Racket String Near Me? The 165 New Answer

This article was co-authored by Peter Fryer. Peter Fryer is a tennis writer and coach based in Derry, Northern Ireland. He completed his professional tennis teaching qualification shortly after graduating from university and has been teaching tennis for over 13 years. Peter started the Love Tennis blog in 2010 and contributes to the BBC and national media. This article has been viewed 110,366 times.

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If your tennis racquet is old or damaged, you can re-strung it without having to buy a new racquet. If you don’t play tennis that often, it’s cheaper to pay someone to restring your racquet. However, if you play tennis several times a week, investing a few hundred dollars in a stringing machine can be worthwhile. Nylon is the cheapest and most popular string, but you can also buy polyester, kevlar, or natural gut strings for a more professional feel. After cutting off the old strings with a sharp knife, mount your racquet in the machine and thread the new strings. Start with the vertical strands, then weave the horizontal strands below and above. For more tips from our tennis co-author, including choosing your stringing pattern, read on!

My strings are fine for a few more months – I paid good money for them, they last, so what’s the problem?

The problem is that failing to change strings often enough can be detrimental to a player’s game and health. “Most people underestimate the effect a leftover string has on their game and their body,” says Dennis Fabian, Global Business Manager of HEAD’s Accessories Division.

A tennis racket used by Switzerland’s Roger Federer against Rafael Nadal in the 2011 French Open final has been auctioned for a record price.

The red and white Wilson Six One Tour model fetched $55,000 (£42,000/€46,000) at Goldin Auctions’ online sale.

That’s the highest amount anyone has ever paid at auction for a racquet used by a male player.

The highest price to date was in 2007 when a collector paid $32,000 (£24,000/€27,000) for the wooden Slazenger racquet used by Britain’s Fred Perry in the 1934 Wimbledon final when he won the first of three consecutive singles titles.

The most a racquet fetched at auction was two years ago when a different Wilson model was used by American legend Billie Jean King when he was winning former world number one and ex-Wimbledon and US Open champion Bobby Riggs in an exhibition match defeated Houston in 1973, sold for $125,000 (£95,000 / €105,000)

The Donnay racquet used by Swede Björn Borg in his 1981 loss to John McEnroe at Wimbledon was sold by Christie’s in London 13 years ago for $18,500 (£14,000/€15.00).

Last December, Goldin Auctions sold Serena Williams’ broken racquet from her infamous 2018 US Open final loss to Japan’s Naomi Osaka for $20,910 (£15,900/€17,500).

The red and white Wilson Six One Tour model used by Roger Federer in his last loss to Rafael Nadal at the 2011 French Open broke the auction record for a men’s tennis racket ©Getty Images

Federer’s bat included a letter of authenticity from his agent and a Beckett authentication for the autograph.

Goldin Auctions described it as “an incredible piece of tennis history”.

At the final at the Stade Roland Garros in Paris, Federer attempted to become the first male player in the Open era and only the third man overall to achieve a double-career Grand Slam.

Nadal was the defending champion and the Spaniard successfully defended his crown, defeating his long-time rival 7-5 7-6 5-7 6-1 to claim the sixth French Open title of his career.

Federer also lost to Nadal in the French Open finals in 2007 and 2008 but won the title in 2009, beating Sweden’s Robin Söderling 6-1 7-6 6-4 in the final.

In total, Federer has won 20 Grand Slam singles titles – with Nadal, the most in history for a male player.

When it comes to racquet stringing, most ATP players use on-site stringers provided by tournaments and charge a small fee for racquet stringing (set at a maximum of $20/€20 per racquet).

While that’s more than good enough for the vast majority of pros, there is a select group of players who leave nothing to chance and want the same racquet strings week after week.

This desire for consistency created the niche market of personal stringing, and perhaps the best known of these companies is Priority One.

The Florida based company has mentored several top players over the years including Pete Sampras, Tim Henman, Roger Federer, Stan Wawrinka, Andy Murray, Milos Raonic and John Isner to name a few.

Meet Ron Yu – Federer’s personal stringer

Ron Yu has personally strung Federer’s racquet for the past 15 years. He strings nine new ones before every single match, Federer plays with a hybrid string setup made of natural gut and Luxilon Alu Power Rough. These are all done with Roger’s desired string tension and completed with a white overgrip, Wilson jig, string savers and power pads.

How much does Federer pay for racquet stringing?

I had long wondered how much Federer paid for this tailor-made service. During the Swiss Indoors in Basel, Swiss TV broadcaster SRF spoke to Priority One’s Ron Yu, who revealed that the package Federer is on costs $40,000 a year. Thanks also to Brian for tweeting about it earlier this year, otherwise I would never have seen it.

This fee covers him for all four Grand Slams, the Masters 1000 events and some of the ATP 500 events he competes in such as Dubai, Halle and Basel.

Assuming Priority One was even seventeen of the tournaments Federer played in 2019 (although I don’t think they make the Laver Cup), that makes $2350 per tournament.

Expressed as a percentage of prize money, Federer won $8,716,975 in 2019, which means he spent 0.5% of his on-court earnings on racquet stringing.

