Hello All,

I'm new here and this is my first post. I'm broke my third set within a month.

Is there any difference between a $100 racket and a $10 one? The string would broke after I played it for a hour or two.

Is it the way I play it or the string? I bought several sets from Sport Goods and Modell's Sporting in NYC. They are selling basically similiar rackets in terms of quality and brand. I didnt' find any quality difference between the expensive and cheap ones. So I bought the $10 one.

Is there anyway I can re-string it myself? Is it hard and the tool is expensive?

Thanks

Dont buy a new racquet everytime you break the strings.. There are many places where you can have your racquet restrung. If you want to restring it yourself, you can use your hands but the string tension will be low and different in many different places since there isnt a constant pulling force. And yup, stringing machines are very expensive..
If you're really into this sport, then you should invest your money on a high-quality (expensive) racquet than cheap 10$ ones. There is a significant difference in weight, durability, etc. Expensive racquets would benifit you in the long run.

Do you know the average cost of restring a racket? If it is going to cost more than $10, then it does make a sense to buy a set since the set is $10. No restring places in my neighborhood, I need to take the train to Manhattan.

All I want is a racket that doesn't break string. The ones I had only last me a hour or two. This is ridiculous.

Does anyone have a link to stringing tool site? I want to take a look at different varieties of tools that I can use to restring the racket. I heard there are $100, $200 tools where $500 ones too.

Thanks for the reply.

Rackets are factory strung with string that is designed to last, as they are the cheapest (it's basically to keep the frame the correct shape, and shouldn't really be played with by anybody besides beginners); the fact that you can break these after a couple of hours suggests either a lot of mis-hits or that you hitting very powerful shots with unintentional slice.

The best thing to try, if it's possible, is to borrow a high-end racket with high-end (durability) string and see if the problem persists; if it does, your playing style probably needs adjustment.

The more expensive rackets are such because

a) Their materials and construction are far more advanced
b) They are being produced by multi-billion-dollar companies who have professional players fronting their equipment:D

As you become more a more serious and experienced player these rackets begin to make sense - they offer variations in weight, balance, flex etc that assume importance as your game improves - so they aren't a complete waste of money (it just depends on the circumstances).

Hi Discusman,

1) welcome!
2) may I ask what brand and model of the racquet you are using?
3) as far as i know, the cost of restring is about $15 to $25 in US.
4) why not ask around your club to see if anyone there do restringing job?
5) there are more durable string out there. however, without knowing exactly why you break your string, our answer to your question might not be right or helpful.

I was comparing the both $80 n $10 racket at the store in the other day. I didn't find any difference in terms of the quality of the string. They all made of Nylon I think. Maybe the $80 one is lighter n a better design. But the string is the same as the one on the $10 one.

I'm not a professional player and there are miss hits while I am playing. But a brand new racket only lasts an hour or two. Then it doesn't make a sense.

I will try to change the way I play, hopefully it will help. I also play power hits cuz it worked out my arm n the whole body. This is my purpose of the sport.
Maybe I need to look for another sport if this sport wasn't meant for the purpose. :crying:

Hi Discusman,

1) welcome!
2) may I ask what brand and model of the racquet you are using?
3) as far as i know, the cost of restring is about $15 to $25 in US.
4) why not ask around your club to see if anyone there do restringing job?
5) there are more durable string out there. however, without knowing exactly why you break your string, our answer to your question might not be right or helpful.

Thanks. I had a couple sets of rackets from Wilson and the other ones has a big letter "P" on the string? not sure I will go home check.

So far I haven't seen any racket string that is made of difference material other than Nylon... I could be wrong.

'P' for Prince?
Prince makes badminton racquets too :)

Well it's probably because you're miss-hitting on the string which you mention. Any string can break becaus eof it, and at worst could break in just one hit if you're unlucky.

When you mentioned about the value, you're talking about the racket, not the string. In terms which you use, there is a difference in racket perfornance. The way you're wording it as if, the two difference rackets are using the exact same string.

