Badminton String Tension Guide for Beginners: 20-26 lbs

Jun 3, 2026

By Badminton House

Close-up badminton racket strings, shuttlecock, and stringing tools for a string tension guide.

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

Quick Answer: Best Badminton String Tension for Beginners

If you are choosing between two tensions, pick the lower number first and move up by 1-2 lbs on the next restring once your contact feels consistent.

20 lbs

Best for new, casual, junior, returning, or comfort-first players.

22 lbs

Best default: a safe first restring for most adult beginners and teens.

24 lbs

Best if you play weekly, clear comfortably, and usually hit near the middle.

26 lbs

Best saved for advanced players who already know they want a crisp, demanding setup.

If you are new to badminton, start around 22 lbs. It gives most beginners in Canada an easier sweet spot than 24-26 lbs, while still feeling cleaner than a very loose factory string job. Choose 20 lbs if you are brand new, returning after a long break, or want maximum comfort.

String tension is not a badge of skill. It is a setup choice. The right number depends on your timing, swing speed, racket frame, string type, and how often you play.

Choose Your Path

Use your current playing situation before you use someone else's number. A higher tension can feel excellent for the right player, but it can also make a beginner's clears, lifts, and defensive shots harder than they need to be.

Best for comfort and learning: 20-21 lbs

Choose this if you are buying a first racket, playing casually, returning after a long break, or often missing the middle of the strings.

Best all-round beginner choice: 22 lbs

Choose this if you want a more responsive feel than many factory strings without making the racket too demanding.

Best next step for regular play: 23-24 lbs

Choose this if you play weekly, can clear from back court to back court, and want cleaner feedback on drops, drives, blocks, and net shots.

Best avoided for true beginners: 26 lbs

Choose this only if you already have fast, clean swings and understand why you want a crisper, less forgiving string bed.

How String Tension Changes Feel

Lower tension usually feels more forgiving because the string bed gives you a larger usable hitting area. Higher tension feels crisper and more precise, but it also reduces the margin for off-centre hits and can feel harsh if your technique is still developing.

No, higher tension does not automatically mean more power. Higher tension can transfer power well when the player has a fast, clean swing and hits the sweet spot. For beginners, lower or moderate tension often creates easier depth because the string bed is more forgiving.

Lower tension helps you learn clean contact; higher tension rewards clean contact you already have.

Frame safety matters. Always stay within your racket's recommended stringing range. If the frame is cracked, warped, or very old, do not chase higher tension.

Practical Decision Matrix

Match your tension to what you can do today. If two rows both sound like you, start with the lower range and reassess after a few sessions.

Your situation	Start here	Why it works
Brand new, junior, casual, or comfort-first	20-21 lbs	Most comfort and forgiveness while you learn timing.
Adult beginner or teen playing regularly	22 lbs	A clean, safe first restring that is not unnecessarily demanding.
Weekly player with consistent contact	23-24 lbs	More feedback and control once clears and middle contact are reliable.
Advanced player with fast, clean swings	25-28+ lbs	Sharper control, but only if you generate clean power.

Before You Confirm the Restring

Check the racket's recommended stringing range.
Decide whether comfort, forgiveness, or crisp feedback matters most right now.
Change only one variable at a time when possible: racket, string, or tension.
Write down the string and tension so your next restring is easier to compare.

Beginner Stringing Mistakes to Avoid

Copying an advanced player's tension. Their 27 lbs setup may feel powerful to them and lifeless to you.
Ignoring the racket's limit. A high number is not worth risking frame damage.
Changing too many things at once. If you switch racket, string, and tension together, you will not know what helped.
Using thin strings too high too early. Thin strings can feel lively, but they can also break faster, especially on mishits.
Waiting until the strings snap. Strings can be dead long before they break.

When Should You Restring?

Restring when the strings break, look badly frayed, feel mushy, or no longer give you the same depth and control. If you play twice a week or more, checking your strings every 2-3 months is sensible. Casual players can often go longer, but tension still drops over time.

You play...	Check restringing around...	Watch for...
Occasionally	When feel changes or strings fray	Mushy contact, visible wear, broken string
Once a week	Every few months	Loss of pop, lower clear distance
2+ times per week	About 2-3 months	Notching, fraying, tension loss

What Gear Should Beginners Pair With the Right Tension?

A good beginner setup is not just tension. Start with an all-round racket, a durable string, proper non-marking court shoes, and shuttlecocks that match where you play.

Badminton rackets: choose a manageable weight and flex before chasing high tension.
Badminton shoes: non-marking court shoes matter more than most beginners expect.
Shuttlecocks: nylon is fine for casual play; feather gives better feel for training and club play.
Accessories: grips and overgrips help comfort and control once the racket is strung correctly.

Beginner String Tension FAQ

Is 24 lbs too high for a beginner?

Not always, but it is often higher than a true beginner needs. Choose 24 lbs if you already hit the sweet spot consistently and want more feedback. Otherwise, 20-22 lbs is usually friendlier.

Is 20 lbs too low for badminton?

No. Around 20 lbs can be a good comfort setup for new, casual, junior, or returning players. If it feels too soft after a few sessions, move up by 1-2 lbs next restring.

Should I increase tension every time I restring?

Only if you have a reason. Increase slowly if your shots feel too bouncy or you want a crisper response. If your clears become shorter or your arm feels sore, the tension may be too high.

Can Badminton House choose my string tension for me?

Yes. For our Moncton stringing service, tell us your skill level, racket, and style of play. If you are unsure, we will recommend a practical setup instead of pushing you into a high-tension number.

Need a racket strung in Moncton or help choosing your setup?

Badminton House can recommend the string and tension for your level, restring your racket locally, or help you build a beginner-friendly setup from our online shop.

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