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The string is the most important part of a badminton racket. It is what makes the racket playable, and it determines how well you can play. String comes in different types, each with its characteristics. You should pick a string that will suit your style of play and your desired level of performance. Some strings are better for beginners, while others are best for advanced players.
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Our Top Badminton String Recommendations
Choosing the right string for your badminton game can be a difficult task. There are many factors to consider, such as your level of play and the type of string you want.
One of the most important factors to consider is the level you play. If you’re an advanced player, you’ll want a durable string that provides more power, whereas if you’re a beginner, durability will be less of an issue, and tension will be more critical.
Different types of strings are available today, including the natural gut and synthetic strings (such as polyester). Natural gut strings are thicker than synthetic ones, yet they wear out quicker – this might not be an issue for advanced players who replace their strings often. However, it might be a problem for beginners who have to replace their strings more often because they wear out faster.
Best Overall Strings for Badminton: Yonex BG80
Yonex BG80 is my top pick for a well-rounded performance. It is a popular option amongst intermediate and advanced players.
The string has a decent thickness of 0.0267 inches which is thinner than the Yonex BG65 and thicker than the Yonex BG66 Ultimax. The relatively thick string makes it ideal for consistent performers. Generally, thicker strings do not flex as much as thinner strings. Thinner strings will prevent the shuttle from spending as much time on the bed as thicker strings.
The multifilament nylon string is also flexible with high repulsion for a string at high tension. However, the downside of flexibility is that it will lose tension faster than other strings. It also has a sharp, hard feeling. This can be a drawback for beginners whose hitting techniques are not developed enough to generate ample striking power.
In short, the Yonex BG80 is designed for players who love to hit controlled, powerful shots.
Pros:
- Launches powerful shots due to a concentrated sweet spot.
- The smaller sweet spot also allows for placing accurate shots.
- Highly durable due to a string thickness of 0.0267 inches (0.68mm).
- Good for clearing and smashing shots due to high repulsion.
Cons:
- Wears out faster if the shuttle repeatedly strikes the area outside the sweet spot.
- Loses tension faster due to higher flexibility.
- High Repulsion
- Medium Feeling
- High-Intensity Multifilament Nylon
Best Professional Badminton String: Yonex BG65
Yonex BG65 is gaining immense popularity amongst players due to its key features and comparable price point.
The multifilament material used for the string imparts a soft feel on impact, a characteristic many players favor. However, if you do not prefer softness, you can string your BG65 at 28lbs to 30lbs. It also has a thick string measuring 0.027inches (0.68mm), which makes it more durable than the Yonex BG80.
The string is ideal for playing accurate shots that land precisely where you want. It is also suitable for technical and control shots in doubles matches.
However, the BG65s have a tiny sweet spot. It also has a lower repulsion than BG66 Ultimax. Therefore, generating powerful shots and performing full power smashes becomes challenging unless it is strung at tension over 28 pounds.
These characteristics make it unsuitable for beginners, especially those just learning to play the sport. Imogen Bankier, the English mixed doubles player, uses the Yonex BG65.
Pros:
- Above average thickness of 0.027inches (0.68mm) leads to high durability.
- Provides accurate shot placement in the hands of seasoned players.
- An attractive price point for a quality string.
- It has a soft feeling that is often appreciated by doubles players.
Cons:
- Challenging to hit a powerful shot due.
- Lower repulsion than both BG80 and BG66 Ultimax.
- Pack of 1 (10m/33feet)
- Colour: Amber
- Made in Japan
Best Entry-Level Badminton Strings: Ashaway ZyMax 66 Fire Power
If you are beginning to play badminton, go for the Ashaway ZyMax 66 Fire Power. The main features of the string make it more suitable for beginners.
The BETA polymer string has a gauge of 0.025 inches (0.68mm), slightly thicker than the Yonex BG66 Ultimax. Overall, the string thickness lies in the median range of gauges available for badminton rackets.