Has the consistency and quality of Priority One’s work contributed more than 0.5% to his game? You would have to believe that, and if you asked a player what percentage of importance they gave the strings, I think they would all give a much higher number. So should Nate and Ron charge more? 🙂

As a headline number it certainly sounds low, but these guys know the market inside out and it’s a difficult service to price. There’s a fine line between players using a personal stringer and simply dismissing them to use on-site stringers instead.

Also, it’s probably not a good example of using Federer as he was one of the top earners in 2019. Some of their other clients like Tsonga spent 3.7% of their prize money on stringing and Raonic spent 3.1%. They’ve both made over $1 million, which is still well above average, so that’s a bit more realistic.

We also do not know which services are outside the scope of the Gold package and are billed separately. How readily bonuses are thrown for tournament wins. Or if Federer handles their travel and accommodation in places like Halle where he is the only guy in the draw using their services which would help profitably.

Is personal stringing a business you want to get into? I would have to say no. I know from stringing my racquet that it’s a tough job, hard on the fingers and repetitive. It’s also not my preferred model since you’re trading time for money, which makes it harder to scale. The moment you ditch that stringing machine, you stop making money.

Ten players on the books would give you $400,000 a year, minus all travel expenses over the calendar year, so not bad, but combine that with the US taxing worldwide income even if you spend 200 days a year outside of the country Job that makes you filthy rich, but now and then has a few perks and you can sit in Federer’s box 🙂

Was $40,000 higher or lower than expected? Let me know in the comments.

From time to time you need to give your racquet a makeover. How often you ask? Well, the general rule of thumb is that you need to replace your strings as many times as you play per week. For example, if you play four times a week, you should restring the racquet at least four times a year.

With all the re-stringing, would it be better to just buy a new racquet? Let’s compare that today. Over time and with play, strings lose their elasticity, so it’s important to know if you need to replace or re-string them when they start to negatively affect your movements on the court.

restringing

As previously mentioned, the general rule of thumb for restringing a tennis racquet depends on how much you play per week. If you play 3 or 4 times a week, consider changing the strings at least 3 to 4 times a year.

New strings ensure quality performance. Since your power and control on the court is highly dependent on the tension of the strings, keeping it up to date is crucial.

Most avid players have at least two racquets in their bag – having a backup nearby is crucial. What if a string breaks? Well, that’s just one more reason to make sure your frames are re-strung with fresh strings as often as needed. And sometimes you can tell it just by looking at it. If they’re looking a little shabby, frayed or sagging, that’s a clear sign it’s time to re-string them.

Often you will even be able to feel or even hear the difference in your swing. If either one doesn’t seem right, that’s another sign it’s time to pull the strings.

Substitute

How do you know when it’s time to buy something brand new instead of investing in new strings? Well, that’s really up to the player!

Upgrading your racquet

As you move up the ranks, you may want to start buying a more advanced racquet. Many kids start out with youth racquets that are made for beginners, so it’s in their interest to get a better design to keep their game on track. And sometimes you might not just want to re-string your current racquet, you might want to buy a new one as a backup.

Extending racquet life

The life expectancy of your racquet varies. But there are a few key signs to look out for that will tell you when it’s time to start buying a new one. Sometimes re-stringing is not enough as the problems can be in the grip or in the frame itself. In fact, if you re-string your racquet and end up not feeling a difference in your swing, it’s time to go shopping.

The post-stringing also affects the frame. So the more you re-string, the heavier the toll your frame takes. But you can have the grommet strip replaced when you re-stretch, which will help extend the life of your racquet without having to buy a whole new one too soon.

By: Tim Hahn, Owner of Aspen Hill Pro Shop

As a general rule, you should re-string as many times per year as you play per week. If you play twice a week, you should restring your racquet twice a year. All strings will gradually stretch and lose tension or go dead, even if you rarely play. When this happens, start swinging harder, gripping the racquet tighter to get the same results with the ball.

Swinging harder and gripping tighter makes control more difficult, fatigue sets in early and can even contribute to tennis elbow. fresh strings will help your racquet play the way it was intended. If you have questions about racquets or re-stringing please visit the Aspen Hill Pro Shop. Tim will be happy to help you. Tim is a member of USRSA, a Master Racket

Technicians, the Yonex National Stringing Team, and the USPTR.

Behind the glitz and glamor of the US Open, 16 strangers from around the world busily string racquets for the world’s best players in a packed room at the Billie Jean King Tennis Center in Flushing, New York. As the “official stringer of the U.S. Open, Wilson Sporting Goods is tasked with stringing racquets for everyone from Roger Federer to Serena Williams.

“Most guys in this room are going to string 35 to 40 racquets a day,” said Todd Mobley, an Atlanta stringer who is on his 8th U.S. Open works.

Becoming a Wilson stringer at the tournament is no easy task. Stringers are selected from all over the world and even come from Japan, Australia and Argentina.

The stringing process takes approximately 15 minutes per racquet and is then stamped with the famous Wilson logo and returned to players. In a pinch, stringers say they can string a racquet in as little as 11 minutes. They expect to set a record this year and string 500 racquets in one day.