I just looked it up and Modell's Sporting only sell very lowend of Wilson (ti comp) and Head in $15-$22 range. Those racquets uses very cheap nylon string. Actually, they are just thicker fishing line. Anyway, I am not surprise a strong beginner using plastic shuttle will break theose string in 1 or 2 days because of miss hit and other reasons. I really don't know what to suggest regarding restringing if they are using plastic shuttle. Yes, there are better and much durable string for nylon shuttles. However, the cost of restringing service might be more than the price of new racquet itself. Sorry, it is your call here.

Recommendation - don't buy cheap stuff!!

Recommendation - don't buy cheap stuff!!

How much do you guys spend on one racket? I know everyone is different. But just give me an average..

I checked the $80 racket. It seems using the same nylon string as the $10 one. I dont care about the frame weigh or the design. I need a racket that can last.

Do you need a racket that is durable or string that can last, because throughout this whole thread, youve been saying that your racket broke your strings..=/ The way strings break depending on where you hit them because there are obviously weak points. If you want durable strings, go for NBG-95's or Bg-65. I had NBG 95's for over 4 months and they never snapped and i played about 3-4 times a week( 3-4 hours each session). They are a little more expensive but if you want durability, go for those!

As for rackets, i spend between $150-$230. If your a begginer, your budget should be between $30-$150 USD.

Yes, you're right the $80 dollar-racket and the $10 dollar racket got the same nylon standard string. But if you'll pay $80 dollars for a racket the quality is better, the racket isn't heavy as the $10 dollar racket, you will have much more fun! If you just play in your backyard the $10 dollar one is maybe enough, but if you want to play badminton in gymns and halls i recommend you the $80 dollar racket or even more expansive.

Guys,

I was looking at the badmington rackets on Ebadmington.store.net. The Genji Ahead 360 Nano racket comes with titanium string. Maybe this is the one I am looking for? http://ebadminton.stores.yahoo.net/tiracket1.html

hi hi!hmm i thnk mayb ur thinking this the wrong way?....lik alot of people r suggesting here u shud probs spend lik the 80 on a racket....and a lil bit extra to make sure u have nice strings?u wudnt have to spend more than 100 to get a nice setup. it will also improve the playability of your racket to get ur racket restrung rather than using the factory strung strings neway. tbh im surprised the shop u go to hasnt given you any advice on this seeming as you have perchased several rackets from them?

hi hi!hmm i thnk mayb ur thinking this the wrong way?....lik alot of people r suggesting here u shud probs spend lik the 80 on a racket....and a lil bit extra to make sure u have nice strings?u wudnt have to spend more than 100 to get a nice setup. it will also improve the playability of your racket to get ur racket restrung rather than using the factory strung strings neway. tbh im surprised the shop u go to hasnt given you any advice on this seeming as you have perchased several rackets from them?

I purchased all my rackets from one of those nation wide chain store. They are not specialized in rackets, therefore, there wasn't any knowledged staff I can ask questions regarding this.

Anyway, maybe I can buy some titanium strings and ask the store to replace it for me. ??

Yeah, you can find a decent racquet for 60-100 or so, and at a place like Badminton Alley, or San Diego Badminton Supply, you can get a string upgrade for $5 or so. Call them, and they give you decent advice for what you are looking for, too.

I used to play with $20 rackets when I first started (Wilson Titanium Smash). Never broke a string, so maybe $10 is just very very cheap. Dunno. If you are talking about the "4 racquets and a net" outdoor sets, then yes, they are very cheap indeed. They will not last at all for the indoor game...

Also, when I asked more experienced players whether I should restring those $20 Wilsons, they said racquets that cheap can't be restrung. The frames are not built strong enough to withstand the restringing process. So the ones you had could not have been "upgraded" by a stringer anyway.

I don't know about these Genji racquets you found. I found that site too, when I was looking for a better racquet, but I could find no info on them anywhere else, so I was not sure I wanted to try them. The text sounds good, but who has played with them to evaluate their quality?

If you can really spend $80 to $100, check out the Yonex line. Also, visit the Black Knight web site. They make good racquets in that price range. Also check out the Prospeed site ($55-70). There is a short Prospeed thread in the equipment forum where these inexpensive racquets get good marks from club players.

http://www.badmintoncentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=43579&highlight=Prospeed

http://www.prospeed.com.my/

Any of these raquets will take restringing as needed.

