Badminton, as we know it today, has been around for over a century. As it progressed and underwent changes to become what it is, the requirements to play the sport also became more specified.
Though in its advent it was largely played outside, wind and bad weather don’t do justice to the competitive spirit of badminton. This led to the shift to indoor spaces. As the court itself underwent several changes, so did the equipment used in the sport.
Shoes
Badminton requires the player to wear shoes crafted for the sport. As the fastest racket sport, it demands the player to make quick movements with the leg. Shoes designed for this purpose will last longer and will reduce the risk of injuries from swift movements.
These shoes come with non-marking soles that are used not only to ensure grip, but also to protect the surface of the court. These shoes come in different designs and from varying brands.
Budget-friendly shoes are meant for the beginners to the sport. They help you hone your skills while you decide if you want to take it to the next level. On the other hand, intermediaries who want to keep at the sport are recommended to invest in pairs that are tried and tested.
It is also important to keep in mind that, like every equipment, shoes also need good care and maintenance to ensure longevity and unaffected performance.
Rackets
The racket is perhaps the most important gear in badminton apart from shuttlecocks. Even to play the sport recreationally, the rackets are necessary. Based on the performances from players all around the globe, most companies have been successfully making rackets that cater to every players’ needs.
The racket consists of three main parts. The handle, shaft and the head. Though it reduces the speed of the shuttle when hit, lightweight rackets require lesser effort from the player. These are also recommended for the beginners of the sport.
While a heavier racket requires more control from the player, it generates more power than its lighter counterpart. The grip also plays an important role. As a personal preference, it is important to understand what kind of grip helps you perform better.
It is also important to understand the right string tension to ensure the frame doesn’t get damaged due to tension. Learning how to string your racket is necessary if you’re a serious player. However, it is always advisable to get it strung by a professional if you’re not sure of the process and you own an expensive racket.
Caring and maintaining your rackets are also essential to make sure it lasts a long time without any decline in performance. a decline in performance
Shuttlecocks
The first shuttlecocks were made of 16 goose feathers tied together around a wooden cork. While the shape has largely remained the same as in the beginning, shuttlecocks have undergone changes too.
The corks were originally made from the bark of the cork tree. The rounded corks are also made out of rubber, these days, with more companies following suit.
While most professional matches are played with feather shuttlecocks, its synthetic counterpart costs lesser and lasts longer. This makes it the perfect choice for recreational players.
However, as synthetic shuttles are lighter, the shuttles also move at a higher speed with lesser effort, sometimes making it harder to control the power of the hits.
Read about the difference between the two here.
Conclusion
With several companies with varying products in the market, one can expect to find the copies of these products too. It is important that one buys the equipment from a trusted dealer or, after careful inspection of the products.
READ: Is Your Expensive Yonex Racket Fake?
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