Difference in Head-Heavy & Head-Light Badminton Racket?
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Difference in Head-Heavy & Head-Light Badminton Racket?

Updated: Feb 20

In this article, we will try to find out the importance of different balance point and significance of weight and mass distribution in Badminton Rackets and help you choose the Best Badminton Racket.

Let’s dive straight into-

difference between Head-Heavy and Head-Light Badminton Racket


Badminton Racket Balance Point


The point where the maximum weight of a racket is located is known as the balance point of a Badminton Racket. In simple words, it can define as the point at which you can balance your racket on your finger.


The balance point of a racket plays significant role in deciding the best possible badminton racket for a certain level of player.


A typical badminton racket can be categorized into three types of balance points-

  • Head-Heavy Badminton Racket

  • Head-Light Badminton Racket

  • Evenly Balanced Badminton Racket

Each kind of balance points provide different types of advantages to the player. However, poor selection of Badminton Rackets may affect the performance of even a trained badminton player. This is why it is essential have proper knowledge about the balance point, its advantages, and other characteristics before deciding the most appropriate badminton racket.


Head-Heavy Badminton Racket


The racket whose maximum mass is dedicated towards the head of the frame is known as Head-Heavy Badminton Racket. These kinds of rackets are known to provide high level of power and stability to the player.

These rackets are slightly heavier on the head and are generally of high-tension capacity. These rackets generally have a heavier in-hand feel. These rackets are designed to provide a more firm and stable performance to the one who owns it.


Head-Heavy Badminton Rackets are designed to provide powerful and aggressive shots which helps the player maintain a superior position over their opponents. Many may see weight as a disadvantage, however, those who are confident with the weight turns this to their advantage which provide additional power and strength to their shots and smashes.

Head-Heavy Badminton rackets are generally recommended to professional players who are confident in their game and are looking for power and strength and likes to lead an aggressive game.



Head-Light Badminton Racket


The racket whose maximum mass is dedicated towards the handle of the racket is known as Head-Light Badminton Racket. Unlike head-heavy badminton rackets, these are generally lighter in weight and provides a more comfortable in-hand feel.


These rackets are more centric on providing better comfortability to the player. These rackets generally have low to medium level string tension. These rackets are designed to provide more control and accuracy to the player.


Head-Light Badminton Racket are designed to provide more control and accuracy to the player instead of power. Unlike head-heavy badminton rackets, these do not provide extra power and force. These rackets are known to provide the player with swift movement control, better control over the shots and better accuracy and shot precision. This enables the player to hit more consistent and controlled shots while also maintaining swift transition to other shots.


Head-Light badminton rackets are generally recommended for intermediate players. This is because intermediate players lack control and precision over their shot and these kinds of rackets help them overcome such problems.


Evenly Balanced Badminton Racket


The racket whose mass is evenly distributed throughout the racket is known as Evenly Balanced Badminton Racket. The balance point in these rackets is centered exactly at the middle and so provide a more balanced in-hand feel to the one who holds it.


These rackets can be defined as primary rackets as the main purpose of these rackets is to provide stability and handling to the player. Unlike other rackets, these rackets are popular for their simplicity as they bring out the best of both, power along with control.


These rackets are known for their ability to be easily adapted by the player. These rackets can easily be used for training purposes or by the ones who are just starting to play and wants to learn about the game.


Evenly Balanced Badminton Rackets are generally recommended for beginner and amateurs. These rackets are best for learning and training purposes and thus are recommended for beginner level players.




Head-Heavy vs Head-Light Badminton Racket


There are multiple differences between Head-Heavy & Head-Light Badminton Rackets.

The main differences are as follows-



1. Balance Point of Badminton Racket


The first and most obvious difference is the balance point.

The maximum weight of a Head-Heavy Badminton Racket is located towards it head.


Whereas, in Head-Light Badminton Rackets, maximum weight is located towards its handle instead of head.



2. Level of Players


Head-Heavy Badminton Rackets are generally recommended for professional players because the primarily increases the power of the shots. Since, professional players generally need more power for their smashes, Head-Heavy Badminton Rackets are recommended for them.


Whereas Head-Light Badminton Rackets focuses more on speed, accuracy, and handling. They are preferred by intermediate player as these rackets provide better control and shot precision which is the primary need of intermediate players.



3. Advantages


Pros of Head-Heavy Badminton Rackets

  • Provides more power to the player.

  • Better for attacking position.

  • Unstoppable Smashes.

  • Best for Professional Players.


Pros of Head-Light Badminton Rackets

  • Better control.

  • Better accuracy and shot precision.

  • Easier handling.

  • Best for Intermediate Players.



4. Disadvantages


Cons of Head-Heavy Badminton Rackets

  • Heavier in comparison to other rackets.

  • Slightly harder to handle.

  • Harder on wrist, shoulder etc.


Cons of Head-Light Badminton Rackets

  • Comparatively less power for smashes.

  • Generally, have lower string tension capacity.




Other Related Questions


Below are the answers to some of the most related questions.



Which is the Best Badminton Racket for me? Head Heavy vs Head Light


The answer to this question mainly depends on another question! What level of player are you? This is because mostly all Badminton Rackets are designed for a specific category of players.


The Best Badminton Racket for anyone will be the racket with perfect string tension, balance point, weight, frame material and head shape. But what is perfect for you?

Consider reading our blog What Badminton Racket should I Buy.



What is the Ideal Weight for a Badminton Racket?


A typical badminton racket should weigh around 80grams to 100grams. The weight of a racket plays a significant role in deciding the fate of the player in the court. Different classes of weight provide different types of advantages as well as disadvantages.

Lightweight badminton rackets provide better stroking speed and recovery. These help in easy and swift switching between different strokes and helps deliver quick serves. They also reduce the pressure on the wrist, arm and shoulder therefore reducing the risk of injuries.

Consider checking out our top list of the Best Lightweight Badminton Racket for more lightweight Badminton Rackets


Whereas heavier badminton rackets have a more stable and stronger in-hand feel. These help in more controlled and stable shots. They also provide more powerful shots and makes it easy to weaken your opponent with aggressive and powerful shots.



Difference in Head-Heavy & Head-Light Badminton Racket in weight


The weight of a badminton racket is usually denoted by the letter ‘U’ along with a number. The higher the number, the lighter the weight of the racket and vice versa.


Usually, beginners and intermediate players prefer to play with lighter badminton racket due to their enhanced stroking capacity and comfortability. Whereas professional players prefer to play with slightly heavier badminton rackets because they provide more powerful shots.


Here is a typical weight class chart of a badminton racket-

  • 1U – 95 grams to 100 grams

  • 2U – 90 grams to 94 grams

  • 3U – 85 grams to 89 grams

  • 4U – 80 grams to 84 grams

Best Head-Heavy Badminton Racket


There are multiple awesome Head-Heavy Badminton Rackets available in the market. To help your search make easier, we have prepared a list of Best Head-Heavy Badminton Rackets in the market. Check it out and you might find what you are looking for!



Conclusion


This was our article on the difference between Head-Heavy & Head-Light Badminton Rackets. We hope you gained some valuable information about the same that would help you choose the Best Badminton Racket for yourself.




We are happy to share our expertise and knowledge with our viewers and hope that we were able to meet the expectations of providing the accurate information about the topic. Thank You for your time and patience!!

Click here to check out Reviews of the Most Popular Badminton Rackets in the market.
Click here to check out our Top Lists of Best Badminton Rackets in the market.

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