String Tension of the Badminton Racket: Do not let it give you Tension!

When you are playing badminton, small things play a significant role in helping you win the game. One of the crucial things you should consider before the match is the string tension of your racket.

An ideal string tension will allow you to play your shots accurately. Also, it will tell you about the level of power and control required for the game. So, is the current string tension of your racket proper for you? What should be the ideal number for a beginner? What do advanced players think of it? How to calculate string tension? Let’s begin to answer all the questions.

The Tighter the Strings, the Better it is for you: Is it True?

When you are new to the game, many experienced players advise increasing the string tension. They will tell you that a higher string tension allows them to play the game with more power.

But do not make a blind decision. Understand what works for you. Choosing a string tension can be a process of trial and error, especially if you are still learning different shots and understanding the sport. You can buy a badminton strings combo pack to explore different types of racket strings. By using different types of badminton racket strings, you will find out which one works best for your style.

What are the Best Badminton Racket String Options for Beginners?

Usually, beginners and intermediate players choose a lower string tension (16-24 lbs.) because it offers greater flexibility and a bigger sweet spot. If you have chosen a badminton racket string with low tension, the shuttlecock will bounce off the racket easily without much power. The only problem is that it doesn’t offer you much control over the shot.

So, which badminton string is best suited for a beginner? Remember that durability is the key for newbies because they may not be able to make optimum use of the sweet spot, and there are high chances of the strings breaking down. So, look for durable racket strings with a gauge of more than 0.65mm. We recommend the USA-made NS680 string, Ashaway Zymax 68 TX, Victor VBS-70 Durability strings, and the Yonex BG65 racket string.

You can also experiment with the NS700 Pro badminton strings and NS700 XT racket strings. They have a gauge of 0.70mm with proprietary inner core and premium microfilament outer layer for improved over-all performance.

What do Advanced Players look for in Badminton Strings?

As an advanced player, you have already developed the strength to hit powerful shots. So, you do not need a big sweet spot. Instead, you need improved control and speed over the shots. And, you can achieve it with high string tension (more than 24 lbs.).

You can opt for badminton strings that are specifically designed to give you additional control and repulsion. For example, Yonex Nanogy 98, Yonex BG66 Force, Victor VBS-68 Control, and Ashaway Zymax 62 Fire racket strings.

Is the Current String Tension Right for You?

When you buy a new racket, the approximate string tension will be mentioned by the manufacturer. But, as you play, the string will stretch and lose the tension. So, make sure that you restring your racket regularly.

If you feel that the current string tension is not what it used to be or you simply want to check the number, there are multiple apps such as Stringster and RacketMeter available in the market. Download any of the apps and create a profile with information related to the make and model of the racket.

Also, type in details regarding the last time you strung the racket. Once you have fed all the information into your phone, tap the badminton racket to create vibrations. The app will pick up the vibrations and tell about the approximate string tension.

Checking the string tension will help you to maintain it according to your requirements. It means no unpleasant surprises on the court.