If you are in the market for a badminton racket, the first thing you need to determine before you start shopping is whether you will be playing for fun and entertainment or for competition. You’ll have several options either way, but if you’re going to play competitively then I’m sure you’ll want to get the best quality possible. The following are some suggestions on what to look for when purchasing your racket.

Oval Or Square – Badminton rackets come in two shapes – oval or square. The oval shaped racket will give you more concentrated power and the square will give you more surface area. If you’re a beginner you might want to start with the square racket until you get used to playing.

Racket Weight - A lighter racket is easier to handle, however, a heavier racket has more stability as well as power if you learn to handle it properly.

The Grip – Test out different rackets until you find one that you can easily grip and swing with accuracy. You will find yourself worn out even before the game is over if your racket grip is too large or too small.

Racket Material - You may want to purchase a racket made from either aluminum or steel, as they have lighter weight and better accuracy. If you’re playing competitively purchase a racket made of carbon-fiber for it’s aerodynamics and extremely light weight.

Flexibility – You might not even think of this one but if you’re a beginner you should choose a badminton racket that has some flexibility. However, if you are a professional play or a player with a very fast swing, you really need to purchase a racket with very little flexibility.

If you’re thinking of playing professionally and can’t seem to find a racket you’re comfortable with, consider buying a used badminton racket and you can always upgrade when you find the one that’s right for you.