Badminton Gear Guide: Everything You Need to Get Started

If you’ve discovered a newfound passion for badminton, you might be wondering what gear you need to play regularly. 

And since you aren’t an expert yet, you probably don’t want to spend a ton of money. Luckily, there’s excellent beginner badminton gear out there at reasonable prices to get you started.

Keep reading to find out more about everything you’ll need to start your badminton journey.

1. Beginner Racket

When deciding on a beginner racket, it’s best not to buy from a generic store brand. These rackets aren’t great for sharpening your skills or playing frequently.

With that in mind, shopping for rackets online or in specialty stores is a better option. A lighter racket is a good choice for beginners because your wrist and arm strength are still developing. And as you progress and get a feel for your strengths and weaknesses, you can upgrade your racket to match your abilities.

Yonex is known for its quality badminton rackets. That said, here are two exceptional options for beginners to try out.

• Basic 6000I: This racket has a large sweet spot to allow for a greater margin of error when you hit the shuttle. The sweet spot maximizes your shot distance and power. Plus, this racket is made of aluminum, so it’s exceptionally light and easy to handle.
• Nanoray 10F: This racket has a lightweight head, absorbs unwanted vibrations, and has an aero frame that helps propel the shuttle with extra force. So, if you need a little extra power as a beginner, this racket is an excellent choice.

Yonex Nanoray 10F G5, $55.99 on Amazon

2. Grip Tape

As a new player, you’ll usually use a rubber grip for your handle — but this isn’t always the best idea. A rubber grip will get slippery if it gets too sweaty, and it’s easy to send the racket flying if the handle is slick.

The good news is that a towel grip can make a world of difference if you have too much hand perspiration.

You may also get to the point where you need overgrip and grip tape for your handle. Tape can help you keep your hand more secure than if you just use a plain racket grip.

If you’re looking for ways to improve your grip, the Senston New Racket Grip is a spectacular option.

Senston New Racket Grip, $9.59 on Amazon

3. Shuttlecock

As you’re searching for shuttlecocks, you’ll probably come across both the nylon and feather kinds.

Beginners typically use nylon shuttles. These travel less quickly than feather shuttles and have a flatter flight path. They also travel a little further, are more durable, and a bit cheaper.

If you plan on playing more competitively, you might want to buy feather shuttlecocks earlier on. But they do have a faster initial speed after being hit, so just know that they can be challenging as a beginner. 

If you’re playing for fun with family and friends, it may be best to stick with the nylon shuttles instead. 

The Yonex Mavis 300 shuttlecocks are a superb option for beginners looking to get quality products at a reasonable price.

Yonex Mavis 300, $9.95 – $25.99 on Amazon

4. Shoes

Now, onto the shoes. If you want, you can get specially made shoes for badminton. But if you’re keeping it casual and using regular sneakers, just make sure they have high-quality grip, cushion, and support.

You’ll be running, stopping, and jumping a lot — so it’s essential to have a pair of shoes that supports your quick movement on the court.

5. Clothes

When you’re just starting, you don’t need to spend too much time stressing over your outfit. A lightweight t-shirt and shorts that allow for comfortable movement will work perfectly. (But you may need some different gear for cold weather days.)

If you want, you can get badminton-specific apparel — including ventilated shirts and shorts — when you’re ready to invest in sport-specific clothing. 

6. Grab a Net Kit if You’re Playing at Home

If you plan on playing at home, you’ll need a net setup. Some net kits are made to be regulation size, and some aren’t. Make sure you check the specifications for the net size and height.

An official badminton net is 20 feet wide and two and a half feet tall. The top edges of the net should be five feet and one inch off the ground, while the top center of the net should be five feet off the ground.

The Takeaway on Beginner Badminton Gear

Whether you’re a competitive athlete or a casual player, badminton is a fantastic way to get in shape, improve your reflexes, and have some fun. 

There’s no reason you can’t play both competitively on the court and for fun outdoors with the same beginner badminton gear. As long as you have the basics, you’re ready to play whenever and wherever you want.

To learn how to boost your skills as a badminton beginner, check out this post for some of the best tips.