How to buy Badminton Shoes? An Honest Guide!

A good tool makes you better and adds to your skills. If you are going to play badminton on a regular basis, you need the right kind of badminton attire and equipment. It keeps you away from injuries, lets you focus on the game and allows you to enjoy the learning process. 

In a world where internet access is easily available to everyone, it pays to research and research well before making any buying decision. If you have started playing badminton, you may have many questions regarding buying badminton shoes. Let’s get honest answers to the most common questions that may arise in your mind while buying a new pair of badminton shoes. 

Is it necessary to buy Badminton Shoes to play the game? 

To answer the question, you must first decide where you are going to play badminton. If you are going to use a wooden court or a synthetic court, you most definitely need to buy badminton shoes. They come with specialized gum rubber soles that do not leave scuff marks on the wooden court. This ensures that your experience is not ruined by damaged premises. Not only for aesthetic reasons, but gum rubber soles also provide better traction on the court and allow you to move more easily. They offer immense comfort and protect you from injuries on the court. 

If you are going to play on cement occasionally, any pair of shoes with rubber soles will be sufficient. 

What is the Difference between Running Shoes and Badminton Shoes? 

Other than the gum rubber soles that are a staple for badminton shoes, the overall design and construction of badminton shoes also varies from the usual running shoes or casual shoes. Here’s how both the shoes differ from each other: 

1. Badminton is a fast-paced game that requires you to move frequently. The thick rubber soles of your running shoes won’t allow you to change places quickly. With proper badminton shoes that have thinner soles, you will feel closer to the ground. It will offer more stability, acceleration and flexibility. 

2. Soles on running shoes have grips designed as horizontal lines that make movement in forward direction easy. While playing badminton, you need to make more lateral movements and so, you require a specialized triangular sole pattern (also commonly called honeycomb sole design) that allows for swift movement. 

3. Badminton shoes are designed in such a way that they offer a comfortable and tight fit. They offer anti-torque protection and make footwork easy for you and thus prevent you from injuries such as mallet finger and ankle sprain. 

Can I use Indoor Shoes to play for Badminton? 

You may argue that badminton is an indoor sport so why can’t you use indoor shoes for playing the game? Now, indoor shoes are also used for table tennis and volleyball. But as discussed earlier, different sports require you to move in a different way. For example, table tennis has more lateral movement and minimal vertical movement. Table tennis shoes are designed in a way that enables lateral movement only. On the other hand, volleyball shoes have a high ankle design to protect from injuries caused by constant jumping. You do not require such shoes on the badminton court. 

Are all Badminton Shoes expensive? 

No. There are all types of badminton shoes available online. Here are a few solid pairs of badminton shoes that will keep you away from injury and still be light on your wallet:

Victor SH-A170

Victor SH-A170 blue badminton shoes are high in quality and affordable for beginners and recreational players. Available under just $50, you can find several other color options online. 

Yonex Power Cushion 30

Yonex Power Cushion 30 badminton shoes are available for just $59.99 online. The shoes include a solid cushioning technique that absorbs shock and makes movement smooth for you.

Victor SH-A620

Another option is the Victor SH-A620 badminton shoes for female badminton players. The shoes are light-weight and very flexible for quick movement. 

 Yonex Power Cushion 47

The stylish Yonex Power Cushion 47 yellow shoes are another pair of shoes that offer incredible traction and robust support to feet and joints. The yellow color will brighten up your look as well. 

Victor SH-P9300

Victor SH-P9300 red/yellow shoes are a successful offering from the world leader. You can buy men’s badminton shoes in different sizes and colors online. Price: $90. 

Yonex Aerus 2

Another mid-range option is the Yonex Aerus 2 red badminton shoes. Yonex claims it to be the lightest badminton shoes ever! The shoes allow quick movement and offer superior ventilation among other useful features. 

