstonchan and Kwun for enlightening me. Unfortunately, I found out Kwun's article after I made the purchase. I have bought myself a MP99 because the price was so attractive. I have another thread discussing whether my racket is fake or not since it was from China. I have not tried the racket on the court yet. My first appearance impression...I noticed that this racket appears much less air restriction i.e, aerodynamic. The frame and shaft are slim comparing to other rackets I see. It gives me a very clear sound. Not sure if it is because of the string (BG65TI strung at 23 lbs) or may be in combination with the racket. Sure I feel very comfortable of "handling" at this moment.