By Justin Ma, 7x US Junior National Badminton Champion.
Last updated March 20, 2024
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3 min read
During your first few months on the badminton court, you might not have paid much attention to your strings. But if you’ve been practicing for a while now, you probably know that the right gear — including your strings — can make a significant difference in your game.
Of course, badminton brands don’t always make strings for specific skill levels, and your technique is ultimately more important than your string type. But if you’re at the intermediate stage of your journey, you might be on the lookout for strings that are durable, high-quality, and affordable.
Whether you’re after repulsion, control, or all-around performance, we’ve compiled some of the best badminton strings for intermediate players — including their pros and cons — below.
If you’ve been shopping around for the best badminton strings for intermediate players, here are four top picks to check out:
The Yonex BG 65 is one of the most long-lasting, cost-effective badminton strings out there. It performs well, has a soft feel, and is durable at 0.70 mm thick with a braided outer layer.
It’s also found in almost every badminton store around the world — so if accessibility is a concern, it might be one of your best options. Plus, Yonex ranks the BG 65 at a solid 10/10 in terms of durability, along with a 6/10 for repulsion power, hitting sound, shock absorption, and control.
Despite its average ratings in certain areas, the BG 65 is still an excellent all-around string — and for many intermediate players, it’s in the sweet spot of durability, performance, and affordability.
Check the price of the Yonex BG 65 on Amazon
The BG 66 Ultimax is a thinner string at 0.65 mm, meaning it feels a lot crisper and more responsive than thicker options. And thanks to its braided nylon coating, it has a smooth, medium-to-hard feel with fantastic repulsion.
The BG 66 Ultimax is incredibly popular and a solid choice for intermediate players who prefer mid-range string tensions. That said, one potential con is that this string can break more easily at higher string tensions (27+ lbs), especially if you’re prone to mishits.
Nonetheless, it’s still a great option if you want a crispy hitting feel and sound, but don’t mind the extra maintenance that can sometimes come with thinner strings.
Check the price of the BG 66 Ultimax on Amazon
Another well-loved badminton string for intermediate players is the BG 80, a hard-feeling string with a diameter of 0.68 mm, Yonex rates it an 8/10 in terms of repulsion power, and gives it a 6-7 in other factors like durability, hitting sound, and control.
While the BG 80 is a hard-feeling string, it has a more textured surface than other power strings out there. This makes it a solid performer when it comes to control in spinning net shots and slices. It also has great repulsion power, but can be a little unforgiving if your technique is off.
Overall, the BG 80 is a high-quality all-around string for players looking for a blend of power and control.
Check the price of the Yonex BG 80 on Amazon
As a hybrid string, the Yonex Aerobite Boost is a superb choice for intermediate players wanting solid all-around performance.
Hybrid badminton strings involve using different string types for the “mains” and “crosses” — aka the vertical and horizontal strings on a racket. The idea is that by combining two different string types and textures, you can reap the benefits of both.
With 0.72 mm mains and 0.61 mm crosses, the Yonex Aerobite Boost has a hard feel and excellent repulsion power. Its specs make it a good choice for players who want better precision while attacking the backcourt, but who also enjoy adding a bit of spin to their frontcourt and net shots.
Check the price of the Yonex Aerobite Boost on Amazon
If you consider yourself an intermediate player, you’ve probably started refining your taste when it comes to strings. But choosing the right one will depend on what suits your racket, tension preferences, and game as a whole.
Bite (or how long the shuttle sits on your string bed), repulsion power, and control are a few factors you might want to look at while you browse. But beyond that, it’s important to understand how a string’s coating, texture, feel, etc., can play a role in its performance.
To dive deeper into string types and recommendations, be sure to check out this complete guide. And for more badminton resources, feel free to explore the blog or subscribe to the YouTube channel today.
