You’ve probably overheard players discussing the badminton string tensions they employ on each of their racquets if you’ve played badminton for a long. Some people utilize 20 pounds (9.1 kg), while others use upwards of 30 pounds (13.6 kg)!
Which one, nevertheless, is ideal for you? In this piece, we’ll answer this query and explain what, and perhaps more significantly, why, a specific tension is optimal for you. Badminton String tension is typically measured in pounds (lbs), and it describes how tightly the racquet string is fastened to the racquet.
The main and cross string lines on a badminton racquet are the vertical and horizontal, respectively, string lines, respectively. For instance, if you ask a stringer to string your racquet at 25 pounds, they will typically knot it at 25 X 27 pounds (main X cross), 24X26 pounds, or 25X25 pounds, based on level of competence.
There is no hard rule on this, but for average players, you shouldn’t be overly dubious about it unless you are certain of the tension requirements for both cross and main.
Badminton String Tension
If you play badminton, you are aware that stringing is an inevitable part of the game. After a while, the strings on your racquet will break. It will ultimately need to be restrung. However, you must comprehend string tension prior to restringing your racquet. This is crucial since you’ll need to communicate your preferred string tension to your stringer.
Player | String Tension |
Beginners | 15-20 lbs |
Intermediate | 20-25 lbs |
Advance | Above 25 lbs |
Strings for badminton are often strung between:
- For beginners, 20–23 pounds
- For intermediate and elite players, the recommended weight is 24–27 pounds.
- For world-class badminton players, 28–34 pounds
Maximizing performance: You can develop good power and control in your shots by playing with the appropriate string tension.
Avoid Injury: Your arm could get hurt if the string tension is too high. Tennis elbow, a frequent elbow ache from racquet sports, and triceps muscle damage may result from this.
Higher String Tension
It allows for greater touch and control. The sweet spot in the middle of the racquet must be continuously hit for this to happen, though. The sweet spot gets narrower as your tension rises. In order to achieve a quick swing speed in your hitting movement, you must have excellent technique and timing.
Your strings are more prone to break quickly the higher the strain. Obviously, this depends on the string you select.
Lower String Tension
You will have less control since the string bed will be looser (like a trampoline) and the strings will absorb the shuttle more. Because the sweet spot is larger, the string will be more forgiving if you don’t time the shuttle perfectly on every shot.
You will be able to hit the shuttle more frequently and cleanly as a result, with fewer misses. If you are unable to consistently strike the shuttle in the sweet spot, the likelihood of breaking strings will be lowered. It should go without saying that the more you lower your tension, the longer your strings will endure.
For Beginners
String tension between 18 and 22 lbs. should be used by beginning badminton players. String tension between 22 and 26 lbs. should be used by intermediate badminton players (10 and 11.8 kg). The string tension that advanced and expert players should employ is greater than 25 pounds (11.3 kg), or whatever feels most comfy to them.
Advanced and professional players frequently use a string tension that is outside the suggested string tension range for a racquet; therefore do so at your own risk since it will void the product’s guarantee.
Why String Tension Is Important?
All badminton players should think about string tension because it has an impact on a variety of game-related, equipment-related, and even health-related factors.
Sweet Place
The region of your racquet where you can produce the highest power is called the sweet spot. A larger sweet spot is produced by lower string tension, and a smaller sweet spot is produced by higher string tension.
String Robustness
Your string is less resilient the more tightly you have it wound. This is due to the fact that a higher tension causes more friction between the strings as they move due to a higher string pressure. Additionally, it is much simpler to mishit because smaller sweet spots are produced by higher tension.
Strings are more likely to snap as a result of mishits because they cannot expand as far outside of the sweet spot. This is particularly accurate close to the racquet frame.
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Control
Control is reduced with lower string tension. Lower string tension enables the string to bend more inward, lengthening the contact time (also known as dwell time) and increasing the shuttlecock’s exposure to the racquet’s spin. As a result, you have less precise control over the shuttlecock, which makes it simpler for the shuttlecock to veer off course.
Don’t exceed your limit
String tension requirements vary by person. A quicker swing speed and more strength are required when the string tension is higher. Injuries to the elbow or arms could result from excessive string strain. If you are just starting out, avoid putting too much strain on your arm.
Only more skilled players should use high-tension strings. There is a statement that reads “recommended tension” (in pounds) between the racquet shaft and the handle. If you go over the allotted amount, the racquet can be harmed. If the racquet is damaged in this situation, you will not be able to make an insurance claim.
FAQ’S
Strings are essential to a player’s ability to strike the shuttle efficiently since they are the only point of contact between the shuttle and the racquet. Beginner players should focus more on having fun than worrying about the finer points, but advanced and professional players can greatly benefit from string customization.
Based on these four points:
Player prowess
Range of racket tension
Your desired string’s duration
What kind of shuttle are you using?
For the majority of players, a 1mm buried depth of the strings represents appropriate tension. You will need a higher tension for your racquet strings if you typically put more force into your strokes. 22 to 23 pounds of tension is a decent place to start for novices.