Why Some Pros String at 30-40 lbs — Should You Copy Them?

Last updated: July 2026 · Written by the team at Badminton House

If you’ve heard that elite players string at 30 lbs or more, it’s tempting to think higher tension means a harder smash. In practice, it usually means a firmer stringbed, a smaller sweet spot, and less help from the strings. Pros can use high tension because their timing and racket-head speed supply the power; for many club players, copying that setup makes clears shorter, mishits harsher, and arms work harder. The better question is whether your swing can make that tension work.

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What tension do pro badminton players string at?

If you are asking what tension pro badminton players string at, the honest answer is: much higher than typical recreational tensions, but not one magic number. Elite setups are commonly cited in the high-20s to mid-30s, with many top players around 29–35 lbs. Some professionals string over 30 lbs, and a few are reported close to 40 lbs.

Named examples show the spread. Viktor Axelsen has been listed at 34 lbs with Aerobite; Lee Chong Wei at 30 lbs; and Lin Dan at 32 lbs mains / 31 lbs crosses. Other reported examples include Ratchanok Intanon and PV Sindhu at 30 lbs, Chris Adcock and Anthony Ginting at 31 lbs, Akane Yamaguchi at 27 lbs, and Kenichi Tago at 34 lbs.

So “pro tension” is a spectrum, not simply “as tight as possible.”

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Why high tension works for pros

High tension makes the stringbed feel firmer and more direct. The payoff is precision: the shuttle spends less time sinking into the strings, so a clean contact gives sharper feedback and a more predictable launch angle. That is why skilled players often like the crisp feel for blocks, net kills, drives, and attacking placement.

The trade-off is that the stringbed gives less repulsion. With reduced dwell time, the shuttle leaves the strings faster instead of getting a trampoline-like push, and the sweet spot becomes smaller. Pros can still hit hard because their timing, wrist snap, relaxed-to-explosive grip action, and racket-head speed supply the missing power. If you are still learning how tension changes power and control, start with the badminton string tension guide before chasing a pro-style setup.

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Why most players should not copy 30+ lbs

The big myth is that tighter strings automatically create a harder smash. For most amateurs, 30+ lbs does the opposite: the stringbed can feel board-like, the sweet spot gets smaller, and slower swings do not bend the strings enough to get useful repulsion. Instead of the shuttle sitting on the strings and springing away, it rebounds quickly, so you have to supply nearly all the speed yourself.

That mismatch can make clears land short, smashes feel flat, and mishits feel jarring. It can also push players into muscling the shot, which encourages arm and elbow strain. Higher tension can transmit more vibration through the wrist, elbow, and shoulder on off-centre contact, and very high tension without professional technique raises real shoulder-risk concerns. If you are already feeling soreness, read our badminton elbow and wrist pain guide before increasing tension.

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Choose tension by swing speed and skill, not by a pro’s setup

The useful rule is simple: string tension and racket head speed need to be in harmony. If you swing fast and contact the shuttle cleanly, higher tension can give a firmer, more precise response. If your swing is slower or your timing is still inconsistent, the stringbed usually needs more repulsion so the shuttle does not feel dead off the racket.

Use level only as a starting filter. Beginners commonly start around 18–22 lbs and generally should not go above 24 lbs. Many recreational players fit around 24–28 lbs. Advanced players may move to 27 lbs or higher only when timing, technique, and recovery between shots support it; increase gradually by 1–2 lbs rather than jumping straight to a pro number. If clears get shorter, mishits feel harsher, or you start forcing the stroke, the tension is probably ahead of your swing. Climate-specific tuning is outside this article because the core decision here is universal swing mechanics.

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Frame limits and restringing are part of the decision

Pro tension is not just a number on a stringing machine. Every racket has a recommended tension range, and going beyond it puts extra stress on the frame. If the frame cracks after being strung outside that range, warranty coverage may be void. Sponsored professionals can take that risk more easily because replacing rackets is part of their setup; most players need their frame to survive regular training, travel, clashes, and restringing.

There is also a maintenance cost. Strings lose tension almost immediately, then continue to weaken over time. Top players often restring around every 4 weeks, so a 30+ lb setup is not a “set it and forget it” choice.

Confirm your racket's recommended tension range before you commit to a number, and budget for restringing sooner if you go higher — see how often to restring a badminton racket for a schedule based on how often you play.

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Which tension should you choose?

Use this practical filter: pick the lowest tension that gives clean feedback without making clears, defensive lifts, or late backhands feel forced.

If your target tension is above your frame's recommended maximum, don't force it — a lower tension that stays inside your frame's range still beats risking a crack.

If you are unsure where your own tension should land, ask before you restring or upgrade. We play badminton, so we will talk through your swing speed, current setup, arm comfort, and frame limits without pushing you toward a pro-level number that does not fit your game. Send us a note through our contact page and we will help you narrow it down.