7 Best Badminton Strings In The UK (2026)

String snaps mid-game and suddenly your racket feels dead, no matter how good the frame is. Picking the best badminton strings isn't just about brand loyalty, it's about matching gauge, tension, and material to how hard and how often you play. Get it wrong and you'll be restringing every fortnight or losing power on every clear.

This guide cuts through the spec sheets and tells you exactly which strings suit attacking players, which ones favour control and touch, and which will survive weekly club sessions without breaking the bank. Whether you're chasing more repulsion for smashes or durability for doubles, there's a clear pick here for your game.

We've tested and compared seven strings covering everything from budget nylon options to premium multifilaments used on the pro circuit. Each entry covers tension range, feel, and who it's actually built for, so you can string up with confidence rather than guessing. And if you need a fresh set delivered fast, MoreSports stocks several of these strings alongside rackets and grips to match, with free UK delivery over £25.

1. Yonex BG80 Power – best for powerful smashes

Yonex built the BG80 Power for one job: turning your smash into a genuine weapon. This is a high-tension monofilament string with a thicker 0.68mm gauge, giving it the stiffness and rebound that hard hitters crave. It's the string you'll find strung tight on a lot of attacking club players' rackets, and for good reason, it holds tension well and delivers a crisp, explosive response off the shuttle.

If your game is built around flattening the shuttle from the back court, the BG80 Power is the string that rewards that style.

Key features

Underneath the marketing, the BG80 Power relies on a micro-fibre core wrapped in a firm outer coating, which is what gives it that stiff, powerful feel rather than the softer touch you get from multifilament strings. Here's what stands out:

• Gauge: 0.68mm, thicker than most Yonex strings, built for durability under high tension
• Repulsion: high, tuned specifically for power rather than control
• Durability: solid for a power string, though not class-leading
• Colour options: several, including the popular yellow and white

Who it's best suited to

The BG80 Power suits intermediate to advanced players who already generate decent racket head speed and want the string to amplify it rather than compensate for weak technique. If you're still developing your smash or rely more on placement and deception than raw pace, this string won't do you many favours, you'll get more value from a softer, more forgiving option lower on this list. It's also a solid pick for singles players who spend a lot of time in the back court, since that's where the extra repulsion matters most.

Recommended tension

Yonex rates the BG80 Power for 20 to 28 lbs, which is a wide range that lets you tune it to your frame and playing style. Most attacking players string it towards the top end, around 26 to 28 lbs, to maximise that stiff, powerful response, while club players who want a bit more shuttle control tend to sit closer to 22 to 24 lbs. Always check your racket's maximum recommended tension before going high, most club-level frames top out around 26 to 27 lbs.

Price range

Expect to pay £8 to £12 for a single set, or around £30 to £45 if you buy a reel and get it strung by a local stringer, which works out cheaper per string if you restring often. Given how frequently power hitters break strings, buying a multi-set pack is usually the more economical route. MoreSports stocks the BG80 Power alongside compatible rackets, so you can match your frame and string setup in one order and take advantage of free UK delivery over £25.

2. Yonex Aerobite – best hybrid string for control and spin

Yonex broke from convention with the Aerobite by combining two different materials in one string bed. The main strings use a tough Zyron fibre for durability, while the cross strings use a softer, more elastic Vectran-based material that grips the shuttle longer at contact. That extra hold is what gives the Aerobite its reputation as one of the better badminton strings for players who want spin and precision rather than raw power.

The Aerobite trades a bit of stiffness for extra shuttle contact time, which is exactly why touch players rate it so highly.

Key features

Underneath the hybrid design, the construction is genuinely different from a standard monofilament or multifilament string:

• Hybrid build: Zyron mains paired with Vectran-based crosses for a mix of durability and feel
• Gauge: 0.67mm mains, 0.61mm crosses
• Spin potential: noticeably higher than single-material strings thanks to the textured cross material
• Sound: distinctive, sharper ping that many players use to judge string tension

Who it's best suited to

Because it favours touch over brute power, the Aerobite suits doubles players and all-round shot-makers who rely on net play, drop shots, and deceptive strokes rather than pure smashing. Intermediate players working on developing spin and slice will feel the benefit quickly, though pure attackers may find it slightly softer underfoot compared with a dedicated power string like the BG80 Power.

Recommended tension

Yonex recommends 18 to 28 lbs, though most players string it in the 22 to 25 lbs range to balance control with the string's natural elasticity. Going too high can dull the spin benefit the hybrid design is built around.

