Did you know? The fastest smash ever recorded was clocked at 565 km/h. Between your arm and the shuttlecock, there's only one thing: your string. And yet, it's the part of the racket that players think about the least.
In short: beginner → versatile string like BG65 strung at 8–9.5 kg. Regular player → BG80 or Exbolt 63 at 9.5–11 kg. Competitor → depending on your game, 11 kg and above. The higher the tension, the more control you gain… and the more power and forgiveness you lose.
Why tension changes everything
Counterintuitively, a low-tension string provides MORE power: the trampoline effect propels the shuttlecock. A high-tension string gives more precision, but requires hitting perfectly in the sweet spot—and is less forgiving. This is why copying a ranked player's tension when you're a beginner is the best way to play worse.
Find your tension in 3 questions
| Your profile |
Tension |
Sensation |
| I'm a beginner, I play recreationally |
8–9.5 kg |
Easy power, comfort, forgiveness |
| I play every week, I'm ranked at the departmental level |
9.5–11 kg |
Good power/control compromise |
| I'm a competitor, fast arm speed |
11–12.5 kg |
Surgical precision, physically demanding |
Which string to choose? The stringer's comparison
| String |
Gauge |
Strong point |
For whom |
| Yonex BG65 |
0.70 mm |
Legendary durability |
Beginners, clubs, heavy hitters |
| Yonex BG80 |
0.68 mm |
Explosive power (Vectran sheath) |
Confirmed attackers |
| Yonex Exbolt 63 |
0.63 mm |
Repulsion and crisp sound |
Fast players, doubles |
| Li-Ning N°7 |
0.70 mm |
Resistance, low price |
Intensive training |
Hesitating between the two Yonex stars? Read our detailed showdown: BG80 vs BG65, which to choose according to your game.
When should you restring your racket?
The stringers' rule: as many restrings per year as sessions per week. You play twice a week? Restring at least twice a year—even if nothing has broken. A string loses its tension from the first few weeks: you might be playing at 8 kg without realizing it, even though you asked for 10.
The 3 mistakes we see every week at the workshop
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Copying a pro's tension: Viktor Axelsen plays at over 13 kg. You are not Viktor Axelsen (neither are we).
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Keeping a string for 2 years "because it hasn't broken": it died a long time ago.
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Increasing tension to "smash harder": the exact opposite happens.
Stringing at DC.Sports: Yonex France certified
Every racket is strung at the Morsang-sur-Orge (Essonne) workshop on an electronic machine, by a Yonex France certified stringer—the same certification as international tournament stringers. Tension of your choice, often done in 30 minutes. Reels and sets available in our string collection.
Frequently Asked Questions
What tension for a badminton beginner?
Between 8 and 9.5 kg. You will gain power and comfort, and your shoulder will thank you.
Does a thin string break faster?
Yes: a 0.63 mm offers more feel but lasts less long than a 0.70 mm. That's the price of performance.
How long does stringing take?
At the workshop, allow 30 minutes for express stringing depending on demand, or drop off your racket and pick it up the same day.
Can I bring my own string?
Yes, we also string rackets with strings purchased elsewhere—but our BG65, BG80, and Li-Ning reels are often more cost-effective.
Written by David — Yonex France certified stringer, founder of DC.Sports (Morsang-sur-Orge, 91). 194 customer reviews at 4.9/5.
Not sure about your tension? Describe your game to us at 01 88 93 69 16 or by message — we'll respond as if you were in the workshop.
