Carlton Nanoblade Tour + Cover

Head heavy puts more weight behind a smash and suits singles and attacking play. Head light is faster to react with at the net and is the usual choice for doubles, where exchanges are quicker. Even balance splits the difference and is the safest first racket.

Flex describes how much the shaft bends during a swing. A flexible shaft loads and releases with a slower arm, so it does some of the work for you and suits beginners and social players. A stiff shaft only releases if you swing fast, and gives control and accuracy in return. Buying too stiff too early is the most common mistake.

Lower tensions around 20 to 22lb give a trampoline effect and more forgiveness, which suits most club players. Higher tensions of 24lb and above give control and a crisper feel but demand a clean strike and break sooner. Start low and work up.

Feather shuttles fly and decelerate the way the game is designed around, and are what all competitive play uses, but they break quickly. Nylon shuttles last far longer and cost much less, which makes them right for practice, clubs and casual play. Most players use both.