The polymer used in its manufacturing makes it quite durable. Consequently, it is known for its superior toughness and minimum tension loss. This means that it maintains its tension for much longer, so you can utilize the string for a longer period.
Even though it is not aimed at giving you a control-oriented game, the 66 Fire Power focuses on providing you with excellent repulsion and increased power in your shots. It is a good option for you if you prefer hitting aggressive shots and playing a high-octane game most of the time.
However, you will have to forgo precision with these strings as they do not allow for as accurate shot placement as the Yonex BG65. The lack of precision and the high power factor makes this budget-friendly string appropriate for beginners.
Pros:
- Optimum toughness and durability make it a long-lasting string.
- Excellent feel and repulsion, ideal for powerful shots.
Cons:
- Not designed to provide a controlled game.
- Lack of shot precision, which makes it unsuitable for advanced players.
Best Badminton Strings for Powerful Shots: Yonex BG66 Ultimax
Advanced players require more command of their shots along with superior quality. The Yonex BG66 Ultimax is great for professional players for several reasons.
The BG66 Ultimax was created as the improved version of the original BG66, which had a high repulsion but lacked durability. The newer variation is more durable without sacrificing repulsion and shot control.
Another version of the string designed to give powerful shots without control is Yonex BG66 Force. However, it still does not offer a better performance than Yonex BG80 on my list.
Coming back to the topic, the Ultimax has a gauge of 0.027inches (0.68mm) that gives it a strong repulsion and a medium feel. The string is great for playing shots with advanced techniques, unlike any other on my list.
Therefore, you can concentrate more on the technical aspect of the shot while the string provides the power to carry it across the net. It has a medium feeling comparable to the Yonex BG80’s hard feel.
Despite its many traits, the string is not used commonly because it is at the steeper end of the price. However, it is a worthwhile investment as it provides maximum performance for world-class players who use this string, including Taufik Hidayat and Chris Adcock.
Pros:
- Balanced strings that provide enhanced shot control.
- High repulsion for powerful shots.
- Capable of handling advanced shot techniques.
Cons:
- More expensive than a lot of its counterparts.
- Less durable and prone to breakage due to a thin gauge.
- High Repulsion
- Medium Feeling
- High-Intensity Multifilament Nylon
Comparison Table of Features
| Yonex BG80 | Yonex BG65 | Ashaway ZyMax 65 Fire Power | Yonex BG66 Ultimax | |
| Gauge | 0.026inches (0.68mm) | 0.027inches (0.70mm) | 0.66 | 0.65 |
| Repulsion | High | Low | High | Low |
| Precision | High | High | Low | High |
How to Choose a Badminton String
Badminton rackets are available to purchase with and without strings. The ones with strings are perfect for recreational players who enjoy a casual game of badminton.
On the other hand, if you want to play a competitive game of badminton or wish to play it professionally someday, you should choose the right badminton string.
String selection depends on your style and level of expertise, as well as your personal preference. The following are the things to consider when choosing a badminton string:
Material
In general, the badminton string material can be divided into two categories; monofilament and multifilament:
Monofilament Strings:
- These are made from a single material: nylon, polyester, or polyether. Typically, polyester is used for badminton rackets.
- These strings are durable because of the singular core that strengthens the string.
- They transmit a lot of shock and vibrations that can transfer to the player’s arm.
Multifilament Strings:
- Multifilament strings are made from a mixture of different materials twisted together. Different strings can have different compositions of nylon, Kevlar, Zyex, and Vectran.
- These filaments have lower durability. They also have a higher elasticity, which means they can generate more power.
- They feel much more comfortable on the arm with their higher shock absorption capabilities.
- For the strings wound at the same tension, the multifilament string will be more flexible than the monofilament one. However, it will also lose tension more easily than the monofilament string.
- All of the Yonex strings on my list are multifilament strings.
