How To Choose Badminton Strings And Tension

- All strings, similar to elastic, undergo stretching, which means that over time, the tension in your strings will gradually decrease. This phenomenon is commonly known as "tension creep" and begins from the moment the strings are strung.

- Each racket possesses a specific "sweet spot" - an area around the center of the racket head on the string bed that allows for optimal power generation.

- Novice players often lack the necessary technique and are more prone to striking the shuttlecock on the wrong part of the string bed. Consequently, it is advisable for them to use a lower tension, as it enlarges the sweet spot.

- A higher tension setting can offer increased power and control, but only if the player consistently hits the sweet spot. However, the drawback is that tightly stretched strings are more susceptible to breaking in the event of a miss-hit.

- As a player's consistency and technique improve, they will reap greater benefits from using a higher tension. This allows the shuttlecock to leave the string bed more swiftly, granting them enhanced control over its trajectory.

Opting for a lower tension has the following implications:

• The string bed becomes softer and looser, leading to reduced sensitivity and control over the shuttlecock's placement.
• With a softer and looser string bed, the strings exhibit greater bounce and repulsion. As a result, players can generate power more easily, even if they lack proper technique or strength.
• The larger sweet spot associated with lower tensions offers forgiveness and minimizes the likelihood of string breakage due to mis-hits, making it a more durable option.

Conclusion: Lower tensions are better suited for beginners who are still refining their hitting technique and require additional power in their gameplay.

Opting for a higher tension entails the following:

• The string bed becomes harder and tighter, resulting in increased sensitivity and a heightened ability to control and place the shuttlecock accurately.
• With a harder and tighter string bed, there is reduced bounce and repulsion from the strings. Consequently, generating power requires proper technique and skill on the part of the player.
• The smaller sweet spot associated with higher tensions offers less forgiveness and makes the strings more susceptible to breakage in the event of mis-hits, resulting in reduced durability.

Conclusion: Higher tensions are better suited for advanced players who have developed strong hitting technique and seek enhanced control in their gameplay.

You may have observed that every racket comes with a recommended string tension, typically falling within specific ranges like 17-22 or 20-27 pounds. This recommendation serves to prevent racket damage during stringing. Going beyond this limit can expose the racket to potential harm due to the immense pressure exerted by high string tension. Professional players often string well above the recommended range, often at 30 pounds or more. However, it's important to note that these players are sponsored and do not bear the cost of racket replacement if it breaks. Unless you have a similar sponsorship arrangement, it is not advisable to string outside the recommended tension, and doing so should be at your own discretion. Additionally, adhering to the recommended tension ensures warranty coverage, as straying outside the range voids the warranty.

A common mistake many individuals make is stringing their rackets at excessively high tensions driven by ego. Attempting to generate power at high tensions often leads players to exert excessive force, potentially resulting in shoulder injuries or conditions like tennis elbow.

Here are some suggestions for string tension based on different skill levels:

• Beginner: 17-20 pounds
• Intermediate: 20-24 pounds
• Advanced: 24-27 pounds
• Professional/International: 27 pounds and above

For players using plastic shuttles, it is recommended to lower the string tension by 1-2 pounds. Plastic shuttles require more effort to clear to the baseline due to their heavier weight and distinct flight characteristics compared to feather shuttles. Reducing the string tension provides the additional power needed to assist with clears.

Here is our selection of frequently requested strings, ranked in order of popularity:

Strings for Power

1. EXBOLT 65
2. EXBOLT 63 
3. BG80 
4. BG66 Ultimax
5. VBS63
6. BG80 Power
7. NBG98
8. BG Aerosonic

Strings for Durability

1. BG65 🌱 Great for beginners
2. NBG95
3. BG70P
4. BGSKY
5. VBS69

Strings for Control

1. NBG99
2. BG Aerobite
3. BG Aerobite Boost

For beginners, it is recommended to use thicker strings, as thinner strings are more prone to breaking from mis-hits.

When selecting a badminton string, it is important to consider your playing style, as different strings can enhance specific aspects of the game.