Badminton Racket Review

3U vs 4U Badminton Rackets: What the Weight Labels Really Mean

Admin — Thu, 05 Nov 2026 18:07:17 +0000

3U, 4U, 5U: the code on a badminton racket tells you its weight class. It is useful, but it is also widely misunderstood. Here is what the codes mean, why two rackets with the same code can feel different, and how to choose the right weight.

Weighing a Yonex Nanoflare 700 Pro to 0.1 g.

What do 2U, 3U, 4U and 5U mean?

Yonex and many other brands use the U system. Each class covers a 5 g range of unstrung frame weight:

2U: 90 to 94.9 g
3U: 85 to 89.9 g
4U: 80 to 84.9 g
5U: 75 to 79.9 g

The lower the number, the heavier the racket. Strings and the grip add weight, so a strung racket is always heavier than its class suggests.

Why the label is not the whole story

A 5 g range is a lot in badminton. A racket at the heavy end of 4U can feel closer to a 3U than to a 4U at the light end. That is why we weigh every racket ourselves, strung, to 0.1 g, instead of relying on the label.

Weighing a Li-Ning Aeronaut 7000 in our test hall.

3U vs 4U: what changes on court?

3U (heavier): more stable on off-centre hits and more momentum for smashes and clears, but slower in defence and more tiring to use.
4U (lighter): quicker to manoeuvre in drives and defence and easier on the arm, but you have to work harder for power.

4U is a popular choice among club players, while strong singles players and hard hitters often prefer 3U. Many models are made in both weights, so you can choose the same frame in the weight that suits you.

Weight and swing weight are not the same

A racket’s weight on a scale is only part of the story. Swing weight combines weight with balance, so a head-heavy 4U racket can have a higher swing weight than an evenly balanced 3U. To find out how heavy a racket will feel in play, compare swing weights. We measure swing weight on an Accuswing 2 machine for every review.

Weighing a Yonex Nanoflare 1000 Pro.

Which weight should you choose?

Beginners and juniors: 4U or 5U, with a head-light or even balance.
Club doubles players: 4U is a popular choice.
Singles and hard hitters: 3U, or a 4U with a high swing weight.
Players with arm or shoulder problems: a lighter racket with a low swing weight.

See the measured weights in our Yonex Nanoflare 1000 Pro 4U review and Li-Ning Aeronaut 7000 review.

Since 2014, every racket we review has been measured the same way by the same player. Browse our 800+ lab-tested racket reviews, or read how we test badminton rackets.

The post 3U vs 4U Badminton Rackets: What the Weight Labels Really Mean appeared first on Badminton Racket Review.

Stiff vs Flexible Badminton Racket Shafts: Which Should You Choose?

Admin — Thu, 05 Nov 2026 18:07:17 +0000

Stiff or flexible? Shaft stiffness is the spec many players overlook, yet it has a big effect on how easy a racket is to play with. If the shaft is too stiff for your swing, the racket will feel dead and hard work. If it suits you, power and timing come much more easily.

Testing shaft stiffness on a Young Nation 1000 in our test hall.

What does shaft stiffness mean?

As you swing, the shaft of a badminton racket bends slightly and then springs back just before contact. A flexible shaft bends more and gives you more of that spring. A stiff shaft bends less and gives a more direct, precise feel. We measure the stiffness of every racket by recording how far the shaft bends under a fixed load, so all our results can be compared on the same scale.

Flexible shafts: easier power

Strengths: they help players with slower or shorter swings get more depth on clears and more pace on smashes.
Feel: more forgiving and comfortable, especially when your timing is not perfect.
Drawbacks: slightly less control and precision at very high swing speeds.
Best for: beginners, juniors, many club players and anyone who relies on the wrist rather than the whole body for power.

Stiff shafts: control for fast swings

Strengths: they reward fast, well-timed swings with sharp, accurate shots.
Feel: solid and direct, and quick to recover for the next shot.
Drawbacks: unforgiving if your swing is not fast enough, which can make the racket feel underpowered.
Best for: advanced players with good technique and fast racket-head speed.

