Best Badminton Strings for Beginners: The 'Safe Defaults'
What you need is durability – so you aren't paying $20 for restringing every two weeks.
This is not a "Top 10 Best Strings" article. You don't need 10 options. You need three safe defaults that work, last, and won't empty your wallet while you're still learning.
Why Durability Matters More Than Performance (For Now)
Here's what happens to beginners who buy "high-performance" thin strings:
- The string snaps after 2-3 weeks of casual play
- They pay $15-25 for restringing
- Repeat every month
- Annual string cost: $150-300+ (more than many rackets!)
Meanwhile, a beginner using durable strings gets months of play from a single restring. That's money saved for shoes, shuttles, or – here's a radical idea – actual coaching.
The 3 Prescriptions
The BG65 is the Toyota Corolla of badminton strings. It's not exciting. It won't impress anyone at the club. Nobody writes glowing reviews about it.
But it works, and it lasts forever.
Why it's the safe default:
- Thick 0.70mm gauge resists mishits and frame clashes
- Lasts 3-4x longer than thin "performance" strings
- Used in clubs worldwide as the standard practice string
- Cheap enough that restringing doesn't hurt
- Consistent, predictable feel – no surprises
The trade-off: It doesn't have that crisp "pop" sound. It feels a bit muted compared to premium strings. But you're a beginner. You can't tell the difference yet anyway, and that's fine.
If you've been playing for 6+ months, your mishits are fewer, and you're starting to care about that crisp "pop" sound when you hit clean – consider BG80.
What you gain:
- That satisfying, sharp hitting sound advanced players love
- Better "feel" and response on clean hits
- Still reasonably durable (thicker than most performance strings)
When to upgrade: You can clear the full court consistently. Your smashes land in the service box (mostly). You've stopped hitting the frame on basic shots.
This is a modern string that breaks the rules. It's thin (0.63mm) but still surprisingly durable thanks to Yonex's newer materials.
Why consider it:
- Better touch and control than BG65
- Thinner gauge provides more "bite" on the shuttle
- Despite being thin, durability is solid for its class
- Good middle ground between beginner durability and intermediate feel
Best for: Beginners who already have decent racket-shuttle contact and want slightly more "feel" without sacrificing too much durability.
Which Should YOU Pick?
- Just starting out / Budget-conscious: BG65. Don't overthink it.
- Playing 6+ months, clean hits, want better sound: BG80.
- Want slightly more feel but still need durability: Exbolt 63.
- Unsure? BG65. It's the safe default for a reason.
What About Tension?
String type is only half the equation. The tension you choose dramatically affects how the string feels and how long it lasts.
As a beginner, lower tension (22-24 lbs) is safer and more forgiving. Higher tensions give more control but break strings faster and require better technique to use effectively.
We cover this in detail in our dedicated guide:
String Tension Guide →Final Word
Stop reading string reviews that talk about "explosive repulsion" and "shuttle hold time." That marketing is aimed at advanced players fine-tuning their setup.
You need strings that stay on your racket while you learn. Pick BG65, tell your stringer "24 lbs," and focus on improving your game. You can geek out about strings later when you actually need to.
New to badminton? Start with our beginner racket guide:
Best Beginner Rackets 2025 →