YANG HSUAN CHI , Racket R&D Department

As a badminton enthusiast, do you often find it difficult to choose from the wide variety of badminton racket strings available? The VICTOR Badminton Classroom is here to provide you with an expert analysis of the various string options and tension levels to help you customize your racket to your needs.

Types of Racket Strings

VICTOR names its string products based on the string's diameter, which can be categorized into three major types:

Durability

With a diameter of 0.69 mm or above, these strings offer excellent durability and a versatile feel.

• VBS-70: With a diameter of 0.7 mm, this string is very user-friendly and offers a soft feel, making it suitable for all kinds of players.

• VBS-69N: With a diameter of 0.69 mm, this string offers a slightly firmer feel compared to VBS-70, while still providing a comfortable touch. It is suitable for players who prefer an aggressive style of play.

Control

With a diameter of 0.67 mm to 0.68 mm, this string optimizes stability and controllability. It also provides a longer dwell time to the shuttle.

• VBS-68P: With a diameter of 0.68 mm, this string offers a soft feel and provides a longer dwell time to the shuttle. It is ideal for control-oriented players who prefer an aggressive style.

High Resilience

With a diameter of 0.66 mm or below, this string is suitable for players who are looking to elevate their game to the next level with exceptional elasticity.

• VBS-66N: With a diameter of 0.66 mm, this string offers a balanced feel with excellent elasticity. It also delivers fast shuttle speed and precise control, making it ideal for players who prefer to suppress opponents with speed and control the pace of the game.

• VBS-63: With a diameter of 0.63 mm, this string is currently the thinnest string from VICTOR. It offers a moderate-to-hard feel with excellent elasticity, making it ideal for players who enjoy a sense of speed.

String Tension Difference

String tension refers to how tight the strings are tied to the racket, and it is normally measured in kilograms. Generally, the pre-strung badminton rackets available in the market have a string tension of around 20 lbs(8.5 kg), while top-level players often use tensions of 30 lbs(13.5 kg) or even higher. Lower string tensions create a comfortable and light feel when playing, while higher string tensions create a hard feel that allows for better power transmission. However, the tension number does not necessarily indicate a player's skill level. It is recommended to start with a tension of 24 lbs(10.5 kg) and make gradual adjustments based on your strength and playing preferences.

Myths about High-Tension Rackets

1. Rackets with a string tension higher than 26 lbs(11.5 kg) are better suited to players who can generate power more effectively. Players who are still developing their skills may find it challenging to control and experience some discomfort when using such rackets. Improper techniques for generating power may even result in sports injuries.

2. High tension rackets create more threats to the opponents by offering better directional control of shots and greater speed. It also provides a solid feel and enhanced power transmission during aggressive shots.

3. During passive shots, higher string tensions require better instant power transmission to control the shuttle, while lower string tensions can rely on the strings for easier returns. Therefore, it is essential to test out different tensions to find the most suitable one for your playing style and needs.

For beginner players who are still exploring and developing their skills, we suggest starting with a moderate string tension. This will help discover each player's playing style. For advanced players, higher string tensions may provide a more elastic and crisper feel. Therefore, here are three recommended racket string combinations to consider.

• For attack-oriented players, it is recommended to choose strings that offer a hard feel and great durability in order to increase smash power and durability.

• For speed-oriented players, it is recommended to choose strings that are elastic in order to facilitate quick and easy hit-and-return.

• For control-oriented players, it is recommended to choose strings that offer a longer dwell time to the shuttle in order to receive subtle feedback during shots.

Players should always choose their racket string and tension based on their personal  preferences. The best combination is the one that is suitable for you and can help elevate your game to the next level. There is no absolute superiority or inferiority when it comes to picking badminton strings. The racket and tension that work best for you will be your best partners on the court!