Each racket is measured under the same fixed load.

Why brand labels can mislead

Brands describe stiffness with words such as flexible, medium and stiff, but there is no common standard. One brand’s medium can be stiffer than another brand’s stiff. The only fair way to compare rackets is to measure them all in the same way, which is exactly what we do.

How to choose

If you are learning, or play socially once or twice a week, start with a flexible or medium shaft.
If your clears easily reach the back line and you smash with a full, fast swing, try a medium or stiff shaft.
If a racket feels dead or hard work, the shaft may simply be too stiff for you.

See a measured example in our Young Nation 1000 review.

Since 2014, every racket we review has been measured the same way by the same player. Browse our 800+ lab-tested racket reviews, or read how we test badminton rackets.

The post Stiff vs Flexible Badminton Racket Shafts: Which Should You Choose? appeared first on Badminton Racket Review.

Head-Heavy vs Head-Light Badminton Rackets: Which Balance Suits You?

Admin — Thu, 05 Nov 2026 18:07:16 +0000

Ask club players what makes a racket feel powerful or fast, and the answer usually comes down to balance. Balance tells you where the weight sits along the racket, and it changes how a racket feels more than almost any other figure on the spec sheet. Here is what head-heavy, head-light and even balance mean, and how to choose the right one for your game.

Measuring the balance point of a Yonex Nanoflare 700 Pro in our test hall.

What is the balance point?

The balance point is the place where the racket would balance on your finger, measured from the end of the handle. On most badminton rackets it is close to the middle. If it is further towards the head, the racket is head-heavy; if it is closer to the handle, the racket is head-light; and if it is roughly in the middle, the racket has an even balance.

A few millimetres make a noticeable difference, so we measure the balance point of every racket we test instead of relying on the label. Two rackets sold as head-heavy can feel quite different on court.

Head-heavy rackets: power from the back of the court

Feel: more of the weight is in the head, so the racket carries more momentum through the swing.
Strengths: heavier smashes, and clears that reach the back of the court more easily.
Drawbacks: slower to recover in defence and in fast drive exchanges, and more tiring over a long match.
Best for: singles players, and doubles players who like to attack from the back of the court.

Head-light rackets: speed at the net and in defence

Feel: more of the weight is near your hand, so the racket is quick to move.
Strengths: fast reactions in defence, at the net and in flat drives, with less strain on the wrist and shoulder.
Drawbacks: you have to generate more of the power yourself on smashes and clears.
Best for: front-court doubles players, defensive players and many beginners.

Finding the balance point of a Victor Jetspeed 10 4U, a speed-focused frame.

Even balance: the all-rounder

Even-balanced rackets sit between the two. They will not give you the heaviest smash or the fastest defence, but they do everything well. If you play both singles and doubles, or you are not yet sure what kind of player you are, an even balance is a safe place to start.

Balance is only half the story: check swing weight too

Balance tells you where the weight is. Swing weight tells you how heavy the racket actually feels when you swing it, because it combines weight and balance in a single figure. A light, head-heavy racket can still be easier to swing than a heavier racket with an even balance. That is why we measure both.

Measuring swing weight on the same Nanoflare 700 Pro.

Quick guide: which balance should you choose?

If you smash a lot and play from the back of the court, choose head-heavy.
If you play at the front in doubles, or like to defend and counter-attack, choose head-light.
If you play a bit of everything, or are still learning, choose even balance.
If you have wrist, elbow or shoulder problems, lean towards a head-light racket with a lower swing weight.

To see real figures, read our Yonex Nanoflare 700 Pro review and our Yonex Arcsaber 11 Pro review.

Since 2014, every racket we review has been measured the same way by the same player. Browse our 800+ lab-tested racket reviews, or read how we test badminton rackets.

The post Head-Heavy vs Head-Light Badminton Rackets: Which Balance Suits You? appeared first on Badminton Racket Review.

