When looking for the best racket for badminton, you have to consider several factors. That’s because the playing equipment can work for or against you. Before buying a racquet, know the chief factors to consider.
Besides the brand and weight, the balance point of the racket makes a chief concern. It can make or break your badminton game. Two rackets can possess the same weight yet presents different balance points. Therefore, depending on their balance points they can support different gameplay.
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So, What is the Balance Point of a Badminton Racket?
It refers to the point on the racquet that allows it to balance horizontally on your finger. Although the balance point differs from racket to racquet, it all lies on the shaft. The balance point can lie closer the handle, head or in the middle.
Calculating the Balance Point of a Badminton Racquet
It’s crucial to know how to calculate the balancing point of a racquet. The knowledge comes in handy when purchasing a secondhand badminton racket.
So grab the racket and place it on your hands in a horizontal direction. After that, support it using a single finger. Don’t worry at first if one end tilts down.
Then adjust the position of your finger till you find a point where the racket balances. That is until the racquet lies flat on your finger without tilting into one side. Take note of that point on the racket.
Measure the distance from the base of the racket to the marked point and note it down. That represents the balance point. Badminton rackets balance somewhere between 285mm to 295mm from the base. However, it might differ from one piece of equipment to the next.
Categorizing Rackets According to Their Balance Points
Regarding the position of the balance point, badminton racquets fall under the following categories.
Head Heavy Balance
A head-heavy racket means most of its weight lies closer to the head than the handle. On the same note, any racket whose balance point exceeds 295mm falls under head heavy.
So a racket whose length from the butt cap to the balance point surpasses 295mm is best for making powerful shots. That is, the equipment is ideal for generating strong attacking shots and smashing hits. The head-heavy frame provides a boost in energy, thus impacting more power on the shuttlecock.
However, if you are a novice badminton player, use a head-heavy racket with care. Otherwise, you may find yourself developing pain in the shoulder. Besides, it might be harder to control owing to the heavy head. In most cases it’s the experienced players that find the head-heavy racquets ideal.
Head Light Balance
A racket whose balance point is below 285mm falls under head-light balance. As the name suggests, the equipment has less weight distributed on the head. For that reason, the head-light racquet is highly maneuverable.
It, therefore, fits a player that needs fast-paced shots. Its light head weight allows you to maneuver your hands and react quickly to a shot. And if you are playing doubles, a head-light racket becomes the ideal equipment.
But although it supports swiftness, it generates less powerful shots. So only use this type of racket in circumstances where you don’t require power.
Even Balanced
An even balanced racket has its weight evenly distributed on the frame. For that reason, its balance point lies somewhere between 285 to 295mm. In other words, its balancing point is in the middle.
Unlike the head heavy and head light rackets, an evenly balanced racket doesn’t incline towards power or maneuverability. Instead, it gives you a blend of the two worlds. So it supports a wide range of shots.
Most beginner and all-around badminton players find an even balanced racket very useful. However, it’s vital to point out that it isn’t a dedicated racket for making smashing hits or fast pace shots.
Remember restringing and wrapping the badminton racket after the factory setting shifts its balancing point. That’s why most badminton players find the lead tape a vital piece of equipment in influencing the balance point to reflect their need.
Conclusion
Understanding the balance point of a badminton racket is crucial. It helps you choose the right equipment that resonates with your game style.
The novice player can start with an even balanced racket. Then once you have developed your skills in the sport and identified your game style, you can shift to the racquet that suits you most.