Don't over-focus on the racquet, though. Find a decent one, and learn to play with proper technique. It's more important to get some lessons form an expert player, or tips from a player better than you are. You don't want to keep any bad habits that might damage your new racquet.

How much do you guys spend on one racket? I know everyone is different. But just give me an average..

I checked the $80 racket. It seems using the same nylon string as the $10 one. I dont care about the frame weigh or the design. I need a racket that can last.

These rackets you are comparing seem to be entry/low level rackets which would come with a factory string. The way around this a better string on it.

If you invest in something like around 150+ on a racket (mid to high-end) like members members here including myself, these rackets do not have a string, so you can put your own string on it.

I bet there is nothing wrong with your play, though. You're probably just playing with super cheap outdoor recreational racquets. My friend and I broke a few of those when we first got into the sport, too. Just get ANY kind of decent racquet ($30-60) from a true badminton supplier, and I think you will find your experience is very different. Spend more only if you really feel like it. You're just getting started.

Thanks for all the helpful info and advices. I really appreciate that guys. :)

I used to play a lot of tennis, so probably I have treated this new sport as a tennis match (not exactly the same, but I would always hit the ball hard). That's why messed up the racket when it isn't a perfect hit.

Do you guys agree the titanium string would be the toughest (unbreakable) string on the market?

I will call or visit some badmington stores in NYC before I really decided to invest for some decent racket.

The closest store in NYC is at least one hour away from me by train. :cool:

BG65 isn't titanium, but sure lasts a loooong time. It's a pretty good string anyways.

String comes in different thickness, the thicker string should be more durable. You should look for those thicker string (eg BG65) and a racket that can hold at least 23lbs. You can also buy online, and choose the string and string tension you like .... eg www.badmintonalley.com (http://www.badmintonalley.com) a lot of racket and price range you can choose from.

If you want something that's quite durable you could consider BG43.

http://www.mybadmintonstore.com/shop/product_info.php?cPath=25_29_52_90&products_id=248

I was comparing the both $80 n $10 racket at the store in the other day. I didn't find any difference in terms of the quality of the string. They all made of Nylon I think. Maybe the $80 one is lighter n a better design. But the string is the same as the one on the $10 one.


Though the strings are both made of nylon, it does not mean that they're the same. The density of the strings, and the gauge ( thickness ) could also be different, comparing a good nylon string ( eg: Yonex Bg65 ) to a cheap nylon string (eg: factory strings ). It is most likely anyway that the strings on the expensive racquet is more powerful and durable than the one on the conventional cheap racquet. You'll never know until you try them :)

What does "BG65" mean? Is it a code for represent the quality of a string?

For instant, the letters "BG" categorized the strings into certain class? And the number "65" represent the thickness of the string?

Is there a way to tell what string am I getting by looking at this code "BG65....etc"???

You guys also mentioned about the racket has to be strong enough to hold at least 25lb? What would be the max pound a racket can hold? The more pound of a racket can hold, the better it is?


Thanks

BG65 is a Yonex String BG stand for Badminton Gut. 65 is model number.
Don't just fix on the word BG65. What you should be looking for is the thickness of 0.70 or thicker.
Please ask a more experienced player in your club to see what you need since you still have not answer the question of what kind of shuttle you use. A person seeing you play can tell a lot more than our guess here.

I'm not a member of any Badminton clubs. Hopefully I can find one in my neighborhood (Queens, NYC). I have been using one of those plastic shuttles.

You guys also mentioned about the racket has to be strong enough to hold at least 25lb? What would be the max pound a racket can hold? The more pound of a racket can hold, the better it is?

Thanks

There are racquets that can take 30lbs or more. It doesn't make the racquet "better" necessarily; it just means the strings can be made much tighter.

Prospeed site has a good discussion of string tension
http://www.prospeed.com.my/String.htm

But the general idea is this: lower string tension (17lb-21, maybe) tends to give more power, because when the shuttle hits the strings, the strings will act like a "spring" to rebound with the shuttle, imparting more "zip" even for a weaker stroke. Beginners and intermediate players typically will need/want this as they develop a good end line clear and learn how to smash.

The downside is the "springier" string tension decreases the "feel" of the racquet, and gives slightly less precise control over the shuttlecock's direction (accuracy). So your fast smash might be harder to keep in bounds.

