Imagine the scene. A young player is chatting to an experienced player at your club about racquets. Invariably at some point the discussion moves on to the subject of string tension. “My racquets are strung at 30lbs” says the experienced player, “the tighter the string the better – that’s what you want.”
Now this scenario has been played thousands of times in club and league badminton and it will continue. The question is, is it doing any damage?
There has been a huge amount written about badminton racquet string tensions over the last few years. Forums are full of players quoting all sorts of sky high numbers. For those who are new to this wonderful game, or have limited knowledge of this critical element, it is very easy to be taken in by the confident belief that “the tighter the string, the better” or “the tighter the string, the more power you get.”
Is It True, or Have We Been Told A Big Lie All These Years?
If you want a simple answer, then the above statements are untrue. It’s not quite as simple as that though. So let’s separate fact from fiction so that you can then make more informed decisions about your string tensions.
The string tension in your badminton racquet plays a major part in your ability to play shots well. If the strings are too slack, then they fail to perform at optimum level. For now, I’ll assume you are past beginner level and play in a club and you’re a senior (over 18).
Before I discuss what I consider to be “safe” string tensions, perhaps it’s worth getting some of the facts about string into the open.
- All strings stretch, like elastic, and therefore from the day your racquet is strung, the strings begin to lose tension (known as creepage in the trade).
- Every racquet has a “sweet spot.” This is an area on the strings which produces the best results from the contact with a shuttle.
- The lower the tension, the bigger the sweet spot. Consequently, beginners need to play with lower tensions as they are more likely to mis-hit the shuttle. The bigger “optimum hitting area” is therefore essential in their progress in the sport.
- As a player becomes more consistent, they do not require such huge sweet spots. Their needs change and they now require a faster “response” off the strings and more power.
- As tensions are increased, the sweet spot reduces. A highly accomplished player, who consistently hits the shuttle well, will generate more power and enjoy the benefits of the shuttle travelling faster off the strings. The tighter strings give them more control.
OK, so we’ve moved from beginner to highly accomplished player. I’m not talking about your first team player here because that will vary between leagues or clubs. What I mean by a highly accomplished player is someone who is representing the area, playing county badminton or even international badminton. They could be tournament players who are playing local and national tournaments. They play to a consistently high standard.
When Increased String Tension Does Not Equal Increased Power
Whenever you increase string tension, there is a point when you do not get the same return in terms of power. So what is this point of “diminishing returns?” This will depend on the individual. A highly accomplished player may find that their tensions need to be 24lbs before they notice a levelling out on power. A lower level player may find that this is way too high and 20/21 lbs is a max. Whilst it may not seem a great difference in terms of numbers, I assure you it’s massive in terms of how the racquet plays and feels.
Whatever the range, please keep your ego at bay here as it’s so common for players to boast about playing with super-high tensions and yet their performance will be suffering as a result.
Once you have found your maximum tension for power, then you need to decide whether you wish to sacrifice some in order to improve the repulsion characteristics of the string, which basically give you more control of the shuttle. Let me explain…
As the strings are tighter and the sweet spot reduces, the strings do not absorb the shuttle and then propel it forwards as much (which is where power comes from in the string). Instead the shuttle moves off the strings quicker, instantly reacting to the movement of the racquet. This produces control.
The lower repulsion and higher control characteristics are what the top players are seeking in order to provide them with the greatest opportunity to exploit the weaknesses of the opposition. They already posses the power required to create openings and recognize that this, coupled with touch and speed form the basis for a top flight all-round game.
So Where’s The Danger?
Every racquet manufacturer provides information on what they deem safe tensions for their racquets. Many players choose to ignore these “early warnings” and have their racquets strung considerably higher.
As you can imagine, exceeding recommended limits is potentially dangerous in two ways. Firstly, the racquet frame may crack or shatter due to the significant pressure on it. Second, when you increase tension, you also increase vibration through the racquet.
The loss of repulsion characteristics means the player may have to put more into the shot to get the same power. This may result in tennis elbow, shoulder or neck injuries, which are now becoming more common because of the higher tension requirements from players.
And that’s where this knowledge can be dangerous. These injuries are serious and can take considerable time to heal. You may need physiotherapy treatment which is costly. My concern here is that young players are being given the wrong information, backed up by over-zealous players in far-east who contribute to the badminton forums. Before you know it, our budding youngsters are sidelined with serious injuries and could easily miss a season.
League clubs overall are suffering through falling numbers. Losing a player for weeks or months through injury can be a major blow to the club. Promotion, relegation or even winning the league may depend on fielding a fully fit side week after week. It would be tragic to lose a key player through injury at a critical time.