Jessica Gold | CNBC

Rule of Thumb – Well, you may have heard the rule of thumb that says you should restring your racquet as many times per year as you play per week. So if you play three times a week you should restring about three times a year. I think that’s probably a pretty good rule, and if you don’t want to think too much about re-stringing or aren’t even sure when you last re-stringed your racquet, you can follow this rule and it’s good. Instead, here are some other pointers to look for and watch out for in order to know when to restring a tennis racquet:

String Appearance – The easiest way to know when it’s time to tighten is to notice how your strings look. If your strings are fraying or looking ragged, the strings will start to loosen and you won’t get as much spin or power when you hit the ball. If your strings are looking scratchy, it’s definitely time to re-string them.

The Sound of Hitting the Ball – If you find that the sound of hitting the ball is not normal or familiar, it may be time to re-string the string. As your strings wear out, they won’t be as springy, and you may only notice this at first by a change in the tone of your hits.

The Feeling When You Hit the Ball – As your worn strings lose or have lost their elasticity, you may notice a dull or dead feeling when you hit the ball. The ball just doesn’t bounce off your racquet like you’re used to, especially on your groundstrokes. You may feel like you have to hit the ball harder just to get it to go the same distance as it used to.

Time Since Last Stringing – You may feel like you need to re-string just because it’s been so long since your racquet had new strings. This could be especially the case with a racquet you haven’t played with in a long time. And while the strings on this racquet look good, you’ll benefit so much from new bouncy strings that it might be worth the reasonable cost.

Well if you’ve decided, hey, it’s time to re-string but aren’t sure how to go about it, speak to Matt for more information

Many players, especially less experienced players, ask me these or similar questions. They want to improve their smash to feel like they can win more points. I understand that the jump smash in badminton is exciting. When you hit a Jump Smash just right, it feels really good. Even better if you manage to win the point. Unfortunately, there is a lot of misinformation out there regarding strings and tension.

So what is the best badminton string to hit? One of the best smash strings out there right now is the Yonex Aerosonic strings. They are the thinnest strings in the world and have incredible repulsion power. For a more powerful shot you need a thin string with high repulsion.

Yonex Aerosonic is just one example of a badminton string that is great for smash power. However, choosing the right string is not an easy answer. Let’s take a look at other strings available and why they are all great choices for hard hitting players.

The best properties in a string for smashers

The badminton smash is the most exciting shot in the game. It requires racquet speed and good timing to get the most out of it. What properties does a string need to have to give us the most power?

A thin gauge. The gauge is the diameter of the string. Basically how thick it is. A thinner string is better at generating more power because the power is distributed over a smaller area when hitting the ball. The smaller surface puts more stress on the strings and causes them to stretch. This will provide more power when they rebound.

soft feeling Contrary to popular belief, softer strings give you more power. They stretch more easily than heavier strings and give more repulsion. Hard-feeling strings give you better feedback on finer hits, but are less durable for smashing.

High repulsion. Repulsion in strings is measured by how quickly they return to normal. Strings are elastic and stretch under pressure. You want strings that snap back quickly after you hit the shuttle.

Other things to consider when choosing a string

However, it’s not just about getting the strongest smash you can get. There’s no point in choosing a string like Yonex Aerosonic or Yonex BG66 Force if you’re a beginner and can’t consistently hit the ball in the sweet spot. You’ll break your strings more regularly when you really need something durable and reliable.

With thinner strings, durability becomes an issue. They don’t withstand as much wear and tear as thicker strings. Playing with a thin string becomes very expensive if you break it often. Not to mention having a few spares in your pocket in case one breaks. You’ll get a better balance of power and durability with other strings like Yonex’s BG80 Power. I play with it and it has great repulsion but holds up to more wear than the thinner strings I’ve used.

The softer-feeling strings make softer hits feel less precise. Softer strings give you a trampoline effect that gives you lighter power. But if you’re playing a net shot, for example, it’s harder to feel the shuttle’s impact, making it harder to get the shot just right. Hard strings give you more feedback when hitting. It’s like either wearing running shoes or walking barefoot. Running in shoes is easier on your joints and feels comfortable, but running barefoot allows you to feel the ground and overall texture and get more sensory feedback than shoes.

As previously mentioned, badminton is not just about strength. It’s a game of precision and skill. Some players’ playing styles are not suited to all-out aggressive play. Some players perform better when they play more technical shots and use good tactics and strategy. Some strings have characteristics that suit these players, such as B. the Aerobite from Yonex. This string has a rough texture that grips the ball better on impact, making it easier to spin the ball better for slices and tumbles.

So instead of choosing a badminton string based on its power to hit a shot, consider how you play and what your skill level is before making your selection. Also, don’t be afraid to experiment with different string types and brands etc to find what works best for you.

What voltage is best for smashing?

Another common myth in badminton is that tighter strings give more power when hitting. This is simply not the case. Loose strings give you more power more easily than tighter strings. Slacker strings create a bigger trampoline effect when you hit the shuttle. The strings are allowed to stretch more and then snap back to their original position with more force.

It seems logical that a tighter cord would mean the shuttle would bounce back faster, right? That’s pretty reasonable to think about, and it’s entirely true. However, most players do not generate enough force in their swing to stretch the strings as much as possible. If the strings are already very taut, you’ll need to use even more force to get them to stretch and spring back.

