Badminton

How to Choose the Right Strings for Your Badminton Racket

Choosing the right strings and its tension is as essential as choosing a racquet. So, don’t prefer the factory made strings which come with your racquet. 

badminton strings
It is essential to choose the right string while buying a badminton racket. Source.

There are two types of strings available in the market – thin strings and thick strings.

These strings are made up of different materials which are listed below:

  • Cup-Stack Carbon Nanotube: This material reduces the cutting of strings at the joints which increases their longevity.
  • Vectran: It features more flexibility and power with the help of its coiled winding. This material also increases the tension of the string.
  • Hydro Titanium: Its coating leaves a sharp feel and also increases the longevity of the string.
  • MultiFilament: The unique thing about this material is its soft feel along with increased durability.

Usually, for beginners, there should be less tension on the strings because that will increase the sweet spot. This will help them perform well since beginners always go through hit-miss during the game.  

Now moving to string tension, there are two categories – lower tension and higher tension.

Lower tension for the strings gives you more powerful performance and increases the longevity of them. While higher tension is good for professionals who want to have better control.

There are specific string tensions for each skill level. Source.

Lower tension comes with the following advantages:

  • enlarged sweet-spot,
  • the durability of the strings
  • more shock absorption
  • cushiony string bed
  • more revulsion from the string.
  • Fewer vibrations travelling to your arm

While higher tensions for strings will cause:

  • Decreased sweet-spot
  • Breaking of strings
  • Less shock
  • Hard feel of string-bed
  • More vibration due to the hard string bed

`The important decision as to whether to have a thinner string or opt for a thicker string.

Opt for a thin string with lower tension for a powerful performance, moderate control and durability. While thinner strings with high tension will provide you with better control and performance but lower longevity.

Thinner strings produce a better solid sound. The only drawback is it isn’t budget-friendly.

Thicker strings with lower tensions are the best for longevity, but provide lower control and power. While thicker strings with tight tension will affect the power of the racket strings. These kinds of strings produce less solid sound.

Here’s your guide to buying Yonex strings:

  • BG-85 if you are a defensive player. It gives you the soft string bed and better control.
  • BG-80 string if you are an offensive player.
  • BG-65 since it’s used by the national badminton team.
  • BG-66 string for beginners since it is thinner.

Tips:

As a beginner, avoid hitting the shuttlecock with the edge of your racquet because that will break the strings. For plastic corks, thicker strings are recommended since the plastic ones damage the strings more easily than the feather cork.

Using the factory made strings is a common mistake which all beginners do. Source.

Invest in a good string material and create the right amount of tension as per your playing style.

Conclusion:

Just like a camera lens improves the photos taken, the right string affects your play.

Also Read: Where Can You Get Badminton Stringing Done in Bangalore

Kameswari Kovvali

A Drifter for now, free thinking and observant. An animal lover especially my pets.I believe in honesty. I'm detail oriented which can be annoying at times.