How do you choose the type of Badminton Racket String and tension for your style and skillset?
And the answer is to explore, select, and play. There is no unique solution for all, instead, it is recommended to assess yourself, your options, and objectives to decide on the right string and tension. Right string and tension depend on the skill level and the type of the player. Before the selection of string type and tension, we should know about the sweet spot.
At low tension (18lb-23lb), the sweet spot is bigger, which means that a player can generate power even if the shot was slightly mishit. At high tension (24lb-30lb), the sweet spot is smaller and the power generated is lesser because the strings are tight for the trampoline effect to take place. Control over the shuttle increases because the strings are flatter which is suitable for advanced players who can generate enough power, have excellent basic techniques, and need accuracy in all shots. Recreational/club players can choose a string tension based on the type of game they want to play. If you are lacking in power, you can go for a low tension string that increases the power in each shot. If power and control are both important to you, use a middle-level tension that gives the best of both worlds. Do not let your ‘ego’ affect this decision. Plenty of recreational players strings their racquets beyond the recommended racquet tension because that is what the professionals do. Selection of Badminton Racket String Type Lots of badminton racket strings are available in markets which can create trouble for the badminton players in the selection of their racket strings. Make a purchase of your badminton racket string depending upon your style, level, and play. Let us discuss the factors which influence string selection. Resilience/Durability: If you need more lifetime of the string, thicker badminton strings are needed. This will allow the players to take advantage of additional durability. Badminton Strings such as the Yonex BG 65 string are ideal for all-rounder badminton players. Yonex string package has color code yellow to specify the "DURABILITY". Repulsion: If both durability & repulsion is the choice, then choose thinner strings lesser than 0.70 mm. This variety of ultra-thin badminton strings offers an extraordinary repulsion along with tough strokes. Yonex string package has a color code blue to specify the "REPULSION". Control & Power: If both power & control are your choices, then opt for thinner badminton racket strings, letting you play controlled strokes easily. Moreover, ultra-thin badminton strings offer improved control, powerful smashes, and higher durability. Yonex string package has a color code green to specify the "CONTROL" and pink to specify "HITTING SOUND". Selection of Badminton string tension Badminton string tension is a very personal and subjective thing. Ultimately it should fit your level, your power, and your control. Points to be considered while selecting the string tension.
Skill Level: Low tension (18lbs to 22lbs) is suitable for beginners because lower tension offers a widened sweet-spot area on the racquet. Medium tension (24lbs to 26 lbs) is fit for intermediate players that provide a balance among shot accuracy, power generation, repulsion, and sweet-spot region. High tension (26lbs to 30 lbs) is suitable for professional players who like to play crisp/accurate shots.
String thickness: Higher the thickness of the string, the lower string tension is suggested. For example, thicker 0.7 mm Yonex BG 65 needs low 26 lbs tension, whereas thinner 0.65 mm Yonex BG 66 Ultimax (thin string) can perform better with higher 28 lbs tension. Higher thickness strings are durable.
String life: Racquets strung at lower tensions are more durable compared to higher tensions. Thinner strings usually break faster than thicker strings strung at the same tension.
Racquet compatibility: Refer to the racquet specifications before you string as maximum tension and string compatibility.
String thickness and tension Relationship and their characteristics
Yonex Strings Types, Tension, and their Characteristics
Suggested strings for different types of players and skillsets Strings for Repulsive Power Yonex BG80 Yonex BG66 Ultimax Yonex BG80 Power Strings for Durability Yonex BG65 – Recommended for recreational players – beginners and intermediates Yonex BG65 Titanium Yonex NBG95 Strings for Control Yonex NBG99 Yonex BG Aerobite
Top Strings Review 2021
Buy now Repulsion power 0.68mm Intermediate players and pro players' choice Pros: This string is designed to absorb shock - Good for people with wrist or forearm injuries Offers a soft feel High repulsion Cons: Wears out faster than other strings, can lose tension faster than other strings A bit expensive
0.61mm High repulsion, thinnest in the market, the second thinnest string in the world
Pros :Can be used by beginners to advanced players
Second thinnest string in the world
Offers high repulsion
Cons: Wears out faster than most strings
Yonex BG65
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0.70mm Durable
Pros: Designed for intermediate and advanced players
Offers superior control and accuracy
Durable due to the thickness of the string
Soft feel
Cons: Can hardly generate power
LI-NING NO.1
Li-Ning No 1 Badminton String 0.65mm
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Pro players or those with advanced badminton skills 0.65 mm
Pros: Offers good control
Perfect for players who like the stiff feel for shots
Made for advanced players who like control
Cons: It May wear out fast given its thickness
Drop-in tension after regular use
YONEX BG66 Ultimax
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0.65mm Repulsive Power
Pros: More durable than the older BG66 version
Can generate decent power
Perfect for players who like slicing
Cons: More expensive than the Yonex BG66 string
Yonex BG 65 Ti Titanium
Yonex BG 65 Titanium Badminton Strings, 0.70mm
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0.70 mm Pros: Decent repulsion Durable Good for beginners Cons: Lacks control needed by advanced players and pros Slippery surface due to titanium To compare the BG65 Ti to the BG66 Ultimax, the latter still generates more power Yonex BG68 Yonex BG 68 Titanium Badminton Strings, 0.68mm Buy now 0.68mm Hitting Sound Pros: Durable due to its thickness Gives a sharp and comfortable feel Can also be used by intermediate players Cons: Not designed for beginners Difficult to generate power with your shots Yonex Nanogy 98 Medium Feeling Yonex Nanogy 99 Badminton Strings, 0.69mm Buy now 0.66mm, known for its clear sound and high repulsion Pros: Made use of hydro titanium Gives high repulsion Offers good control for advanced users Cons: Tension loss
