Badminton Racquets
Badminton racquets  are an essential piece of equipment for playing badminton and there are many aspects that give a racquet its character. For those who frequently play badminton, having your own racquet is a big plus. You may be concerned about price if you don't play as often, but rest assured, there are all types of badminton racquets on the market to suit your budget. They start at only $10 and can cost as much as $90. However, a decent racquet generally costs between $25 and $50. Now on to the rest of the features. They will be the defining points in a racquet's price.
Materials
Nearly all professional badminton racquets are composed of carbon fiber composite, chosen for its excellent strength and kinetic energy transfer. In some cases they may contain titanium or nanocarbon additives, which will usually decrease the price. 100% carbon graphite racquets are best for avid players who are willing to spend more than $50 and for those who want a racquet that is strong and durable. Steel ($30) and aluminum ($40) models are available too. Although they do not perform nearly as well as the carbon fiber composite racquets, they are more than sufficient for casual players.
Strings & Tension
Typically, racquets are strung at 18 to 30 lb of tension. What does this mean? Tension is what will cause the shuttlecock to spring off the racquet. It is referred to as responsiveness. For example, think of how a rubber band works. While unstretched, it has no power. However, the more you stretch it, the more potential it has to fly once you release it. The more tension a racquet has, the more responsive it is, and the farther and faster the shuttlecock will go when it is hit.
Racquets strung at higher tensions generate greater power. Racquets strung at lower tensions provide the player with greater control. You will hear the two types referred to as stiff and flexible, respectively. For example, if you choose a racket that has too little tension for your strength, it will waste power. On the other hand, if you choose a racquet that is too high in tension for your ability, you will lose some control. Choosing is all a matter of personal preference, playing style, strength, and playing ability. Here are some basic guidelines to work with:
Weight & Balance
The average weight of a racquet is 80 to 95grams. Once you know a little about how you play personally, you can easily choose which weight racquet will suit you best. Next time you play, simply note whether your arm tires quickly or not. Heavier racquets are more powerful and have better balance, but they may fatigue the arm faster. Note the weight of the racquet you played with and choose something a little bit lighter for your purchase. If you notice that you don't seem to have much control over the racquet, it probably means that the racquet is too light. Opt for something heavier when you buy your own racquet. Note that there are two types of balances that a racquet may have, either they are head balanced or evenly balanced. Heavier heads mean that you will have more stability in your swing, plus more momentum. That means that you will have a more powerful shot. Evenly balanced racquets are more controllable and easier to move quickly. However, you will not have as much momentum to smash a shot over the net.
Shape - Isometric/square -- These are recently becoming popular for their large sweet spot and improved response for off-centered hits. That means that you don't have to worry so much where your racquet comes in contact with the birdie. No matter where you hit it, you will get a decent shot. It just won't be very powerful.
- Oval -- These rackets are the most common, with a smaller, stronger sweet spot. They give you powerful shots, but they also require that you have a precise aim when it comes to hitting the shuttlecock.
Grip - There are two types of grips, towel and synthetic.
- Towel grips are best for absorbing moisture but need to be replaced more frequently.
- Synthetic grips don't absorb much sweat, and likewise, they don't accumulate as many germs.
Major Manufacturers
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