I personally buy mine from a general sports shop as i can feel the racket before hand. Although they only have a limited range (mostly Carlton and a few low end Yonex's). I know others where i play but them from agents, and others order them from the internet. I'd be too nervous to but mine online unless i was replacing an old racket. But i can also see that the best prices are online.
I buy mine online from Japan. I don't demo/test-swing them, I just buy what I'm tempted to buy.. and just adapt to it.
Same, I tend to read on BCF to get a sense of the racket I am tempted to buy and then buy it. Most of the time, I am able to adapt to it
I'd still be playing with an MP40 ( not the gun ) if I hadn't been reading through BCBF.. But because of this forum.. I'm being tempted to try out the most powerful racquets..
If they are talking about buying badminton stuff from Japan, most of the time it's from Shuttle-House... It has discounts base on how much you buy.
I bought from Shuttle-House and Shuttle-cock.com, I dont think neither of them accept paypal. Shuttle-cock does not ship their goods overseas.
whenever I have relatives going back to Asia I'll be sure to have them bring something back (racquets/shuttles). The price is simply much cheaper but then again, it's probably because the storekeeper is a family friend and we get discounts. *smiles*
Here are a few UK based websites. They're probably slightly more expensive compared to foreign ones. But are generally cheap compared to JJB etc and you get a much bigger choice. Usually, i try and read as much about the racquets as i can from here and the official websites, seeing which ones seem to suit me. Hope that helps. http://www.tennisnuts.com (which i've bought from before - good service) http://www.ukrackets.com http://www.milletsports.co.uk
I buy all my racquets from an informal sport shops complex in Jakarta called Pasar Pagi, there are several shops that sell sport equipments and supplies, the price is very2 competitive, almost the best in all cathegories, especially if you buy them in bulks.
hmmm, i just checked their website and they seem to only accept $US now....last time i checked, it was available in different currencies...
I check out a local club....and then test out the racquets there. Last time I went shopping I tested out 4 different racquets before deciding which one was for me. i always try to test racquets first (trying out other people's or visiting a club). Most people are nice enough to let others try out their racquets, so that's not a problem for me.
the best is to feel and test the racquet b4 buying... most shops here are friendly and helpful, they will try to talk to you and understand your preference.. even the string preference and grip as well...