For the average player, the best tension would be 24-27 pounds of tension. This is a nice middle ground where the strings are tight enough to feel good, but loose enough to efficiently generate power on smashes and other hits. For advanced players, tensions of 29-30+ pounds offer some extra power if they have the skill level to use it, but it’s not a huge difference. Tighter strings are better for accuracy and feel.

Some of the best strings I recommend

I’ve been playing with Yonex BG65 To strings for a long time and have been very happy with them. It wasn’t until I tried someone re-stringing my racquet that they recommended I try a different string. When I saw how I played and knew roughly what my standard was, they recommended that I try the BG80 Power strings at a slightly higher tension than what I was playing at. It was a great recommendation and I have never gone back. I’ve tried others before and since and asked other players what they use. So here is my list of strings I would recommend to get more out of your smash.

Yonex BG80 performance.

Yonex BG66 Force.

Yonex Aerosonic.

Ashaway Zymax Fire 66.

related questions

What is the best badminton racket to hit? It is commonly noted that top-heavy racquets provide the best power. The additional momentum created by the club head, combined with good technique, creates more power.

How often should I re-string my badminton racket? It is best to re-string whenever the strings begin to fray or the tension noticeably decreases. Frayed strings will sooner or later break and a loss of tension will affect your shot precision.

If you found this article helpful, reciprocate and share it with a friend. If you feel I’ve missed something, or have any other advice, please leave feedback and share your help with others below. Thanks again for reading.

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Written by Liam Walsh who lives in Manchester, England. Works as a software engineer but also works part-time as a father, badminton player/coach and creator of BadmintonsBest.

When you started playing badminton you bought the best badminton equipment available at the time. But like everything else, badminton racquets depreciate in value over time. And you’ll need to repair them regularly to ensure incredible firing every time.

Regular maintenance to maintain club durability

Typically, the most common maintenance routine involves re-stringing the racquet. Racquets lose their string tension after a few games. If the strings become too loose, you won’t be able to hit fast shots and your game will suffer. It is therefore important to regularly re-string the racquet. Regular play not only damages the string, but also affects other parts of the racquet. You must repair the racquet and check the condition of the grommets and replace the missing ones. Even if you change the grip regularly and keep it dry, you can extend the life of the badminton racket.

However, the constant maintenance can weigh you down. Is it better to buy a new racquet or constantly re-string and repair the old one? If you don’t know how to make the decision, here’s all the help you’ll ever need.

When does the racquet need to be re-strung and repaired?

Check the string tension of your racquet regularly. If you play 3-4 times a week, you should usually re-string the racquet every 3 months. And the same amount of time is also sufficient for eyelets. However, don’t use duration as a rule of thumb. If you think the strings have snapped or are loosening from wear, restring the racquet yourself or contact a professional racquet stringing service.

You can change the grips depending on the playing conditions. For example, if you play in wet conditions, you can use a towel badminton grip.

When should the club be replaced?

If your badminton racquet is in constant need of repair and spends most of its time off the court, it is best to replace the racquet. But that’s not the only reason to buy a new badminton racket. Other reasons are:

1. Technology and Innovation

Technology has conquered every sector and badminton racquets are no exception. In the past, bulkier wooden frames were used to build racquets. Aluminum has replaced wood. And today, with innovations, graphite, carbon fiber, steel and various materials are used to create the lightest and fastest badminton rackets. For example, the new Yonex ArcSaber 11 Badminton Racket is made of advanced Neo CS Carbon Nanotube, Sonic Metal and Graphite to offer players superior performance.

So if you’re using old racquets, it’s time to buy a new one and avoid the risk of wrist injuries from heavy racquets.

2. Improving skills

If your badminton skills have improved significantly, you may not do well with a beginner’s racquet. In such a situation, the purchase of a new racquet becomes necessary. If you’re an intermediate player who likes to hit powerful smashes, you need a top-heavy racquet like the Astrox 99 Badminton Racket or the Victor Thruster F Racket. And if you’re someone who lives for fast rallies, a head-light Victor Brave Sword 12 racquet is for you.

3. The need for a backup bat

If you only have one badminton racquet, it is best to buy a replacement racquet. Strings, shafts and frames can break during important games and using someone else’s racquet can affect your shots. An extra bat can save you in such situations.

Also, constant re-stringing can affect the frame, so adding a few extra racquets will extend the life of your current racquets. To buy affordable badminton racquets, search online for a trusted badminton retailer and choose your favorite racquet that suits your playing style and budget.

Make the right decision!

As a badminton player, your racquet is your weapon of choice. Whether you prefer a top-heavy racquet or prefer to play with a balanced one, your racquet determines the level and power of your shots. So don’t ignore the condition of the racket. Consider your needs and budget to make the decision.

Have you decided to buy a new badminton racket? Whether you need Yonex Astrox badminton racquets or Victor Thruster badminton racquets, we have you covered. Buy 100% Original Badminton Rackets from Nydhi.com, your trusted online retailer. Benefit from discounts and the best quality.

