Amanda Knapp
Choosing the right badminton racket string can significantly impact a player's performance and reduce the risk of injury. While beginners should opt for durability strings, which are thicker and more resistant to breakage, advanced players tend to prefer higher string tensions for improved control and a better hitting feel. When it comes to professional badminton players, multifilament synthetic strings are often favoured over natural gut strings. Popular options include the Yonex BG-65, Li-Ning No.7, and Yonex BG 65 Ti, Yonex BG 66 Ultimax, and Yonex BG 80. The choice of string depends on various factors, such as the player's style, strength, and physical fitness.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| String type | Multifilament synthetic strings |
| String tension | 24-30 lbs |
| String brands | Yonex, Li-Ning |
| Yonex models | Yonex BG-65, Yonex BG 65 Ti, Yonex BG 66 Ultimax, Yonex BG 80, Yonex Nanogy 95, Yonex Aerobite Boost |
| Li-Ning model | Li-Ning No.7 |
| String gauge | 0.65-0.70 mm |
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What You'll Learn
- Tension: The tension of the strings is key, with higher tension providing more control and lower tension offering a greater 'sweet spot'
- Durability: Strings with a gauge of 0.70 mm or more are more durable and less likely to break
- Power: Thinner strings tend to provide more power, with a diameter of 0.68 or below
- Control: Strings with a textured finish provide more control
- Synthetic vs Gut: Most professionals prefer synthetic multifilament strings over natural gut strings
Tension: The tension of the strings is key, with higher tension providing more control and lower tension offering a greater 'sweet spot'
The tension of a badminton string is a key consideration for players, with different tensions offering different advantages. Higher tension strings provide more control and are typically preferred by advanced players, while lower tension strings offer a greater sweet spot and are more flexible, making them a good choice for beginners.
For beginners, a lower string tension of around 16-24 lbs is generally recommended. This lower tension provides a larger sweet spot, making it easier for novice players to make powerful hits with less effort. It also offers enhanced flexibility, which can be beneficial for players who are still developing their technique. Additionally, lower tension strings tend to be more durable as they can withstand off-centre hits better.
As players advance their skills and gain more experience, they may choose to increase the tension of their strings. Intermediate to advanced level players can consider a tension range of 24-27 lbs. At this level, players have developed sufficient strength and technique to handle higher tension without increasing the risk of injury.
For advanced level competition players, a tension of 28-36 lbs is suitable. This higher tension provides greater control and a better hitting feel, allowing players to execute more advanced shots with precision. It is important to note that higher tension requires more physical strength and can lead to injuries if the player tries to force more power.
The choice of string tension should also consider the type of shuttlecocks being used. When playing with plastic shuttlecocks, it is generally recommended to lower the string tension by 2-3 lbs, as plastic shuttles require more effort to generate power.
Overall, finding the right string tension can significantly impact a player's performance and should be chosen based on their skill level, physical fitness, and playing style.
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Durability: Strings with a gauge of 0.70 mm or more are more durable and less likely to break
When it comes to choosing badminton strings, durability is a key consideration, especially for those who train regularly and want to avoid frequent restringing. Durability strings are typically those with a gauge of 0.70 mm or more, offering increased resistance to breakage.
The Yonex BG65 series is a popular choice for durability, with the BG65 Ti (Titanium) and BG65s variants boasting a 0.70 mm gauge. The BG65 Ti features a compound titanium hydride coating, providing increased strength and control for aggressive players. The BG65s, with its above-average thickness, is highly durable and offers a soft feeling, making it a favourite among players who prefer this sensation when hitting the shuttlecock.
Another option for durability is the Yonex Nanogy 95, which has a 0.69 mm gauge. Its multi-filament construction delivers enhanced stability without sacrificing flexibility, resulting in a robust and sturdy string bed.
For beginners, the BG 65s at around 24 lbs is a suitable starting point. As technique improves, transitioning to strings with higher durability, such as those in the Yonex BG65 series or the Nanogy 95, can provide a more durable option.
While thicker strings generally offer greater durability, it is important to consider the trade-off between durability and tension loss. Thicker strings may experience faster tension loss, leading to a "spongey" racket feel if the initial tension was not sufficiently high. Therefore, players should carefully consider their priorities and playing styles when selecting the optimal string gauge for their needs.
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Power: Thinner strings tend to provide more power, with a diameter of 0.68 or below
The choice of badminton racket string can make a significant difference in a player's performance. The string is considered the most crucial part of the racket. When selecting a string, it is essential to consider factors such as the player's level, style, and physical fitness.