Higher tensions increase the feel and control of the racquet. But you will notice less "power" in your shots. This is why only players with a very powerful swing, or with excellent smashing technique can handle the higher tensions. If beginners tried to play with 25lb tension or more, they wouldn't be able to clear the shuttle to the back line for a very long time--until they developed the technique and wrist power.

This is why spending big bucks on a super nice racquet with high string tension doesn't really help your game at first. It's the technique lessons and your conditioning and your shoes that help you more at first. Your first racquet just needs to be decent. (maybe even just half-way decent?--I played a year or two with a $20 Wilson Titanium smash before I bought an MP66...)

Most decent racquets like you will be looking for (say $50US to $110US) will have an string tension range adequate for your first several years of play (if not your whole career). You will be able to adjust the tension as you get better (or adjust to your playing style--some folks just like lower or higher tension for how they play). You might start with 20lb or less (or whatever the racquet comes with--usually that is a lower tension). Then as you get better, when you restring the racquet later, you can try the higher tensions for increased control, because you know your power will still be there.

Yuck!! Plastiics!!! Use feathers, which is the way the sport is meant to be played!

------------------------------
Go Nanogy 98!! =) For the win :D

Yuck!! Plastiics!!! Use feathers, which is the way the sport is meant to be played!

------------------------------
Go Nanogy 98!! =) For the win :D

Haha... I'm not like you guys so professional.. I am just playing for fun. But I really start to like the sport. If so, I might buy a better set. I play outdoor too, so the plastic ones could take a lot of abuse I think.

It does not really have to do with anying with being professional or not. Even for all levels, people would use featers, you would notice a difference in the game play for sure.

You know, the cheap plastic shuttles are also very hard on strings. That contributes to the breakage if you are playing hard. Plastic just doesn't "give" as much as the cork&feather does when you strike them with your racquet strings.

By the way, if you are just playing recreationally outdoors, there's no need to spend much money on a racquet. $20-30US would be sufficient.

But get some better quality plastic shuttles: Yonex 350's or 500's. They behave more like a feather shuttle, and will help you be used to feathers when you play indoor more. You'll notice the difference right away--so much better than el-cheapo plastic shuttles you probably have.

Yonex quality shuttles are less likely to break your strings. And they will last longer than feathers while you are learning technique. Beginners just destroy feather shuttles anyway.

I need to go see the real player play the sport. I'm sure I'm not playing correctly. For instant, when the shuttle falls from the sky (90 degree to the ground). what should I do? I normally just hit it when it falls to the level that paralle to my chest high. When you guys hit the shuttle, does every strike has to be on the rubber part of the shuttle or doesn't matter?

Hi Discus, PMed you.

Guys,

I realized the racket that I broke the string is Yonex B-460. Can this one be restring? It listed as Low Torsion Steel Shaft / Developed by Yonex Japan. I only paid $12 for this one.

Can I upgrade the string for this one?

Probably not worth it. The B-460 sounds like a racket. Sounds like one of those starter racket sets which you can find at Sports Authority or something!

Guys,

I realized the racket that I broke the string is Yonex B-460. Can this one be restring? It listed as Low Torsion Steel Shaft / Developed by Yonex Japan. I only paid $12 for this one.

Can I upgrade the string for this one?


:eek: Yonex B-460, hehehe I own this racket, really heavy, good for wrist training though. :).

Well, I think it's much lighter than my tennis racques. haha. :D

Ok, let me shop around for a better set then.

Would you guys recommend any online store with a reasonable price and service?

I probably going to buy my next set online. Need two sets actually, one for my wife too.

Is there any rule for string and racque combination? Now I know GB-65 string is the one everyone recommended, and maybe with a Yonex racque? But which model? I probably going to spend less than $200 for TWO sets. I appreciate any recommendations.

Correction to my previous post:

I meant Yonex Badminton Gut 65 (at least 0.70 in thickness).

Any full carbon racket should do. I like Yonex, but in the lower price range i would choose another manufacturer.

Here a suggestion: a light, stable and cheap full carbon racquet for USD 60:

http://www.badmintonalley.com/Head_NanoPower_500_Badminton_Racket_p/racket-head-nanopower-500.htm

This is a racquet I would choose, but it´s only an example, there are many other very good racquets.

