To play any sport, you require suitable equipment and gear.
And when it comes to badminton, everyone looks for a perfect racket and a shuttlecock that matches their level of gameplay.
Rather than the racket, you should also choose the strings correctly, as these racket strings may significantly impact your game.
People often indulge in wrong strings tension to their racket, which can cause you an injury or affect the gameplay, but many people aren’t aware of it.
So here I am with my article, which will help you to choose a perfect string for your racket:
Badminton racket string: Guide
Strings are the only point of contact between the shuttlecock and your racket and are vital to a player’s ability to strike the shuttle effectively.
Usually, these strings are made up of nylon, a durable synthetic material available easily within your budget.
Types of strings
These strings are grouped into 3 categories:
1. Power Strings
You might have already guessed the string type from its name.
And yes, power strings deliver maximum repulsion while hitting the shuttlecock.
Also, these strings hold a thinner string diameter gauge of 0.68 or below.
These strings are best for doubles players who love to play on the rear court and attacking singles players.
Some of the best power strings are:
- Yonex BG80 Power.
- Yonex BG66 Ultimax.
- Yonex Nanology BG98.
- Yonex BG Aerosonic.
- Babolat I-Feel 66.
- Ashaway Zymax 64 TX.
- Ashaway Zymax 66 Fire Power.
2. Control Strings
Such strings are usually designed with more of a textured finish, which helps you get more feel while hitting the shuttle.
The rough coating on these strings also grips the shuttle, which allows the player to perform more controlled, spin and sliced shots.
These strings are best for badminton doubles players who love to play on the front court and singles players who love to perform some controlled shots.
Some of the best control strings are:
- Yonex Nanology BG99.
- Yonex BG Aerobie.
- Yonex BG80.
- Babolat I-Feel 68.
- Ashaway Zymax 66 Fire.
- Ashaway Zymax 68 TX.
3. Durability Strings
These strings are suitable for those players who want their strings to last longer.
Generally, the diameter of durability strings is around 0.7 gauge or more.
Also, these strings are best for those players who have hectic training schedules or want reliability in their strings for matches.
Some of the best durability strings are:
- Yonex BG65 (Particularly suitable for beginners).
- Yonex BG65Ti Titanium.
- Yonex Nanology 95.
- Babolat I-Feel 70.
- Ashaway Zymax 69 Fire.
How to choose a badminton string?
There are five main features of a string, which help you to choose a suitable one for your racket:
1. String gauge
String gauge usually refers to the thickness of the strings, which lets you know about the feel and texture of the strings.
Generally, the thickness of these strings measures around 0.61 mm to 0.75 mm and the thicker the string, the more durable it is.
Thicker strings are usually 0.70mm gauges, whereas the thinnest string is currently 0.62 mm..
2. Feel of the string
Usually, the string’s core and its coating determine its feel.
Strings will have a soft, medium or rigid feeling, which decides the string’s performance.
The string core is determined by the materials used to make the string.
Usually, the materials used in the string core are related to how thick the string is, which will inevitably impact the feel.
3. Resilence/ Durability
If you often break down your strings, opt for thicker strings, which will help you take advantage of additional durability.
I recommend you go for strings such as Yonex BG 65 string is ideal for all-rounder badminton players.
4. Repulsion
If you are looking for durable and repulsive strings for your racket, opt for those strings which are moderately less thick than 0.70 mm.
Such an ultra-thin racket gauge will offer you great repulsion and powerful strokes.
5. Control and Power
If you are looking for a racket string that is indulged in a combination of both power & control, then opt for a thinner racket string, which will allow you to play some controlled strokes easily.
As ultra-thin strings (thickness approx 0.60 mm) will help you break smashes easily.
Also, such strings offer improved control, powerful smashes, and higher durability.
What badminton string should you use?
My many years of playing experience suggest you opt for suitable racket strings according to your ability and game level.
And while opting for a racket string, you also need to keep these 4 things in your mind:
- Player ability.
- Racket string tension.
- String durability.
- Types of shuttle you’re playing with.
In brief:
| Player Level | String Tension | Power Access | Control and Feel | Durability | Rebound |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beginners | Low (16-22lbs) | Easy | Low | High | High |
| Intermediates | Medium (23-26lbs) | Medium | Medium | Medium | Medium |
| Professionals | High (27lbs+) | Difficult | High | Low | Low |
Final Words
Usually, players string their badminton racket with high tension just because that’s what the professionals do, falsely believing it’ll mean they will have more power.
But remember, it’s harder to generate power with higher tension as it can lead you to face a severe injury later, particularly in the shoulder and elbow.
So, if you want to play effectively and safely, choose the correct string and indulge in the proper string tension to your racket wisely.
And in case you face any problems or is there any question going in your mind, then feel free to ask us or pin them up in the comment section below.