Are Lighter Badminton Rackets Better?
If you’ve ever walked into a sports store and picked up a racket so light it felt like it might float away, you’ve likely asked yourself: are lighter badminton rackets better? It’s a common question—and a fair one—especially for parents shopping for their child’s first piece of gear. Should you choose the feather-light option? Or is there more to the story than just the number on the scale?
At ULTExplosive Badminton Academy, we’ve helped countless kids start their badminton journey. And if there’s one thing we know for sure, it’s that racket weight matters—but context matters more. Lighter rackets can be fantastic for beginners, but like most things in sports, it’s not always one-size-fits-all.
Let’s unpack the pros, the caveats, and the best choices for different stages of learning, all grounded in our years of coaching experience across Singapore.
Are Lighter Badminton Rackets Better For Beginners?
In most cases, yes. Especially for kids and early-stage learners. Lighter rackets reduce fatigue, encourage proper swing mechanics, and allow young players to build their technique without overloading their muscles. At ULTExplosive, we recommend rackets in the 75g to 85g range for our youngest students. That weight strikes a balance between being easy to swing and still providing enough resistance to feel the shuttle’s contact.
We’ve had kids walk into our kids badminton lessons with rackets so heavy they needed two hands to lift them. Not exactly ideal when you’re trying to learn finesse and wrist control. After switching to lighter, age-appropriate rackets, they began to swing freely, hit more consistently, and most importantly—enjoy the game.
That early confidence boost is everything. If a child struggles to swing the racket, they’ll associate badminton with frustration instead of fun. And that’s a shuttle we don’t want to serve.
Are Lighter Badminton Rackets Better For Technique Development?
Absolutely. A lighter racket allows players to focus on mechanics—like grip, wrist movement, and footwork—without being distracted by muscle fatigue. This is especially crucial when teaching core skills like the backhand clear, where proper thumb grip and timing are more important than brute strength.
In our academy, one of the first things we assess during beginner classes is how the player handles their racket. If it’s too heavy, their movements become forced and their posture compensates in ways that develop bad habits. With lighter rackets, kids can practise with a relaxed arm and experiment with strokes until they find what feels natural.
This kind of experimentation is essential. One of our seven-year-old students, Liam, struggled with forehand swings using his store-bought adult racket. Once we swapped it for a junior-sized, lightweight model, he found rhythm within the first week—and hasn’t looked back since.
Are Lighter Badminton Rackets Better For Preventing Injury?
Yes, and this is something many parents don’t realise. A racket that’s too heavy for a child’s size or strength can strain their wrist, elbow, and shoulder. Over time, this can lead to repetitive-use discomfort or even injury. A lighter racket, on the other hand, places less load on developing joints and allows for more reps without fatigue or pain.
A study by Singapore’s SportSG Youth Development team highlighted how equipment choice—including racket weight—affects injury risk in youth racket sports. Children using age-appropriate gear showed fewer signs of early joint stress and performed with better movement patterns overall (source). This aligns with what we see every day at ULTExplosive: kids who swing comfortably stay injury-free—and stay in love with the sport.
Are Lighter Badminton Rackets Better For All Ages?
Here’s where we say: not necessarily. While lighter rackets are great for beginners and younger kids, they aren’t always the best choice for older or more advanced players. Once a player starts developing stronger strokes, faster reactions, and a deeper understanding of court play, a slightly heavier or more balanced racket might be needed to generate power and stability.
That’s why at ULTExplosive Badminton Academy, we don’t just hand out general advice. We evaluate each student’s needs, playing style, and goals before recommending racket types. Some players, even at a young age, show exceptional wrist speed and control. In those cases, we may recommend a slightly different weight distribution to match their evolving skill set.
It’s all about growth. Start light, learn right, then adapt as they develop.
Are Lighter Badminton Rackets Better For Match Play?
In early match play—absolutely. During the first stages of competition or sparring, lighter rackets help kids move quickly, react to opponents, and maintain longer rallies without tiring. But as rallies get faster and opponents stronger, more racket weight might be needed to return heavy shots effectively.
At ULTExplosive, we make these adjustments organically. Our coaches observe each child’s progress, stroke consistency, and physical readiness. When it’s time for a more advanced racket, we let the player test it during class to ensure a smooth transition.
And yes—we’ve had students proudly “graduate” from their first junior racket to a customised intermediate model after just one term. Their reward? A newfound ability to control rallies and place their shots with precision.
So, Are Lighter Badminton Rackets Better?
For beginners and growing kids? Definitely. They build confidence, protect the body, and lay the foundation for strong technique. But the best racket isn’t just about weight—it’s about timing. At ULTExplosive Badminton Academy, we match equipment to each student’s age, ability, and potential. Because a racket that feels right leads to swings that look right—and that’s where real progress begins.
If you’re wondering which racket is best for your child, don’t guess. Let us guide you. Our coaches are here to assess, recommend, and support every step of your child’s badminton journey. Visit ULTExplosive Badminton Academy to learn more about our beginner classes, racket fitting support, and how we help young players get the perfect start—with the perfect racket.
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