Badminton String Tension Guide: 24lbs vs 28lbs Explained

Walk into any pro shop, and they will ask: "What tension?" Most beginners panic and say "26 lbs" because they heard a professional uses it. This is one of the most expensive mistakes you can make in badminton.

String tension is not like choosing a racket where you can test it and return it. Once the strings are on, you are stuck with them for months. Choose wrong, and you will struggle with every shot until you pay $25 to restring.

The Trampoline Effect: How Strings Actually Work

Imagine jumping on a trampoline. If the springs are loose (low tension), you sink deep into the mat and get launched high into the air. The trampoline is doing most of the work for you. This is POWER.

Now imagine the springs are cranked so tight that the trampoline feels like a wooden floor (high tension). When you jump, nothing happens. You have to generate all the force yourself. This is CONTROL.

Badminton strings work exactly the same way. Low tension strings "hold" the shuttle longer and give it a slingshot effect. High tension strings barely deform, so the shuttle bounces off almost immediately with no extra energy added.

Tension Comparison: Low vs Medium vs High

Tension Guide by Skill Level

Beginners: 20-23 lbs (The Sweet Spot Zone)

Why this range works:

• The "sweet spot" on your racket is massive. Even if you miss the center by 2 inches, the shuttle will still fly far.
• Loose strings help generate power for clears without perfect technique.
• Strings last longer because they absorb shock better.
• You can focus on footwork and form instead of fighting your equipment.

Recommended strings for beginners: Yonex BG65 ($8-12) - The most durable string on the market. Lasts 3x longer than premium strings.

Intermediate: 24-26 lbs (The Balanced Zone)

You are ready for this range if:

• You can clear baseline-to-baseline consistently
• Your smashes land where you aim (not just "somewhere in the court")
• You play 2-3 times per week

What you gain: Sharper sound on contact, better accuracy for drop shots and net play, faster shuttle response on defensive blocks.

Recommended strings for intermediate: Yonex BG80 ($12-15) - Thinner gauge for better feel, but still durable.

Advanced: 27-30 lbs (The Pro Zone)

Only use high tension if:

• You play competitively (tournaments, leagues)
• Your swing speed is fast enough to generate power without string help
• You are willing to restring every 2-4 weeks

Recommended strings for advanced: Yonex Aerosonic ($18-22) - Ultra-thin (0.61mm) for maximum feel and repulsion. Used by pros.

What About Professional Players?

Yes, Viktor Axelsen strings his Astrox 100ZZ at 30+ lbs. But here is what people do not tell you:

• He has a personal stringer who travels with him
• He restrings EVERY DAY during tournaments
• His swing speed is 3x faster than a recreational player
• He has been playing for 20+ years

Trying to copy a pro's tension when you are still learning is like trying to drive a Formula 1 car when you just got your driver's license. It is not going to end well.

Plastic vs Feather Shuttles: Does It Matter?

Yes. Plastic shuttles are heavier and harder than feather shuttles. This means:

• With plastic shuttles: Stick to 22-24 lbs. The extra weight puts more stress on strings, so higher tension will cause breaks.
• With feather shuttles: You can go 1-2 lbs higher (up to 25-26 lbs for intermediates) because feather shuttles are lighter and easier on strings.

How Often Should You Restring?

A common rule: "Restring as many times per year as you play per week."

• Play once a week → Restring once a year
• Play twice a week → Restring twice a year
• Play 3+ times a week → Restring every 2-3 months

Signs You Need to Restring

• Strings feel "dead" - the shuttle does not bounce off as fast
• Your clears that used to reach the baseline now fall short
• Strings have visible fraying or notches
• The racket sounds different (less "ping," more "thud")

DIY or Pro Shop? If you play often, consider buying a stringing machine. A basic machine costs $100-150 and pays for itself after 5-6 restrings.

Common Mistakes Beginners Make

Mistake 1: Copying Pro Players

Just because Kento Momota uses 29 lbs does not mean you should. You do not have his technique, swing speed, or daily restringing budget.

Mistake 2: Thinking Higher Tension = Better Player

There is no "prestige" in high tension. No one at your local club cares. Play what works for your skill level.

Mistake 3: Never Restringing

Strings lose tension over time, even if they do not break. After 6 months, your "24 lbs" racket is probably closer to 18 lbs. This is why your shots suddenly feel inconsistent.

Mistake 4: Using the Wrong String Type

Thin strings (0.66mm or less) give better feel but break faster. Thick strings (0.70mm+) last longer but feel "mushy." Match your string to your play frequency:

• Play 1x/week: Use durable strings like BG65
• Play 3x/week: Use balanced strings like BG80
• Play daily: Use premium strings like Aerosonic and accept frequent restringing

Our Final Recommendations

If you are unsure, always go lower, not higher. It is easy to increase tension later once your technique improves. Going too high too soon will just frustrate you and waste money on restrings.

And remember: your racket matters more than your strings. If you have not already, check out our guide on choosing the right racket and understanding racket balance.