One of the most important pieces of equipment when playing badminton is undoubtedly the badminton racket, which is divided into two parts: strings and frame. As a former professional badminton player and instructor with 30 years of experience, I have recommended strings to over 10,000 students and re-strung at least 2,000 racquets myself.

Finally, I have to say that choosing the right badminton string for your needs is just as important as choosing your racquet and shoes.

In this article I’m going to share some useful tips on how to choose the most suitable badminton string for your level and I’ll be sure to recommend some of the best choices we’ve tried on the market.

Short Summary

Yonex BG 65 – very popular Yonex strings, durable, flexible and suitable for almost all players. You can enjoy it even if you only have a few weeks of experience.

Yonex BG 80 – sold high rebound strings great for generating a powerful smash

Yonex BG 80 Power – an evolved version of BG 80, but also easy to tire

Yonex BG 66 Ultimax – A thin all-round string offering great control and power

The best badminton strings – our tips

Here are my top recommended badminton strings.

This is probably the most popular Yonex badminton string, so to speak the badminton strings that all badminton players have to “try”. Yonex BG 65 has been used by many world class players.

With a gauge of 0.70mm and a multifilament structure, Yonex BG 65 is a durable, flexible string. The downside is that unless the tension is over 28 pounds, it’s difficult to generate powerful punches.

Why we love BG65

Very durable

Flexible and soft feel

Fairly forgiving feel, suitable for almost all players

What we don’t like

You need high tension to create a powerful smash

It’s a string with not much character

BG 80 is the classic Yonex badminton string designed for players who love powerful shots! Very popular and comes with high repulsion. Although it was said that this is a medium feeling, I have to say that it is more of a medium to hard feeling.

The multifilament structure gives this string a very flexible property, but the downside is that it also loses tension faster than other strings from the same series.

Why we love BG 80

It’s from Yonex

High repulsion

Powerful and yet with high flexibility

What we don’t like:

The price is a bit more expensive than other options on the market

It loses tension faster than other strings

Yonex BG80 Power is a super powerful smash. It produces an even more powerful smash than BG 80, but wears out even quicker…

is a super-duper powerful smash. It creates an even more powerful smash than BG 80, but also wears out even quicker… I tried using BG 80 stings with one of the best Yonex smash racquets, the Astrox 88D, and it was just killer!

I love BG 66 Ultimax, it is an enhanced version of BG 66, there is another version which is BG 66 Force. The difference between the BG 66 Ultimax and the BG 66 Force is that the BG 66 UM is more of a control string, while the BG 66 Force is more suited to aggressive players who love powerful shots.

However, I think the BG 80 performs better as a string for a powerful smash, so this time we’re going with the BG 66 Force.

BG 66 UM is a very great string, great performance for control and power. Also almost perfect “pop” sound. However, it is very easy to break because they are so thin.

Why we love BG 66 Ultimax

Very balanced strings that offer great performance for all types of abilities

Produces the best “pop” sound among all recommendations

What we don’t like

Very easy to break, BG 66 used to be the thinnest string in the Yonex collection before the Aerosonic strings were developed. You can snap the strings simply by hitting the wrong spot

It costs more money to play with these strings as you may need to replace them frequently

Who Should Read This?

Anyone planning to play badminton more than 4 times a month could benefit from this article. If you happen to have a broken string racquet or are planning to get a new racquet to improve your performance, it might be a good idea to read this article before re-stringing your badminton racquet.

How are badminton strings constructed?

A badminton string consists of 3 main components:

Center core cover (aka mantle or wear layer, is the layer that encases the center core) The outer coating (apply to the mantle)

Central Core

The core is the most important part of a badminton string, it determines the flexibility, durability and tension of a string.

In general, the middle core can be divided into 2 types:

monofilament

Can be made from nylon, polyester, polyether or a mix of different materials

Could be in the form of a single, thick filament composed of different fibers chemically bonded together

Used to be very harsh and unforgiving, but softer and more playable strings are now available

Transfer more shock to the arm because it’s harder and more unforgiving

multifilament

Instead of a single, solid central core like monofilament, the central core of a multifilament consists of numerous fibers twisted together but not chemically bonded. These fibers are wrapped with an outer layer under the outermost coating for more protection

Generally more flexible than a monofilament core made of the same materials, since multifilament consists of numerous thin fibers that are twisted together but not chemically bonded.)

Most likely it will have better shock absorption and be more playable than monofilament, but it’s also easier to lose tension and tends to be more expensive

If you are a player looking for more power, go for the monofilament core, if you prefer more control at yardages, look for multifilament core strings.

cover

Whenever we start a game, the main (straight) strings move back and forth against the cross strings, creating a “saw” effect. Without a high abrasion resistant casing, the main string can break after just one play.

It also holds the core filaments together and adds texture to the string’s surface to provide more control when you hit the birds.

Outer coating

The outer coating is the extra layer that is applied to the case. Not only does it provide extra protection for the string, it also provides a different feel and response when you hit the shuttlecock.

The Best Badminton Strings – How To Choose Them?

Consider the following factors before choosing the most suitable badminton strings.

