Most players spend hours choosing a racket and about ten seconds choosing the string that goes in it. That's backwards. The string is the only part of the racket that touches the shuttle, it costs a fraction of the frame, and changing it can make a familiar racket feel completely different. Two numbers do most of the work: **gauge** (how thick the string is) and **tension** (how tight it's pulled).
## Gauge: thin vs. thick
Badminton strings are measured by diameter, in millimetres. The range is narrow, roughly 0.62 mm to 0.70 mm, but players notice differences of a few hundredths of a millimetre.
Victor sorts its own strings into three groups by gauge:
| Group | Gauge | What it's for | |---|---|---| | Durability | 0.69 mm and up | Lasts longer; good all-round choice | | Control | 0.67–0.68 mm | Holds the shuttle a little longer for placement | | High resilience | 0.66 mm and below | Livelier, faster shuttle off the string |
Yonex's U.S. catalog shows the same pattern with two of the most common strings in American clubs:
- **BG65**, at **0.70 mm**, is marketed for durability, holding tension and consistent feel. It's a typical "first restring" choice. - **BG66 Ultimax**, at **0.65 mm**, is listed under Yonex's "quick repulsion" group: a fast, crisp response off the string, with control.
**The trade-off is simple: thinner strings feel livelier but break sooner; thicker strings feel a bit duller but last longer.** If you break strings every couple of weeks, go thicker. If they last for months and you want more pop, try going thinner.
## Tension: what the numbers mean
Tension is measured in pounds (or kilograms). Victor's guide gives a useful set of reference points:
- **About 20 lbs:** a typical factory pre-strung racket - **24 lbs:** Victor's suggested starting point for most players - **30 lbs or more:** common among top-level players
**Lower tension** feels softer and more forgiving. The string bed does more of the work, so clears and lifts reach the back of the court more easily.
**Higher tension** feels harder and gives more precise control, but only if you can generate the racket-head speed to use it. On defensive or passive shots, you have to put in more effort to get the shuttle where you want it.
Victor makes two points worth repeating. First, **tension isn't a measure of skill**, so don't string tight because the pros do. Second, the brand suggests tensions **above about 26 lbs** suit players who already generate power efficiently. Below that level, very tight strings can hurt control and comfort, and poor technique combined with a hard string bed can raise injury risk.
## A sensible first restring
If you're still playing on the strings your racket came with, here's a low-risk plan:
1. **Pick a durable, mid-to-thick string** such as a 0.70 mm string. It will last while you work out what you like. 2. **Ask for about 22–24 lbs.** That's a step up from factory tension without being punishing. 3. **Play a few weeks, then adjust one thing at a time.** Want more control on smashes and drives? Go up 1–2 lbs. Clears falling short? Go down. Want more feel? Try a thinner string at the same tension. 4. **Check your racket's limit.** Racket makers publish a recommended tension range for each frame. Stay inside it to protect the frame and your warranty.
## Where to get it done
Most dedicated badminton clubs in Southern California offer stringing at the pro shop. Orange County Badminton Club, our Venue Spotlight this week, is one of them. Bring your racket, tell the stringer the string and tension you want, and write it down so you can repeat it or change one thing next time.
Thinking about a different racket to go with your new string? You can buy and sell used rackets on [Gearave](https://gearave.com).
## Sources
- VICTOR, Choosing the Perfect String and Tension for Your Badminton Racket: https://ca.victorsport.com/blog/article/choosingtheperfectstringandtensionforyourbadmintonracket-4 - Yonex USA, BG65 string: https://us.yonex.com/products/bg65-set - Yonex USA, BG66 Ultimax string: https://us.yonex.com/products/bg66-ultimax-set - Yonex USA, stringing instructions: https://us.yonex.com/pages/stringing-instructions - Orange County Badminton Club: https://ocbadmintonclub.com/
