Badminton Equipment – The Complete List

Looking to start playing badminton for fun but not sure where to start?

Or, you are a professional player, but you feel something is missing from your toolbox?

This post have you covered.

Today, we are going to talk about how to equip yourself with a list of badminton equipment.

Whether you are a beginner (which requires the bare minimum to get started) or professionals (looking forward to upgrading your toolbox), we are going to discuss both.

Badminton Equipment For Beginners

Depending on the area you are playing at, a good badminton set might meet your needs. But these are the things we highly recommend (for those who have money to buy one by one):

• Badminton racket;
• Badminton net;
• Shuttlecock;
• Badminton shoes.

Badminton Set

This is the best buy option which saves your money. You will get a net, shuttlecocks, and rackets. Depending on the pair you’ve chosen, you might get lucky with a bag or some other accessory. Read our top badminton sets buyers guide for more info.

Badminton Racket

The choice relies on your playing style, finances, and playing level. For example, smasher and the defensive player won’t choose the same model. Advanced players will usually choose rackets that are not very light. They also prefer higher string tension and balance point. Beginners stick to light, comfortable, and cheap rackets. Read our badminton rackets buying guide (internal link) for more info.

Badminton Net

You can buy it as a part of a badminton set or separately. Nets can be mobile or static. Mobile net can be moved and placed wherever you play. Static net requires poles for support. Static net is set once, while the mobile one needs to be polished every time you want to play. But you have the freedom to play in the most various places in the world!

Shuttlecocks

You can choose between two types – plastic and feathered shuttlecocks.

Plastic shuttlecocks are featured by amazing durability, bigger mass, and traveling shorter distances. If you are a beginner who plays for recreation, it’s recommended for amateur, children, family, or players who are just looking to play for fun.

Feathered shuttlecocks develop high speeds, but they last significantly less. It is expensive and frays easily when the wrong technique is used. If you are a professional player, you will have to transit to the feather ones as the time goes by.

Badminton Shoes

It is the most important part of your whole badminton equipment. When you play, you need to change direction quickly. When you face a dangerous smasher, you won’t have a split of a second to react sometimes!

Even shoes for professional players can be used for beginners.

Don’t forget badminton is played on the hard surface.

Note: beginners can play in the regular everyday shoes for fun, but this is not recommended due to medical reasons and performances.

If required, invest more money, but make sure your badminton shoes are comfortable. Look for the pair of badminton shoes with a good sole and great comfort.

Ventilation, design, and cushioning are also very important parameters.  Ankle support might prevent you from injuries.

For more info, read our badminton shoes best buyers guide. Please don’t look at the price as a critical factor, focus on your health and performances.

Badminton Equipment For Professional Players

Do you want an excellent result?

You need to invest a lot of time and money.

We assume you will be going to the badminton court where the net is already set and the coach awaits you.

Here is extra equipment you should have for high-quality progress:

• Badminton clothing;
• Bag;
• Badminton strings;
• Grip tape;
• Optional equipment – towel, wrist/head bands, supporters, grip powder, stencil ink…

Badminton Attire

You need to hit the size when you choose your badminton clothing. Of course, you can visit the tailor and increase or decrease the size but this will cost money.

Make sure your t-shirt is made of cotton or dri-fit since you will need an ultimate level of comfort when you play long rallies.

One more important thing – you must be able to move your shoulders freely. If this is not possible, you won’t be able to smash properly. Your chances of victory will be significantly decreased.

Your badminton shorts need to fulfill two things. It mustn’t be tight, it will make sliding returns impossible. The tray must be solid so it doesn’t fall during hard rallies.

When you are lucky, a badminton bag will be the part of a badminton set. Yet, if that doesn’t happen, make sure the size of the bag is appropriate so you can pack badminton equipment easily. Don’t let someone trick you into buying non-waterproof badminton bag! After all, you need to get to the hall when the rain showers.

Badminton Strings

It’s an ultimate secret weapon of professional players.

Good stringing affects your durability, feel, and repulsion power.

You can choose the strings for beginners, intermediate, and advanced players.

String tension and type of string affect your performance heavily. High tension means more control but less power, while low tension is good for hard hitters.

Grip Tape

This is also critical for professional badminton superstars.

Matches can sometimes last for hours and the level of sweat on your hands might reduce performance.

The perfect choice will rely on your playing style. Offensive players prefer different types compared to defensive players, fast runners or tactic kings.

Optional Badminton Equipment

It could mean two things. Either you need more sense of security, either you are a professional superstar.

Towel

A towel is important between the sets when tensions are high.

Sweat removal of your forehead and face could mean victory or loss.

Headbands

Headbands are also worn as a sweat protection tool. So, wristband could mean styling or not letting the sweat comes into your hand. It depends on the player.

Supporter

A supporter is good for badminton players who have had an injury and want to protect themselves additionally.

Stencil ink and grip powder

These are the hidden tool of top-ranked badminton players.

Excellent grip powder will improve the contact between your hand and badminton racket… even during the hardest rallies.

Stencil ink is used for racket stenciling. When you play on a big tournament even the smallest mistake means defeat – stencil with style!

Conclusion

If you are just started out, we recommend you follow the beginner paragraph, where you just need the minimum equipment to get started.

If you have already reached a level where you need more, you might consider the professional ones.

Sometimes, you need to invest some money to enjoy the benefits of playing badminton properly.

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