Badminton and tennis are popular racket sports which are played recreationally and professionally. They are also both Olympic sports. There are obviously differences between a tennis ball and the shuttlecock used in badminton. While major manufacturers like Wilson, Prince and Dunlop all make rackets for badminton and tennis, the difference between the two pieces of equipment may not be obvious at first glance.
Size
The length of standard badminton and tennis rackets is about 27 inches for both. The difference is in the overall square inches. A badminton racket--according to the Badminton Information website--should not exceed 9 inches in width. A tennis racket comes in various widths, most often referred to as midsize, midplus, oversize and superoversize. Though the length should always remain around 27 inches for an adult tennis racket, the square inches of the racket can vary between 104 and 118 inches.
Weight
When it comes to weight, the one thing that badminton and tennis rackets have in common is the need for lighter rackets for the beginner and heavier ones for the experienced player looking for more power. Still, a badminton racket will always weigh less than the tennis one. The best comparison could be made with the Wilson KFactor KBlade, a racket that is available with similar material for tennis and for badminton. The badminton model weighs just over 3 ounces while the tennis one is over 11.
Grip & Strings
A larger grip--just like a heavier racket--is better for the more experienced player in both racket sports. Similar grips are made for both badminton and tennis, but this is not true when it comes to strings. Badminton strings only average around 0.7 millimeters while tennis string is thicker and stronger.
Materials
The frames of badminton and tennis rackets are made from the same materials which can vary between racket models. Even though both rackets were made of wood at one time that is no longer used in modern rackets. They are now made from aluminum, carbon fiber, graphite, boron, steel, and all combinations of these materials to produce lightweight, durable rackets.
Cost
The cost of any type of racket will vary dramatically depending on its brand, materials, string and grip, but there's not much difference in the price of a badminton racket as compared to a tennis racket. The list price for the Wilson KFactor KBlade badminton racquet is $180 while the tennis racket in that model is priced at $199.
Considerations
The purchase of a racket should be tailored to an individual's need, regardless of whether it is for badminton or tennis. Visit a sporting goods store or racket shop, or consult with an instructor about which racket is best for you then ask if you can try it out. You can sometimes try a demo racket for a few hours or days before purchasing it.
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