One of the things required in playing badminton is the right gear. You will need to have the right racket and the right strings to get started. The right badminton string can make a huge difference whether you are a beginner or a pro. Choose something too thin, and you compromise the durability. On the other hand, choose something too thick and get less repulsion. The good news is that the best badminton strings differ from one person to the next.
Your choice for the right strings will differ depending on several factors. Here are some of the best options in today’s market.
Table of Contents
Best Badminton Strings Review
Yonex BG 80
The Yonex BG80 string is a popular option for a lot of intermediate players and pros. With thickness measuring 0.68mm and material made of multifilament nylon, it is preferred by people who are suffering from different arm injuries. This string is designed to absorb shock. However, the drawback is that it can lose tension faster than other strings in the market.
For the Yonex BG80, you can expect high repulsion in your gameplay. It also provides users a medium feel. If you will ask other players, they will even say that this string offers a soft feel. However, the Yonex BG80 is considered a bit pricey than other products in the market.
This string is made in Japan, which could attest to its quality and how it can help you with your gameplay especially if you want to lessen the stress in your joints and your forearm. What you will notice also is that you get decent power and control in the Yonex BG 80 string.
Pros:
- Good for people with wrist or forearm injury
- Offers a soft feel
- High repulsion
Cons:
- Wears out faster than other strings
- A bit expensive
Yonex Aerosonic Badminton String
The Yonex Aerosonic Badminton String is a 0.61mm gauge badminton string. This string is made from Japan which makes it a favorite by many players. It offers high repulsion for its users making it a good option for those who are trying to learn the sport. Among Yonex strings, it is among the thinnest in the market. It is the second thinnest string in the world next to Kizuna’s Z58. Unfortunately, it means that it also gives out faster than other strings out there.
The good thing about the BG Aerosonic Badminton String is that it works well on different tensions. You can use it and experience a loud sound once strung at 28 pounds. And also, it gives high repulsion at 24 to 26 pounds. For advanced players, they usually have tension at around 27 to 29 pounds which significantly increases control.
Pros:
- Can be used by beginners to advanced players
- Second thinnest string in the world
- Offers high repulsion
Cons:
- Wears out faster than most strings
Yonex BG-65
Yonex BG65 is growing in popularity among players these days. One of the reasons for its popularity is its thickness. The Yonex BG 65 string has a gauge of 0.70mm. In addition to this, it is made of multifilament material that offers durability and soft feel on impact.
The downside to the Yonex BG 65 is that it can hardly generate powerful shots. It means that if you are a beginner who is still trying to learn how to play badminton, this might not be the right string for you. However, it is a favorite among advanced and intermediate players since it offers accurate shots plus it is dependable given its extreme durability. If you are also on a budget, you can save a lot of money with it because it can last longer than most strings. Among popular pros that pick BG 65 is Imogen Bankier.
Pros:
- Designed for intermediate and advanced players
- Offers superior control and accuracy
- Durable due to the thickness of the string
- Soft feel
Cons:
- Can hardly generate power
LI-NING Badminton Racket String NO.1 High Rebound String for Racket
The Li-Ning Badminton Racket String No.1 is a highly suggested option for those who are pros or those with advanced badminton skills. For starters, the suggested tension for the Li-Ning Badminton Racket String No.1 is set at 33 pounds. In addition to this, it has a 0.65 mm thickness which means that it is thin offering control for players.
However, can someone with lesser badminton proficiency use this? You can also set the tension at 24-26 pounds if you wish to adjust the repulsion of your shots. You might also notice that the Li-Ning Badminton No.1 gives a “stiff” feel once you use it for a while. It is unlike other strings that typically drop in tension after regular use.
Pros:
- Offers good control
- Perfect for players who like the stiff feel for shots
- Made for advanced players who like control
Cons:
- May wear out fast given its thickness
YONEX BG66 Ultimax Badminton String – 200m Reel
If you are familiar with Yonex Strings and wondering what’s the difference between BG66 and the BG66 Ultimax, the latter is the improved version.
Among the most common complaints about the BG66 is its durability. With a thickness of 0.65mm, it’s a trade-off that players are usually willing to make. With the Yonex BG66 Ultimax, the company made sure that this version is more durable without letting go of the things that made BG66 popular such as power.
If you are an advanced player, you will have fun slicing using the BG66 Ultimax string. It also gives you a good feel. One thing that makes people choose the BG66 over the BG66 Ultimax is the price. The BG66 is more expensive than the older version.
Pros:
- More durable than the older BG66 version
- Can generate decent power
- Perfect for players who like slicing
Cons:
- More expensive than the Yonex BG66 string
Yonex BG 65 Ti Titanium
The Yonex BG65 string became popular for its thickness of 0.70mm. Because of its thickness plus its titanium coating, it has gained a reputation for being a durable option for badminton players. And because of the titanium coating, you can also expect a hard feeling when playing the Yonex BG65 Ti.
