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Equipment Galore

Actually, you don’t need very much equipment to play badminton. If you’re just learning, inexpensive rackets and nylon shuttles will do. Most players who continue beyond beginner eventually will want to upgrade their rackets a bit, to something lighter and more tightly strung for better control.

If you are interested in purchasing nylon or feather shuttles, badminton rackets, or shoes, contact Eric Lee, our head coach and this region’s Hi Qua distributor. Proceeds from the sale of equipment through our local distributor benefit the juniors’ badminton program.

Racket Choice

There is a tremendous range of choice in badminton rackets, which can make decisions difficult. Some things to keep in mind if you are buying your first racket: A composite racket is a good choice, as it is lighter than the lower end, usually constructed with an aluminum head, graphite shaft, and multi-fiber strings (usually wrapped with 10–18 lbs. tension) and strung at a medium tension, which provides a good balance of control and power for beginning and intermediate players. (Lower string tension has a sort of trampoline effect when the shuttle contacts it, while higher tension provides more control); more advanced players may want to invest in full-graphite or graphite/titanium rackets (braided multi-fiber with 18–28 lbs. tension) with higher tension for more control.

Badminton Bird Preparation

If you live in a semi-arid location, as we do in Spokane (relative humidity 30% or lower), your feather shuttles will last longer if they are properly humidified before use. If you have a new can of feathered shuttles (this doesn’t apply to nylon shuttles, they are strictly plug-and-play!) here’s how to prepare them: Remove both ends of the tube of shuttles and place on top of a humidifier or pan of steaming water until steam comes out the opposite end (about two seconds), then turn it around and repeat. Replace the lids and store the can in a humid, but not too hot, place (like the bathroom) for a couple of days before using the birds.
If you live in a humid region, you will find it unnecessary to prepare the shuttles in this fashion.

Footwear

Shoes with a gum rubber sole are most common for serious badminton players. Badminton shoes should be worn only on-court, and should be wiped free of dust and debris regularly. The shoes are similar to volleyball shoes.

Clothing

The Spokane Badminton Club does not currently have a dress code, but if you are playing elsewhere, be sure to check, as some clubs are white clothing clubs, or request that no hats be worn on the courts, etc. In general, comfortable clothing that does not restrict movement is all that you need.