Selecting the right badminton racket for your child can be daunting, leaving many parents feeling overwhelmed.

In this guide, we'll address the most common pain points parents face and provide practical solutions to ensure you make an informed decision when picking a badminton racket for your young athlete.

Skill Level

Assess your child's skill level. Are they beginners, intermediate players, or advanced on the badminton court?

Just like you wouldn't expect a beginner pianist to perform a complex concerto, you shouldn't choose an advanced racket for a beginner badminton player.

For your convenience, we've condensed our insights into a table, offering an overview of what to consider based on your child's skill level.

Please note: The following recommendations are not prescriptive and can vary based on individual preferences and racket specifications.

Continue reading to learn more about the aspects listed in the table above.

Budget Constraints

Let's start with the affordability factor because we know that's important to many parents. We help you strike a balance – set a reasonable budget, but remember that a slightly pricier racket can offer long-term benefits.

Racket Length

Youth racket length can be confusing, but fear not – we're here to simplify it for you.

Selecting the appropriate racket length is crucial to ensure your child's comfort and performance on the badminton court. One factor in determining the right racket length for your child is their age. As a rule of thumb:

• 6-9 year olds: Shorter rackets are recommended. These rackets are designed to be more manageable for smaller hands and bodies, ensuring that young players can comfortably handle them.
  Here are shorter rackets to consider: Li Ning Axforce Kids, Yonex Muscle Power Junior, Victor Jetspeed S7 Junior. 

• 10+ year olds: Standard-length rackets are suitable. These rackets give players the necessary reach and control as they grow and develop their skills.

Note: Consider your child's unique physical attributes and encourage them to try out different rackets to find the one that feels most comfortable and allows optimal control on the badminton court. It's all about finding the right fit for an enjoyable and successful playing experience.

Racket Weight

Weight can be confusing, especially for beginners. Lighter rackets, typically around 80-90 grams, are recommended for novice players as they are easier to handle and control. Advanced players may prefer slightly heavier rackets for added power.

A good example of a lighter racket to explore is the Victor Thruster K Light, which offers excellent control and maneuverability. It's ideal for those new to the game who want an easier-to-handle option.

Racket Grip

When it comes to grip, opt for a size that comfortably fits your child's hand. Smaller grips are designed for young players to ensure a comfortable, injury-free experience.

• G5 Grip Size: A racket marked as 4UG5 indicates that the racket, without strings on, weighs approximately 80-84 grams. Rackets with a G5 grip size have a smaller handle.
  
  
• G4 Grip Size: A racket labeled 3UG4 indicates that the racket, without strings on, weighs approximately 85-89 grams. Rackets with a G4 grip size have a bigger handle.

Here's a handy summary converting the "U" unit into its relative grams range. Please note that grip size, "G" measurement, can vary depending on the racket model. It is not always 4UG5 or 3UG4. could be 4UG4, 3UG5, etc. 

Unit Weight

Racket Balance

Racket balance can be puzzling. Simplify it by choosing head-heavy rackets for power and head-light rackets for control – a straightforward choice.

Racket Material

Racket materials often baffle parents. We break it down for you – aluminum for beginners (durable and budget-friendly) and carbon fiber for those looking to enhance their game (offering superior performance). Most badminton rackets are made of graphite as it is the material of choice but some brands, like Li Ning, have been integrating more carbon fiber. 

Aluminum Rackets:

• Yonex Muscle Power 2: This racket is known for its durability and affordability, making it an excellent choice for beginners and casual players. It offers a good balance of power and control.
  
  
• Li-Ning Mega Power 1800: Li-Ning rackets are gaining popularity, and the Mega Power 1800 is a durable aluminum option with a comfortable grip. It's ideal for beginners and recreational players.

• Victor Arrow Power 9000: Victor's Arrow Power 9000 is a well-balanced aluminum racket with good control and power. It's suitable for players at the beginner to intermediate level.

Carbon Fiber Rackets:

• Li-Ning Halbertec 8000: Li-Ning's Halbertec 8000 is made out of military grade carbon fiber. It is a balanced racket that excels in both offensive and defensive situations. 
  

String Tension

When it comes to string tension, let us make it easy – lower tension for beginners (more power) and higher tension for advanced players (better control).

Next steps

This guide serves as your comprehensive solution to the common pain points parents face when choosing a badminton racket for their child. Plus, getting a racket is a great chance to teach your kids how to look after their equipment. It's a life skill they'll carry with them.

Be sure to check out our available junior court shoes and junior apparel. We ship internationally! You're just a click away from finding the perfect fit for your young athlete. 

Happy badminton playing!

@atoezbadminton