The BG65 Ti also provides a decent repulsion for every hit especially at around 27 pounds tension. It means that it requires less effort in case you want to generate power in your shots. However, if you are going to compare the BG65 Ti to the BG66 Ultimax, the latter still generates more power. And also, you have to anticipate that the surface of the string is slipper mainly because of the titanium coating used by Yonex in this string. And also, this string lacks control that advanced players usually expect from their string.
Pros:
- Decent repulsion
- Durable
- Good for beginners
Cons:
- Lacks control needed by advanced players and pros
- Slippery surface due to titanium
Yonex BG68 Ti Titanium
The Yonex BG68 Ti is one of the best hybrid string combinations that you can enjoy given the sharp and comfortable feel that it leaves its user. This helped a lot of advanced players especially when the game is quite demanding. Recommended tension is at 28 pounds to bring a balance in control and power. Since it has a thickness of 0.68mm, it offers durability that can last for a good number of games.
It is also a good option for intermediate players who want to generate power with their shots. You can set the tension at around 25 pounds and experience good repulsion using this string. However, if you are a novice player, you might find a difficult time to generate power with your shots using this string.
Pros:
- Durable due to its thickness
- Gives a sharp and comfortable feel
- Can also be used by intermediate players
Cons:
- Not designed for beginners
Yonex Nanogy 98 Medium Feeling
Yonex Nanogy 98 is a 0.66mm gauge badminton string known for its clear sound and high repulsion. Though it is thin, the Yonex Nanogy 98 is known for its durability. Part of the reason is its multifilament and hydro titanium construction.
The main drawback when playing with the Yonex Nanogy 98 is the tension loss. For this reason, you might want to set the tension between 24 to 27 pounds. This can help reduce tension loss. Unfortunately, you also lose a certain level of control when playing.
So who typically uses the Yonex Nanogy 98 string? Given the power it generates, no wonder a lot of beginners love this string. However, some advanced players like this simply because it isn’t too thin and it doesn’t compromise on control.
Pros:
- Made use of hydro titanium
- Gives high repulsion
- Offers good control for advanced users
Cons:
- Tension loss
How to Choose Good Badminton Strings
Badminton can go with or without strings. The reason for those sold without strings is quite simple. It allows players to choose which option fits their style and their level of expertise. For instance, a durable string may give you more playing time than the thinner ones in the market. It also means that the best racquet strings can differ depending on which player you talk to.
Badminton gutting is the process of replacing the factory strings. It can be because you want something that has more tension or something that has more bounce to it. Do you go for a BG65 string or the improved BG66 string?
If you are going to purchase badminton strings for your racket, you first need to be familiar with a few things. These are some of the factors that you need to always consider first.
Consider tension on your strings
The first thing that you will have to consider when getting badminton racket strings is the tension. Badminton racket tension affects a badminton game in different ways. If you are going to play with a low tension string, it means that it requires less power as you hit the shuttle. The reason is that it has more bounce than high tension strings.
To give you an idea about the right tension that you should go for, you want to consider your level of expertise. Casual players or those who are still considered a novice in playing badminton can choose to have strings at a 20 to 23-pound tension. This allows the largest sweet spot when playing badminton not to mention it also lessens the amount of force you need to generate to get the shuttle to the other side.
Next, you have those intermediate players that typically use around 24 to 25 pounds of tension. These are for players that have some months if not a few years of experience but not enough to be considered a pro-level badminton player.
The ideal badminton racket string tension for pros goes all the way from 30 pounds or even higher. The reason for this high level of tension is to have control accuracy. However, there is also a downside to this setup. More impact is usually transferred on the player’s wrist. Therefore, if you have an injury, you might as well stick to lower tension strings.
Shock absorption capability
People often overlook the ability of the strings to absorb impact. Of course, badminton is less taxing to the joints and your forearms than tennis. However, if you are playing for long durations or if you have an existing injury, it might be a good idea to take a closer look at your strings.
If you want to increase the ability of the strings to lessen tension on your forearm, then might as well go for low tension strings.
Badminton strings with lower tension go from 18 to 23 pounds. There are advantages to this type of set up. It can be a good option for those who are injured with their wrists. Lower tension means that the shuttle gets more bounce, therefore you experience less impact in your forearm and wrist. Next, these types of strings can also last longer even if the shuttle hits it.
The thickness of the string
The thickness of the strings is also important. The diameter of strings in the market can range from 0.66mm to 0.70mm. If you are going to look at the pros, they’d most likely pick the thinner ones. Unfortunately, the thinner once can also wear out quicker than the thicker version.
