Gear guide · last reviewed 2026-10
Strings & tension: buying guide
Gauge, feel, durability and the right tension for your level.
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How to choose
Strings are the cheapest way to change how a racket feels. Thicker strings last longer; thinner strings give more repulsion (power) and feel but break sooner. Tension matters as much as the string itself.
- Gauge
- 0.70 mm and thicker = durable. 0.65–0.68 mm = all-round. 0.62–0.63 mm = maximum repulsion and feel, least durable.
- Feel
- Repulsion strings feel lively and powerful; "hard-feel" strings give a crisp sound and control.
- Tension
- Lower tension = bigger sweet spot and easier power. Higher tension = more control for fast, accurate swings, but a smaller sweet spot and more strain on the arm.
Recommended tension by level
| Beginner | 18–22 lbs |
|---|---|
| Intermediate | 22–25 lbs |
| Advanced | 24–28 lbs |
| Professional | 27–32 lbs (within the frame's limit) |
What to look for at each level
- Beginner: A durable 0.70 mm string at 18–22 lbs.
- Intermediate: 0.65–0.68 mm at 22–25 lbs.
- Advanced: Thin repulsion or hard-feel strings at 24–28 lbs.
- Professional: Thin, high-repulsion strings at high tension; restring often.
Matching your game: style and format
- Attack
- Hard-feel, repulsive strings (e.g. BG80, No.1) at your normal tension for crisp smashes.
- Defence & speed
- Thin, high-repulsion strings (e.g. BG66 Ultimax) give easy power on short, fast swings.
- All-round
- Balanced 0.65–0.68 mm strings; spin-focused hybrids (Aerobite) suit players who rely on slices and net play.
Picks by level and budget
| Level | Budget under ₹600 / $10 per set | Mid-range ₹600–1,000 / $10–15 per set | Premium above ₹1,000 / $15 per set |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beginner | Yonex BG65 Yonex BG65 Titanium | Yonex Exbolt 65 / 68 | Not needed: thin premium strings break quickly and their extra feel is hard to notice while learning. |
| Intermediate | Yonex BG65 Yonex BG65 Titanium | Yonex Exbolt 65 / 68 Victor VBS-66 Nano Li-Ning No.1 Yonex BG80 | Yonex BG66 Ultimax |
| Advanced | Yonex BG65 Titanium | Yonex Exbolt 65 / 68 Victor VBS-66 Nano Li-Ning No.1 Yonex BG80 | Yonex BG66 Ultimax Yonex Exbolt 63 Yonex Aerobite Ashaway ZyMax 62 Fire |
| Professional | Professionals restring often with thin, premium strings; durable budget strings suit practice rackets. | Yonex BG80 | Yonex BG66 Ultimax Yonex Exbolt 63 Yonex Aerobite Ashaway ZyMax 62 Fire |
All strings & tension we recommend
BG65
Beginner · Intermediate
- Gauge
- 0.70 mm
- Feel
- Solid, durable
Best for: Beginners and players who break strings often.
The best-known durable string: long life and consistent feel.
BG65 Titanium
Beginner · Intermediate · Advanced · Attack, All-round
- Gauge
- 0.70 mm
- Feel
- Slightly crisper than BG65
Best for: Durability with a harder hitting feel.
BG65 durability with a titanium coating for a crisper feel.
Exbolt 65 / 68
Beginner · Intermediate · Advanced · All-round, Attack
- Gauge
- 0.65 / 0.68 mm
- Feel
- Fast, sharp
Best for: All-round players who want speed with reasonable durability.
Newer-generation string with a fast, sharp feel.
VBS-66 Nano
Intermediate · Advanced
- Gauge
- 0.66 mm
- Feel
- Repulsive, all-round
Best for: All-round players moving up in tension.
A popular all-round string balancing repulsion and durability.
No.1
Intermediate · Advanced · Attack
- Gauge
- 0.65 mm
- Feel
- Repulsive
Best for: Players who want power at a good price.
Thin, lively string popular with attacking players.
BG80
Intermediate · Advanced · Professional · Attack
- Gauge
- 0.68 mm
- Feel
- Hard, crisp, repulsive
Best for: Hard hitters who like a crisp sound and control.
Classic hard-feel string with strong repulsion and good durability for its feel.
BG66 Ultimax
Intermediate · Advanced · Professional · All-round, Defence & speed
- Gauge
- 0.65 mm
- Feel
- High repulsion, high-pitched sound
Best for: Advanced players who want maximum repulsion and feel.
One of the most popular high-repulsion strings at elite level.
Thin: breaks sooner than thicker strings.
Exbolt 63
Advanced · Professional · Attack, Defence & speed
- Gauge
- 0.63 mm
- Feel
- Very fast, sharp
Best for: Players who want a thin, fast string.
Thin and responsive for fast, attacking play.
Lower durability.
Aerobite
Advanced · Professional · All-round · Singles, Doubles, Mixed doubles
- Gauge
- 0.67 mm mains / 0.61 mm crosses
- Feel
- Spin and bite
Best for: Players who rely on slices, spin and net shots.
Hybrid set: thicker mains for durability, thin textured crosses for grip on the shuttle.
ZyMax 62 Fire
Advanced · Professional · Attack
- Gauge
- 0.62 mm
- Feel
- Maximum repulsion
Best for: Players chasing the most power and feel.
Among the thinnest strings available, with very high repulsion.
Thin strings break soonest.
Tips
- Never exceed the maximum tension printed on the frame.
- Restring as many times a year as you play per week (a common rule of thumb), or as soon as strings lose feel.
- If your arm or elbow aches, lower the tension.
Other guides: Badminton rackets · Shuttlecocks · Grips & overgrips · Badminton shoes · Bags & accessories
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