Sweet Spot
Sweet spot refers to the area of the string bed that makes the most effective and robust contact with the shuttlecock. Therefore, if you can strike your shuttle with the sweet spot, you will require the slightest effort to generate a relatively powerful shot.
The area of the sweet spot depends on the string tension. A higher tension means a small sweet spot and vice versa. Therefore, beginners are recommended to play with lower-tension badminton strings.
These allow you to make the most of the string bed and manage adequately powered shots even when the shuttle does not land directly on the string bed center.
Yonex BG80 and BG65 have small sweet spots, allowing players to use these strings to strike powerful shots.
Tension
The tension of the strings is how tightly they are wound on the racket. The tension you should choose should be according to your expert level.
- For beginners, a good range is between 20 to 23 pounds of tension so that less shock is transferred to your arm. Lower tension also means a larger sweet spot. This helps the novice players generate enough power to strike the shuttle across the net with less force.
- The ideal range for intermediate players with a few months of experience is approximately 24 to 26 pounds of tension. The range is appropriate for them until they can improve their skills and upper body strength to move on to the next level.
- For advanced-level professional players, the range goes above 30 lbs of tension. A high level of tension allows for accurate shots and enhanced control. However, you also required strength and skill to utilize the elevated string tension.
Repulsion
Repulsion refers to the ability of the string to bounce off the shuttlecock.
- High repulsion means more powerful shots as the shuttles quickly bounce off the string bed. Yonex BG80 and Ashaway ZyMax 65 Fire Power from the list have high repulsion capabilities.
- Low-repulsion strings allow the shuttle to stay on the string bed for longer before it bounces off, resulting in low-powered shots. Yonex BG65 and BG66 Ultimax have low repulsion.
The Technology of the String
Strings are made using different technologies depending on the brand. The aim is to improve various aspects of the string.
For example, some strings are incorporated with propriety fibers to reinforce their strength and resilience, while other technologies improve the tension-holding capabilities of the string. For example:
- Cup-stack carbon nanotube helps achieve great repulsion as well as high durability. These help beginners hit more powerful shots.
- The use of Vectran makes the stings more elastic and stronger. Both professional and casual players alike prefer these strings.
Yonex BH66 Ultimax is an example of advanced technology that upgrades the string for better performance. While it is similar to the original BG66, its core material was improved to high-intensity nylon multifilament to increase its repulsion power, control, and hitting sound.
Gauge
The gauge measurement of a string refers to its thickness. The gauge of a badminton string usually ranges from 0.024inches (0.61mm) to 0.027inches (0.75mm).
However, the thickness range most commonly available is between 0.023 inches (0.60mm) and 0.027inches (0.70mm). The thickness of the string can affect your performance, so you need to choose the string gauge according to your skill level:
- Thicker strings are more appropriate for beginners as they have a more comfortable feel. They cause less vibration when you hit the shuttle, transmitting less shock to your arm.
- They are also more resilient and are less likely to snap during gameplay. However, they add noticeable weight to your racket and are less flexible, so you need more power and strength to use them. You may also feel a difference in connection than thinner strings.
- Advanced players opt for thinner strings. These are more flexible and make a sharp sound connected to the shuttle, which many players prefer. However, they are less durable and lose tension more easily. They are also easier to break in cold, dry regions. Thinner strings are more expensive as well.
Yonex BG66 Ultimax has a thin gauge, while Yonex BG65 is a thick string.
Budget
Your budget can play a massive role in the string you select. However, it is essential to note that the cheapest strings are not usually the best option, especially if they also have low durability. If the string is not durable enough, you will replace it repeatedly, which would increase your overall cost.
Therefore, opt for a slightly more expensive string with higher durability, such as the Yonex BH65 on my list.
Conclusion
Choosing the right badminton string can enhance your game performance and lower the risk of injuries during a game. Depending on your skill level, preference, and budget, you can go for thicker strings strung at lower tension with a larger sweet spot and higher durability or vice versa.
