Marc

There is a lot of misleading information on string tension. I have written an article about it, so it is on my blog.

Players have been led to believe that you get more power by increasing tension. This is WRONG.

At lower tensions (18-20lbs), the sweetspot on your racquet is larger. This allows the string to absorb the shuttle and repel it with some force – it’s like stretching an elastic band.

At lower tensions you don’t have as much control of the shuttle because of the time the shuttle stays on the racquet (dwell time).

As your technique improves, you don’t need such a large sweetspot. You can then increase tension (no more than say 2lbs at a time) to find what works for you.

As the sweetspot reduces with increased tension, the dwell time also reduces and you get more control and feel for the shuttle. Your better technique means you don’t have any loss in power, but that doesn’t mean you get any more power neither.

You will find as you test there is a point where your power decreases slightly but your control and feel are superb. This is your optimum tension until technique improves again.

Bear in mind racquet manufacture stringing recommendations, as exceeding them will invalidate your warranty. Also some stringers will only string to certain tensions. Some of them lie about the tension they string to because they are uncomfortable stringing at higher tensions. Always choose a stringer who knows badminton well. There are too many who spend more time stringing tennis and squash racquets and rarely see badminton racquets. They usually don’t have the tension knowledge to advise. I’ve strung thousands of badminton racquets, but would not advise a tennis or squash player as I don’t string these racquets.

My concerns about tensions are that there is a tendency for the ego to get carried away. Mine is bigger than yours mentality can easily creep in and then tensions are increased to the detriment of the player. This can lead to arm and shoulder injuries which can be serious.

So bear in mind, everything is linked to improved technique.

Here’s my tension guide. Now I’ve been professionally taught, I’m a member of UK Racquet Stringers Association and have strung for beginners to England International/European Champions.

Plastic shuttles – recommend 18/19 lbs – maximum 21lbs
Feather shuttles, beginner – recommend 19-21lbs
Feather shuttles , intermediate – recommend 20-22
Feather shuttles, advanced – recommend 22 to whatever the player wants if they have good technique and we test together.

Marc, I hope this helps you and other players. There are always exceptions to my recommendations. But I have seen so many players with injured arms and shoulders because they have increased tension and have poor technique.

I do know of one player using 31lbs and plays plastic shuttles. He wears an arm brace and my guess is that the plastic shuttles have caused this bearing in mind he has good technique. Why he chooses to play with plastic shuttles is unknown but I would recommend he stops and moves to another club.

I look forward to your comments on this subject. As I said, the recommended tensions are a guide only, but please be realistic about your playing abilities before seriously increasing your string tension.

To your success

Paul