Choose the right string tension

The first factor you want to do is set the correct tension on your strings. The basic rule is that the lower the voltage, the less force is generated due to the longer bounce time and vice versa. The higher the tension, the greater force and shock to your arm will be generated.

Suggested string tension for players of different skill levels

When it comes to setting the tension of your string, the lowest tension I’ve set for my students was 18 – 19lbs, but it’s really rare, even a beginner should use 20+ tension.

For beginners, a range of 20 to 23 lbs of tension is a good range, with this range less shock will be transferred to your arm and a larger sweet spot will be formed and therefore it will be easier to create a powerful shot, only your shot will be less powerful have than a high voltage device.

By hitting the yardie on the sweet spot of your racquet’s string bed, you can create a powerful shot with the least amount of effort, most of the time you will hear a “pop” sound.

For intermediate to advanced level players who have a few months of experience I would suggest a tension range of 24-27lbs, as your skill and strength improve you can start trying even higher tension.

With a weight of 28-36 lbs, it is suitable for advanced level badminton players. World ranked competitive badminton players can use tension of up to 34-36lbs with current technology

I use 28lbs now because I need to teach competitive badminton but when I was a professional player I used 32-33lbs because back then the main ingredient of badminton strings was nylon and it wasn’t flexible enough. Today, the flexible synthetic material strings allow world-class competitive badminton players to use strings with a tension of up to 35-36 lbs.

In such a case, it’s as hard as a piece of wood you can imagine hitting the shuttlecocks with a baseball bat. You need to be strong and have enough skills to do this.

With a tension of 35-36lbs or more you are left with almost no flexibility, but that would favor a very powerful shot and that is why a badminton shuttlecock is considered the fastest recorded sporting object in the world.

According to this Team Canada article, Tan Boon Hoeng (a Malaysian player) set the new world record of 493 km/h by a badminton smash in a new racquet technology test. While Lee Chong Wei (World Champion in Malaysia) scored the highest competition shot at the Japan Open Finals in September 2017 with a speed of 417 km/h.

Check out this video of Linden smashing a shuttle into a watermelon:

A summary of string tension: The lower the tension, the less likely it is that a crisp “pop” hit can be produced because less power can be transferred to the shuttles. The beauty of this is that less shock and pressure is transferred to your arm and elbow and the string lasts longer. And vice versa.

Sweet spot

The sweet spot is where contact with the shuttlecock is most effective. Hitting the bird with the sweet spot allows you to create the punch with the least amount of effort.

The lower the tension, the bigger the sweet spot, but then it’s also more difficult to create a more powerful shot. The higher the tension, the smaller the sweetspot, but once you hit the birdie with the sweetspot, a more powerful hit can be created.

String Construction: Monofilament vs. Multifilament?

Try looking for monofilament strings if you are looking for more power and durability as monofilament is a pretty unforgiving string but then your body (especially your arm) will be subjected to more shock and vibration. If you’re not strong enough, you’re probably suffering from tennis elbow and wrist problems after playing hard and unforgiving monofilament strings for a long time.

A multifilament string, on the other hand, is more playable and has high shock absorption. At the same tension, a multifilament string is more flexible than a monofilament string. However, as it is more expensive and loses tension more easily than monofilament, this could be solved by pre-stretching.

Due to the different properties of monofilament and multifilament strings, a hybrid construction of a monofilament main string and a multifilament cross string could improve the balance between durability and playability.

thickness of the strings

The most common badminton string gauges on the market are currently in the 0.60 – 0.70 mm range:

Thin strings: under 0.66mm

Regular or General Strings: 0.67-0.69mm

Thick Strings: 0.70mm

How Does String Gauge Affect Your Performance?

Typically, a thick badminton string is:

More suitable for beginners because it

Offers a more forgiving feel

Causes less vibration when you hit the yardie and therefore transfers less shock to your arm

Less “pop sound” could be produced

Less flexible and therefore players have to expend more force

Conversely, a thinner badminton string would be:

More flexible and suitable for advanced competitive players and players who are less physically fit

More “pop sound” could be produced

Less durable and easier to lose tension

Easier to break in a cold, dry area

Expensive

I read a very good article from the Taiwan Racquet Stringers and Services Association, here are some of their suggestions:

Choose thicker strings if you want more durability

If you love “pop” sound, go for the thinner strings

If you’re looking for a powerful smash, it depends on your level: intermediate players may prefer thicker strings, with enough skill and body strength, thicker strings can improve durability and reduce the likelihood of an out when using a different skill set, however, we need to understand that there is a difference between “likes to smash” and “can throw a strong smash”. For less skilled players we would recommend them to go for a medium gauge (about 0.65 – 0.68 gauge) but with 1 – 2 LB higher tension and strings made of more flexible material and structure to produce a more powerful shot. Defensive players may want to choose a more flexible thin string to improve their performance under high pressure from the opposition. Thin strings with low tension can hurt your performance because you don’t want to hit the shuttles with a surface that’s too soft

racket frame material

A badminton racket is combined with 2 parts: strings + frame. In order to achieve high performance, we need both high-quality racket frames and strings. If you are reading this article, I believe that you are probably one of those players who loves to play badminton and your strings have broken and you are considering restraining them, or you want to improve your performance by changing strings.

