Collection: Badminton String

String gauge refers to the diameter of the string, typically measured in millimetres. Thinner strings (around 0.62–0.68 mm) deliver enhanced repulsion, sharper feel, and more precision, making them popular with attacking players who prioritise speed and feedback. Thicker strings sacrifice a little feel but offer significantly better durability, making them a smart choice for beginners, juniors, or anyone who tends to break strings frequently.

This depends on how often you play and how aggressively you hit the shuttle. As a general guide, players are often advised to restring as many times per year as they play per week (e.g. playing 3 times a week suggests restringing roughly 3 times a year), but this varies based on string gauge, tension, and playing intensity. If you notice your string bed feels dead, has visibly frayed strands, or your shots have lost their usual pop, it's time for a restring regardless of how long it's been.

Recommended tension varies by string and racquet, but most strings list a suggested range on their individual product page (commonly somewhere between 18–32 lbs depending on the model). Lower tensions generally offer more power and a larger sweet spot, ideal for beginners and intermediate players, while higher tensions reward more technical players with greater control and a crisper feel — but at some cost to forgiveness and string longevity. Always check your racquet's recommended tension range before stringing, as exceeding it can risk frame damage.

Yonex offers one of the most diverse string ranges on the market, spanning everything from the ultra-thin, high-repulsion AEROSONIC and EXBOLT series to all-round options like the BG5 Match. Li-Ning's range, including the No. 1 Boost and N58, focuses on a strong balance of power, control, and durability at accessible price points. Both brands are trusted internationally, so the right choice often comes down to your preferred feel and budget rather than one brand being objectively superior.

For advanced and competitive players, yes — thinner, high-performance strings like the Yonex EXBOLT series offer sharper feedback, faster shuttle speed, and more precise control, which can make a real difference at a high level of play. For beginner and intermediate players, however, a mid-gauge, all-round string is often more practical, since it offers better durability and a more forgiving sweet spot while you're still developing consistency.