How Tight Is Tight – A Guide To Stringing Tensions
I’ve been stringing badminton racquets for over 20 years. This has included string for beginners to international players. Having seen the changes in technology from two piece racquets, to one piece composite frames, nano technology and isometric heads, I’ve pretty much seen it all over the years. The development in racquet technology has brought us lighter and yet stronger frames.
This development has also generated a significant amount of testing by international players, looking for competitive advantage. Tensions have been pushed higher and have now entered those usually seen in squash racquets. Bear in mind squash racquets are significantly thicker and heavier than badminton racquets and therefore they are designed to withstand these tensions.
So here’s my guide to racquet tensions. As with all guides, there are players who will not wish to be classed as a beginner or low level player (there’s that ego again), and therefore dismiss my recommended tension. Also, tensions are so personal. We all play a different game, some are power players, some are great tacticians, some have a very broad range of shots, others have limited shots but have mastered them. Essentially we’re all different. You need to experiment to find the optimum tension for your style of play.
- Beginner – 16lbs – 18lbs – especially if playing with plastic shuttles
- Beginner – 17lbs-19lbs if playing with feathers
- Intermediate – 18lbs -20lbs
- Advanced – 20lbs-22lbs
- County/International – 23lbs – 25lbs
As I said previously, this is a guide. I know county players who are happy playing with 22lbs and I also know some who play with 27lbs or more.
Whilst stringers will string your racquet beyond the manufacturers recommended tension, expect them to stipulate that they will not be responsible if the frame breaks.
A Quick Word About Playing With Plastic Shuttles
Whilst playing with plastic shuttles is extremely cost effective compared to feather shuttles, please bear in mind that hitting these shuttles are a major cause of tennis elbow. Plastic shuttles do not fly like a feather. You generally have to put more effort into clearing the shuttle to the back of the court than you do with a feather.
As the saying goes you “stroke a feather and punch a plastic.”
Because there are significant flight differences between plastic and feather shuttles, it is recommended that you lower your string tension to get more repulsion properties from your string and less vibration. If you’re playing with a plastic shuttle and have your racquet strung at say, 24lbs, you may as well play with a board.
As with all sports, a modicum of common sense prevails. I’ve known players who play with both plastic and feather shuttles. Thankfully, they are fully aware of the increased dangers of playing with plastics compared to feather shuttles and use a different racquet, strung 2-3 lbs less than their racquet for feathers in order to compensate.
What About Differences In strings?
This article is not written to do direct comparisons with strings but there are a few things worth mentioning.
Generally, the better players are opting for thinner gauge strings like Yonex BG80. It’s a great string, can be strung to high tensions and the players like the “feel” and control they get with the combination of a favoured tension and this string. As it’s thinner, the string will not have the same durability as a thicker gauge string and therefore the racquet will need to be strung more often.
Again, string choice is personal. Beginners need string with durability rather than feel and control because their focus at this standard of play is all about getting the shuttle back and playing rallies.
As the player develops and skill increases, the need for durability reduces. Control and feel become more important. There are strings that bridge the gap between these two opposing needs, namely Yonex BG65Ti, Ashaway Rally 21 and many more.
To find what works for you, you need to speak to your stringer and ask them to record your tensions and chosen string so that you can eventually find the right combination for you. If you change racquets, you may need to adjust again, but generally you’ll only be making minor adjustments to suit.
Let’s Wrap This Up
Hopefully you now understand that a higher tension does not necessarily equal more power and generally it’s actually the opposite. Please do not be fooled by those boasting of extremely high tensions, they may already be feeling the pain from this and yet don’t wish to tell you about it!
There are definitely dangers in exceeding racquet manufacturer recommended tensions. Beware, you could soon be ending your love affair with your favourite racquet if you choose to exceed the recommended tension. Check your frame for stress lines frequently or you may be in for a shock.
Test to find your optimum tension and string choice. Remember, this is personal to you and you alone. What’s right for you may be detrimental to your club colleague or partner.
Please, do not be lead by others and some of the foolish comments on the badminton forums. Test any changes in small increments of 1lb. Bear in mind that each string is individually tensioned when stringing a racquet, so a 1lb increase is enough to notice a difference.
When you’ve found the right tension for you and the right string, you can then concentrate on enjoying and improving your game without having that little niggle in the back of your mind that you’re missing something.
Enjoy your testing and feel free to email me if you want further clarification on any of the points I’ve raised – it’s always good to hear from you.
{ 7 comments… read them below or add one }
Interesting read again, Paul.
I have played with higher tensions and got to a point were it was starting to hurt my shoulder, however the stringing I have had done locally drops in tension dramatically and the same strings(BG 65Ti ) now feel a bit too soft.