Yonex Aerus 3 LX

Ladies! If you want to spend more on quality badminton shoes, you cannot go wrong with Yonex Aerus 3 LX blue badminton shoes. At 270 grams, they are light in weight and very durable. 

Yonex Power Cushion Eclipsion Z

The all-new blue Yonex Power Cushion Eclipsion Z badminton shoes are wide for better comfort and stability. They are the highest-stability shoes from Yonex. Sold at $139, the shoes are worth every penny. 

Now that you have honest answers to all your questions, you are ready to pick the best badminton shoes. 

All the best! Shop well! 

Nydhi.com has a wide collection of best badminton shoes. Whether you want to buy Victor badminton shoes or Yonex badminton shoes, you will find them and several other options online. Get ready to shop on the web and save money!

Astrox 88 S and 88 D Badminton Rackets: The Most Popular Doubles Rackets

In January 2018, Yonex introduced two badminton rackets that were specially designed for doubles players: Astrox 88 S (Skill) and Astrox 88 D (Dominate). Traditionally, the Astrox series has always been a favorite of players who demand head-heavy rackets for more power. However, with the introduction of the two Astrox 88 models, the company has offered the same features in lighter head-heavy rackets that can make the doubles game easier. 

A Little Bit about the Astrox 88 Racket Series

Launched as a replacement for the Voltric series, badminton players had huge expectations from the Astrox racket series. When the company launched Astrox 88S and 88D, the excitement was palpable because doubles superstar players Kevin Sanjaya Sukamuljo (AX88S) and Marcus Fernaldi Gideon (AX88D) were the poster boys for the racket series. The racket was endorsed by Lee Yong Dae, the winner of the 2008 Olympics. You can find the rackets in 3U and 4U weight categories and G4 and G5 grips. 

Here’s the technology that Yonex used to build the Astrox 88 series:

1. The Nanometric technology makes the shaft thinner without sacrificing stiffness. It allows players to enjoy a lightweight racket that offers great head speed and control even while being a head-heavy racket at its core. It makes the rackets faster and increases swing speed by 30 km/hour than the average.

2. Astrox 88 racket series has revolutionary NAMD technology which makes the shaft more powerful and menacing than ever. It can flex, store energy and deliver powerful shots in quick succession (which is the requirement of every doubles player). 

3. The rackets have a superior Rotational Generator System that balances the weight throughout the racket to offer superior control and speed. It allows a steeper angle to your shots. 

4. The rackets have Energy Cap Boost that amplifies the NAMD technology. The innovative shape maximizes shaft performance and delivers more control to the players. 

The Key Difference between 88S and 88D Badminton Rackets

The most important thing that differentiates the rackets is the flex point. Let’s understand how it affects your play and allows you to take advantage of your placement in the doubles game:

The front-court player stands near the net and doesn’t need too much aggression to place the shuttlecock in the opponent’s court. What he needs is to force his opponent to hit the shuttlecock in such a way that his partner gets to play aggressive shots and win points. In simpler terms, the job of a front-court player is to set up the game and the back-court player is to finish it. The front-court player needs a racket that allows for more controlled shots without compromising on speed and power. The frame of Yonex Astrox 88S is flexible (95% of the frame is flexible) which delivers controlled shots accurately. Additionally, the overall length of the racket is 5 mm longer than conventional rackets. It allows for more accuracy and power. 

When you are a back-court player, you need to play stepper smashes and finish the game as early as possible. You will have to smash down the steep-angled shots that come your way with immense speed and power. You need a badminton racket that allows for powerful smashes, sharper clears and faster drop shots. The Yonex Astrox 88D is the perfect racket for back-court players. It has more flex in the upper part of the racket frame which gives you maximum power to hit shots. The racket is 10 mm longer than the average racket which makes it more powerful than ever. 

