Buying guide for Best badminton sets
For over a hundred years, badminton has been a popular sport, both competitively and as a pastime. If you plan on getting your own badminton set, you’ll want to consider the age of the players, where you’ll be playing, and how portable you want your set to be. Fortunately, most sets come with everything you need to play – net, rackets, and shuttlecocks (birdies).
Badminton is easy to learn, and it can be an appealing lawn sport for children and adults to play together. To get the most out of your badminton set, pick one that works for your available space and players.
Badminton set features
Fortunately, almost every badminton set comes with everything you need to play: net, rackets, and shuttlecocks (birdies). A volleyball (and much sturdier net) may even be included, but there’s no need to pay extra for something you don’t want.
Each badminton set is made for a certain location and player skill level, and not every set comes with everything you need for professional play. The quality and style of rackets in each set will vary, and depending on the age and skill of the players, this could be a deal breaker (though you can always buy higher-quality rackets). If you plan on playing indoors, you should purchase a freestanding net or one designed specifically for indoor play.
Here are some factors to consider when shopping for a badminton set.
Poles
Net poles either telescope (extend from a single piece) or snap together. Both types are relatively easy to set up, but you may prefer one style over the other. Make sure you know which type you’re getting with your set. Both varieties may be adjustable.
Net
Dimensions: The standard height for the top edge of the badminton net is 5 feet 1 inch. The net should be 2 feet 6 inches deep and 20 feet wide. If children will be playing, a lower net may be necessary. Some nets are adjustable, which is a great feature if you have a mixed crowd.
Freestanding: A freestanding net has a wide base that keeps it upright. This makes it easy to set up. If you need to shift the court, it’s as easy as lifting the frame and carrying it to your new area (provided you didn’t set up a boundary line). If you plan to play indoors, a freestanding net is the only option.
Pros:
Cons:
May blow or tip over
Less portable (larger frames)
Tethered: A tethered net requires stakes and strings to keep the net upright, and you might have to drive the poles into the ground. Tethered nets require more setup, but the overall result is a sturdier net, which is ideal for windy areas.
Pros:
Cons:
Rackets
Check that the quality of the rackets included in the badminton set matches the needs of your group. Here are a few things to consider when it comes to rackets.
Weight: For younger or inexperienced players, lighter rackets are best.
String Tension: Surprisingly, higher tension results in less power behind strokes. Players who need more power should look for rackets with lower tension. Neither one is better than the other. It comes down to personal preference.
- Grip Circumference: A thicker grip allows for more power. A thinner grip tends to provide better control.
Portability
A carrying case not only keeps your equipment in one place but it also makes for easy transport. Without a case, your only option is to leave the net, rackets, frame, and birdies in their original packaging. If you only plan to play in the yard and keep the set in your garage, portability may not be a factor.
Boundary Markers
Some sets include boundary markers, usually in the form of a cord and flags. This makes it easier to call shots in or out and is a necessity for competitive play. If you plan on playing indoors, you will need boundary tape rather than cord.
Other Sports
Some badminton sets are designed for other sports as well, such as volleyball, lawn tennis, or pickleball. If this is something you want, it can be worth the added price.
Did you know?
Professional badminton is played on an indoor hardwood court. Experienced players may prefer an indoor set for a more competitive badminton experience.
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Badminton set prices
The price you pay for a badminton set is based on the materials, size, accessories, and compatibility with other sports. You can expect to spend between $18 and $250.
Inexpensive: Affordable plastic badminton sets can be purchased for $18 to $50. Some of these are not full size, so take this into consideration as you’re comparing sets.
Mid-Range: More durable badminton sets fall in the range of $50 to $100. These are often regulation size and may include volleyball or pickleball. The posts are usually made of sturdy metal.
Expensive: Regulation-size badminton sets used by professional players cost between $100 and $250. These are usually heavy, freestanding models with knotted nylon nets.
Badminton accessories
Depending on what your set includes (and how competitively you hope to play), you might want to consider adding one or more of the following to your badminton experience.
Feather Shuttlecocks
The birdies that come with most badminton sets have plastic feathers, which is fine for backyard barbecue play but not so good for competitive play. The highest-quality shuttlecocks are made of goose feathers. These perform best, but they don’t last as long as plastic birdies.
Price: Extra birdies cost between $3 and $35 per set (the number of shuttlecocks will vary).
Extra Rackets
If your badminton set only includes two rackets, rackets of low quality, or no rackets, you’ll want to look into buying a couple more. You might even find that you prefer certain styles of rackets to others. Rackets may be heavy or light, have high or low string tension, or have different balance points.
Price: The price of rackets varies depending on the brand, racket quality, number of rackets, and carrying case. Extra rackets cost between $8 and $300.
Extra Nets
Over time, badminton nets are likely to develop holes or sag, but even if this happens you don’t have to replace the whole set. Nets are often made of vinyl or nylon, with nylon being the most durable and professional.
Price: An extra badminton net costs between $6 and $80.
Grip Wraps
The original grips on your rackets may not fit your playing style. If they aren’t working for you, you have a few options.
Towel grips are usually made of thick cotton. These are for players who want more power. Cotton towel grips absorb sweat well, but it also means the grip will need to be replaced more frequently.
Replacement grips are made of polyurethane and are designed to replace the original grip. Overgrips are usually made of polyurethane as well, and go on top of the original grip. Both replacement grips and overgrips offer added comfort.
Price: Extra grip wraps cost between $4 and $20.
Scoreboard
If you have a competitive crowd, a scoreboard can add to the fun. Just make sure you get one that is large enough to be easily visible to both teams.
Price: Scoreboards cost between $10 and $30.
FAQ
Q. How safe is badminton?
A. Since there is no bodily contact in badminton, it’s a fairly safe sport. The biggest risks for injury are the rackets, the birdie, and the stakes in the ground. For the safest play, always wear closed-toe shoes, especially if the net has stakes and tethers. Always communicate with your partner to avoid hitting each other with the rackets or colliding.
Q. Can younger children play badminton?
A. Yes. Children as young as five can learn to play, though they may struggle with the hand-eye coordination involved in hitting the birdie. If you’re concerned about children hitting each other with the rackets, limit play to singles.
Q. Can I leave an outdoor badminton net set up for long periods of time?
A. In most cases, yes. It depends on how many metal parts your set has. Since the important parts – net and poles – are often made of PVC or nylon, it can be safe to leave your net set up for long periods. However, you will want to store the rackets indoors to protect the grips. If your net has metal poles, you don’t want to leave it outside, especially in the rain. The packaging on some sets may state that they are designed to be weather resistant.
