We string thousands of rackets a year, so we see exactly which strings players come back for and which they abandon after one restring. These are the badminton strings worth your money in 2026.
Best all-round durability: Yonex BG65 / BG65 Titanium
The most-strung badminton string on earth for a reason. BG65 takes heavy hitting and mis-hits without complaint; the BG65 Titanium version adds a crisper, firmer hit. If you break strings monthly, start here.
Best for repulsion power: Yonex BG80
BG80 is the classic power string — a firm, explosive bed that rewards fast swings. Slightly less durable than BG65; noticeably more lively.
Best modern all-rounder: Yonex Exbolt 65
The Exbolt 65 has become our stringers' default recommendation for club players: quick repulsion, solid feel, and durability that surprised everyone when it launched. The 63 gauge adds even more snap for lighter hitters.
Best hybrid: Yonex Aerobite
Aerobite pairs a thin, repulsion-focused main with a grippy cross — extra slice and hold on net shots and drops. The choice for touch players; it is what many tour doubles pairs use.
Match string to tension
String and tension work as a system. Durable strings tolerate low tensions; thin repulsion strings sing at 24 lbs and above — full pairings in our string tension guide.
Quick pick table
- Break strings often: BG65 → BG65 Ti
- Smash-heavy game: BG80 or Exbolt 68
- All-round club play: Exbolt 65
- Touch and control: Aerobite hybrid
- Budget club stringing: BG65 on a 200m reel — by far the lowest cost per restring
FAQs
What gauge should I choose?
Thinner (0.61–0.65mm) = more repulsion and feel, less durability. Thicker (0.66–0.70mm) = the reverse. Club hitters who rarely break strings should try thinner than they think.
Are reels cheaper than sets?
Dramatically — a 200m reel gives 18–20 restrings. Clubs and frequent stringers should always buy reels.
What string comes free with a Central Sports racket?
Every racket we sell includes a free restring — you choose any stocked string (upgrade charges only apply to premium options) and your preferred tension.
Compare the entire badminton string range or grab a bargain on the string sale.