You know when you go to the GP and are asked how many units of Alcohol you drink per week? People underestimate their consumption so GP’s standard response is to double your figure , naturally I am aware of this so halve my consumption so he gets an accurate view, but then have a nagging suspicion that he might guess that I am doing this and further compensate. ete etc
It seems that stringers are put in a similar position, people ask for higher tension than they should be playing at. Some stringers say that they have strung at a higher tension but actually have strung alot lower. I can understand (but not condone ) this as they obviously don’t want to lose the work, but it sets in train a similar set of problems.
Problems for me started when I played with a friends new racket strung at ’31 lbs’- felt great, no downsides- better in every way than the racket/string I was playing with.. I then tried to get my racket strung at 30. One stringer strung it but when pressed admitted that it was ‘only’ at 27- felt good but I broke a string within the second game and never came to any concrete conclusions. Eventually found a guy that said they would string at 30 and for the first few weeks it felt a bit too tight, then I started to like it. Had some coaching sessions, compared rackets and the coaches racket strung 6months ago at 26lb was much tighter than my 2month old 30lb racket! then to cap it all I found out that the original racket I had tried at 31 had only really been strung at 28 but the owner had been told it was 31. He now has his strung at a stated 27 but who knows for certain?
It makes it very hard to know what true tension I like or should ask for, should I add 3 pounds knowing the stringer will in his ultimate wisdom take 3 off, add 5 because I know its going to stretch? Conclusion I have come to is that I will buy a machine and have a go myself!
Paul-what is your response when someone asks for a tension that you think is too high for them?
And should BG65ti keep on stretching? i have a racket strung at a supposed 24lb in Feb that feels like a fishing net!
Nic
Hi Nic
Thanks for your message.
You’ve raised so many important points. Interesting that you had a shoulder problem and then reduced your tensions.
I’ve been stringing racquets for over 20 years and have catered for beginners to European and National Doubles Champions. I’m also a member of UKRSA (UK Racquet Stringers Association.)
If a player asks for a higher tension than the manufacturer recommends, then I’ll do it, subject to them signing a waiver. After all, the risk to me of stringing the racquet is high as the frame could shatter on the machine. I could get a splinter in my eye, be permanently blinded or temporaily lose my sight whilst the splinter is being removed.
Or, the frame may break and the player expects me to buy them a replacement racquet. Whilst I don’t want to gain a bad reputation, I won’t budge on this one.
Neither scenario is good. However, a stringer, if they accept the job of re-stringing a racquet, then they should fulfill the players request for string type and tension.
What a stringer must offer is consistency. There are so many variations on technique and stringing machine. 30 lbs on an electric machine should be pretty close to 30lbs on a different type of machine if they are frequently calibrated.
There is always a loss of tension (around 10%) from when the racquet is strung. Some stringers allow for this and therefore string slightly higher in order to give you a “playing” tension. Again, as long as there is consistency, you should be fine.
Many stringers I know keep detailed records of your racquet, string and favoured tension. This way, if you choose to test, they should be able to discuss the results with you.
Personally, I’d ask the stringer of your choice for transparency. You need to know whether they string at your required tension or make certain allowances. I don’t make allowances, I just string at the stated tension.
If a player asks for a tension that i think is high, I ask them what has prompted this decision. I then explain all the dangers to them. If they still want to go ahead, then I’ll get the waiver signed and do as they request.
When they receive the racquet, I’ll also ask them to keep me informed how it’s playing and whether they are suffering any aches and pains.
I haven’t had cause to turn anyone away for asking the impossible e.g. 31lbs and they only play with plastic shuttles. Thankfully, my clients have listened to advice and tested what’s right for them.
Most of the league players I string for still have their racquets strung under 22lbs. There are county players whorequire higher tensions, but most league players are very happy with their racquets at these tensions.
Very few suffer from tennis elbow or shoulder injuries.
All strings continue to stretch. There is a point where they break through normal wear. Other than that, a mis-hit is the usual cause of a break.
Yonex BG65Ti is a very good string and my personal favourite. Many players, non Yonex included, use BG80 which is thinner. If you play frequently (more than once a week), then you should have your racquets strung regularly.
A racquet strung in February will have lost considerable tension by now. If you do play more than once a week, then I’d suggest it is worn out and needs fresh strings.
Nic, I hope this helps a little. There are always players, like you who have found that they prefer highly strung racquets. I’m OK with that.
My article was meant to warn players of the dangers of listening to others and assuming more power is gained through higher string tension.
You’ve opened up this discussion very nicely by commenting on the frustrations a player can have when dealing with stringers that don’t seem to make the grade in terms of customer service (i.e. giving the customer what they want).
How often should you have your racquet re-strung? That depends on you. If you ever went behind the scenes at tennis tournaments, you’d see that players had their racquets re-strung every day! That’s how fickle or precise they are about their required tension in their racquet.
