Badminton rackets typically are lightweight, thin-shafted and constructed from materials such as carbon fiber composite, ceramics, titanium, aluminum and steel. Although racket designs vary between manufacturers, the World Badminton Federation limits the size and shape of badminton rackets. According to the WBF's Laws of Badminton, "The racket shall be a frame not exceeding 680mm in overall length and 230mm in overall width." The main parts of a badminton racket include the head, shaft and handle.
Head
The ovoid head of a badminton racket is the widest part of your racket and binds the "stringed area," which is the usual area of contact with the shuttlecock or bird. The stringed area consists of a uniform pattern of crossed strings and "shall not exceed 280mm in overall length and 220mm in overall width," according to the WBF. According to Badminton-Information.com, badminton racket strings can be made from natural or synthetic materials and vary in thickness and tension.
Shaft
Your badminton racket's rod-like shaft connects its handle to its head and is usually the narrowest part of your racket. If a throat--a small triangular extension of the shaft--is present, this joins your racket's shaft with its head. The flexibility of the shaft varies depending on the racket model and is a matter of player preference. According to BatFox.com, the narrower your racket's shaft, "the less resistant it is to the air, and so the thin shaft will be quicker through the air, and generate more power." The longer your racket's shaft, the more power you can generate with your swing.
Handle
The handle typically is covered by a grip, which allows you to increase your handle's thickness until it feels comfortable in your hand. According to BadmintonSource.com, "a larger grip feels surer, but a badminton racquet with a smaller grip will enable experienced players to make more agile moves." The two principle types of badminton racket grips are towel grips and synthetic grips. Towel grips are better for absorbing moisture; synthetic grips are more durable.
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