Price range

A set typically costs £12 to £16, a bit more than standard nylon strings because of the dual-material construction. MoreSports stocks it as a standalone set or as part of a restring package.

3. Yonex Exbolt 65 – best high-repulsion string

Yonex developed the Exbolt 65 to close the gap between raw power strings and control-focused ones, and it largely succeeds. It uses a new elastic yarn material that Yonex claims boosts repulsion by up to 5% over BG65 Titanium while keeping the string bed feeling tighter for longer after stringing. For players chasing the best badminton strings for fast flat exchanges, this is one of the strongest recent releases from Yonex's lineup.

The Exbolt 65 gives you extra pop off the racket face without forcing you into a stiffer, less forgiving feel.

Key features

The string's construction focuses on maximising energy return without sacrificing shuttle control, which is a tricky balance to strike:

• Gauge: 0.65mm, thinner than the BG80 Power for a crisper, faster response
• Repulsion: high, marketed specifically around improved energy return
• Tension retention: strong, holds its stiffness well over repeated hard hits
• Feel: firmer than multifilament strings but less harsh than pure power strings

Who it's best suited to

This string suits fast-paced doubles players and flat-hitting singles players who need quick reactions at the net and strong drives from mid-court, rather than pure back-court smashers. Intermediate to advanced players who already string tight and want more free power without changing technique will notice the difference fastest. Beginners tend to find it a touch unforgiving compared with softer multifilament options further down this list.

Recommended tension

Yonex recommends 20 to 28 lbs, with most competitive players settling around 24 to 27 lbs to get the best mix of repulsion and control. Lower tensions around 20 to 22 lbs suit players still adjusting to a stiffer string bed.

Price range

A set costs roughly £10 to £14, sitting comfortably between the BG80 Power and the pricier Aerobite. MoreSports lists it as one of its faster-moving stock items given its popularity among club and county-level players.

4. Yonex BG66 Ultimax – best all-round performance

Yonex has kept the BG66 Ultimax in its lineup for years because it simply works for almost everyone. It's a multifilament nylon string that blends decent repulsion with a soft, cushioned feel, which is why so many club coaches recommend it as a first proper upgrade from stock strings. Among the best badminton strings for players who haven't settled into a specific playing style yet, this one gives you a taste of power and control without exaggerating either.

The BG66 Ultimax doesn't specialise in anything, and that's exactly why it suits the widest range of players.

Key features

Built around a dense multifilament core, the string prioritises comfort and feel over raw stiffness:

• Gauge: 0.66mm, a middle-ground thickness suited to most rackets
• Feel: soft, cushioned response with good shuttle control
• Repulsion: moderate, enough for developing power without harshness
• Durability: reasonable, though softer than dedicated power strings

Who it's best suited to

Beginners and improving intermediate players get the most from this string, particularly those still refining technique and needing a forgiving string bed that doesn't punish mishits. Players who split time between singles and doubles also like it because it doesn't lock them into one playing style, unlike the Exbolt 65 or BG80 Power.

Recommended tension

Yonex suggests 18 to 28 lbs, though most recreational players sit around 20 to 24 lbs, where the string's natural cushioning feels most balanced. Stringing higher sharpens the response but reduces the comfort that makes this string popular in the first place.

Price range

A set typically runs £8 to £11, making it one of the more affordable multifilament options at MoreSports. Given the price and versatility, it's a sensible default for anyone restringing a racket for the first time.

5. Ashaway Zymax 69 Fire – best for durability

Ashaway built the Zymax 69 Fire specifically for players who go through strings fast, and it holds up in a way few multifilaments manage. It uses a silicon nano compound coating over a tough fibre core, which is what gives it that unusually long lifespan compared with other control-oriented strings. Among the best badminton strings for club players who train several times a week, this one earns its spot purely on how long it survives before snapping.

If breaking strings every few weeks is costing you more than the racket itself, the Zymax 69 Fire is the fix.

Key features

The coating technology is the real story here, since it's what separates this string from cheaper nylon alternatives:

• Gauge: 0.69mm, on the thicker side for added resilience
• Coating: silicon nano compound that resists fraying and notching
• Feel: firmer than the BG66 Ultimax but still forgiving on mishits
• Colour options: limited compared with Yonex, mostly red and black

Who it's best suited to

Budget-conscious club players and juniors who train frequently benefit most, since the extra durability directly cuts down on restringing costs over a season. Doubles players who hit a lot of flat drives and net exchanges also rate it, as the string bed holds tension well under repeated fast contact rather than going dead after a few sessions.

