Badminton players must choose wisely when selecting a racket. From head shape to shaft stiffness and string tightness, a number of factors may influence a racket's performance. Racket weight alone may greatly affect a player's game, with heavy rackets disrupting swings and putting unwanted stress on the elbow. Thankfully, badminton manufacturers produce rackets to fit all tastes, with the following models ranking among the very best.
Carlton Powerblade 7000
Badminton rackets feature either conventional heads, which can best be described as oval, or isometric heads, which are more squared off. The isometric head allows for increased string surface, resulting in a larger sweet spot. The Carlton Powerblade 7000 badminton racket uses lightweight graphite to craft just such an isometric head, delivering power and playability for experts and novices alike.
Dunlop M-Fil 500
Constructed from carbon graphite, the Dunlop M-Fil 500 weighs in at a scant 89 grams. The shaft provides medium stiffness, making it ideal for all players. And even though it boasts a conventional head, the Dunlop M-Fil 500 packs plenty of punch without sacrificing touch or playability. The racket comes with Dunlop's M-Fil Tour 66 strings set for 23 lbs. of tension.
Victor
A proven name in badminton, Victor produces several racket lines, including the Graphite, Nano and Titanium series. The Victor Brave Sword 10, one of the premier options in the Nano line, weighs 86g and has 27-lb. string tension. Victor's engineers forged the Brave Sword 10 from ultra hi-modulus graphite and titanium mesh to provide durability far beyond normal composite frames. And the racket's isometric head grants a bigger sweet spot to yield even more power from the dynamic flex shaft.
Wilson Jet BLX
Weighing just 83g, the Wilson Jet BLX badminton racket still generates explosive power thanks to a heavy head balance of 29.3 cm. Wilson's BLX technology adds basalt fibers to the carbon mix to filter out unwanted vibrations during contact, resulting in more comfort and enhanced feel. Wilson's engineers crafted the Jet's frame, grommets and grip to further enhance performance for the power player.
Yonex Nanospeed 9900
Designed for players with quick swings and attacking styles, the Yonex Nanospeed line of rackets provides heavy power from a lightweight frame. The Nanospeed 9900 leads the way, featuring a soft leather grip, a carbon composite shaft and extra stiff flex for greater control. The Nanospeed 9900 also boasts an isometric shape for an increased sweet spot and contact forgiveness.
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