If you need equipment, try to contact www.nycbadminton.com, as they carry Yonex, Wilson and Gosen products. They carry various models, range from low end to top of the line. If you are more interested in lower end range, which focus more on durability, then, tell them about your need, and they should suggest something between $40-70 for you, instead of the $200 ranges.

I believe you can arrange and demo and local pick up, as they have gyms in the city as well as in Queens.

I said $200 for TWO sets, not one.

I sent an email to NYCBadminton.com Hopefully they will reply me with some updated info.

Thanks

Is this a good deal?

$75 for an Isometric 75 or MP29 or AT150.

Is this a good deal?

$75 for an Isometric 75 or MP29 or AT150.

Never mind. I've got the answer to my question.:rolleyes:

I said $200 for TWO sets, not one.


The higher end racket usually come as a single frame (might not even strung), not a set (mult racket with plastic shuttles). ;)

Get Arc Saber!!!

Get Arc Saber!!!
Don't even try, I just sold my last one.

And I just placed a new order last night for mine :D

I heard people saying there are fake ones out there for this particular model.
I won't be able to afford it anyway. It's going to be $400 for two racquets.

If you do to authorized dealers and take the risk of not knowing what's out there, you will end up with a counterfeit.

However other than that, if you shop at the right places, you can find one for around $160+ per racket.

I gone to badminton ally and they are selling it for $199 each.

What about else where?

I heard people saying there are fake ones out there for this particular model.
I won't be able to afford it anyway. It's going to be $400 for two racquets.

If you 1st start the sport, I don't see why you need to jump to a top of line racket right away. If you still don't know what racket you prefer, I don't see why you want 2. You can always come back to purchase another one, if you do like the 1st one.

NYC Badminton should have something for you well under $100, and you really don't have to go with Yonex only.

Don't forget to get some decent shuttle. ( since you play outdoor, and just started I suggest Yonex Mavis).

There are so many varieties and brands of racquets. Everyone has their own opinions and recommendations on racquest type.

I'm getting two cuz other one is for my wife. I dont see a HUGE differences in terms how the quality of a racquet is going to affect your play.

To me, it is the skill to determine who would win the match not the equipment. However, my statement is solely applying to this sport not some other sports such as car racing.

Well the racket does need to be suitable for the player's style of play which is one for the important aspects of the equipment. Not necessary the top of the line racket will match their style as you mentioned, but one of these rackets will need to be matching closest.

The best thing for me to do in this case would be test play with different racquets to see which one suits me the best.. :) I'm not sure the club at Queens would allow me to do that.

Keep it simple. As you have said, the racquet is not the most important thing anyway. Just get two reasonable good, even balanced racquets, and learn the sport first.

(by the way, for later reference, club members are usually glad to let you try their racquets for a game or two, if they know you are experienced enough not to damage them. But for now, just get a decent racquet or two)

racquets like these:

Yonex Isometric 75 MF light - $100 for two, plus shipping.
Yonex Amortec 150 - $140 for two plus shipping.
(these prices at Badminton Alley, check around though)

Prospeed Z3 - $120 for two, including shipping. (see the Prospeed site)

You don't need anything fancy as you learn the sport, and until you have played for a year or more, trying to decide between all the various racquet characterics is pointless. You don't need anything more than these basic middle-of-the-road racquets (and even something less would be adequate--so if price is a consideration, drop to $35 or $40 racquets).

Also, get a tube of 6 Yonex Mavis 350 or 500 plastic shuttles, and go play!! You will learn the rest as you go.

Do most people prefer Badminton Ally as their # 1 site for purchase equipment? I've seen many people mentioned about the site on the board for the past few days.

Nope, they would shop else where.

badmintonalley.com is a rip off..lol

Yeah, it's just one place with some information about the racquets, but not necessarily great prices. Do a search on those racquets to find other on-line stores, and/or check shops in your area. Do you others have a favorite on-line store for good prices on racquets/shoes/shuttles?

sites like mybadmintonshoponline is ok..and so is shuttle-house

I have been asking people here about a good online vendors for equipments. No one is answering it. There are only handful of online vendors, it's not like I can shop around by comparing price and service from 100 different vendors.

