Two players can use the same racquet and get very different results because of string tension. The right tension gives you easy power and control. The wrong one can kill your smash or hurt your arm. Here’s exactly which tension to use for your level, and which string to choose.
Order your racquet on prokicksports.com and we string it for you free. Just choose your string and tension when you order.
🎚️ Quick tension guide
| Your level | Tension | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Beginner | 18–22 lbs | Big sweet spot, easy power |
| Club / intermediate | 22–25 lbs | Balance of power and control |
| Advanced | 25–28 lbs | Sharper control for fast swings |
| Professional | 28 lbs + | Only for very high swing speed |
Never go above the maximum tension printed on your racquet’s shaft.
📖 In this guide
How tension changes your shots
The string bed acts like a trampoline: more power with less effort, bigger sweet spot, more comfortable. Less precise for fast swings.
More control and a sharp, crisp sound. Needs a fast, clean swing. Off-centre hits feel harsh.
If your clears land short, go lower. If your shots fly long or feel uncontrolled, go 1–2 lbs higher.
How to find your tension
- Start from your level using the table above.
- Check your racquet’s maximum on the shaft or frame. Stay at least 1–2 lbs below it.
- Think about your string: thin strings (0.63–0.66 mm) feel tighter and break sooner at high tension. Thick strings (0.70 mm) are more forgiving.
- Adjust in small steps. Change by 1–2 lbs at a time and give it a few sessions before deciding.
Which string should you choose?
| String | Gauge | Feel | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yonex BG 65 | 0.70 mm | Durable, solid | Beginners, training |
| Yonex BG 66 Ultimax | 0.65 mm | High repulsion, sharp sound | Intermediate–advanced |
| Yonex BG80 Power | 0.68 mm | Hard, powerful | Attacking players |
| Yonex Exbolt 63 | 0.63 mm | Very fast, crisp | Advanced |
| Yonex Exbolt 68 | 0.68 mm | Power + durability | Advanced |
Best badminton strings at Prokick
Durable & budget: great for beginners and heavy training.
#1 · Yonex
Yonex BG 6
₹329 ₹349 6% off
- Nylon multifilament for power and durability
- Lowest-cost Yonex string
Best for: Beginners and casual players restringing on a budget.
View price & options →
#2 · Yonex
Yonex BG 65
₹549 ₹635 14% off
- Thick 0.70 mm string that lasts
- Solid, all-round feel
- A popular choice for training
Best for: Beginners, club players and anyone who breaks strings often.
View price & options →
#3 · Yonex
Yonex BG 65 Titanium
₹599 ₹670 11% off
- Durability of BG 65 with a crisper feel
- Titanium coating for a sharper sound
Best for: Club players who want BG 65 durability with more “pop”.
View price & options →
#4 · Li-Ning
Li-Ning No. 7 Boost
₹639 ₹890 28% off
- Li-Ning’s durable all-round string
- Good value alternative to Yonex
Best for: Li-Ning fans and club players.
View price & options →Performance: more repulsion, speed and feel.
#5 · Yonex
Yonex BG 66 Ultimax
₹749 ₹825 9% off
- Thin 0.65 mm string for high repulsion
- Sharp hitting sound
Best for: Intermediate and advanced players who want speed and feel.
View price & options →
#6 · Yonex
Yonex BG80 Power
₹749 ₹865 13% off
- Hard, crisp feel for powerful smashes
- Holds tension well
Best for: Attacking players who want a crisp, powerful feel.
View price & options →
#7 · Yonex
Yonex Exbolt 63
₹999 ₹1,030 3% off
- Ultra-thin string for fast repulsion
- Quick, sharp response
Best for: Advanced players who want maximum speed and touch.
View price & options →
#8 · Yonex
Yonex Exbolt 68
₹1,149 ₹1,210 5% off
- High repulsion with more durability than Exbolt 63
- Control-oriented
Best for: Advanced players who want power and control in a longer-lasting string.
View price & options →Want to choose any string and tension with your racquet? See our custom badminton stringing service. Need a new racquet? Read our guide to the best badminton rackets in India.
When should you restring?
- Play 3–4 times a week? Restring every 2–3 months.
- Shots feel “dead” or the sound changes? Your strings have lost tension, so restring.
- String broken? Cut out the remaining strings straight away to protect the frame.
- Store your racquet away from heat (like a car boot in summer); heat makes strings lose tension faster.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best string tension for beginners in badminton?
Most beginners should string at 18–22 lbs. Lower tension gives a bigger sweet spot and easier power, so you don’t need perfect technique to hit the shuttle to the back of the court.
Is higher tension better in badminton?
Not automatically. Higher tension gives more control and a sharper feel, but only if you can swing fast enough. With slower swings, high tension feels “dead” and can strain your arm.
What tension do professional badminton players use?
Many professionals string at 28–32 lbs or more, because their swing speed is very high. That tension is too tight for most club players.
Which badminton string is the most durable?
Yonex BG 65 (0.70 mm) is the most popular durable string. Thicker strings last longer; thinner strings like BG 66 Ultimax and Exbolt 63 give more repulsion and feel but break sooner.
Can high tension break my racquet?
Stringing above the maximum tension printed on your racquet can damage the frame and may void the warranty. Always check the maximum (for example, “max 28 lbs”) on the shaft.
How often should I restring my badminton racquet?
If you play 3–4 times a week, restring every 2–3 months. Restring sooner if the shuttle feels less controlled, the sound changes, or a string breaks.
Do you string racquets for free?
Yes. When you buy a racquet on prokicksports.com, we string it for free. Just choose your string and tension when you order.
Need help choosing your string and tension?
Tell us your level and racquet, and we’ll suggest the right setup. Website racquet orders come with free stringing.
Shop badminton stringsAsk on WhatsApp