How We Test Badminton Rackets: Inside Our Test Hall

Admin — Thu, 05 Nov 2026 18:00:32 +0000

Most racket reviews online are written from a spec sheet. Ours start in a sports hall. Since 2014, every racket on Badminton Racket Review has been strung, measured and played on court by the same person, so that every racket can be compared fairly with the next. Here is what happens behind the scenes when we review a racket.

Our test hall in 2016: cameras, lights, a shuttle-feeding machine and our own backdrop.

Step 1: Every racket starts from the same point

Rackets arrive with different factory strings at different tensions. If we tested them like that, we would be measuring the strings as much as the frame. So before testing, every racket is restrung with Yonex BG65 at 25 lbs. With the same string at the same tension, any difference in our results comes from the racket itself.

We also use the same shuttle for every test: the Yonex AS30. Shuttle speed and quality affect how fast a smash travels, so keeping the shuttle the same matters as much as the strings.

A test batch from 2016, waiting to be restrung and measured.

Step 2: Measure it before we swing it

Before a single shuttle is hit, each racket goes through the same set of measurements:

True weight. We weigh the strung racket to 0.1 g. Labels such as 3U and 4U cover a range of weights, so two 4U rackets can feel quite different.
Balance point. Where the weight sits along the frame decides whether a racket feels head-heavy, even or head-light.
Swing weight. Measured on an Accuswing 2 machine. This tells you how heavy the racket feels when you swing it, which often matters more than its weight on a scale.
Shaft stiffness. We measure how far the shaft bends under a fixed load. Stiff shafts reward fast, technical swings, while flexible shafts make it easier to generate power.

Measuring swing weight on a Yonex Arcsaber 11 Pro 4U.

Finding the balance point of a Victor Jetspeed 10 4U.

Step 3: Real smashes, measured on court

Measurements on the bench only tell half the story, so every racket is then played on court. We film smashes with a high-speed camera and calculate how fast the shuttle leaves the racket. Because the same player hits every smash with the same strings and shuttles, smash speeds can be compared from one review to the next.

Step 4: Why one player tests everything

If ten different people tested ten rackets, you would learn more about the players than about the rackets. Using one tester for every review is what makes our results fair to compare, and it is why we have kept the same method for more than 800 rackets.

Testing shaft stiffness on a Young Nation 1000.

Step 5: No sponsorship, only facts

Our promise has never changed: no sponsorship, no endorsements, only facts. If a racket measures badly or feels poor on court, the review says so. That independence is the whole point of the site.

How to use our results

To know how heavy a racket will feel, compare swing weight rather than the 3U or 4U label.
Use the balance point to choose between attacking, head-heavy frames and fast, head-light frames for defence.
Match shaft stiffness to your level: most club players get on better with a medium or flexible shaft.
Use smash speed to compare the power of different rackets, not as a promise of what you will hit.

Ready to find your racket? Browse our 800+ lab-tested racket reviews, or see who is top of the world rankings this week.

The post How We Test Badminton Rackets: Inside Our Test Hall appeared first on Badminton Racket Review.

Badminton hand signals and their meaning

Aayushi — Mon, 15 Jul 2024 20:56:55 +0000

Understanding Badminton hand signals and their meaning is necessary if you want to compete in a tournament.

During a tournament, an umpire watches over every match to make sure that the laws of Badminton are being followed and respected.

It is his responsibility to call out a player if they make a fault during play. These faults are indicated by hand signals.

So what are these hand signals?

DELAY IN SERVICE

If a player delays his/her service unnecessarily, the umpire will call it a fault. Once a player raises his/her racket head backwards and then causes a delay, this signal is shown. In Badminton, once the player starts the swing of his/her racket head, it is considered that the service has begun. No delays after this are allowed.

A correct service is when a player does a service in one smooth and continuous motion. Any stops during service will be called out.

FEET PLACED ON SERVICE LINES / OFF THE GROUND

At all times during a service, a player’s feet must always be within the lines of the court. If his/her leg touches the lines, it is called a fault. Also, while serving, a player’s feet must be firmly planted on the ground. Dragging one’s feet is not allowed. At the most lifting your heel/ankle is allowed.

