Best Badminton Strings: I Broke 12 Strings Finding The Right One
Strung my racket with cheap $3 string from the local sports shop. Lasted exactly 4 sessions before it snapped mid-smash during a tournament warmup.
Had to borrow a teammate's racket for the match. It felt completely foreignâdifferent balance, different tension, different everything. Lost badly.
Spent the next 3 months testing every major string brand. Broke 12 strings total. Here's what actually matters.
Why String Choice Actually Matters
Your racket is just a frame. The strings do all the workâthey're what contacts the shuttle, generates power, and provides control.
Wrong string choice means: inconsistent clears, weak smashes, poor control on drops, and frequent breakage. I learned this the expensive way.
Right string makes everything feel crisp, responsive, and predictable. You'll know within 10 minutes if a string works for you.
What I Actually Use: Yonex BG80
$15-18 per string
I've been using BG80 for 18+ months. It's a 0.68mm thin gauge string that gives excellent repulsion (power) and good bite on the shuttle (control).
Lasts me about 2-3 months of twice-weekly play before losing tension. Some players break it faster if they're heavy hittersâbut I value the feel over maximum durability.
Why it works: Thin gauge means better shuttle feel and repulsion. You get more power for less effort. The trade-off is durabilityâthicker strings last longer but feel deader.
Tension I use: 26 lbs. Gives good balance of power and control. Don't go above 28 lbs unless you have perfect techniqueâhigh tension is unforgiving.
Check price on Amazon âFor Maximum Durability: Yonex BG65
$12-15 per string
If you break strings constantly, BG65 is your answer. It's 0.70mm (thicker than BG80) and lasts significantly longer.
I used this for 6 months when I was playing 4-5 times per week. Never broke a single stringâthey just lost tension after 3-4 months.
Trade-off: Slightly less repulsion than BG80. You'll feel a small difference in power, but the durability gain is worth it if you're breaking strings monthly.
View on Amazon âBudget Pick: Li-Ning No. 7
$8-12 per string
Half the price of Yonex strings with 80% of the performance. I recommend these to beginners who aren't sure what tension or gauge they prefer yet.
Decent durability, acceptable feel. Nothing special, but way better than generic no-name strings that snap after 2 weeks.
View on Amazon âString Thickness: What You Need To Know
Thin gauge (0.65-0.68mm): Better feel, more repulsion, breaks faster. Use if you prioritize performance and don't mind restringing every 2-3 months.
Medium gauge (0.69-0.70mm): Balanced durability and feel. Good all-around choice. Most club players use this thickness.
Thick gauge (0.71mm+): Maximum durability, less repulsion. Use if you break strings constantly or hit very hard. Feels slightly dead compared to thinner strings.
I went from 0.70mm to 0.68mm and immediately felt the difference. Clears traveled 1-2 feet further with the same effort. But I broke strings twice as often.
String Tension: Don't Copy The Pros
Pros string at 28-32 lbs because they have perfect technique. If you copy that tension with club-level mechanics, you'll lose power and control.
My experience: Tried 30 lbs because that's what my favorite player uses. My clears barely reached the baseline. Dropped to 26 lbs and everything clicked.
Beginner (0-2 years): 22-24 lbs. Lower tension is more forgiving, generates power easier.
Intermediate (2-5 years): 24-26 lbs. Sweet spot for most club players.
Advanced (5+ years): 26-28 lbs if your technique is solid. Only go higher if you know exactly why.
â ď¸ Tension drops over time: Strings lose 2-3 lbs of tension in the first week, then gradually drop further. If you string at 26 lbs, you're playing at 23-24 lbs after a month. This is normalâdon't panic and restring immediately.
When To Restring
Rule of thumb: restring as many times per year as you play per week. Play twice a week? Restring twice a year minimum.
Signs you need restringing:
⢠Clears falling short that used to reach easily
⢠String bed feels mushy or soft
⢠Strings are visibly frayed or notched
⢠String movement (strings slide around after hits)
I ignored these signs for months and wondered why my game felt off. Fresh strings made everything feel crisp again.
Hybrid Stringing (Advanced)
Some players use different strings for mains (vertical) and crosses (horizontal). For example: thin gauge on mains for power, thick gauge on crosses for durability.
I tried this. Honestly? Didn't notice enough difference to justify the complexity. Stick with one string type unless you're very experienced and know exactly what you want.
đĄ Stringing Cost Tip
Buying string online and getting it strung locally is way cheaper than buying pre-strung rackets or paying shop prices.
My setup: Buy BG80 for $16 online, local shop strings it for $12. Total $28. Same service at the shop with their string costs $40+.
If you play regularly, this saves $50-100 per year.
String Color (Does It Matter?)
Functionally? No. White, black, yellowâall perform identically if it's the same string model.
Psychologically? Maybe. I use white because I can see string wear more easily. Some players swear black strings are harder for opponents to track. Probably placebo, but if it helps your confidence, go for it.
What NOT To Do
Don't use old strings: That string sitting in your garage for 2 years? Throw it out. String degrades over time even when not in use. It'll snap within days of stringing.
Don't string too high: 30+ lbs with club technique = terrible feel and potential frame damage. Work on technique before chasing high tensions.
Don't cheap out completely: $3 no-name strings snap constantly and feel terrible. Spend the extra $8 for a quality string.
My Recommendation
Start with Yonex BG65 at 24-25 lbs. It's durable, affordable, and performs well. Use it for 3-6 months to establish your baseline.
Once you know what you like, experiment with BG80 (more power) or BG80 Power (even more power but less durable) to see if the performance gain is worth the durability trade-off for you.
String choice is personal. What works for me might not work for you. But starting with proven, quality strings saves you from wasting money on garbage that snaps after 2 weeks.