Yonex Strings: Choosing The Right One For Your Game

how to choose yonex badminton string

Choosing the right badminton string is crucial to enhancing your performance and durability. Yonex badminton strings are classified under different categories, namely repulsion, durability, hitting sound, and control. Yonex categorizes its strings based on their highest-rated characteristics, with overlaps between strings in different categories. For instance, the BG 66 Ultimax and Aerobite Boost are both rated 10/10 for control but fall under different categories. When selecting a Yonex badminton string, it is essential to consider all five characteristics – repulsion or quick repulsion, durability, hitting sound, and control. Additionally, Yonex badminton strings come in various packaging options, such as the 10-metre pack, the 200-metre reel, and hybrid pack strings. The choice of string tension is also critical and depends on factors such as player ability and desired string longevity. For beginners, durability strings, such as the Yonex BG65Ti Titanium and Yonex Exbolt 68, are recommended to avoid frequent restringing due to breakage.

Characteristics Values
Durability Thicker strings are more durable and suitable for beginners who are prone to mishitting the shuttle.
Repulsion (or Quick Repulsion) Ultra-thin strings (0.70 mm) offer better repulsion.
Control Textured finish on the string helps get more of a "bite" when hitting the shuttle.
Hitting Sound N/A
Power Thinner strings offer more power.
Tension Higher tension strings require greater skill to use effectively as they have a smaller "sweet spot".

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Durability: Choose thicker strings if you frequently break them

If you're a beginner, you'll benefit from strings that don't break easily, i.e., those with high durability. Thicker strings tend to be more durable than thinner ones. Many Yonex rackets come pre-strung with Yonex BG-3, which is 0.74mm thick and offers excellent durability.

The Yonex BG 65 and Yonex BG 65 Titanium are also known for their durability and are popular worldwide. Both strings are 0.7mm in diameter, which is considered thick for badminton strings.

If you frequently break your strings, you should opt for thicker strings, which will be more durable. However, keep in mind that thinner strings offer better repulsion and a cleaner sound, so you'll need to balance durability with performance.

It's also important to consider string tension when choosing a badminton string. Rackets aimed at beginners typically withstand less tension, as high tension is usually not a priority for new players. As a general rule, the number of times you play badminton in a week is how many times you should have your rackets restrung per year.

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Repulsion: Opt for ultra-thin strings for extraordinary repulsion and powerful strokes

When choosing a badminton string, it's important to consider your playstyle and performance goals. The string you select can significantly impact your shuttlecock feel and the power of your strokes.

If you're seeking extraordinary repulsion and powerful strokes, ultra-thin strings, typically categorised as power or repulsion strings, are the way to go. These strings have a trampoline effect, assisting in pushing the shuttle out on contact and increasing the force of your hits. The Yonex BG80 Power, BG66 Ultimax, Aerosonic, and Exbolt 65 are popular choices in this category.

The thinness of the string, measured in diameter or gauge, is a critical factor in achieving high repulsion. Look for strings with a gauge of 0.68 mm or below, such as the Yonex BG 80, which provides excellent repulsion due to its thin profile. Thinner strings allow for greater shuttlecock speed and a faster release from the racket, resulting in more powerful strokes.

It's worth noting that while thinner strings provide superior repulsion, they may have reduced durability and break more easily. Additionally, the tension of the strings plays a role in repulsion, with lower tension resulting in higher repulsion force. So, if you prioritise repulsion, consider a combination of ultra-thin strings at a lower tension.

Lastly, don't solely rely on the category labels when choosing a string. While Yonex categorises its strings, there may be overlaps in characteristics between different categories. For instance, a string rated highly for control may also possess excellent repulsion qualities. Therefore, examine the ratings for all five characteristics (repulsion, durability, hitting sound, control, and shock absorption) to make an informed decision.

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Control: Textured strings offer more bite and are ideal for front court doubles players

When choosing a badminton string, it's important to consider your playing style and preferences. Textured strings are ideal for players who want more control over their shots. This type of string has a rough or uneven surface that provides extra "bite," allowing for tighter spinning net shots and delicate slices. This makes it perfect for front court doubles players who need to execute precise and controlled shots.

The Yonex Nanogy 99, for example, has a braided fibre construction with a rough coating, providing an excellent bite on the shuttle. It's a popular choice for those wanting to develop advanced technical skills. However, it's important to note that these strings tend to be more expensive.