In the event any of these faults are made by a player, the umpire will stretch out his right leg and hand as indicated in the image above one’s feet is not allowed. At the most lifting your heel/ankle is allowed.

SERVICE TOO HIGH

This is one fault many players make. Even at the international level matches, you’ll find the umpire calling this fault quite often. The rule of service is that it should be below the player’s waist. To be specific, the whole shuttle has to be to 1.15 metres from the surface of the court at the instant of being hit by the server’s racket. Anything above this height is called out as a fault.

FACE OF THE RACKET SHOULD BE DOWN WHILST SERVING

During a service, the server should keep in mind that the face of his/her racket should always be pointing downwards. If the racket handle is facing in an upward direction during service the umpire will call this fault.

WHEN THE SHUTTLE LANDS OUT

In a match, there are many instances where you might have seen the umpire or line judge spread their arms out parallel to the ground. This indicates that the shuttle has landed out. This signal is quite important as if the umpire/ line judge doesn’t show this signal at the appropriate time, it can cause of lot of confusion during a match. Also, viewers at home will get a better understanding of where the shuttle landed.

WHEN SHUTTLE LANDS INSIDE

During play if the shuttle lands within the lines or even on the line of the court, the umpire/line judge will confirm the same with the above shown signal. This signal is important as player’s rely a lot on this to determine whether the shot they hit was out or not.

The above images depict the most basic and frequently used hand signals. It is good to familiarize yourself with these signals as it will come in handy when you play a match or even if you are watching a match on TV. Not knowing these signals can leave you confused during a match.

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The Basic rules of Badminton: A Complete guide

Aayushi — Mon, 18 Oct 2021 14:54:05 +0000

Playing a sport without knowing the rules limits the ability of play. Knowing the most basic rules of Badminton before playing is a big must.

It is the Badminton World Federation (BWF) who lays down in detail the laws of Badminton.

Each player is expected to follow and abide these rules.

Most basic rules of Badminton

The obvious:

Let’s break down the absolute basics. Badminton is a sport that is played between two player (singles) or four players (doubles). The idea is for a player to score by points against his opponent by hitting a great shot or by forcing his/her opponent to make errors. Once the shuttle falls on the floor of the player, he/she loses the point.

Typically, each match lasts 21 points. In a professional/ tournament setting a best of 3 matches is played.

Service:

A game starts with a service. Hence, it becomes one of the most important shots in Badminton. But there are some rules a player must follow before serving. These rules are:

The service starts from the even side of the court (that is the right side of the court).

While serving, the player needs to make sure that no part of his leg/shoe is touch any of the lines.

Serving above the waist is considered a fault.

In singles, a service till second base line is allowed, whereas in doubles, anything beyond the first base line is considered out.

While serving, the player must serve in one smooth action. He/she can’t stop his/her service mid way.

If the shuttle hits the net and falls on the opponent’s side of the court but before the service line, the opponent gets the point.

During the entirety of the service, the server’s legs must be planted on the ground. The server may lift just his/her heel or ankle during serve, but cannot drags his/her feet.

Receiving:

To start the rally, a good return of service is expected. There are some things a receiver should keep in mind while receiving service:

He/she can’t move before the server contacts the shuttle.

He/she can’t make gestures to distract the server.

The shuttle should not touch any part of the receiver’s body before he/she hits the shuttle

Scoring:

Each match should consist of 21 points

Every time a service ends, the player/ his opponent gets a point

In the event the score reaches 20 all, a difference of 2 points is played.

If the score reaches 29-29, then the player(s) to reach 30 first, win.

Basic singles rules:

There are some rules in singles that differ from doubles. The main difference is area of play. Let’s look at the basic rules of singles:

The side lines in singles is out at all times; even during service.

The back box is considered in during service, i.e in-between the two base lines.

Besides the above service rules and area of play rules, all rules listed above apply.

