Badminton Stringing Advice: Which String & Tension Should You Choose?

String tension: how many kilograms?

Badminton racket string tension is expressed in kilograms or pounds. The right tension depends on factors such as your playing level, technique, playing style and the type of shuttle you use.

At a lower tension, the sweet spot is larger and the strings make it easier to generate shuttle speed. This makes the racket more forgiving when you do not hit the shuttle exactly in the centre of the string bed.

A higher tension provides a more direct feel and greater control. However, good technique is required. As the tension increases, the sweet spot becomes smaller and you need to hit the shuttle more accurately.

Which string tension suits your level?

• Beginners: approximately 9 to 10 kilograms.
• Advanced players: approximately 10 to 12 kilograms.
• Highly advanced competitive players: 12 kilograms or higher may be suitable, depending on technique, racket and personal preference.

String tension for nylon or feather shuttles

The type of shuttle you mainly play with can also be taken into account when choosing your string tension.

• Nylon shuttles: as a general guideline, we recommend a string tension of approximately 10 kilograms.
• Feather shuttles: as a general guideline, we recommend a string tension of approximately 11 kilograms.

These are general guidelines. Your playing level, technique, racket and personal preferences remain important when determining the final tension.

Which string gauge should you choose?

Badminton strings are available in different gauges. The strings in our range are approximately 0.58 to 0.70 millimetres thick. String thickness affects factors such as feel, control and durability.

Thinner strings generally provide a more direct and crisp feel when hitting the shuttle. The disadvantage is that a thin string can be more vulnerable and may break sooner, especially for players who hit hard or regularly contact the shuttle outside the sweet spot.

• Thin strings, approximately 0.61 to 0.66 mm: suitable for players who value feel and direct response. They often produce a sharper sound when hitting the shuttle, but may not last as long.
• Thicker strings, approximately 0.68 mm and above: are generally more durable and therefore an interesting choice for beginners, recreational players and players who prefer not to have their racket restrung as frequently.

Which badminton string should you choose?

In addition to thickness, every string has its own characteristics. Some players primarily look for durability, while others place more emphasis on feel, power or control.

Durable badminton strings

Examples of strings where durability is an important characteristic include the Yonex BG65 Titanium, Victor VBS-70 and Ashaway ZyMax 70.

Strings for power

If you are looking for a string with a powerful and direct response, options include the Yonex BG80, Ashaway ZyMax 67 and Victor VBS-66 Nano.

Strings for control and feel

For players who value control and feel, the Yonex Aerobite and Yonex Aerobite Boost are interesting options.

At Badmintonplanet, we offer badminton strings from brands including Ashaway, Dunlop, Victor and Yonex. Which string is best for you ultimately depends on your playing style and personal preferences.

How often should you restring a badminton racket?

Badminton strings do not retain the same tension indefinitely. From the moment a racket is strung, the tension gradually decreases, even if the string has not broken.

If you play with the same strings for a long period, the racket may therefore begin to feel different from when it was freshly strung. Regular restringing helps maintain a more consistent playing feel and tension.

Guideline for restringing

• Playing badminton approximately once a week: have your racket restrung at least once a year.
• Playing several times a week or competitively: restringing two to four times a year can be a useful guideline.

How often you need to restring ultimately depends on how intensively you play, the string you use, your string tension and how important a consistent playing feel is to you.

Badminton racket stringing service at Badmintonplanet

You can have your badminton racket professionally restrung at our store in Eindhoven. We use an electronic stringing machine so that the selected tension can be applied accurately.

You choose the string and the number of kilograms yourself. Not sure which combination is right for you? Our specialists can help you choose a string and tension that suit your level, racket and playing style.

In some cases, you can wait while your racket is being restrung for an additional charge of €5 per racket. As this depends on how busy we are, we recommend making an appointment in advance.