Badminton is one of the most popular racquet sports, and with good reason. It’s fast and explosive, requires agility and coordination, and tests your endurance.
Plus, it’s a great way to get in an aerobic workout that feels more like a badminton game than a workout.
If you’re new to badminton or just looking for a replacement for your current badminton racket,
I will talk you through everything you need to know about choosing the right racket for your playing style and one that suits your needs.
Choose A Suitable Wrapping Material.
The racket grip covering is the part of the racket that you hold, and it’s essential to choose the suitable material for your grip. The most common types of grip materials are:
- Natural cork – For a classic grip feeling, cork is a classic material used for badminton racket grips.
- Synthetic cork – Cork is natural, but synthetic cork is a more durable material that will last longer with less maintenance.
- Leather – This is more durable than synthetic cork and is excellent for generating a tighter grip.
- Rubber/PU – This is a synthetic material that’s tacky and durable, so it’s great for both indoor and outdoor play.
- Sponge – This is a synthetic material that is both durable and lightweight.
Selecting the suitable grip material will depend on how you like the feel of your grip and how much maintenance it requires.
While the racket grip material will not change your playing style, it will affect how you hold your racket and how comfortable it feels in your hand.
How Badminton Racket Grips Be Replaced?
Badminton racket grip will eventually wear out, and it’s essential to know when you need to replace your grip.
Replacing your thicker grip when it shows signs of wear will help improve your grip and the overall feel of your racket.
If you play badminton frequently, you should consider replacing your grip every six months, especially if you play frequently.
This is because your grip will wear out faster when you play regularly. You should also replace your grip if you find that it has become too sticky or it has lost its tackiness.
Replacing your grip will give your racket a new, clean feel, making it more comfortable to hold.
Badminton Grips And Grip Size
The size of your badminton grip, or how wide it is, can affect your playing style. Wider grips are better for people who use a continental grip, while narrower grips are better for people who use an eastern grip.
Narrower grips are also better for kids, as they tend to have smaller hands. Children and adults generally play with the same grip size, around 4 inches wide. If you have larger hands, you may want to play with a grip that’s 4.5 inches wide.
And if you have smaller hands, you may want to play with a grip that’s 3 inches wide. If you’re unsure what, grip size will work best for you. You can always ask for advice from a shop sales representative when purchasing your new badminton racket.
Over Grip
An over grip is a small piece of tape that is wrapped around the small of the racket’s grip. It doesn’t cover the whole hold, just the top part of the grip near the handle.
Over grips are usually made from synthetic materials and are meant to help give your hand a better grip on the racket.
They also help reduce the grip size of your racket and make it more comfortable to hold. Many badminton rackets are sold with an over grip already applied to the racket’s grip.
Over grips usually must be replaced once or twice a year, depending on how often you play. If you notice that your over grip has become too loose or has worn out, you should replace it as soon as possible.
Towel Grip
A towel grip is a type of over grip wrapped around the racket’s grip and secured with a rubber band. Since it’s not a solid piece of material wrapped around the whole grip,
it’s a great way to add some grip to a racket but keep it from becoming too sticky.
Good grips are easy to install and a great way to test out different grips. You can switch back and forth between different grips, trying out a few different types of grip material to find the one that works best for you.
A towel grip is also a great option to keep your racket’s original grip. Replacing the whole grip is a big project and can be expensive. A towel grip is a great way to add a little grip without replacing the entire grip.
Rubber/PU Grip
A rubber or PU grip is a type of over grip wrapped around the racket’s entire grip and secured with a rubber band.
It’s a great option if you want to change your racket’s feel completely.
Rubber grips are meant to be tacky and durable, making them an excellent choice for frequent badminton by most professional players. They are also easy to install and can be found in various colors.
A rubber grip is an excellent option to completely change your racket’s feel. It’s much easier to install and remove an over grip than it is to replace the whole grip.
Prepare Your Racket
Before you go out and purchase a new badminton racket, you’ll want to ensure your current racket is appropriately prepared and ready to play.
Badminton rackets are meant to be played regularly, but they do need to be maintained to keep them in good condition.
Your badminton racket will last longer and perform better with the proper care.
A clean and adequately maintained racket will help improve your game and will help reduce the risk of injury. Here are a two things you should do to prepare your badminton racket for play:
Badminton Grips And Hygiene
Badminton is a fairly physical sport and can be hard on your gear over time.
Badminton rackets can become sticky or tacky from sweat and dirt, which can be difficult to clean. And sweaty hands can make it challenging to hold your racket.
When you play badminton, it’s essential to be aware of hygiene.
Make sure to wash your hands before and after game, and wipe down your equipment with a cloth or towel to remove any dirt or sweat.
Badminton can be played with different grips, so keep your hands clean when you switch grips.
Sweaty hands can make it difficult to hold your racket, making it challenging to hit the shuttlecock. You may want to use a towel to wipe your hands and grip between points to help keep your hands dry and clean.
Apply Your Grip
When you’ve selected the proper grip, and you’ve prepared your racket, it’s time to apply your grip.
You can apply your new grip using a few different methods, and each method has its advantages.
If you’re applying a cork grip, you can use a hammer to tap the grip into place. If you’re applying a synthetic grip, you can use a rubber mallet to tap the grip into place.
If applying an over grip, you can use a tennis ball to massage the grip. When applying your grip, it’s essential to ensure it’s tight enough to stay in place but not so tight that it’s uncomfortable to hold.
FAQS
How do you store a badminton racket?
A badminton racket can be stored in several ways, depending on its size and available space. For smaller rackets, a simple storage solution is to keep them in a bag or case. This will protect the racket from getting damaged and also make it easy to transport. If you have more space, you could invest in a racket holder, which allows you to hang the racket on a wall or door. This is an excellent option if you want to be able to see your racket easily and keep it out of the way. Finally, if you have multiple rackets, you may want to consider a racket bag or box, which will help you keep them organized and protected.
Is a towel grip better than a regular grip?
Some people find that a towel grip provides a better grip and more control, while others find that a regular grip is just as effective. Ultimately, it is up to the individual to experiment with both options and see which works better for them.
