Hi, I play badminton at county and league standard. I'm 16 and was looking to buy a new set of rackets which are balanced in weight for the offensive player? Which racket do you suggest?? And what about defensive rackets, which one(s) do you recommend? Thanks, Carl
Hi Carl, I mean no offense to you but when I see a post like this I really wonder if that person is advanced. The reason why I say this is because an advanced player is just that, "advanced". An advanced player: 1) Will know what he needs and wants in a racket. He can play with any racket and as long as it's not extreme, and can play well with just about any racket. He would not post on a messageboard and ask what others suggest because 99% of the time the responses would not be as advanced as he is. Instead, he would go and try the different rackets out there and decide for himself what he needs. If he really needs advice, he would ask his coach or fellow advanced players. 2) Except for extreme instances in weight and shaft flexibility, the racket would not be the main concern. The main focus would be on the proper grip size and feel, string type and string tension. 3) Does not focus on offense but rather defense and racket transition because at the advanced level, everyone can smash and everyone has defense and defense is more important. At the advanced level opponents are not going to just dead lift to you to smash, they are going to run you around so you need racket speed. Also, the game of badminton is getting faster and faster due to the new technology in rackets, the overall improvement in fitness (more explosive players) and the new scoring which promotes/rewards offense. I hope that helps you pick your racket(s).
Thanks for the advice . The reason I ask is because I want to know different types of racket more than just carlton. I've used carlton since 8 and I fancy a change. So this is why I ask
caarl, check out dink's reviews on rackets, strings and grips. they are always stickied on the tops of their forums. the information in there is higher quality than any response you can get. (except from dink himself)
I'll come in on this one while it's a Brit: Offensive (head heavy and stiff): Yonex AT700, AT900P/T, the T is more of an all-rounder, IMO, but still hits hard; Carlton Vapour Trail Elite - I tried its predecessor, the Fireblade Elite, and it was Carlton's most agressive for a long time, but it's out of production; Victor Superwave 35, Bravesword 10 (don't go near the 08 - it's a cane with a brick on the end); Babolat X-Feel Blast, the red one - a real surprise for me, as Bab's previous Satellite lineup was decidedly "nothingy" in my hand, but this was wonderful in singles. Panda Power Ultra 1 - the most frightening thing I've ever held in my hand (and I've held a Glock 17 and a Beretta M9) - a county player might be able to bend it enough. Defensive (head light/balanced, varying shaft flexes): Yonex NS7000, simply the greatest "counter" racket I have used, or 9900, my current go-to (which I honestly have to call defensive because of the balance) or AT800D if you can find one; Babolat X-Feel Essential, the blue one - gorgeous racket with a wide open string pattern (like the Blast) and smack in the middle balance-wise; Carlton Vapour Trail S-Lite - again, I used the previous Fireblade S-Lite, and found it too headlight and too bendy. Keep us apprised of what you try/buy.
3) Does not focus on offense but rather defense and racket transition because at the advanced level, everyone can smash and everyone has defense and defense is more important. At the advanced level opponents are not going to just dead lift to you to smash, they are going to run you around so you need racket speed. Also, the game of badminton is getting faster and faster due to the new technology in rackets, the overall improvement in fitness (more explosive players) and the new scoring which promotes/rewards offense. I hope that helps you pick your racket(s). [/QUOTE] First of all. I think you are right here. Most really good players has no problem fireing of a powerfull smash with just about anyting they get in their hands. And much of the training advanced players do focuses on turning defence to offence. And yes, a speedy racket movment is very important. Now, why is it that so many of the very best singles players (and doubles for that matter) use(ed) Armortec? Sorry if I left the subject...
true that everyone can hit hard smashes at advanced level, but if a racket can generate 10km more than another racket, then it is surely going to give an advantage in its smashes.
Actually, when you're talking about smashes over 300kpm, 10kpm does not make a lot of difference. Angle and placement of the smash become much more important. Speed of the racket allowing you to attack whenever possible becomes much more important at this level.
But don't forget that at that advanced level in doubles, the players tend to play flat shots preferring not to lift. Hence, a fast balanced racket that favours maneuverability is more useful than a head heavy smash bomber that is slower to wield.
maxp74-Now, why is it that so many of the very best singles players (and doubles for that matter) use(ed) Armortec?- a)double-some have big grip which change the balance point too light head so it balance out and the advanced player do have the wrist power to handle heavyhead weapon. And there are others that are may not move so fast but but has the arm strength of strong tennis player. Or simply both. b)single- heavier racket has more power at the back and the pace of game is slower than doubles
If your smashes are good and are that kind of standard, try a z-slash, perfect for smashing and hard hitters if you can hit the sweetspot constantly. Btw, what county do you play for?
Caarl you've had loads of good advice here. Mark A, as usual is spot on - he really knows his rackets! Whereever you live you need to find a retailer who supplys demo rackets so that you can try as many rackets in real play not swishing around thin air. You need to hit shuttles and decide for yourself. If you live in Cheshire/Lancashire area, then I can get hold of entire Yonex catalogue for your to test. Paul www.badminton-coach.co.uk