Tension that is right for you

Unlike in the old days, when all badminton rackets were made with the same material (wood), string tension was never a problem. All racquets were strung at 15 lb of tension and the question of whether they should use a higher or low tension has never even come up. But like time, technology didn't stand still. The composition of racquets has evolved from wood to graphite, and strings have stretched their capabilities from 15 lbs to 30 lbs.

Now, string tension has created tension among players who don't know what string to choose. But in reality, stringing shouldn't at all be that complex. When choosing a string for your racquet, the size, weight, stringing patterns and shaft flexibility should be taken into consideration. Like choosing a racquet, you should know what you want to achieve in your play. Do you want more control or more power?

The equation of string tension is simple:

    Higher tension = More control
    Lower tension = More power

Low Tension strings stretch more upon contact of shuttlecock and snaps back easily compared to high tension strings. This effect, called trampoline, resilience or rebound, increases the power of the shot. Racket strung at higher tension tends to stretch less but it gives you more control on the direction of the shuttlecock. That's why high tension racquets is ideal for players who are opting for more control on their play. But know that there are limits in stringing the racquet. The reason why racquets have maximum stringing tension indicated in the rackets is to avoid players to string it more than its limit. Excessive string tension breaks the frame and lessens the string's durability. While too low tension affects your play because of loss of control and power.

In reality, the string loses 10 percent of its tension after it's strung. The tension will continue to decrease every time you use it. Loss of tension really happens because the strings stretch at a molecular level. That's why, learn what tension works for you so you can maximize the string's life.

When racquet strings become too loose, it means that all its fibers have stretched out. Tightening it won't assure you that you'll get your desired resiliency back because although they have the capability to be flexible, you cannot bring it back to its original form. Instead of having your string measured for its tension, have it restrung instead.

Technology on racquet strings has evolved as fast as a smash, and its composition and size vary.Usually, the core of the string is made from polymers for elasticity, tension and durability. Filaments that surround the core may differ in size, number and orientation. 

There are so many technologies that each string manufacturers has introduced and every technology affects tension and performance. But don’t rack your brain comparing technologies of each string. Just focus on the feel and the intention.

Because at the end of the day, it is really a matter of finding the right string that will match your style; your skills and capabilities will still determine your play in the end – the string’s capabilities is just a bonus.

Now that you know what tension you need for your racquet, where can you have it strung? Toby’s has 30  years of experience on stringing racquets. And Toby’s is the only local sports store that is certified by United States Racquet Stringers Association (USRSA), that’s why you are assured that you get the right tension that is right for your racquet. Stringing is not as easy as it looks as it needs the right tools and expertise to get your racquet strung right. Don’t compromise. Make sure that your racquet is strung correctly because if it isn’t, it will affect your play tremendously.

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