1. About String Tension
Choosing the right string tension is best determined through trial and error. For beginners, the general recommendations are:
- For women: 22-24 lbs
- For men: 23-24 lbs
Of course, string tension is subjective and can vary for each individual. It depends on your physical tolerance, skill level, and personal feel. Higher tension provides better control of the shuttlecock but less elasticity, while lower tension offers more elasticity and is less taxing but provides less control.
Consider adjusting the tension in the following situations:
- Decrease Tension: If you find the racket face too stiff, and you feel you can’t generate enough power, especially when handling defensive shots, and you experience significant vibration, you may need to lower the tension. This will increase the racket’s elasticity and improve its forgiveness.
- Increase Tension: If you feel the shuttlecock is sticking to the strings, the speed of your shots is slower than the effort you’re putting in, and you find control lacking, you may want to raise the tension.
2. About Racket Selection
Material of the Racket:
The best choice is a racket with both the shaft and frame made of carbon fiber, often referred to as a full carbon fiber racket. In 2024, avoid aluminum or aluminum-carbon alloy rackets. While they might seem inexpensive, they are often considered disposable; you might not even restring them because they can’t handle higher tensions. Nowadays, full carbon fiber rackets are very affordable and are the recommended choice.
Racket Weight:
For beginners, the material is less of a concern as long as it’s full carbon fiber. The weight of the racket is a more critical factor.U denotes the weight of the racket. Common classifications are 2U, 3U, 4U, 5U, 6U, etc.
The larger the number in front of U, the lighter the racket.
This weight value is easy to remember. For every U, the racket is lighter by 5 grams from 100 grams:
- 2U means it is 10 grams lighter than 100 grams. So, the weight of 2U is 100-10 = 90 grams, with an actual range of 90~94 grams.
- 3U = 100 – 3*5 = 85 grams, with an actual range of 85~89 grams.
- 4U = 100 – 4*5 = 80 grams, with an actual range of 80~84 grams.
If both 3U and 4U rackets can achieve the same swing speed, and 3U does not make you tired, then choose the 3U racket. If you find 3U too heavy and tiring, then opt for 4U or lighter rackets.
Most players use 3U and 4U rackets. The main difference between them is the weight. There is no absolute answer to which is better; the most important thing is finding a weight that suits you. For beginners, if unsure, choose 4U as it is more versatile for newcomers.
3.About Racket Brands:
For entry-level rackets, you don’t need to be overly concerned with the brand. As long as it’s from a reputable manufacturer of badminton rackets, it will be suitable. Brands like Yonex, Victor, Li-Ning, Kawasaki, Kason, Xwind, Babolat, and others are all good choices. You can consider brand reputation, reviews, and cost-performance ratio as references.
4.About Racket Appearance:
The design of rackets has become increasingly beautiful and trendy, incorporating various cultural elements. Preferences for appearance are subjective. Whether a racket looks good or not is up to you; if you like it, that’s what matters.
Of course, there are many other parameters not covered here, such as the racket’s balance point and shaft stiffness. However, the above simple and clear introduction should be sufficient to help you avoid common pitfalls. The key is how the racket feels in your hand, as the parameters are fixed but the playability is crucial. Next, I’ll recommend some high-value-for-money rackets suitable for beginners.
① Kawasaki Ice Cream
The two color options, Sea Salt Blue and Taro Purple, are visually appealing and attractive to many female players.
With a 5U weight and a box-shaped frame structure, the racket is lightweight and flexible, offering quick speed while also providing excellent torsional stability. This enhances the precision of control. The racket uses high-strength, high-modulus Mitsubishi carbon fiber, with good shaft elasticity and moderate hardness, making it easy to drive. Even beginners can easily achieve the desired shaft deformation. The ultra-light design also reduces wrist strain.
As an entry-level racket, the Kawasaki Ice Cream meets the criteria of good power, low price, and high appearance. It is very suitable for double matches and continuous attacking play.
② Victor Hammer
The Victor Hammer (TK-HMR) and the Mini Hammer (TK-HMRL) are also very popular entry-level offensive rackets.
The Hammer comes in 4U and 5U specifications, with the 4U model capable of handling up to 32 lbs and the 5U model up to 31 lbs.
The Mini Hammer comes in 5U and 6U specifications, with the 5U model capable of handling up to 28 lbs and the 6U model up to 27 lbs.
Both the Hammer and Mini Hammer use a shaft material consisting of carbon fiber + resin + 7.0 SHAFT. The shaft of both models is relatively soft, with the Mini Hammer having an even softer shaft. Therefore, players with less power or female players are recommended to choose the 6U Mini Hammer, while those with more power should consider the regular Hammer. As an entry-level offensive racket, whether for beginners or players with some experience, this racket is an excellent choice with a high cost-performance ratio.
③ Lining Little Cannon
The Thunder 80 is incredibly popular, with its availability being scarce. The Thunder 50 is a mid-range offensive champion and has been extremely popular. However, many students still have a strong preference for entry-level offensive rackets. Despite budget constraints, the pursuit of aesthetics, feel, and offensive capability remains important. Hence, the Thunder Little Cannon was created.
The Thunder Little Cannon is currently the only entry-level racket endorsed by world champion Chen Long.
In terms of appearance, it is more attractive than the Victor 9500 and Victor Hammer. This 4U Little Cannon can handle up to 32 lbs. It has a slight weight and a head-heavy feel, with a soft and elastic shaft, making it an entry-level racket primarily for back-court offense. It is comparable to the Victor Hammer.
The racket comes in 4U, 5U, and 6U specifications. If you need a single-player back-court offensive racket and are aiming for ultimate offense, the 4U model is suitable. For continuous smashing, the 5U is recommended, while the 6U is ideal for front-court play. As an entry-level racket endorsed by world champion Chen Long, it is highly recommended.
④ Kawasaki Galaxy
With a weight of 4U and a balance point of 287mm, the distribution of balance and weight is designed for whippy action. Made from high-modulus Taimo dense nano carbon and featuring a 6.8mm uniformly elastic slim shaft, the middle shaft offers excellent elasticity, making it easier to generate power. It excels in net play for short balls, drops, slices, and pushes, and maintains an advantage in fast-paced flat drives. The low balance point emphasizes agility and control, while the box-shaped frame with wind-breaking design ensures stability during shots and maintains a high swing speed. The racket is very easy to handle, making it a true gem for casual play.
It provides smooth and continuous net play, handles small balls effectively, and, while the 287mm balance point is not ideal for aggressive back-court attacks, it is well-suited for sharp smashes, point attacks, or net kills. It is recommended for players who enjoy doubles, quick attacks, and predominantly play at the front and middle courts.
This concludes the recommendations for entry-level rackets under 300 yuan, including information on string tension. When choosing an entry-level racket, focus on the weight, and consider aesthetics and brand preferences. These types of rackets are all very easy to handle.
In summary, do any of these entry-level rackets catch your eye?