Basic doubles rules:

As mentioned earlier there are just a few differences in the singles and doubles rules. They are:

Area of play for doubles is the full court.

However, for service, the back box, i.e in between the two baselines is considered out.

You can serve within the sidelines as well.

If the server’s side loses the point, the service will get transferred to the opponents. There is no second serve.

Besides the above service rules and area of play rules, all rules listed above apply.

Faults:

Faults are errors in a game that are not allowed. If a player makes a fault, he/she will lose the point. The opponent will gain a point and the service. Besides the service faults listed above, some of the faults are:

At any time during play a person hits the net, he/she will lose the point.

If during play, the shuttle hits touches a player’s body, they will lose the point.

Hitting the shuttle twice is not allowed

Once the shuttle has landed on the ground, it cannot be played. The point will be given to the winning side.

If the shuttle hits the ceiling, it is a fault.

In doubles, if the shuttle nicks/ slightly touches the racket/ body of one player, his/her partner cannot attempt to send the shuttle back. This is considered a fault.

Conclusion:

The above stated laws are the most basic rules in Badminton. Knowing the rules is a definite advantage as it saves you from losing precious points during the game. Not knowing the basic rules gives an upper hand to the opponents.

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4 Common mistakes in Badminton you should never make

Aayushi — Mon, 18 Oct 2021 14:51:31 +0000

All players in badminton make these common mistakes, it’s not just the beginners. Badminton is a fairly technical sport, where every second matters and every angle makes all the difference.

Due to the sheer speed, reactions and technicality required to play, people tend to make mistakes. Badminton demands accuracy and precision. Having said that, once you get the hang of the game, it is very enjoyable.

Of course with proper practice, playing regularly and a bit of help, all these mistakes can be fixed. It is better to fix these mistakes as early as possible, as later on it becomes a habit, making it hard to get out of.

Common mistakes in Badminton

Incorrect grip

This is an extremely common error, especially when it comes to beginners. If your grip is incorrect, then executing shots correctly becomes quite a challenge. A player will have less to no control over the shuttle and the chances of mis-contacting the shuttle increase.

Incorrect Forehand Grip

Incorrect Backhand Grip

How do I correct my grip?

When it comes to forehand, you should you the V grip, which is also called a handshake grip. The way you would approach someone to shake their hand, is the same way must approach your Badminton racket.

It is the best and only way you should grip the racket in the forehand position. The backhand grip relies on the racket resting on the thumb. The thumb will rest on the flat side of the racket. The other four fingers will be wrapped around the grip.

Smashing out of position

Another commonly mistake is players going to hit smashes blindly. Smash shots are the most fun and exciting to play and can potentially win you a point. But smashing when you aren’t in position will do more harm than good.

When you find you are struggling to reach the shuttle, play the safest stroke. Playing a smash in this situation shouldn’t cross your mind.

Hitting smashes when you are not in position can even cause injuries.

So when do I hit a smash?

When you are perfectly behind the shuttle

When you have good body balance

When you are confident it will be effective and put pressure on your opponents

When your timing is correct

When you are ready for the return of your smash

Keeping your racket down

When one says, don’t keep your racket down, what they mean is always keep your racket up in front of you as that is an alert position.

By keeping your racket down, you will not be able to react to those quick shots that come your way.

By the time you realise a shot is coming your way and you raise your hand to hit the shuttle, you’ve wasted precious time and will probably miss the shuttle.

Hence your racket after playing every, should be in front of you and ready to tackle the next shot.

Not following up

Considering Badminton is a fast sport, one must expect the shuttle to travel back to them fast. For this to successfully happen, after playing a shot (could be any shot), one has to follow up. This means, one must return to the center of the court (in the case of singles) or be ready back in position depending on where he/she played the shot (in the case of doubles).

Simply hitting a good shot and getting stuck there is going to work against you. Hit the shot and immediately be ready for the return. This is a common mistake made in Badminton, especially with beginners. One thing that should be kept in mind is the follow up. Always expect a return.