For beginners, durability is usually a key consideration. Thicker strings are more durable and are often supplied by manufacturers at low tension, making them ideal for novice players as they last longer before breaking. As players improve, they may want to increase the tension for better control and accuracy. This is also when textured strings can be beneficial, as they provide more bite and allow for more sophisticated shots.

When it comes to string tension, it's generally recommended to start with lower tension as a beginner. Lower tension provides a larger "sweet spot" on the racket, making it easier to hit the shuttle consistently. As players advance their skills, they can consider increasing the tension for more control and power. However, higher tension strings are more prone to breakage and require more skill to master as the sweet spot becomes smaller.

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Power: Thinner strings provide improved control and powerful smashes

Yonex badminton strings are classified into three main types: Quick Repulsion, Control, and Durability. Yonex categorizes its strings based on their highest-rated characteristics, which are Repulsion Power or Quick Repulsion, Durability, Hitting Sound, Control, and Shock Absorption. Thinner strings, such as the Yonex BG-66 Ultimax, fall under the Repulsion Power or Quick Repulsion category. With a thickness of 0.65mm, the BG-66 Ultimax is one of the thinnest strings on the market and offers ultimate repulsion and a clear hitting sound.

Thinner strings provide improved control and powerful smashes due to their ability to generate higher repulsion power. Repulsion power is the ability of the string to return to its original shape after impact with the shuttlecock. This allows for more powerful and accurate shots, especially when executing smashes. The quick repulsion of thinner strings also helps players achieve greater shot speed and power.

The BG-66 Ultimax's ultra-thin gauge provides a clear hitting sound and maximum shuttle acceleration, making it ideal for advanced players seeking extra repulsion and next-level control. Another option for powerful performance is the Yonex BG 80 Power badminton string, which is designed for hard hitters. With a thickness of 0.68mm, it combines high-intensity nylon multifilament with Vectran to deliver exceptional power and a solid feel on the court.

When choosing a badminton string for power, it is important to consider the ratings for all five characteristics and not solely depend on the category in which the string is placed. For instance, the BG 66 Ultimax and the Aerobite Boost are both rated 10/10 for control but fall under different categories due to their other characteristics. By examining the ratings for repulsion power, durability, hitting sound, control, and shock absorption, players can make a more informed decision when selecting a badminton string that maximizes power without compromising other important aspects of their game.

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Hitting sound: Yonex categorises strings by their characteristics, including hitting sound

Yonex badminton strings are categorised based on their highest-rated characteristic. The four major categories are durability, repulsion power or quick repulsion, hitting sound, and control. Shock absorption is not a category by itself, but it is a factor that can influence the overall characteristics of a string.

Hitting sound is an important characteristic of badminton strings, as it can affect the feel and touch of the shuttlecock during play. Yonex BG 68 Titanium is an example of a string known for its hitting sound, offering a soft feel when playing and hitting. However, some consider hitting sound a relatively insignificant characteristic, as modern thin strings can produce a good hitting sound as long as the shuttle is hit correctly.

The Yonex BG 65, for example, is a popular choice worldwide due to its excellent durability, with a smooth texture and a "soft feeling". Its Titanium variant has a harder and crisper feel. The Yonex BG 66 Ultimax, on the other hand, offers great repulsion and is recommended for fast players, while the Yonex Aerobite provides plenty of spins and a solid feel for spin shots.

When choosing a badminton string, it is important to consider all five characteristics (including shock absorption) rather than relying solely on the category in which the string is placed. This allows players to make an informed decision based on their playing style and budget, as different strings can significantly impact control and repulsion power.

Frequently asked questions

The main categories of Yonex badminton strings are repulsion, durability, hitting sound, and control.

Beginners are prone to mishitting the shuttle, which causes breaks in the strings. Therefore, durability strings are recommended for beginners as they are thicker and more resistant to damage from off-centre hits. Popular options include Yonex BG65Ti Titanium and Yonex Exbolt 68.

Control strings are designed with a textured finish to provide more "bite" when hitting the shuttle. They are particularly useful for front court doubles players and singles players looking to play tight spinning net shots and delicate slices. Popular options include Yonex Aerobite Boost, Yonex Aerobite, and Yonex BG80.

Repulsion strings provide more power and speed to your shots. If you are looking for both repulsion and durability, opt for strings that are moderately less thick than 0.70 mm. Popular options include Yonex BG-65 and Yonex BG-66 Ultimax.

Hybrid strings, such as the Yonex Aerobite and Aerobite Boost, feature two different types of strings for mains and crosses in a single pack. They offer a combination of characteristics, such as improved repulsion and durability. However, they tend to be more expensive than single strings.

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