Badminton Strings and Grips

Yonex BG or Babolat I Feel: gauge and feel

The diameter of a badminton string, known as gauge, is usually between 0.63 and 0.70 millimetres. The Yonex BG available on a spool is a 0.70 millimetre multifilament with a braided cover: this coating is resistant to abrasion, making it the choice for players who frequently break strings and clubs that string rackets for rental. The Babolat I Feel, of the same diameter, focuses more on comfort and feel of the shuttlecock. A thinner string provides more repulsion and a sharper hitting sound, but it breaks sooner.

The world of badminton

Badminton also comes in:

• Rackets.
• Shuttlecocks.
• Shoes.
• Bags.
• Nets.
• Club equipment.

The entire universe is gathered on the badminton page.

String tension: how many kilos depending on your level

The tension is set in kilos or pounds at the time of stringing. At around nine to ten kilos, or twenty to twenty-two pounds, the string bed remains flexible and the hitting area is enlarged, forgiving imprecise strikes: this is the recommended range for leisure play. Competitive players increase to eleven or twelve kilos for better control, at the cost of a string more prone to breakage. The frame indicates the maximum tension allowed by the manufacturer, which must never be exceeded. A spool can string many rackets, with a complete string job requiring about ten metres.

Grip, overgrip, and handle thickness

The grip covers the handle for grip and sweat absorption. There is the base grip, fitted originally, and the overgrip, which is thinner, wrapped over the top and frequently replaced. The Babolat grips, sold in pairs, spiral wrap from the bottom of the handle to the cone, each turn covering about a third of the previous one, then secure with the adhesive strip provided. Adding an overgrip thickens the handle, which is suitable for larger hands; a smaller hand benefits from keeping a thinner handle, easier to turn between forehand and backhand.

Great deals

Good deals can also be found in the great deals, promotions, clearance, sales, and Black Friday. The new arrivals showcase the latest collections, and the items shipped within 24h are prepared and sent out within 24 hours. The highlights of the year follow a stable order: the Black Friday at the end of autumn, the end-of-year holidays, the winter sales, the French Days in spring, then the summer sales and back-to-school.

Frequently asked questions

How often should you restring your badminton racket?

Strings loosen even without breaking. For a regular player, restringing several times a year maintains consistent feel; a competitor restrings as soon as the shuttlecock doesn't fly straight or the hitting sound becomes dull.

Why does a badminton string break?

Breakage mainly comes from the friction of strings against each other at the centre of the string bed, from hitting near the frame's edge, or from tension being too high for the chosen gauge. A thicker string or a slightly lower tension limits these breaks.

What is the difference between a sponge grip and a synthetic grip?

The sponge absorbs sweat and offers a soft feel but thickens the handle and wears out quickly. The synthetic grip, thinner and slightly sticky, maintains a precise feel of the handle and lasts longer.

Can you string your own badminton racket?

Yes, with a stringing machine and a bit of practice, which becomes cost-effective when you buy your strings in bulk. The tension must be applied with a calibrated device; otherwise, the frame can warp.

What should you do when a string breaks during a match?

Change rackets immediately, then cut the remaining strings of the damaged racket from the centre outwards. A half-tensioned string bed exerts uneven tension that can warp the frame.