Badminton racket Babolat Explorer I - white/pink

Racket length

The length of the racket is the distance from the base of the handle to the end of the racket head. The standard adult racket is 68.58 cm (27 inches) long, by far the most on the market. Extended rackets (even by a few centimeters) increase the range and strengthen the force of impacts, as well as provide better service and ball rotation. Instead, they reduce ball control. The lower maneuverability of the extended rackets is especially noticeable when playing at the net. Standard rockets are more dynamic. Shorter lengths than the standard ones are junior rackets. The physical conditions of the child are an important factor in the selection of rackets for children. The height and weight of a child may contribute to the fact that physically grown children should use rackets a little longer than recommended by the manufacturer.

Division of rackets due to length:

• 27 inches (68.58 cm) and larger - for adult tennis players
• 26 inches (66 cm) - for children 10-12 years or 136-146 cm
• 25 inches (63.5 cm) for children 8-10 years or 128-136 cm
• 23 inches (58.5 cm) - for children 6-8 years old or 120-128 cm
• 21 inches (53.5 cm) - for children 5-6 years old or 112-120 cm
• 19 inches (48.5 cm) - for children 4-5 years or 100-112 cm

Recommended tension force

Racket manufacturers provide the recommended tension force, measured in kilograms, with which they recommend stringing rackets with a tolerance of +/- 2 kg. Tighter strings in the racket give more control of the ball, but reduce strength, dynamics and rotation. Increasing the string tension also makes the game less comfortable, as more adverse effects from hitting the ball will be transmitted through the racket frame to the player's body generally. Weaker racket string tension reduces ball control (the catapult effect is often cited). However, we will achieve greater dynamics of strokes and rotation, because the ball stays on the strings longer and "bites" more into the racket.

Racket weight

This is a very important factor in choosing the right racket. The weight of the racket for an adult player may vary between two hundred and three hundred grams.

Summarizing, it can be assumed that:

• Beginners - should look for lighter rackets weighing 270-290 grams (men), 250-270 grams (women),
• Intermediate people - should pay attention to rackets weighing 280-300 grams,
• Advanced people - choose rockets that exceed three hundred grams with the option of individual "weighing" of the rackets through the use of lead tapes attached to the frame.