Recommended tension

Ashaway recommends 20 to 26 lbs, and most recreational players settle around 22 to 24 lbs for a balance of feel and longevity. Pushing towards the top of the range sharpens repulsion slightly but does shorten the string's already impressive lifespan.

Price range

Sets usually cost £7 to £10, making it one of the cheapest durable options MoreSports stocks, and the cost per week of play works out lower than most premium strings once you factor in fewer restrings.

6. Victor VBS-66 Nano – best value for money

Victor doesn't get the same shelf space as Yonex in most UK shops, but the VBS-66 Nano deserves a look if you're comparing the best badminton strings on a budget. It's a multifilament nylon string with a nano-coating designed to boost repulsion without pushing the price anywhere near premium territory. For club players who don't want to compromise much on feel just to save a few pounds, this is one of the more sensible picks on the market.

You don't need a premium price tag to get a string that performs like one, and the VBS-66 Nano proves it.

Key features

The nano-coating is the headline feature, since it's what lifts this string above typical budget nylon options:

• Gauge: 0.66mm, a versatile middle-ground thickness
• Coating: nano-level treatment that improves repulsion and smoothness
• Feel: soft and comfortable, closer to a multifilament than a stiff power string
• Durability: decent for the price, though not built for daily hard training

Who it's best suited to

This string suits recreational and improving intermediate players who want a reliable all-rounder without spending premium money every time they restring. It's also a sound choice for juniors and second rackets, where you want something that performs well but isn't a financial worry if it snaps early. Serious competitive players chasing maximum power or spin will still lean towards the Exbolt 65 or Aerobite instead.

Recommended tension

Victor recommends 18 to 26 lbs, with most recreational players sitting around 20 to 23 lbs for the most comfortable, cushioned response. Going higher sharpens the feel slightly but starts eroding the softness that makes this string good value in the first place.

Price range

Sets typically cost £6 to £9, among the cheapest on this list, making it an easy string to keep as a spare set in your bag for emergency restrings between matches.

7. Yonex BG65 – best for beginners

Yonex has sold the BG65 for decades, and it remains the string most coaches hand to newcomers because it simply forgives mistakes. It's a straightforward multifilament nylon string with no fancy coatings or hybrid tricks, just a soft, durable build that holds up well while you're still working out your swing. Anyone comparing the best badminton strings for a first restring will keep landing back on this one, and that's not marketing, it's decades of club-level use backing it up.

The BG65 doesn't try to impress you with power or spin, it just gets you playing without worrying about snapping strings every session.

Key features

Zero gimmicks here, just a reliable multifilament construction that's stood the test of time:

• Gauge: 0.70mm, one of the thicker options in the Yonex range, built for longevity
• Feel: soft and forgiving, absorbs shock well on off-centre hits
• Repulsion: modest, favouring control over raw power
• Durability: strong for the price point, ideal for frequent hitters still learning technique

Who it's best suited to

Beginners and casual players get the most out of the BG65, particularly anyone who mishits regularly or is still building consistent technique. Juniors also do well with it, since the thicker gauge shrugs off the kind of erratic contact that would shred a thinner power string within weeks. Advancing players chasing more repulsion or spin will outgrow it quickly and should look towards the Exbolt 65 or Aerobite instead.

Recommended tension

Yonex rates the BG65 for 18 to 24 lbs, noticeably lower than most strings on this list, which suits the softer, more forgiving frames beginners typically use. Sitting around 20 lbs gives the most comfortable, cushioned response for someone new to stringing altogether.

Price range

A set costs roughly £6 to £9, making it one of the most affordable strings MoreSports stocks and a sensible starting point before investing in pricier performance strings.

Picking the right string for your game

There's no single winner among the best badminton strings, only the right match for how you actually play. Smashers should look at the BG80 Power or Exbolt 65, touch players and doubles specialists will get more from the Aerobite, and anyone rebuilding technique or restringing on a budget is better served by the BG65 or VBS-66 Nano. If strings keep snapping mid-season, the Zymax 69 Fire pays for itself in fewer restrings alone.

Guessing your way through spec sheets wastes money on strings that don't suit your racket or your swing. Match gauge and tension to your playing style first, then let durability or price break the tie. Once you know which string fits, browse the full badminton range at MoreSports and get your racket strung up properly before your next session on court.