Keep these common mistakes in mind the next time you go to play. If you feel like you’re making any one (or more) of these mistakes, don’t worry. Just focus on identifying them and correcting them. Avoiding these mistakes will give you an edge over the other players.

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How to choose the right shoes for Badminton – A Complete Guide

Aayushi — Mon, 18 Oct 2021 14:21:36 +0000

Buying the correct Badminton shoes is so vital, as wearing the appropriate footwear prevents injuries. The correct shoes also helps maximize your performance. With there being an overwhelming range of shoes to choose from, it can get confusing to determine the best shoe for yourself. By the end of this guide, you’ll know how to select the right shoes for Badminton.

If you’re a beginner, the task of finding the best pair of Badminton shoes may be even harder. In order to get the right shoes, you need to understand the basic components of the shoe. Only after understanding this can you make an informed decision.

How to select the right shoes for Badminton

There are a few factors you need to consider while buying Badminton shoes. They are:

1. Shoes must be non-marking

Non-marking means, the soles of the Badminton shoes must be made up of gum.

Running and gym shoes will not work.

With non-marking shoes, the player will have proper grip of the court.

Ordinary shoes will leave marks and spoil the surface of the wooden Badminton floor.

How can I tell if it is a non marking sole?

To a beginner, Badminton’s non marking soles can be hard to distinguish from an ordinary pair of shoes. One indicator is the colour of the sole, which is generally a light brownish/clay colour.

In today’s market many colored non marking soles are now available. These shoes tend to have it written on them, that they are non-marking shoes. The image below is an example of the same.

2. Proper cushioning

Due to the jumping and landing required in Badminton, it is crucial that you have proper cushioning in their Badminton shoes.

Lack of cushioning may lead to injuries as the knees will end up absorbing all the shock rather than the shoe cushions.

A thick cushioning doesn’t mean that there is more or its better cushioning.

Since the cushioning acts as a shock absorber, it helps in maintaining body balance and to get ready for the next shot

Which is the best cushioning to buy?

Many companies have their own versions of cushioning that they add to the shoe. They even vary depending on what level shoe it is. A lower tier will have less cushioning and a higher tier shoe will have much more cushioning. Here are some brands with their version of cushioning:

Yonex- Power cushion, Power cushion +, TruCusion

Victor- Cushion+ Energymax, Cushion+ EC

Li Ning- Bounce, Bounce +

Asics- Gel

3. Fit of the shoe

A player can have a narrow or a wide foot.

Depending on the foot type, a player should look for a shoe to compliment them.

Nowadays you get ergo shape shoes which provide better stability and flexibility.

A proper fitted shoe minimises the risk of ankle injuries. If your shoe doesn’t fit you correctly, specially round the ankle, it is a big red flag.

4. Frequency and level of play

If you are professional player, investing a good amount of money on a pair of Badminton shoes is recommended. Professional players undergo intense training on a daily basis and they can’t afford to injure themselves.

Higher level shoes with perfect cushioning can enhance their game.

On the other hand, if you’re a beginner or even intermediate level player but don’t play very often; there is no need to spend money on the highest-end pair of Badminton shoes. As the intensity and movements aren’t too high, settling on a lower range pair of shoes will do the trick.

Do’s and Dont’s – How to select the right shoes in Badminton

Don’t wear your Badminton shoes while playing outdoor sports.

Do buy your size of shoes and not a size bigger

Don’t look at the aesthetics only. The fit is more important.

Do make sure the shoes are breathable as in Badminton, we tend to sweat a lot.

Do try on a couple of pairs before making the final choice.

This detailed guide will direct you on how to select the right pair of Badminton shoes. There is no one size fits all when it comes to buying a pair of Badminton shoes. Each person has a different foot, need and fit. Always try and test what works for you to make the best possible choice.

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How to choose a badminton racket?

Jag — Wed, 11 Nov 2020 15:37:22 +0000

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Badminton Racket Review E-zone

Jag — Wed, 11 Nov 2020 15:37:23 +0000

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