How do the Rackets Perform on the Court? 

a. Smashes

If you want to hit smashes, the Yonex Astrox 88 D is amazing. You can definitely feel the Rotational Generator System giving the racket a unique feel. You can deliver powerful shots from the back-court. You may feel the smashes are just a tad less powerful than a traditional head-heavy racket such as Voltric Z Force II or Voltric 80. If you consider the Yonex Astrox 88 S, the smashes are powerful but it can lack a solid impact as it is specially designed for the front-court. However, it is still quite fierce on the court.

b. Drop Shots

The drop shots are great with the AX88S racket. You can play a wider range of drop shots and force your opponent to move as close to the net as possible. The same is possible with the Astrox 88D racket. The racket has quite a lot of flex which means you will be able to swing faster and use drop shots to win more points. 

c. Net Area

The Yonex Astrox 88 Skill racket is a clear winner in this area. This is primarily because the racket is made for the front-court. You will feel definite control while hitting net shots but you need to be a skilled player to get the maximum advantage. On the other hand, the Yonex Astrox 88 Dominate is a back-court racket so you cannot expect net shots to be excellent. However, the Rotational Generator System allows you to hit net shots with great speed but they are not as good as its counterpart. 

d. Defensive Shots

A good back-court racket should allow you to play defensive shots easily. And that’s exactly what Astrox 88D will do for you. You will be able to play your shots without getting tired. It makes different types of defensive shots including clear shots and flat drives easy and effective. The Astrox 88S is definitely a bit faster than 88D but you will find that it lacks the weight for a solid defense. 

Conclusion: Choosing between the Two Racket Models

Just as its name suggests, the Astrox 88 Speed racket is perfect for players who enjoy a bit of speed in their shots. If you don’t really need a longer racket, go for it. 

The Astrox 88 Dominate racket is ideal for playing smashes with speed. If you have been using the Yonex Voltric 80 badminton racket in the past, you will take an instant liking to it. It makes smashes quick and thus allows for a faster defense. It is well suited for doubles players. 

As with any advanced racket, you must know that it takes some time to understand the racket and make it work for you. The Yonex Astrox 88 series comes with unique features that are unlike any other racket available on the market. You will need some time to get used to the features of the rackets so give it a thorough chance before making up your mind. 

Have you made the decision? Whether you want to buy Yonex Astrox 88S or Yonex Astrox 88D, shop online. We have the widest range of Yonex Astrox badminton rackets at the best prices. Buy 100% original badminton equipment today.

Clash of the Titans: Yonex Astrox 99 Vs. Yonex Voltric Z Force II

As a beginner or a recreational player, you may not give much thought to choosing a badminton racket. However, once you advance and improve your skills, you will have to pay close attention to your racket. If you are an advanced player who loves to play an offensive game, you may have come across the big debate: Astrox 99 vs. Voltric Z Force II. If you are thinking of buying a new racket, it pays to understand which racket will better suit your needs and therefore make you a better player. Let’s begin the clash of the titans.

 

How to choose between Yonex Astrox 99 and Voltric Z Force II? 

Choosing a badminton racket because it is a new launch or it is on sale are not good purchase strategies. When it comes to choosing between Yonex Astrox 99 racket and Voltric Z Force II racket, you must compare them on multiple factors such as: 

1. Power 

 

If you consider Astrox 99 and Voltric Z Force II in terms of power, you will find both to be extremely powerful head-heavy rackets. They promise plenty of power and strength but you need a solid amount of preparation and technique to get the most benefits. The Yonex Astrox 99 has a stiff flex with its weight more evenly balanced in the head of the frame which can make it only slightly more forgiving. Voltric Z Force II has an extra-stiff flex with a unique aerodynamic frame that cuts air resistance and gives great power to your shots. If you have mastered the skills of the game, choose Voltric Z Force II to unleash great power. 

