Once considered a sport of the wealthy, the game of badminton has developed into a competitive sport that has been featured in numerous Olympics over the years. Badminton racquets, similar to other sporting equipment on the market today, have gone through many technological redesigns since its inception decades ago. While early racquets comprised of wood frames and animal-gut strings, modern-day badminton racquets contain numerous metals, plastics, and other composite materials.
Strings
The strings on a badminton racquet have evolved from animal-gut strings to composite materials such as plastic or nylon. In some cases, a racquet's strings will consist of a high-tension elastic material; for example, many Yonex-brand models feature a patented Elastic Ti string tension structure that resists deformation and recovers its shape quickly when contacting the shuttlecock during normal competitive play. Forza also offers new innovation in racquet string design, including the SPS-Power II system that increases strike power and sweetspot size. You can also find racquets that are still strung with traditional animal-gut based on your preference.
Frame Design
Frames on badminton racquets have evolved from the original heavy wood models to lightweight composite materials and metals in modern-day frames. According to the Badminton Source website, most of the racquet's weight now exists in the grip of the frame as opposed to the stem or face of the racquet. This provides you with increased hand control during play and promotes a faster racquet speed when you swing. Head brand racquets offer frames with a Power Helix design that strengthens the overall durability of the frame while maintaining a lightweight mold. Frames that include nanotechnology, such as composite titanium weaving, are also available. Frames are now made from lightweight metals like plastic, graphite, and titanium.
Grips
In addition to new string and frame technology, badminton racquet grips have also improved over the years. While older model grips may have consisted of heavy, coarse leathers or straw, newer models focus more on synthetic rubber or plastics in addition to thin leather technologies. These grips promote increased "feel" for the player and can help promote increased accuracy and racquet speed during normal play. New and improved grip technology allows you to play the game longer without getting blisters on your hands that would otherwise be painful for players using a rougher leather or other material.
Considerations
New badminton racquets are available for purchase at most major sporting goods stores or online directly from a name brand manufacturer. Racquets can be customized to fit your individual playing preference, including weight, face, string, and grip customizations. Many of these customizations can be designed by computer technologies to insure proper size, diameter, and flex points down to a centimeter.
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