Stringing is the only point of contact between your racket and the shuttlecock. In other words, it's what translates your stroke into power, control, or precision. Many players invest in a high-end racket… then leave it with poorly suited factory stringing or stringing that has been loose for months. The result: they unknowingly lose a large part of their equipment's potential.
In this guide, we'll give you everything: what stringing really does, how to choose your tension according to your level, which string matches your playing profile, the history of gauges, the benefit of hybrid stringing, the right restringing frequency, and classic mistakes to avoid. All explained by a Yonex certified stringer.
What is the purpose of badminton stringing?
Stringing fulfills three main roles:
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Returning energy. Upon impact, the strings deform and then return: this is the "trampoline" effect that propels the shuttlecock. A lower tension amplifies this catapult effect.
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Transmitting sensations. Good stringing informs you about the quality of your contact: you feel the shuttlecock, you gauge your dropshots, you place your net shots.
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Absorbing impacts. Stringing undergoes hundreds of hits per match. Its construction and thickness determine its lifespan.
On a racket, two parameters matter: the string (the thread itself) and the tension (how tightly it is strung, expressed in kilograms). The two are chosen together.
How to choose your string tension according to your level
Tension is measured in kilograms (kg). Golden rule:
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Low tension = more power (catapult effect, the string does the work for you). Ideal if you lack arm strength.
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High tension = more control and precision (the shuttlecock goes exactly where you hit it), but requires power and proper technique to utilize.
Here are reliable guidelines based on your level:
| Level |
Recommended tension |
What you gain |
| Beginner / recreational |
8 to 9 kg |
Easy power, forgiveness, less breakage |
| Intermediate |
9 to 11 kg |
Good balance of power / control |
| Advanced |
11 to 13 kg |
Precision, feel, finer play |
| Competitor |
12 to 14 kg |
Maximum control, responsiveness, technical demands |
These ranges are indicative. Your physique, stroke, and preferences matter: two players of the same level may prefer different tensions. When in doubt, increase gradually (0.5 to 1 kg with each restringing) to find your ideal setting. We detail everything in our guide dedicated to tensions.
Good to know: beyond 12-13 kg, the tension puts a lot of stress on the frame. Always check the maximum recommended tension by the manufacturer, indicated on your racket's shaft.
Choosing your string according to your playing profile
Each string has a personality. They are generally classified across three axes: power, control/feel, and durability. Here are guidelines for the Yonex range, the market reference:
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Power / repulsion. The Yonex BG80 (0.68 mm) is designed for smashes and fast repulsion. For an even livelier feel, the Nanogy 98 (NBG98) at 0.66 mm offers explosive repulsion and a crisp sound.
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Control and fine feel. Thin gauges like the BG66 Ultimax (0.65 mm) prioritize precision and feel: perfect for worked net play and dropshots.
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Versatility and durability. The Yonex BG65 (0.70 mm) is the ultimate all-rounder: robust, balanced, forgiving. An excellent first string.
In summary: do you smash a lot and seek power? Aim for a repulsive string. Do you play with finesse, focusing on control? Choose a thin gauge. Do you break strings often or want them to last? Choose durability. Discover our Yonex strings.
Understanding gauges (string thickness)
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Thin (0.65 – 0.66 mm): better feel, more repulsion and power, crisper sound. On the downside, it breaks faster.
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Standard to thick (0.68 – 0.70 mm): more durability and forgiveness. Ideal if you break strings often or are a beginner.
Remember the logic: the thinner it is, the more playable but fragile; the thicker it is, the longer it lasts.
What about hybrid stringing?
Hybrid stringing involves using two different strings: one for the main (vertical) strings, and another for the cross (horizontal) strings. Objective: to combine two qualities, for example, a thin and repulsive string for power in the mains, and a more robust string for durability in the crosses. This is an advanced player's setup, best entrusted to a stringer who masters the technique.
How often should you restring your racket?
Stringing loses tension over time, even without breaking. The simple rule: string your racket as many times a year as you play times per week.
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Recreational player: 1 to 2 times a year.
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Regular / intermediate player: 2 to 3 times a year.
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Competitor: as soon as tension drops or sensations change.
And of course, you restring as soon as a string breaks — without waiting, because a partially broken string unbalances the frame.
Common mistakes to avoid
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Keeping dead stringing. If it doesn't break, we forget about it. Yet, loose stringing ruins your sensations.
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Aiming for too high a tension too quickly. Without the technique, you lose power and break strings more often.
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Choosing the string at random. A power string for a beginner who breaks everything is wasted money.
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Getting your racket strung just anywhere. A poorly calibrated machine gives imprecise tension. Certification matters.
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Neglecting partial breakage. A single broken string must be addressed immediately.
DC.Sports Custom Stringing Service
At DC.Sports, David is a Yonex certified stringer: each racket is strung on a precision electronic machine, at the exact tension of your choice, with stringing adapted to your profile.
- Clean and uniform stringing, performed by a trained professional.
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Tension to the nearest kilogram, single or hybrid.
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Personalized advice on string and tension if you are unsure.
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Fast shipping throughout France, or direct drop-off from Essonne (Morsang-sur-Orge, 91).
Want to rediscover the full power of your racket? Discover our strings, choose your racket, and order your stringing service in a few clicks.
FAQ — Badminton Stringing
What string tension for a beginner?
Aim for 8 to 9 kg. This range provides a good catapult effect: more effortless power and stringing that breaks less.
What is the best badminton string?
There is no "best" universal string: it depends on your game. The BG65 is the most versatile and durable, the BG80 prioritizes power, the BG66 Ultimax prioritizes fine feel.
How often should you restring your racket?
As many times a year as you play times per week: 1 to 2 times for recreational play, 2 to 3 times for a regular player, more often in competition — and immediately in case of breakage.
Thin or thick stringing: which to choose?
Thin (0.65-0.66 mm) for feel and power, but more fragile. Thick (0.68-0.70 mm) for durability and forgiveness.
What is hybrid stringing?
It's a setup combining two different strings to combine two qualities, for example, power and durability. An advanced setup best entrusted to an experienced stringer.
Can I have my racket strung remotely?
Yes. You order your stringing service online, send us your racket (or drop it off in Essonne), and we will send it back to you strung to your chosen tension, with fast shipping.