2. Control

There is a direct correlation between the speed of the swing and stiffness of the racket. The higher the speed, the higher the requirement for a stiff shaft. As an advanced player with excellent skills, you should have a racket with stiff shaft so that you can control your shots easily. When comparing both the rackets, you will realize that Yonex Astrox 99 has a stiff shaft and Yonex Voltric Z Force II has an extra-stiff shaft meaning the latter offers more controlled play. Now, remember, Astrox 99 is not really bad when it comes to playing controlled shots. It is just that it is slightly less good than Voltric Z Force II. 

3. Speed

When it comes to comparing the rackets on the basis of speed, you must remember that both the models are head-heavy rackets. It means they are going to feel slightly sluggish in comparison to head-light rackets. However, when you compare them on a one-on-one basis, the Yonex Astrox 99 racket (with even weight distribution) offers more speed. Being an extremely powerful head-heavy racket, the weight distribution Voltric Z Force II racket makes it slightly slow. Even though it has a thin shaft that cuts down air resistance, it has a few issues with speed. So, playing defensive shots can get a bit tricky with the Voltric model. It also means you will get tired quickly if you do not have stamina and skills. In the end, to generate sufficient speed from both rackets, you need to hone your skills. 

4. Price

Price is often the first factor that we consider for buying a badminton racket. Both rackets are high-end rackets because of the features they hold. Astrox 99 badminton racket came out in September 2018 and so it is slightly more expensive. It has an online price of $234.95 and the Voltric Z Force 2 racket is available for $229 online. It was launched in January 2014. If you wish to purchase from a brick-and-mortar store, the prices can be higher. So, it is best to seek a reliable online badminton store to make the purchase. 

5. User-Friendliness

User-friendliness of a badminton racket depends on your skills and requirements. You must know that Voltric Z Force II is a slightly more advanced racket. With an aerodynamic frame, extra-stiff flex and thinner shaft, the racket is meant for players who are skilled at playing different badminton shots efficiently. If you are still learning the nuances of the game, it is best to avoid it. The racket demands skilled players. With a slightly more flexible shaft and larger frame, Yonex Astrox 99 is more favorable for intermediate players (not for beginners though). It can generate a good amount of power with a slightly weak technique as well. 

Consistency is also a part of choosing a racket. When compared to the Voltric Z Force II, Astrox 99 can get a bit difficult to manage. The reason is that the Astrox 99 has a slightly more flexible shaft with a larger frame. However, please remember that once you start understanding the power and flexibility of the racket, you will be able to wield it properly. So, for the two rackets in question, consistency is not a deciding factor. 

6. Sweet Spot Size

The sweet spot is not related to the size of the racket frame. Instead, it means the area on the racket bed that allows you to play your shots accurately and easily. On both rackets, the sweet spots are huge which means even if the shuttlecock hits a bit on the side, you will be able to deliver the shot accurately. 

7. Doubles/Singles Orientation

Although both rackets can be used for doubles as well as singles games, the Yonex Astrox 99 racket is a slightly faster option. It means it is well-suited for the doubles game which requires more agility. The flexible shaft can make your shots quicker than before. For a singles game that requires more accuracy and control along with powerful shots, you can choose the Voltric Z Force II racket. The racket may be a bit sluggish but once you get hold of playing with it, you will be able to connect with the shuttlecock better. If you want to use Yonex Voltric Z Force II for a doubles game, opt for the lighter 4U version. 

8. Design

Although professional badminton players rarely pay attention to design and colors, you can use them as criteria to get more clarity. Made in Japan, the Yonex Astrox 99 comes in a stylish shiny black and sunshine orange color combination. It has gold decals and a black colored shaft. The Voltric Z Force II racket has a menacing black color with blue decals. If you do not prefer flashy colors, you can choose this simple, solid racket. 

So, there you have it! Now that you know all about the different characteristics of Yonex Astrox 99 and Voltric Z Force II, you can make a well-thought decision that enhances your game.

Choose well! 

When it comes to buying a new power badminton racket, Yonex Astrox 99 badminton racket and Voltric Z Force II racket are strong contenders. Choose wisely and get ready to win games!