What Badminton String Tension Should I Use?

Are you considering restringing your racket? Did someone ask you what string tension you want? That must have made you wonder about your ideal string tension.

The best badminton string tension should be based on playing style and skill level. Some people are fascinated by high string tension because they have heard a famous player say they do that. That must work for that particular player, but it might not work for you. Why? Because the right string tension for you depends on a number of factors.

In this article, we will see what those factors are, and I will also suggest a range of string tension values that you can try to adopt. Before that, let’s understand what exactly is string tension.

Understanding String Tension

String tension is how tightly the strings are woven into your racket. This is usually measured in pounds (lbs). You will find that different string tensions will give you different performances on the field.

High String Tension

If you would your string at high tension, then

• You can gain more control over the shuttle’s placement and directions.
• You will notice increased precision in shots.
• There will be less power in your shot.
• You will have to put more energy and swing into the shot to achieve the desired power.
• The sweet shot area narrows down as tension increases.

Low String Tension

When you use low string tension, you will notice the following:

• It generates more power during the shots.
• The speed of your shuttlecock can be more.
• You will notice increased string bed deformation upon impact.
• This is better for off-center hits.
• You will be able to achieve better depth in shots.

Now you know how increasing the string tension will affect your game play. Let’s take a look at what are the factors that affect the string tension on your badminton racket.

Factors Affecting String Tension

The following are the factors that influence which string tension you should choose:

String thickness

In badminton, strings with thin thickness have higher gauge numbers and thicker strings have lower gauge numbers. Thin strings offer more power and control in the shots. That’s why they are more suitable at lower string tensions. Whereas, thick strings are stiff and provide less power, which makes them ideal for higher string tension.

String Material

Material of the string will determine how much tension it can withstand. Simple nylon strings can sustain less tension. Multifilament strings which are made with multiple nylon strings woven together can withstand more tension.

Racket

There are flexible and stiff rackets. Most players prefer to use flexible rackets. These go better with both high and low string tension. But stiff rackets don’t do that well with high tension.

Player’s Skill Level

Players who have mastered control over the shuttlecock prefer strings with high tension because they aid in landing precise shots. So, many professional players use high string tension. But if you are a beginner, you might not be able to handle high tension. It is best to start with low tension strings.

Choosing the Right Tension for Your Skill Level

Now, let’s get into the details of which string tension level is right for you. The table below will give you an overview.

Experience Level	String Tension (in lbs)	String Tension Level	Power	Control	Durability of Strings
Beginner	16 to 22	Low	High	Low	High
Intermediate	23 to 26	Medium	Medium	Medium	Low
Professional	>27	High	Low	High	Medium

Let’s take a look at this in more detail.

Beginner

As a beginner, your primary goal is to develop stroke mechanics and control. To learn that, you need a larger sweet spot. You can then connect cleanly with the shuttlecock and generate decent power even with off-center hits. This can be achieved with lower string tensions of 16 to 22 lbs.

Intermediate

As your skills develop, you’ll start seeking more power in your smashes and clears. You will also want to maintain control for accurate shots. This is where the sweet spot between power and control becomes crucial. A tension range of 23 to 26 lbs offers a good balance for intermediate players.

Professional

Professional players require the highest possible performance from their rackets. At this point, you will expect more precision and accuracy from your racket. For power, you rely on your own swing. This is when string tensions exceeding 27 lbs are best used.

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Why Do Some Players Choose Two String Tensions?

This heading might come as a surprise to some of you. Yes, it’s possible to use two different string tensions in a single racket. It’s important to understand that you can’t choose two entirely different tensions. You can choose a two-point tension setup.

In such a setup, the vertical strings (known as mains) and the horizontal strings (known as crosses) are set at two different tension levels. For instance, if mains are strung at 24 lbs, crosses can be strung at 26 lbs.

When high tension strings are used, there’s always a chance of breakage of the racket.  To avoid that, players string the crosses at a higher tension than the mains. This takes the pressure off the racket. This also increases the area of the sweet spot, which aids in better shots.

Testing Badminton String Tension

There are four ways in which you can test the string tension in your badminton racket.

1. By Sound
2. By Feeling them
3. By Mobile Apps
4. By String Meters

Sound

You can tap your racket strings with your fingers or with another racket to check the tension. Experienced players are able to distinguish sounds generated by strings of different tension. Although this is not the most accurate method, it works fine to determine if you need restringing.

Feel

Some players can also tell if the racket has the right tension by feeling them. You have to take a string between your thumbs and press. You’ll notice that high tension strings don’t budge easily whereas low tension strings depress more easily. This method also provides a rough estimate.

Mobile Apps

There are mobile phone apps that can determine the string tension by listening to the sound emitted by them. You have to turn on the app and take your mobile’s microphone close to the strings. You need to hit the strings with your hand or another racket as directed by the app.

Know that all these apps are not that accurate. Some of the good examples are Stringmeter and Racket Tune apps.

Meters

There are dedicated instruments called string meters to check the string tension. You need to place this meter on one of the strings, and they will show you the tension of that particular string.

This is the most accurate method to measure string tension. These are typically used by professional stringers or serious badminton players. It’s good to have one handy if you have the budget for it.

Pro Tip: While using any of these methods, don’t rely on a single reading. Take multiple readings but not at the same position. Choose different sections of the racket for testing. In fact, it is recommended to place the string meters on different parts of a single string to check that tension is maintained throughout the string.

Conclusion

Throughout this article, we have discussed how to select the right string tension for you. We looked at various factors at play, and now you must have a clear idea of what you should choose.

Don’t be afraid to experiment with different tension levels! Start with a baseline recommendation based on your skill level and playing style. After a few tries, adjust the tension level upwards or downwards as needed. Once you master control and power, move on to higher tension strings.

Take recommendations from the stringing specialist to use the right strings for your racket. Also, consult your coach (if you have one) before finalizing anything.

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