A badminton set generally includes a net, a few rackets, and some shuttlecocks.  The net can be anything from an inexpensive flimsy net with thin aluminum poles that are staked in the ground to a durable and high quality net that will withstand the stress of competitive use over time.  A cheap set may only get you through one season of play, primarily because the net will probably wind up breaking or ripping after awhile or the support poles will not last long.  So, even if you’re not interested in competitive play, you may want to get a higher quality badminton net so that it will last you for a number of years.

As for badminton rackets, there is a big difference in quality between a basic backyard badminton set and a competitive badminton set.  The backyard variety will contain inexpensive rackets with cheap nylon strings.  There will not be a choice of racket weights or lengths in the set.  Most of the time, you can find a 4 player badminton set, which means that it will contain 4 rackets.  Since badminton is most often played as a doubles game, this is the most popular option.

Shuttlecocks are another feature included in badminton sets.  A basic backyard or garden badminton set will contain a couple of plastic shuttlecocks.  These will allow you to play the game for awhile, but if you start swinging at them too hard, the plastic may break and when that happens, you will need to replace them.  More competitive players or professionals use feather shuttlecocks, but you will usually only find these in a badminton pro set, or you will have to purchase them separately.

Aside from the difference in quality that can be found in badminton sets depending on whether you want a basic backyard game or one geared for more competitive pursuits, you will also have a choice of whether you want just a badminton set on its own or a badminton volleyball set.  The former will have all of the items just outlined above.  The latter will also include a volleyball and the included net can then be used interchangeably between a game of badminton or volleyball.

You can find badminton sets for sale at most retailers that sell sports equipment or toys and games.  This includes sporting goods stores, toy stores, big box stores (such as WalMart and Target), and similar type stores.  If you want a professional set, you will have to go to a sporting goods store, or you may need to search for a badminton set online to find the particular options you need.  Badminton set prices will vary based on the quality of the items included in the set, but once you know what you want it is best to look online to compare prices.    Sometimes you can find great prices on badminton sets at places like amazon.com, Ebay, and even craigslist.

No matter what type of badminton set you decide on, you will enjoy this fun racket sport.  Whether you choose an inexpensive badminton and volleyball set so you can set up your backyard for an informal game with your kids or you prefer a pro badminton set because you are interested in more competitive competition, owning a set of your own is sure to bring you and your family hours of fun and great exercise.