In short: a beginner plays with 8 to 10 kg (power and forgiveness), an intermediate player with 10 to 12 kg, and an experienced/expert player with 12 to 14 kg (control and precision). The lower the tension, the more "free" power you get but with less control; the higher the tension, the more precision you gain but it requires a quick and well-timed stroke. If in doubt, start low.
As a certified Yonex stringer, we string hundreds of rackets per year. Here are our benchmarks for choosing the right tension and string. → See our stringing service in Morsang-sur-Orge (prices).
Tension: the adjustment that changes everything
Tension (in kg or lbs, 1 kg ≈ 2.2 lbs) determines the power ↔ control compromise:
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Low tension (8–10 kg): trampoline effect → more power with less effort, more forgiveness. Ideal for beginners.
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High tension (12–14 kg): direct and precise feedback → more control, but requires a quick and clean stroke. For experienced players.
Benchmarks by level
- Beginner: 8–10 kg
- Intermediate / club player: 10–12 kg
- Experienced / competitor: 12–14 kg
- Elite: 14 kg and +
Important: never string beyond the maximum tension indicated on your racket frame.
Choosing your string (and not just the tension)
The string matters as much as the tension. Three criteria:
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Diameter: thin (0.61–0.66 mm) = more power and feel but more fragile; thick (0.68–0.70 mm) = more durable.
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Profile: power (Yonex BG80), control/durability (Yonex BG65), or repulsion (thin strings).
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Your game style: an attacking player does not choose the same string as a defensive player.
Discover our badminton strings and reels, or choose a racket to string.
Why have your racket strung by a professional?
A poorly strung racket (irregular tension, deformed sweet spot) loses performance and wears out faster. A certified stringer uses a calibrated machine and respects the tension to the nearest tenth.
Maintenance: making your string last
- The string loses tension over time, even without breaking: restring once or twice a year if you play regularly.
- Simple rule: restring as many times per year as you play times per week.
- Avoid temperature shocks.
Frequently asked questions
What string tension for a badminton beginner?
Between 8 and 10 kg: more power with less effort, and more forgiveness on imprecise shots.
Low or high tension: what's the difference?
Low = power and forgiveness (trampoline effect). High = control and precision, but requires a quick and technical stroke.
How often should you restring your racket?
Once a year for a casual player, and as many times per year as you play times per week for a regular player — even if the string hasn't broken.
Can you string your badminton racket yourself?
Possible with a suitable machine, but poorly done stringing degrades performance and damages the racket. A certified stringer guarantees precise tension.
How much does it cost to string a badminton racket?
At DC.SPORTS: stringing starts from €8 with your own string, and €12 to €14 for a new racket (stringing + string). See prices and stringing service.
As a certified Yonex stringer, DC.SPORTS provides custom stringing in Morsang-sur-Orge (91).
