Professional and seasoned badminton players know that their racket’s performance highly depends on the quality of its strings. The network of nylon or multifilament does more work during play than people realise.
Every badminton player has hir or her own preference when it comes to choosing a string — whether it’s thickness, tension or material. With many string options available, it can be overwhelming for players shopping online.
In this blog, we will discuss the five most popular strings among professionals. If your racket is due for a restring, consider choosing one from this list.
Top 5 Badminton Strings in the UK Right Now
- The following strings —Yonex BG80 Power, Ashway Zymax 66 Fire, Yonex BG65, Li-Ning No.1 and Yonex BG66 Ultimax— have been selected based on their popularity among players for delivering consistent performance, excellent feel and greater reliability.
1. Yonex BG80 Power
Yonex BG80 Power will give an all-around explosive performance. It is one of the best-selling strings in the UK, popular on platforms like Amazon. Known for its aggressive feel and tension retention qualities, this string is a combination of YONEX original high-intensity nylon multifilament and high-modulus Vectran to provide a solid feel and powerful smash. Intermediate to advanced players who value good repulsion combined with comfort prefer this string.
Gauge: 0.68 mm
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Pros |
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✔ High repulsion and control |
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✔ Excellent tension stability |
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✔ Feels sharp on smashes and clears |
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Cons |
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✘ May feel stiff for casual players |
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✘ Loses some feel after long use |
2. Ashaway Zymax 66 Fire
Ashaway Zymax 66 Fire is preferred by a number of badminton players in the UK. This string holds up well under regular use offering a great balance between control and strength. This Yonex string The ZyMax Fire series delivers durability, power, and precision. Its BETA Polymer ZyWeaVe core minimises tension loss, ensuring consistent performance. Wrapped in a high-tenacity microfilament wear surface, it is heat resistant, which enhances its durability while keeping shots crisp and controlled. It is perfect for players who demand reliability and precision in every rally, featuring explosive smashes, pinpoint accuracy, and a solid feel.
Gauge: 0.66 mm
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Pros |
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✔ Long-lasting even at high tensions |
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✔ Great for fast, precision play |
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✔ Affordable for regular restringing |
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Cons |
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✘ Less explosive than BG80 Power |
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✘ Slightly muted feel for finesse shots |
3. Yonex BG65
This specific string by Yonex is specially designed for beginners. It features lower repulsion, which is less critical for play. These strings have a soft feel, with braided fibre that increases string abrasion durability. It is also one of the most commonly used strings, providing all-around performance. Lower to intermediate players prefer this string for its balance of comfort and durability.
Gauge: 0.70mm
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Pros |
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✔ Durable and budget-friendly |
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✔ Comfortable tension and repulsion |
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✔ Great all-round option |
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Cons |
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✘ Lacks bite for aggressive players |
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✘ Control is average at high speed |
4. Li-Ning No.1
Li-Ning No.1 string is made from heat-resistant, high-intensity nylon, ensuring even tension distribution across the racket head for consistent performance. It Its unique ability to redirect and snap back adds extra power to your shots, making every strike feel sharp and controlled. controlled. With great repulsion and that satisfying crisp hitting sound, it is a go-to choice for players who value precision and punch in their game.
Gauge: 0.65mm
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Pros |
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✔ Sharp, fast response |
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✔ Competitive pricing |
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✔ Strong tension hold |
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Cons |
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✘ May wear quicker than thicker strings |
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✘ Harder to find in smaller sports shops |
5. Yonex BG66 Ultimax
This -> Yonex BG66 Ultimax is one of the best Yonex strings, and many professionals keep coming back to this string. It provides maximum speed, control, and durability. BG-66UM delivers repulsion, ensuring each shuttlecock launch is sharp and powerful. Its high-intensity multifilament construction balances speed, control, and durability, making it a top choice for players who demand precision and relentless performance in every rally.
Gauge: 0.65mm
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Pros |
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✔ Razor-sharp control |
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✔ Fast shuttle response |
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✔ Perfect for fast handwork and rallies |
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Cons |
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✘ Prone to snapping under tension |
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✘ Higher restringing costs over time |
How Often Do UK Players Restring Their Rackets?
For regular players, the frequency of restringing often depends on how often they play, their playing style, and the type of string they’re using. -> A general rule is that players who play three times a week might restring every four months, or three times a year.
However, this isn’t a one-size-fits-all situation. Advanced players or those using thinner strings (like Yonex BG66 Ultimax) may need to restring more often,, sometimes monthly, due to tension loss-> Choosing the right badminton string depends on how you play and how much maintenance you are willing to perform or breakage. On the other hand, players using thicker, durable options like Yonex BG65 may get away with stringing just once or twice a year.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right badminton string depends on how you play and how much maintenance you are willing to manage. Whether you are smashing hard in every rally or looking for a soft touch at the net, your strings do more than just hold your racket together. The right string defines your feel, control, and confidence on the court. help your racket support your performance rather than hinder it.
Restringing regularly and choosing the right gauge can keep your game sharp and help your racket support you rather than hold you back. Ultimately, a well-strung racket is one of the simplest upgrades that can make a noticeable difference in your play.
