How to choose your badminton string
Gauge, Yonex models, colour and restringing: what really changes the feel of your racket.
The string is the only part of your racket that actually touches the shuttle. Two players with the same racket but different strings will get a completely different feel.
In this guide, I'll explain what changes from one string to another, and which one to pick for your game.
String gauge
A string's thickness is measured in millimetres: that's its gauge. Yonex strings range from about 0.61 to 0.72 mm. It sounds tiny, but it changes everything.
The thinner it is, the more it gives and the faster it sends the shuttle back: more power, more feel, a crisper sound. But it wears and breaks faster.
The thicker it is, the tougher it is and the longer it lasts, with a softer feel. It's the choice for beginners and anyone who breaks strings often.
My advice: if you break your string every couple of weeks, go thicker. If you're after feel, go thinner.
Which Yonex string is right for you?
The strings we stock, from thinnest to thickest. The bar shows each one's gauge (magnified).
- Exbolt 630.63 mm
The thinnest and liveliest
Who it's forAdvanced players looking for fast repulsion
- Aerobite0.67 / 0.61 mm
Hybrid: different mains and crosses
Who it's forPlayers looking for bite, spin and control at the net
- BG66 Ultimax0.65 mm
Thin, fast, very precise
Who it's forPlayers who want maximum feel
- Exbolt 650.65 mm
Fast with good durability
Who it's forThe best all-rounder in the Exbolt range
- BG800.68 mm
Crisp, powerful, with a loud pop
Who it's forAttackers and competitive players
- Exbolt 680.68 mm
Lively but very durable
Who it's forBig hitters who want their string to last
- BG65 Titanium0.70 mm
Crisper with more bite than the BG65
Who it's forRegular players who want durability with a bit more punch
- BG650.70 mm
Soft, very durable
Who it's forBeginners, clubs, anyone who breaks strings often
The Aerobite Boost takes the Aerobite concept with thicker mains (0.72 mm) for extra durability.
My picks for your game
Beginner
BG65, at 9 or 10 kg. Tough and comfortable, it lets you improve without breaking a string every week.
You play a lot
BG65 Titanium or Exbolt 68: you keep the durability with more response.
Attacker
BG80 or Exbolt 63: a crisp feel and a shot that pops, ideal at high tension.
Net player
Aerobite or BG66 Ultimax: bite and precision for your net shots, drops and counters.
String and tension always go together: a thin string strung too tight breaks faster. Choose your tension
What about colour?
Colour changes nothing about how it plays, but everything about the look. Each string comes in several colours: white, yellow, black, pink, blue, green, orange… depending on the model and stock.
On each racket's page, you pick your string, its colour and your tension, and you see the result right on the racket. Then I string it in the workshop. And to go one step further, you can even add a stencil on your strings: Yonex logo, 100%BAD, star, heart… painted in the workshop, from 2 €.
When should you restring?
A string loses tension over time, even if it doesn't break. For a regular player, I recommend restringing every 3 to 6 months.
- The sound goes dullThe crisp "ping" you had at first is gone: the string has lost its tension.
- The shuttle goes shorter or less accuratelyYou have to push harder for the same clear.
- The strings shift or frayThe mains move around or you can see fibres: a break isn't far off.
- It's been more than 6 monthsEven with no visible signs, a restring brings your racket back to life.
FAQ
Which string for a badminton beginner?
The BG65: thick (0.70 mm), very durable and comfortable. Paired with a tension between 9 and 10 kg, it gives you easy power and lasts a long time.
Why does my string keep breaking?
Often because it's too thin for how much you play, strung too tight, or because you hit a lot near the frame. Switch to a thicker string like the BG65 Titanium or the Exbolt 68.
Plastic or feather shuttles: does it make a difference?
Yes. With plastic shuttles, which are heavier, a slightly lower tension and a comfortable string feel nicer. With feather shuttles, you can go up in tension for more precision.
Can you string my racket?
Yes: every racket bought from 100%BAD is strung in our workshop with the string and tension of your choice. For a restring, get in touch.