Let’s be real—I didn’t buy this set to train for the Olympics. I wanted something to dust off during BBQs when uncles start bragging about their ‘hidden athleticism.’ The Franklin set delivered exactly that: chaotic, giggly matches where someone always trips over the guy ropes.

The net surprised me—it took 10 minutes to set up (even while holding a burger) and stayed upright despite my nephew using it as a makeshift limbo stick. The steel rackets feel like they’d survive a tantrum, though the plastic shuttlecocks? Mine arrived looking like wilted flowers. A quick dip in hot water fixed the feathers, but Franklin—maybe bubble-wrap those next time?

Pro tip: Don’t treat the stakes like Thor’s hammer. They snapped when I got overzealous hammering into dry soil. Used tent stakes instead and problem solved. Also stole my tennis grip tape to upgrade the handles—game changer for sweaty hands.

Best moment? Watching my 60-year-old dad dive for a birdie and immediately demand ‘best of three.’ For $26, we got absurd drama, exercise, and blackmail footage. Just don’t expect Wimbledon-level gear.