Kristian Ferrell
The badminton racket is central to all the thrill of the game. The badminton racquet or racket, which is the official term adopted by the Badminton World Federation (BWF), is a simple-to-handle, lightweight piece of equipment. The bottom-most part of the racket gripped by the player, the handle is arguably the most important part. The ease of grip on the handle for a player often determines how comfortable the player is with the racket and can decide the performance of the day. Badminton racket handles are generally made from wood. The quality of the wood affects the weight of the racket, with better quality wood being heavier.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Material | Wood, Carbon Fibre, Graphite, Aluminium, Steel |
| Durability | Prone to breaking, especially with soft wood |
| Weight | Heavier rackets are made from higher-quality wood |
| Grip | Players may add grips or overgrips to improve comfort |
| Customisation | Players can customise the length and width of the handle to their needs |
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What You'll Learn
Badminton racket handles are typically made of wood
Wood is a popular choice for badminton racket handles due to its strength and ability to act as a counterweight to the racket head. The quality of wood used affects the weight of a racket, with higher-quality wood resulting in a heavier racket. Wood also absorbs sweat, which can be beneficial for players who tend to perspire during play.
While wooden racket handles are common, they are not indestructible. Some players have reported broken or cracked wooden handles, especially after vigorous use or throwing the racket. To prolong the durability of a wooden racket handle, it is recommended to keep it dry and wrap it with a layer of plastic cover or cellophane tape to make it sweat-proof.
When choosing a badminton racket, it is important to consider not only the handle material but also the overall balance of the racket. The balance of the racket affects its playing characteristics. A racket with a Head Light balance, for example, has a lower balance with weight concentrated towards the handle, making the blade feel lighter and allowing for added speed in the game.
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Carbon fibre and graphite are also used in high-quality rackets
Badminton racket handles are typically made from wood. The quality of the wood affects the weight of the racket, with higher-quality wood resulting in a heavier racket. Wood is also absorbent, which can be beneficial for players who tend to sweat a lot during play.
However, wooden handles are prone to breaking, and some players have reported issues with specific brands. While wooden handles can be repaired or replaced, it requires some woodworking skills and tools.
Aluminium is another material used in rackets, typically for beginners. It is lightweight and strong but not as durable or flexible as carbon fibre. Steel is also used, known for its toughness and durability, but it is heavy, which can be challenging to play with.
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Aluminium is common in beginner rackets
Aluminium is a relatively lightweight and strong material that is often used in beginner badminton rackets. While it is true that carbon fibre and graphite are also light, strong, and flexible, they are more commonly used in high-quality rackets, which tend to be more expensive.
Aluminium badminton rackets are ideal for beginners because they are easier to handle and help players develop basic techniques without overexerting themselves. A lighter racket with a lower balance (Head Light) is easier to manoeuvre and reduces the risk of arm fatigue.
Additionally, a lower string tension with a sweet spot (the part of the racket that meets the shuttle best) is beneficial for beginners as it reduces the risk of mishits and helps to keep the shuttlecock in play for longer. Aluminium rackets provide this benefit to beginners.
However, aluminium rackets are not as durable and flexible as carbon fibre rackets. They may not be suitable for more advanced players who require more flexibility and durability from their rackets.
While aluminium is a common material for beginner badminton rackets, it is worth noting that wooden handles are also prevalent in badminton. Many players have expressed their preference for wooden handles, and some have even shared their experiences of using wooden rackets for over 20 years without breaking the handle.
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Steel is durable and cheap, but heavy
Badminton rackets are typically made of wood, graphite, carbon fibre, or aluminium. While the frame and shaft of a badminton racket may be made from graphite, a durable material that can last a lifetime, the handles are usually made from wood.
Steel, on the other hand, is another material that is used in badminton rackets. Steel is known for its durability and low cost, making it an economical choice for racket production. However, one of the main drawbacks of steel is its weight. Compared to other materials, steel is heavier, which can make the racket more challenging to play with, especially for beginners.
The weight of a badminton racket is an important factor that can affect the balance and feel of the racket. While a heavier racket can provide more power and stability, it can also be more tiring to use, particularly for players who are new to the sport. For this reason, lighter materials such as aluminium or carbon fibre are often recommended for beginners, as they are easier to handle and manoeuvre.
Additionally, the choice of racket material can impact the playing characteristics of the racket. A steel racket, due to its weight, may be considered a "head-heavy" design, with the balance point higher up in the blade. This type of racket is suited to players who hit hard and favour shots like smashes and long-distance hits. In contrast, a "head-light" racket has a lower balance, with the weight concentrated towards the handle, making the blade feel lighter.
While steel may not be the most common material for badminton rackets, it can be a viable option for those seeking a durable and affordable choice. However, players should be aware of the weight of steel rackets and how it may influence their playing style and comfort.
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Broken handles can be replaced
While badminton rackets are made of various materials, the handles are typically made of wood. The quality of the wood affects the weight of the racket, with better-quality wood resulting in a heavier racket. Wooden handles can absorb sweat and break easily when the wood is soft.
Some badminton players opt to repair their broken handles instead of replacing them. This can be done by gluing the broken pieces back together or, in the case of a more severely broken handle, by crafting a new handle from wood. However, repairing a broken handle may be challenging and time-consuming, especially for those without woodworking experience or tools.
To prevent handle breakage, it is recommended to keep the wooden handle dry at all times and to wrap it with a layer of plastic or cellophane tape to make it sweat-proof. Regularly changing the cellophane tape can also help prolong the durability of the handle.
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Frequently asked questions
Badminton racket handles are generally made from wood.
The quality of wood affects the weight of a racket. The better the quality, the heavier it is. Wood also absorbs sweat, which is an important factor for players.
Yes, some rackets are made of combined materials, such as carbon fibre and graphite, or aluminium.
Yes, you can buy replacement handles online and from some badminton shops.
