Amanda Knapp
Knowing how to string a badminton racket is essential for any badminton player. The strings in a badminton racket will inevitably need repairing, especially if the racket has seen a lot of use. Restringing a badminton racket can be a tricky process, but with the right tools and knowledge, it is possible to do it yourself. This guide will cover the basics of restringing a Yonex badminton racket, including the correct string tension, the best quality strings, and the ideal stringing pattern. With this knowledge, you can maintain your badminton racket and keep it in top condition for optimal performance.
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right string type: power, control, or durability
When choosing the right badminton string, there are four main things to consider: the desired outcome (power, durability, or control), the ideal string tension, how long the strings will last, and the type of shuttlecocks being used.
Thicker strings are generally more durable and are recommended for plastic shuttles as they tend to degrade strings faster than feather shuttles. Thicker strings are also more resistant to the stresses caused by off-centre hits, making them ideal for beginners who are prone to mishitting the shuttle. They are also ideal for players who train regularly and want to get the best value for money from their strings.
Thinner strings, on the other hand, offer greater repulsion and a clearer sound but tend to be less durable. They are ideal for rear court doubles players and attacking singles players looking to inject pace and power into their game.
If you are an offensive player with consecutive powerful shots, you may want durable strings. If you are a defensive-style player, you may need strings with high repulsion power. Balanced players are more suited to strings that offer optimised control and power.
The tension of the strings also plays a crucial role in power and control. Higher tension provides more power and control but only if the player can consistently hit the sweet spot. Lower tension increases the sweet spot, making it easier for beginners and casual players to generate power.
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Understanding string tension
String tension is an important factor in the performance of a badminton racket. It is measured in either lbs or kg, depending on the country, and typically ranges from 18-34lbs. The higher the tension, the smaller the "sweet spot" on the racket, which is the area that gives you the most power. Therefore, a higher tension provides more control but requires better technique and timing to hit the sweet spot consistently. Advanced players generally prefer higher tensions for this reason.
On the other hand, lower tensions are more suitable for beginners as they increase the size of the sweet spot, making it easier to make powerful hits. Lower tensions also reduce the risk of breaking strings as they provide more "bounce" and are therefore more forgiving of off-centre hits. Beginners are recommended to start with a durability-type string, which is thicker and more resistant to breakage.
When choosing the tension for your badminton racket, it is important to consider your skill level and playing style. If you are a beginner, it is generally recommended to start with a lower tension and gradually increase it as you develop your technique and timing. You can try different tensions to see what works best for you, but remember that the tighter the strings, the more you need to time your shots. Additionally, thinner strings tend to provide better performance but lose their tension faster than thicker strings.
It is also worth noting that the type of shuttlecock you use can impact your choice of string tension. For example, plastic shuttlecocks require more effort to clear, so lowering the string tension can give you the extra power you need.
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Stringing pattern
The stringing pattern of a badminton racket is important to understand before restringing. The process is slightly tricky, and poor string tension will affect performance.
Firstly, measure the size of the string you need and ensure it is synthetic, as these are more durable than gut strings. Thinner strings can improve performance but lose their tension faster. Thicker strings are more durable and are recommended for beginners, who are prone to mishitting the shuttlecock.
Next, select the tension. Tight strings will help you aim the shuttlecock better, but the ideal tension depends on your skill level and comfort. Beginners tend to benefit from lower string tension (16-24 lbs.), which increases flexibility and the size of the racket's 'sweet spot'. More advanced players will prefer higher tension (24-30 lbs.), which delivers greater control.
Now, you can begin stringing. Start from the top centre, and keep on stringing until B9, skipping A7, A9, and A11. Go through B12, directly to A16, then to A14, down to B10, and tie off at B8. Repeat the same procedure on the opposite side. Make a knot at B6 and start crosses from B9. Keep on stringing until A7, skipping A12 and A10, then go directly to A5 and tie off. Repeat the same procedure on the opposite side.
There are variations on this pattern. For example, one variation replaces the sequence after B12 with: "directly to A12, and then straight to A10, down to B10 and tie off at B8". Another variation replaces the same sequence with: "directly to A15, and then straight to A13, down to B10 and tie off at B8".
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Tools required: strings, clippers, awl, pliers, ruler
To restring a badminton racket, you will need the following tools:
Strings
Firstly, you will need to measure the size of the string that you will need for your racket. When buying a replacement string, opt for a synthetic one as they are more durable than gut strings. Thinner strings can help you play better, but they lose their tension faster than thicker strings.
Clippers
You will need clippers to cut the strings to the correct length.
Awl
An awl is a tool used to pierce holes in the racket. You will need this to unblock any blocked string holes in your racket.
Pliers
Pliers are a useful tool to have when restringing a badminton racket, as they can help with tightening and securing the strings.
Ruler
A ruler will help you measure the correct length of string and ensure that the strings are evenly spaced and aligned correctly.
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Steps to string: start from the top centre, string till B9, go through B12, then A16, A14, B10, and tie at B8
To string a badminton racket, you will need a restringing machine, strings, clippers, an awl, pliers, and a ruler. It is important to understand the correct string tension and pattern for your Yonex racket. Thinner strings are better for playing but lose their tension faster than thicker strings.
Now, to the steps for stringing a Yonex badminton racket:
- Start from the top centre and keep on stringing until B9. Skip A7, A9, and A11.
- Go through B12.
- Directly to A16, and then straight to A14.
- Down to B10 and tie off at B8.
- Make a knot at B6.
- Start crosses from B9.
- Keep on stringing until A7. Skip A12 and A10.
- Directly to A5 and tie off.
- Repeat the same procedure on the opposite side.
Remember to note down the pattern of the string on your racket before removing the old strings. Restringing a Yonex badminton racket can be done yourself, but it is a slightly tricky process, so you may prefer to take it to a professional.
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Frequently asked questions
If you are a casual or novice player, you may not need to restring your racket at all. Many rackets are supplied pre-strung by the manufacturer, who will typically use a thicker, more durable string at a low tension. This will usually last a long time before breaking. However, if you are a competitive player looking to maximise your racket's potential, you may want to restring it to customise the tension and type of string. If you break strings on a regular basis, you should also consider restringing with thicker strings.
The type of string you use will depend on your priorities. There are three main categories of badminton string: power, control, and durability. Power strings are designed to inject pace and power into your game and are typically thinner. Control strings are designed to offer more control and are usually textured. Durability strings are thicker and more resistant to damage.
The tension you use will depend on your ability level, the racket tension range, how long you want the strings to last, and the type of shuttle you're playing with. As a general rule, higher tensions are used by more advanced players as they require greater accuracy to make effective use of the smaller "sweet spot".
To restring your badminton racket, you will need strings, a badminton racket, a stringing machine, clippers, an awl, pliers, and a ruler. You may also need a restringing machine, but this is not essential as you can take your racket to a professional to get it repaired.