It would be interesting to find out how often the top badminton players have their racquets strung. I’m meeting up with the stringer from UK Nationals, so will ask him how often players returned for restrings when there didn’t appear to be anything wrong with their racquet.
Nic, keep in touch and let me know how you’re getting on. As I said before, have a good chat with your stringer and perhaps tell them what you expect from them in return for your custom.
Best wishes
Paul
Hi Paul, thanks for a very informative blog!
Based on what you wrote, can I assume that as I improve as a player, I will then gradually prefer to string at a higher tension? Or is it dependent on some aspects of my improvement, e.g. swing speed and technique?
Is it also better to start low to high when looking for my optimum tension? And if I’m in undecided between 2 number, should I go with the lower one?
Cheers.
Thomas
Hi Thomas
Great questions!
As you improve your needs will change. When you’re consistently timing the hit, then a large sweet spot on your racquet isn’t required. Your swing speed may only change a little but your technique will determine whether you’re ready to test another tension.
I’d suggest increase in increments of 1lbs so, depending on how often you play, and your budget, will determine the number of restrings/tests you’ll do in a year.
What you will find is that your technique will improve again as the racquet gives you more control.
If you know what tension is in your racquet now, then that’s your starting point. A decent stringer will ask a lot of questions about you and your wants prior to stringing your racquet. They will also advise you on string choice and tension. Make sure you tell them whether you play with plastic or feather shuttles as this should colour their decision on tension considerably.
Start off low. If you’re playing with feathers and you’ve never had your racquet strung before, then I’d ask for 20lbs tension. Most racquets are strung at a lower tension than this so you should notice the difference.
Eventually you will reach a point where the next tension increase doesn’t give you any more than you already had. It’s then a matter of preference whether you choose the lower tension or higher tension. Most players tend to choose the higher tension on the basis that they don’t want to take a step backwards. However, if you feel the lower tension is more preferable, then go with it.
Hope this helps.
To your success
Paul
Hi Paul
Just scanning through your blogs, some good reading and points raised.
The thoughts on stringing tensions, rights and wrongs is one I am often confronted with as I restring rackets for a few local clubs I play in, trying to get players to understand what’s right for one isn’t for another is like trying to get blood from a stone. Playing at a half decent level Div 1, with and against county players I am at a level where I play with 24lbs with nano95, this has taken years and lots of trial and error as you say to find its what works for me. But when I go and play at clubs with players of a lower standard (no offence to anyone) they all ask me to sting their racket the same as mine as if this is the reason I can hit the ‘Big winning smash’ or the ‘how did you do that net shot’.
As a lot of these players play with plastics as a norm they cannot understand why I always say you’ll be much better off with the good old BG65TI as this will last you and don’t consider anything above 22lbs. And as I think you say when I pull out an old racket I have strung with bg65 at 22 to play plastics with the looks I get as if I am trying to show them up or something like I can beat them with ‘any old bat’ just goes to show the serious misunderstanding in this very important part of preparation to play in my opinion any way.
Hope I haven’t rambled on too much I just feel players need to have a better understanding of what they are asking for against what they think they will gain when asking for a restring.
I have only ever turned down a job to restring when a customer asked for 30lbs on a racket when I checked on the frame it stated recommended 18 – 22 lbs I said I wouldn’t risk it.
Rich
Rich
Many thanks for your comments. I can only echo your thoughts here – all the scenarios have happened to me. I refused to string the racquet at high tensions too which was met with a rather disgruntled look.
We do need to continue to remind players about these simple things. The “yours is bigger than mine” attitude is rife amongst younger players. They’re being lead by the rediculous comments on some forums about string tensions.
One guy wrote to me recently who was a beginner and his coach had recommended 27lbs tension in his racquet. Could you imagine that happening here. It’s worse still if they’re learning with plastics.
I know of too many players who have suffered injuries because of poor technique and high string tensions.
Rich, I’m looking forward to meeting you in September at Lilleshall.
To your success
Paul
Just a question. I recently bought the Voltric 80 after soo many raved review about it (my 1st new & highend racquet..been using low-end headlight Carltons before). It was stringed at 25lbs as i had any idea what tension my old racquet was anyway. (i finally had my old racquet checked and the tension was 21lbs)
My 1st few session with the new tension? I hate it..my play was a mess…everything went wrong. But i keep trying and finally, after the fifth session (3 weeks later)..i’m finally loving it.
I was puzzled that i can handle a 4lbs increase in tension and did not have any sored muscles..just really bad badminton play. Is it because somehow, i was required to smash & stroke harder using my headlight carltons that it somehow increased my forearm strenght that i can now handle higher tension? Does that mean i can increase it further once i get used to the ‘old’ tension?
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