In either circumstance, I believe it’s time to buy a better quality racquet frame rather than using the racquets from a badminton set. I now prefer a lightweight carbon fiber frame, but I’ve been using aluminum frames for a long time and the quality is good too.

It’s a good idea to talk to the store before making your purchase, tell them your level, playing style, what you expect from the new strings, and advise them on the racquet you’re using. An experienced badminton store clerk should be able to recommend some good strings that will work for your current equipment and skill level.

The technology of the strings

Various technologies applied to the strings affect their durability, flexibility and how they feel when you hit the shuttlecock with your racquet. Different string manufacturers have their technologies like cup-stack carbon nanotube technology, nanocoating, oval nylon fibers…

The best way to find out which one works best for you would be to test them out yourself, try different brands at the same tension and you will find out the most suitable strings.

budget

Budget is always a very important factor, certainly the lowest priced strings are probably not the best option, but I would consider the durability of the strings. If I can find a slightly more expensive option but with much better durability, go for it because you’ll save a lot if you don’t have to replace it as often.

If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly setup, look for a hybrid setup like I suggested above.

Find a professional stringer to re-string your racquet

I have given many group classes over the past 30 years. Sometimes the club provides racquets for its students. Usually these racquets are all identical, with the same strings and tension, and yet there is a difference in how the racquet performs.

Such a problem can be caused by the strings, an unprofessional tailpiece can damage the outer coating and jacket of a string and thus cause the string to break more easily. Although they are a real stringer, they know many techniques such as pre-drawing, releasing the tension and how to tie a very tight knot.

All of this improves the durability and performance of the strings. Usually you show your stringer a short video of how you play and they will give you a great recommendation.

Best Badminton Strings – When Should Badminton Strings Be Replaced?

You want to replace (re-string) the badminton strings if:

You feel that your badminton racket lacks power

Your performance has decreased, like less control or power

The sound of your recordings is no longer trendy or crisp

Your strings look old, worn, or moving

A string is broken

Best Badminton Strings – Additional Tips and Information

Changing the grommets on your racquet from time to time would increase the travel of both the strings and the frame.

I tend to buy the badminton racket frame and string separately so I don’t have to waste the factory preset string that may not suit my needs

Do not step on the string while attempting to string your racquet as this can damage the cover and structure of your strings

Choose a flexible multifilament with lower tension and lighter frame if you are a smaller person with less strength. It’s a good idea if you’ve also previously injured your arm or wrist

Putting on an elbow and wrist brace is always a good idea to protect your arm

If you see lots of tiny little silky fibers sticking out of your strings, you probably need to prepare to change strings. That means the outer shells have been sawn out and soon it will break as the cuts reach the inner core.

Best Badminton Strings – FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions about badminton strings and their quick answers.

What strings do professional badminton players use?

Yonex BG 65 Ti, Yonex BG 66 Ultimax and Yonex BG 80 are the most used strings by many professional badminton players:

Professional players with (used) BG 65 Ti:

Praveen Jordan (India)

Tan Boon Heong (Malaysia)

Rajiv Ouseph (England)

Professional players with (used) Yonex BG 66 Ultimax:

Lee Chong Wei (Malaysia)

Chris Adcock (England)

Yamaguchi Akane (Japan)

Anthony Sinisuka Ginting (Indonesia)

Mathias Boe (Denmark)

Professional players with (used) BG 80:

Lindan (China)

Hans-Kristian Solberg Vittinghus (Denmark)

Pusarla Venkata Sindhu (India)

Greysia Polii (Indonesia)

What makes badminton strings feel hard?

Hard feel strings have the shortest contact time with the shuttle compared to soft and medium feel strings and therefore you will feel that it is very stiff and not as springy. Sometimes imagine that you are striking the strings with a piece of wood.

Hard strings produce more powerful hits, but cause more stress on your arm and hand. Also, you will need a higher level of skill to master them since they have less fault tolerance.

How long should badminton strings last?

You should change your strings when you feel your hits and nets aren’t as sharp or crisp as they were right after you changed strings. I change my strings every week because as a professional badminton coach I teach and play a lot (about 45+ hours a week).

In general, regular or intermediate players who play badminton once a week may consider changing their strings every 4-5 months, even if they haven’t broken. This is because the strings’ filling (some players consider this internal hardness) softens over time and loses tension.

What string tension should I use in badminton?

The tension of the badminton strings you use should depend on your physical fitness, level and style. In general, you should follow this guide:

Beginner Level: under 20 lbs

Intermediate: 21 – 24 lbs

Intermediate Players: 25 – 28lbs

Professional players: 28 pounds or more

Female players may consider lower string tension than male players.

last words

Finding a string that works for you and your racquet frame can improve your playing performance, reduce the risk of injury and extend the life of both products.

I hope you found this article helpful in choosing a string option that suits your needs. Before making your purchasing decision, try to consider your level, style, frame compatibility, and what you expect from the shop so they can recommend the most suitable option for you.

If you have any questions, please feel free to email me!