Could anyone provide some info on this? It would be great if your recommendation is based on your won experience, not just by some rumors.

I appreciate your help. :D

badmintonalley.com is a rip off..lol

When I enter "Badminton Racquect" in google. Their website is being listed at the top of the search result page. I think they know how to use key word on their website very well. :cool:

It depends what kind of keywords you're using. If were to type specific words, I bet other shops which have better prices would be at the top rite?
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Just on the side, I would not order from badminton alley anyways because they do not have the grip size I want anyways besides the price.

It depends what kind of keywords you're using. If were to type specific words, I bet other shops which have better prices would be at the top rite?
---------

Just on the side, I would not order from badminton alley anyways because they do not have the grip size I want anyways besides the price.

Is there huge difference in grip size? wow, I learn something new everyday. You guys are too professional. I would love to see you guys play one day.

:p

I would not say huge but it would definately affect the person welding it if it does not suit them. Here are the possible grip sizes from Yonex.

G3 - 89 mm
G4 - 86 mm
G5 - 83 mm

Bascially a simple rules here, the way I phrase it. If you feel that you cannot grip the racket securely/tight enough the grip is too big. If you feel that the racket is going to fly off your hands, then the grip is to small.

I use G5 with overgrip.

I would not say huge but it would definately affect the person welding it if it does not suit them. Here are the possible grip sizes from Yonex.

G3 - 89 mm
G4 - 86 mm
G5 - 83 mm

Bascially a simple rules here, the way I phrase it. If you feel that you cannot grip the racket securely/tight enough the grip is too big. If you feel that the racket is going to fly off your hands, then the grip is to small.

I use G5 with overgrip.

G5 - 83 mm, it is the smallest among the three sizes. Is this mean you have a small hand or it's size for average people? I guess I would need the G5 too. :)

g4 is considered average. But really depends if u have small or big hands lols

Does each racquet lists the grip size? Is it embedded within the model number?

G4 is more for average people. G5 would be more suitable for people with asian sized hands like myself.

As for your question, on the racket, the grip size is listed on the racket itself.

http://www.badmintoncentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=43714 <- look at photos, you will see the grip size listed. The weight class is also listed as you see the "3U" there.

There is also a G6 (80mm) from Yonex, which is only availabe in Japan for their market for specific models.

I read the thread about identifying the fake racquets on this board. I couldn't believe there are so many fake ones out there.

But I dont think there are that much difference in terms of quality between the real one n the fake one.

G4 is more for average people. G5 would be more suitable for people with asian sized hands like myself.

As for your question, on the racket, the grip size is listed on the racket itself.

http://www.badmintoncentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=43714 <- look at photos, you will see the grip size listed. The weight class is also listed as you see the "3U" there.

Yeah, the grip size is listed at the top portion of the grip. Thanks

I read the thread about identifying the fake racquets on this board. I couldn't believe there are so many fake ones out there.

But I dont think there are that much difference in terms of quality between the real one n the fake one.

Actually there are differences between the real one and the fake one. It varies in performance, quality and reliability as well, not to mention the QC. There is a thread in here which acutally shown quality differences between the real one and a counterfeit via x-ray which is interesting.

http://www.badmintoncentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=18363 <- found it.

I think I better off buying from the well known source, sometime even make a sense to pay premium as long as the product is authenticated.

Once you figure out what you want, try
www.badmintonalley.com (http://www.badmintonalley.com) or www.badminton.net (http://www.badminton.net)
make sure you call and order over the phone. Tell them you use plastic shuttle most of the time. Ask for thicker and more durable string if the racquet is not prestrung. If it is, just string it with more durable string next time.
Good luck!

The best thing for me to do in this case would be test play with different racquets to see which one suits me the best.. :) I'm not sure the club at Queens would allow me to do that.

Not sure which Queens club you refer to. I believe NYCB allows you to demo the rackets during their sessions, if you ask for permission 1st.

I went to John Bown H.S today (Sat) and there are a lot of people there. The court looks nice.

I went to John Bown H.S today (Sat) and there are a lot of people there. The court looks nice.

Then, definitely talk to the manager (Veronica), and see if she can bring some rackets for you to demo. Let her know what you need, and what's your price range. She should be able to give you some suggestion.