Best Badminton Strings
for Beginners 2026
The best badminton string for beginners is the Yonex BG65 — the world's most popular beginner string, used in clubs everywhere. It is durable, consistent, and forgiving. String it at 18–22 lbs for maximum repulsion. Avoid thin, high-performance strings until you have developed a consistent swing.
Most beginners overlook strings entirely — yet the wrong string can kill repulsion, snap mid-rally, or feel harsh and uninspiring. This guide covers the 8 best badminton strings for beginners in 2026, chosen specifically for durability, forgiveness, and value.
Top 8 Badminton Strings for Beginners (2026)
Every string below is rated for beginners in the StringMatch database of 45 badminton strings. They prioritise durability and repulsion — the two qualities that matter most when you are starting out.
The Yonex BG65 is the definitive beginner badminton string — the most played string in the world across all levels. Its 0.70mm gauge makes it one of the most durable strings available, surviving the erratic hits and mishits that come with learning the game. It delivers a consistent, reliable feel across all areas of the court and suits every style of play.
The titanium-infused upgrade to the classic BG65. The same 0.70mm durability that makes the BG65 so popular for beginners, but with slightly more repulsion and a crisper response on clear shots and smashes. An excellent step up if you've outgrown the standard BG65 but aren't yet ready for thinner performance strings.
A softer, slightly thinner Yonex option that offers noticeably more repulsion than the BG65 while still being accessible to beginners. The BG31 has a more elastic, cushioned feel that suits slower swing speeds, making it ideal for recreational players who want a livelier response without jumping straight to thin high-performance strings.
Victor's answer to the BG65 — a thick, durable 0.70mm nylon string that prioritises repulsion and reliability over everything else. It is a strong choice for beginners who want to explore beyond Yonex without straying far from what works. Widely available and priced very competitively, it holds up well to regular club play.
The thickest string on this list at 0.77mm, the Karakal BG-77 is the most durable and forgiving option for complete beginners. Its extra mass absorbs mishits brilliantly and it lasts significantly longer than standard strings — making it ideal if you are still finding your footwork and hitting with inconsistent timing.
Li-Ning's entry-level workhorse string, widely used in Asian clubs and schools. The AP85 has a balanced, all-round character — decent repulsion, solid control, and respectable durability. It is a great way to experience a quality brand that competes with Yonex at a notably lower price. Well suited to casual recreational play.
Gosen is an underrated Japanese brand that makes high-quality strings at budget prices. The Sidewinder is their all-round beginner offering — durable, consistent, and comfortable. Not as widely known as Yonex or Victor, but it delivers comparable performance. A great discovery for players looking to try something different without the risk.
Ashaway's TX coating gives this string extra grip and durability over standard nylon. The polyamide construction is slightly different in feel to Yonex nylon — a touch firmer — but still accessible for beginners. It holds up well against regular club play and offers good consistency rally to rally. A reliable choice if the others are out of stock.
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Find my string in 90 seconds →Side-by-Side Comparison
All eight strings at a glance. Scores from the StringMatch database (0–100 scale).
| String | Gauge | Repulsion | Durability | Comfort | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yonex BG65 | 0.70mm | 75 | 80 | 72 | Budget |
| Yonex BG65 Titanium | 0.70mm | 78 | 80 | 70 | Budget |
| Yonex BG31 | 0.65mm | 80 | 68 | 75 | Budget |
| Victor VBS-70 Power | 0.70mm | 78 | 78 | 72 | Budget |
| Karakal BG-77 | 0.77mm | 70 | 86 | 78 | Budget |
| Li-Ning AP85 | 0.70mm | 76 | 76 | 72 | Budget |
| Gosen Sidewinder | 0.70mm | 74 | 78 | 72 | Budget |
| Ashaway Zymax 70 TX | 0.70mm | 73 | 78 | 72 | Budget |
What to Look For in a Beginner Badminton String
1. Durability first
Thin, high-performance strings (0.61–0.65mm) snap easily on mishits and frame shots — which happen often when you are learning. Stick to 0.70mm or thicker. You will save money on restringing and spend more time actually playing.
2. Good repulsion from a thicker string
Contrary to what you might expect, you don't need a thin string to get good repulsion as a beginner. At lower tensions (18–22 lbs), a 0.70mm string is elastic enough to launch the shuttlecock clearly. Thin strings only pay off when you swing fast and hit accurately — skills that come with practice.
3. All-round character
Avoid strings marketed specifically for power smashing or precise drop shots. As a beginner, you need a string that performs reasonably across all shot types — clears, drops, drives, and net play. Every string on this list has an all-round rating.
4. Budget price
You'll be restringing more often as you improve. A great beginner string should cost under £10. All eight strings on this list are in the budget tier — so restringing every few months stays affordable.
Badminton String Gauge Explained for Beginners
Badminton string gauge (thickness) is measured in millimetres and typically ranges from 0.61mm to 0.77mm. The rule is simple:
Thicker = more durable, more forgiving. Thinner = more repulsion and feel, but breaks faster.
For beginners, 0.70mm is the sweet spot. It is durable enough to survive irregular hits, still gives a pleasing repulsion at lower tensions, and is widely available. The Karakal BG-77 at 0.77mm is a valid choice if you snap strings frequently.
Avoid strings below 0.65mm until you consistently hit from the sweet spot and can justify restringing every 1–2 months. Those strings are designed for players hitting with power and precision.
What Tension Should Beginners Use?
Tension in badminton works differently from tennis. Lower tension = more repulsion (the string acts like a trampoline). Higher tension = more control and feel, but requires fast, precise hitting.
For beginners, string at 18–22 lbs (8–10 kg). This gives you:
- More natural repulsion on your clears and smashes
- A larger sweet spot — less punishing on mishits
- Less stress on the racket frame (important for budget rackets)
As your swing speed and accuracy improve, you can creep up to 22–25 lbs. Most intermediate club players play at 22–26 lbs. Anything above 28 lbs is for advanced players with fast, consistent swings.
StringMatch analyses 157 strings across 9 factors — level, swing speed, budget, playing style, and more — and gives you a personalised ranked list in 90 seconds. Free, no sign-up.
Find my perfect string →Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best badminton string for a complete beginner?
The Yonex BG65 is the best badminton string for complete beginners. It is the most popular beginner string worldwide — durable, consistent, and available everywhere at a budget price. String it at 18–22 lbs for maximum repulsion.
What gauge badminton string should a beginner use?
Beginners should use 0.70mm. It is durable enough to handle mishits and frame shots while still providing good repulsion at lower tensions. Thinner strings like 0.61–0.65mm snap easily and are better suited to experienced players.
What tension should a beginner string their badminton racket at?
String at 18–22 lbs. Lower tension gives more repulsion and a more forgiving sweet spot. As your swing speed and accuracy improve, you can increase tension gradually.
How often should a beginner restring their badminton racket?
2–3 times per year for someone playing 1–2 times per week. Unlike tennis strings, badminton strings lose tension quickly and a dead string noticeably reduces repulsion. Restring when shots start feeling flat, even if the string hasn't broken.
Is Yonex BG65 good for beginners?
Yes — the Yonex BG65 is the gold standard for beginners. Its 0.70mm gauge makes it very durable, its all-round character suits every playing style, and it is used in clubs worldwide as the default beginner and recreational string.
Should beginners use the same string as professionals?
No. Professional players use thin strings like Yonex Aerosonic (0.61mm) or BG66 Ultimax (0.65mm) at very high tensions (28–32 lbs) to maximise repulsion and feel. These strings snap almost every match. Beginners need durable, forgiving strings at lower tensions — the complete opposite of what pros use.