From time to time you need to give your racquet a makeover. How often you ask? Well, the general rule of thumb is that you need to replace your strings as many times as you play per week. For example, if you play four times a week, you should restring the racquet at least four times a year.

With all the re-stringing, would it be better to just buy a new racquet? Let’s compare that today. Over time and with play, strings lose their elasticity, so it’s important to know if you need to replace or re-string them when they start to negatively affect your movements on the court.

restringing

As previously mentioned, the general rule of thumb for restringing a tennis racquet depends on how much you play per week. If you play 3 or 4 times a week, consider changing the strings at least 3 to 4 times a year.

New strings ensure quality performance. Since your power and control on the court is highly dependent on the tension of the strings, keeping it up to date is crucial.

Most avid players have at least two racquets in their bag – having a backup nearby is crucial. What if a string breaks? Well, that’s just one more reason to make sure your frames are re-strung with fresh strings as often as needed. And sometimes you can tell it just by looking at it. If they’re looking a little shabby, frayed or sagging, that’s a clear sign it’s time to re-string them.

Often you will even be able to feel or even hear the difference in your swing. If either one doesn’t seem right, that’s another sign it’s time to pull the strings.

Substitute

How do you know when it’s time to buy something brand new instead of investing in new strings? Well, that’s really up to the player!

Upgrading your racquet

As you move up the ranks, you may want to start buying a more advanced racquet. Many kids start out with youth racquets that are made for beginners, so it’s in their interest to get a better design to keep their game on track. And sometimes you might not just want to re-string your current racquet, you might want to buy a new one as a backup.

Extending racquet life

The life expectancy of your racquet varies. But there are a few key signs to look out for that will tell you when it’s time to start buying a new one. Sometimes re-stringing is not enough as the problems can be in the grip or in the frame itself. In fact, if you re-string your racquet and end up not feeling a difference in your swing, it’s time to go shopping.

The post-stringing also affects the frame. So the more you re-string, the heavier the toll your frame takes. But you can have the grommet strip replaced when you re-stretch, which will help extend the life of your racquet without having to buy a whole new one too soon.

Behind the glitz and glamor of the US Open, 16 strangers from around the world busily string racquets for the world’s best players in a packed room at the Billie Jean King Tennis Center in Flushing, New York. As the “official stringer of the U.S. Open, Wilson Sporting Goods is tasked with stringing racquets for everyone from Roger Federer to Serena Williams.

“Most guys in this room are going to string 35 to 40 racquets a day,” said Todd Mobley, an Atlanta stringer who is on his 8th U.S. Open works.

Becoming a Wilson stringer at the tournament is no easy task. Stringers are selected from all over the world and even come from Japan, Australia and Argentina.

The stringing process takes approximately 15 minutes per racquet and is then stamped with the famous Wilson logo and returned to players. In a pinch, stringers say they can string a racquet in as little as 11 minutes. They expect to set a record this year and string 500 racquets in one day.

Jessica Gold | CNBC

Rule of Thumb – Well, you may have heard the rule of thumb that says you should restring your racquet as many times per year as you play per week. So if you play three times a week you should restring about three times a year. I think that’s probably a pretty good rule, and if you don’t want to think too much about re-stringing or aren’t even sure when you last re-stringed your racquet, you can follow this rule and it’s good. Instead, here are some other pointers to look for and watch out for in order to know when to restring a tennis racquet:

String Appearance – The easiest way to know when it’s time to tighten is to notice how your strings look. If your strings are fraying or looking ragged, the strings will start to loosen and you won’t get as much spin or power when you hit the ball. If your strings are looking scratchy, it’s definitely time to re-string them.

The Sound of Hitting the Ball – If you find that the sound of hitting the ball is not normal or familiar, it may be time to re-string the string. As your strings wear out, they won’t be as springy, and you may only notice this at first by a change in the tone of your hits.

The Feeling When You Hit the Ball – As your worn strings lose or have lost their elasticity, you may notice a dull or dead feeling when you hit the ball. The ball just doesn’t bounce off your racquet like you’re used to, especially on your groundstrokes. You may feel like you have to hit the ball harder just to get it to go the same distance as it used to.

Time Since Last Stringing – You may feel like you need to re-string just because it’s been so long since your racquet had new strings. This could be especially the case with a racquet you haven’t played with in a long time. And while the strings on this racquet look good, you’ll benefit so much from new bouncy strings that it might be worth the reasonable cost.

Well if you’ve decided, hey, it’s time to re-string but aren’t sure how to go about it, speak to Matt for more information

By: Tim Hahn, Owner of Aspen Hill Pro Shop

As a general rule, you should re-string as many times per year as you play per week. If you play twice a week, you should restring your racquet twice a year. All strings will gradually stretch and lose tension or go dead, even if you rarely play. When this happens, start swinging harder, gripping the racquet tighter to get the same results with the ball.

Swinging harder and gripping tighter makes control more difficult, fatigue sets in early and can even contribute to tennis elbow. fresh strings will help your racquet play the way it was intended. If you have questions about racquets or re-stringing please visit the Aspen Hill Pro Shop. Tim will be happy to help you. Tim is a member of USRSA, a Master Racket

Technicians, the Yonex National Stringing Team, and the USPTR.