If you want your smashes to carry real pace and your placement shots to stay precise, the string you choose matters almost as much as the racket. Different strings change repulsion (how lively the string bed feels), control, durability, how well tension holds and even the sound at impact. This guide focuses on the strings themselves: gauge, construction and some well-known models, and how to match them to your game.
Choosing the tension is a separate decision, covered in our badminton string tension guide. If you want to fit new strings yourself, see our guide to stringing a badminton racket at home.
What Makes a String Powerful or Controllable
Gauge (thickness)
Badminton strings are measured in millimetres and typically range from about 0.61 mm to 0.70 mm or slightly more.
| Gauge | Typical character | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| 0.61–0.65 mm | High repulsion, sharp feel, more spin and bite; wears out faster | Players who prioritise feel and power and do not break strings often |
| 0.66–0.68 mm | Balanced repulsion and durability | Most club and intermediate players |
| 0.69–0.70 mm+ | Durable, solid feel, slightly less repulsion | Beginners, frequent string breakers, training rackets |
Construction and material
Almost all modern badminton strings are synthetic, usually a multifilament core of high-strength nylon or similar fibres, wrapped in a braided or coated outer layer. The core largely determines repulsion and tension holding; the outer layer affects durability, feel and how much the string grips the shuttle. Some strings add harder fibres to the core for a crisper, more powerful response.
Tension retention
All strings lose tension after stringing, but some hold it better than others. A string that holds tension well keeps its feel for longer between restrings.
Feel and sound
“Hard” strings give a crisp, loud impact and a direct feel. “Soft” strings feel more cushioned and comfortable. This is personal preference as much as performance.
Well-Known Strings and What They Are Known For
The models below are widely used and easy to find. Descriptions are based on manufacturers’ published specifications and common player feedback; always check the current specification, because brands revise their ranges.
Durable all-rounders
Yonex BG65 / BG65 Titanium (0.70 mm): among the most widely used badminton strings and a common factory string. Very durable with a solid, controlled feel. The Titanium version has a coating that gives a slightly crisper, harder feel. A safe default for beginners and for anyone who breaks strings often.
Victor VBS-70 (0.70 mm): a durable training and club string with a firm, stable feel.
Balanced power and control
Yonex BG80 (0.68 mm): a classic attacking string with a hard feel and strong repulsion, while still offering good control. Popular with players who smash a lot.
Yonex BG80 Power (0.68 mm): a variant aimed at even higher repulsion and a sharper attacking feel; slightly less soft than many alternatives.
Ashaway ZyMax 66 Fire (0.66 mm): Ashaway optimises it for precision and control, with a firmer string bed and good tension stability, while still offering strong repulsion; the sister ZyMax 66 Fire Power is the softer, more power-oriented version.
Victor VBS-66 Nano (0.66 mm): a mid-gauge string with a lively feel, popular as an all-round choice.
Thin, high-repulsion strings
Yonex BG66 Ultimax (0.65 mm): very popular for its sharp, fast feel and high repulsion. Excellent for touch and speed but less durable than thicker strings.
Li-Ning No. 1 (0.65 mm): a thin string designed for repulsion and a crisp hitting feel. Many players report it softens slightly after the first sessions.
Yonex Aerosonic (0.61 mm): one of the thinnest strings available, giving very high repulsion and a distinctive sound, but with limited durability. Best for players who rarely break strings.
Choosing the Right String for You
- You are a beginner or break strings often: start with a 0.70 mm durable string such as BG65 or VBS-70.
- You smash hard and want a crisp feel: try BG80 or BG80 Power.
- You want feel, speed and touch: try a thin string such as BG66 Ultimax or Li-Ning No. 1.
- You want a middle ground: a 0.66 mm string such as ZyMax 66 Fire or VBS-66 Nano.
- You play several times a week: weigh durability and tension retention heavily, since you will restring often.
If you have just bought a new frame, remember that many rackets in the mid-price range come with a basic factory string. Replacing it with one you have chosen is often the cheapest upgrade available; our guide to rackets under $100 explains which frames are worth upgrading this way.
Hybrid Stringing
Some players use different strings for the mains (vertical strings) and crosses (horizontal strings), for example a thicker, durable string on the mains for control and longevity and a thinner one on the crosses for repulsion. Some manufacturers sell ready-made hybrid sets. Hybrids are worth experimenting with once you know how individual strings feel to you.
Common Mistakes When Choosing Strings
- Copying a professional’s setup: elite players use thin strings at high tension that would feel harsh and break quickly for most club players.
- Changing string and tension at the same time: you will not know which change made the difference.
- Judging a string on the first session: strings settle over the first few hours of play.
- Ignoring durability: a thin string that breaks every week may cost more over a season than a durable one.
Maintenance Advice
- Restring when the string bed sounds dull, feels loose or the strings move easily; strings lose performance long before they break.
- Store your racket away from heat, such as a hot car, which accelerates tension loss.
- If you break strings often, try a thicker gauge or ask your stringer to check the grommets for damage.
- Straighten displaced strings after each rally to reduce friction wear where strings cross.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which string gives the most power?
Thinner strings generally give more repulsion. But power also depends on tension, frame and, above all, your technique; our guide to improving your badminton smash covers the technical side.
How long does one set of string last?
It depends on gauge, how often you play and how hard you hit. Thin strings may last a few weeks for a hard-hitting player; durable 0.70 mm strings can last months for a casual player.
How much string does one racket need?
A standard badminton set is 10 metres (33 ft), which is enough for one racket.