When it comes to achieving power in badminton, thinner strings with a diameter of 0.68 or below are generally preferred. These strings are designed to add pace and power to your game. They are ideal for rear-court doubles players and attacking singles players who want to inject speed and force into their shots.
The Yonex BG80 Power strings, for example, are designed to provide extra power. With a diameter of 0.68 mm, these strings offer increased flexibility, allowing players to execute powerful smashes with precision. The Yonex Nanogy 95 is another option for players seeking durability and speed. These strings have a diameter of 0.69 mm and provide enhanced stability without sacrificing flexibility.
For players who prefer a softer feel when hitting the shuttlecock, the Yonex BG65s are a popular choice. With a thickness of 0.70 mm, these strings offer extreme durability. However, due to their above-average thickness, they may lose tension faster than thinner strings, affecting the overall performance.
It is worth noting that higher string tension does not always equate to more power. In fact, it can be harder to generate power with higher tension, and it may increase the risk of injury, especially in the shoulder. Therefore, it is essential to find the right balance between string thickness, tension, and your playing style to maximize power and performance on the court.
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Control: Strings with a textured finish provide more control
Control strings are an important part of a badminton player's equipment. The right badminton racket string can make a lot of differences to a player's game. The strings are the only point of contact between the shuttle and the racket, and so are key to a player's ability to strike the shuttle effectively.
Control strings are typically designed with a textured finish on the string. This helps the player get a better "feel" when hitting the racket. The rough coating also helps grip the shuttle, giving the player more ability to play controlled spin or slice shots. These strings are perfect for players needing their strings to last a bit longer. They are generally around 0.7 gauge or more.
Control strings are particularly useful to front court doubles players, and singles players looking to play tight spinning net shots and delicate slices. They are also ideal for all-around players who want a mix of power and control and can sacrifice durability for performance.
Beginners are usually unsure about their playing style and how they play. They benefit from strings that don't break as often (high durability) and are at an affordable price instead of offering better control and repulsion (power). For beginners, thicker strings are recommended since thinner strings are easier to break from mishits.
Advanced players, on the other hand, can benefit from higher string tension, which provides more control and a better hitting feel. A higher tension of 24-30 lbs is ideal for advanced players who have a good hitting technique and require more control in their game.
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Synthetic vs Gut: Most professionals prefer synthetic multifilament strings over natural gut strings
Natural gut strings, made from twisted strips of sheep or beef intestines, were the go-to option for badminton racquets many years ago. However, the time-consuming and labour-intensive production process, along with its performance limitations, have led to its decline in popularity. Natural gut strings tend to absorb moisture in humid conditions and lose tension unpredictably, affecting their durability.
Synthetic strings, on the other hand, offer a range of benefits that cater to the needs of badminton players. Synthetic gut strings, introduced in the 1950s, are made from nylon and other synthetic materials, providing a more affordable and durable alternative. They are known for maintaining their tension better than other types of strings, reducing the need for frequent restringing. The soft feel of synthetic gut strings also lowers the risk of arm and wrist injuries, making them a comfortable option for players of all skill levels.
Another type of synthetic string, the multifilament, is also widely used. Multifilament strings are constructed by weaving together thousands of tiny microfibers, resulting in a softer feel compared to synthetic gut. This softness makes them less punishing to the elbow and wrist, which is crucial for reducing injuries and maintaining performance.
The versatility of synthetic strings is another advantage. Badminton players can choose from a wide range of materials, types of construction, and gauges to find the perfect string for their playing style. For example, thinner strings offer better playability, while thicker strings provide durability. The availability of hybrid stringing options, such as the Yonex Aerobite, combines the benefits of both thinner and thicker strings.
While natural gut strings are still available, their high cost and performance inconsistencies have led to their decline in popularity among professional badminton players. Synthetic strings, particularly synthetic gut and multifilament varieties, have emerged as the preferred choice due to their durability, affordability, tension maintenance, and comfort.
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Frequently asked questions
Popular strings used by professionals include Yonex BG-65, Yonex BG 65 Ti, Yonex BG 66 Ultimax, Yonex Nanogy 95, Yonex BG80, and Li-Ning No.7.
The type of shuttlecock you're playing with, your playing style, level, and physical fitness. For instance, if you're playing with plastic shuttlecocks, lower the string tension by 2-3lbs.
There are power, control, and durability strings. Power strings have a thinner gauge, control strings have a textured finish, and durability strings are thicker and more resistant.
It depends on how often you play. If you play 45+ hours per week, you may need to change your strings weekly. For those who play once a week, strings can last 4-5 months.