Consider the Material of your racquet
When buying badminton racquet strings, you will also have to consider the material of your racket. If you are going to use plastic racquets, these are known to damage your strings. Also, if you are going to use a lightweight racket and combine it with high tension strings, both offer minimum shock absorption capability.
Sweet Spot
Another important consideration is the badminton sweet spot. The sweet spot is usually found in the middle of your racquet. This is where the racquet can produce the most power when you hit the shuttle. Now, how does the string affect the sweet spot? Strings with less tension offer a bigger sweet spot.
However, you also have to consider the drawback when you choose to make the sweet spot bigger. By making the sweet spot in your badminton racket bigger, you are compromising the overall accuracy of your shots.
Who should go for strings that provide a bigger sweet spot? If you are a beginner trying to learn the game, this can be a perfect way to help you develop your skills.
The technology used on the strings
Not all strings are made the same. Some brands incorporate different technologies to improve different aspects of the string. For instance, some brands used proprietary fibers in their strings to reinforce strength and overall durability. On the other hand, some technologies improve the tension holding capacity of the strings.
Some of the best hybrid string combinations even use technology that can provide both speed and durability to its users.
The cup-stack carbon nanotube is gaining popularity as it helps minimize the notching of the strings. It offers higher durability and power that helps beginners with their shots. For those looking for elasticity, you can look for strings that made use of Vectran. Vectran offers both strength and elasticity making it another top choice among pros and casual players.
Budget
Next is to know how much you are willing to spend on strings. One thing that you have to understand though is the cheapest option isn’t always the best. There are badminton strings that are priced premium for a reason. It could be due to the proprietary technology used in the strings or it could be the overall durability that it offers.
However, you can be a smart buyer when selecting the right badminton string. Aside from the price, you also want to take a closer look at available badminton string review sites. Try to see what other players say about a particular product. From here, you can compare products that are close to your budget.
FAQ
What Are Badminton Strings Made Of?
Most badminton strings feature nylon material. The chief advantages of nylon include being affordable, sturdy, and lasting long.
Besides nylon, some strings also employ a natural gut. When you compare it to nylon, it offers an improved feel, power, and control.
Furthermore, it registers fewer vibrations to the player’s hands. But it isn’t as durable as a nylon material.
How Often Should I Replace Badminton Strings?
The frequency for replacing badminton strings differs from professionals, intermediate, to beginner players. Professionals string their racquets very often, even before every big match. That way, they can reap optimum performance in every tournament.
Most badminton players advocate for intermediate players to yearly restringing their rackets at a frequency that’s directly proportional to the number of times they play in a week.
That is, if you play twice a week, then you need to restring twice a year. A slight decrease in the string tension won’t significantly affect a beginner’s game. So the novice players restring less often than intermediate players.
What are the Famous Badminton String Brands?
The famous badminton string brands include Yonex, Li-ning, Ashaway, and Babolat. Such top brands offer strings such as the Yonex BG65, Ashaway Zymax 66 power badminton strings, Li-Ning No. 1 badminton string, and Babolat Finebraid 0.70 badminton string.
What Badminton Strings Do Professional Players Use?
Most professional players use top badminton string brand Yonex. Advanced players such as Lin Dan, Pusarla Sindhu, and Lee Chong Wei prefer badminton strings such as Yonex BG 80, Yonex BG 66, and Yonex BG 65 Ti.
What String Tension Should I Choose for My Badminton Racket?
The badminton string tension for a player depends on several factors. That includes skill level, physical fitness, type of shuttle you use, and the game style.
With that said, generally, beginner players use string tension of 16 to 22lbs. That gives high string rebound, power, and durability.
The intermediate players fit a string tension of 23 to 26lbs. Such tension provides balanced features of power, control, and durability.
Most professional badminton players are happy with a string tension of at least 27lbs. Remember, the advanced badminton players prioritize control and feel of the shuttle.
Which Badminton String is Best for Smashing?
The ability to deliver smashing shots depends on several factors. That is the string tension, type of string, your consistency with the sweet spot, and how efficiently you can harness power from your arms.
With that said, most players agree that the Yonex Aerosonics strings deliver on badminton smashes. The thin string and high repulsion ability adapt the strings for the task.
Conclusion
Whether you are a beginner or an advanced player, it is important to have the right string for your badminton racket. There are a lot of things that you will need to consider from badminton string tension to its durability.
The good news is that there are a lot of options that are now available in the market. Companies are improving their technology to cater to the demands of their market. Some brands even use proprietary technology to get ahead of their competition.
Ultimately, you will have to know yourself as a badminton player if you are going to buy badminton strings. Your current injury, skill level, and your budget are just some of the things that you might want to consider before you buy one.