Your String Choice Matters More Than Your Racket
Here's a truth most badminton players learn the hard way: you can spend $300 on the latest Li-Ning Halbertec 8000 or Axforce 90 Dragon, but if you string it with the wrong string at the wrong tension, you've wasted your money. The string is the only part of your equipment that actually touches the shuttle. It determines your power, your control, your feel, and how often you're at the stringer's shop.
Li-Ning has quietly become the most interesting string manufacturer in badminton. While Yonex dominates the market through brand legacy, Li-Ning has been the official equipment supplier for the Chinese National Team — arguably the strongest badminton program on the planet. The strings that Chinese pros use aren't Yonex. They're Li-Ning. And for good reason: Li-Ning strings offer performance characteristics that often match or exceed Yonex equivalents, frequently with better tension retention and occasionally at a better price.
This guide is a complete breakdown of every Li-Ning string series available at Top Cricket Store — the N series, the No. series, and the NS series — with honest comparisons to their Yonex counterparts and clear recommendations for every playing style.
Why Li-Ning Strings Are Worth Your Attention
Before diving into specific models, let's address the elephant in the room: why should you consider Li-Ning strings when Yonex is the default choice for most players?
1. Tension Retention — The Underrated Advantage
Li-Ning strings are known for holding tension longer than comparable Yonex strings. This is particularly noticeable in the No.1 vs BG66 Ultimax comparison — both are 0.65mm high-repulsion strings, but the No.1 will maintain playable tension for 15-20% longer. Over a season, that's fewer restrings — which means less money spent and less time without your racket.
2. Value Proposition
At $14.99-$17.99 per set, Li-Ning strings are priced competitively with Yonex's mid-to-premium offerings but often deliver durability characteristics of Yonex's higher-end strings. The NS series in particular — at $14.99-$16.49 — offers performance that punches well above its price point.
3. Chinese National Team Proven
This isn't marketing fluff. The Chinese National Team — players like Shi Yuqi, Chen Yufei, Zheng Siwei, and Huang Yaqiong — use Li-Ning strings in competition. When you string with Li-Ning, you're using the same technology that wins World Championships and Olympic medals.
The "No." Series: Li-Ning's Flagship Lineup
The "No." series is Li-Ning's premium string family, developed with direct input from professional players. Each model is designed for a specific performance priority — power, control, or durability — and the naming convention tells you exactly what you're getting.
| Model | Gauge | Feel | Best For | Price | Yonex Rival |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| No.1 | 0.65mm | Crisp, responsive | Repulsion power, attacking play | $16.49 | BG66 Ultimax |
| No.1 Boost | 0.65mm | Crisp, stable | Repulsion + extra stability | $17.99 | BG66 Ultimax (more durable) |
| No.7 | 0.70mm | Medium-firm | Maximum durability | $14.99 | BG65 |
| No.7 Rebound | 0.70mm | Firm, bouncy | Durability + repulsion | $16.99 | BG65 Titanium |
Li-Ning No.1 — The People's Champion
At 0.65mm, the Li-Ning No.1 is the most popular string in the entire Li-Ning lineup — and for good reason. It delivers explosive repulsion that makes clears effortless and smashes feel electric. The hitting sound is sharp and satisfying — that crisp "ping" that tells everyone in the gym you're hitting clean.
Where the No.1 separates itself from the Yonex BG66 Ultimax is in tension retention. The BG66U is notorious for losing tension quickly — you'll get maybe 2-3 weeks of peak performance before the string bed feels mushy. The No.1 holds its tension noticeably longer. If you're a player who loves the feel of a thin, responsive string but hates how often you have to restring, the No.1 is your answer.
Best for: Attacking players who want maximum repulsion, players frustrated with BG66U's short lifespan, intermediate to advanced players who can feel the difference in string response.
Not ideal for: Absolute beginners (you won't feel the difference yet), players who break strings frequently (the 0.65mm gauge won't survive heavy mishits).
Li-Ning No.1 Boost — The Refined Version
The No.1 Boost takes everything the No.1 does well and adds 3D Knit technology for enhanced stability. The "Boost" treatment wraps the core fibers in a knitted outer layer that improves durability and tension stability without sacrificing the signature repulsion. The result is a string that feels about 90% as lively as the standard No.1 but lasts 20-30% longer.
Best for: Players who love the No.1 feel but want more durability, tournament players who need consistent performance over multiple matches, heavy hitters who want repulsion without fragility.
Li-Ning No.7 — The Tank
At 0.70mm, the No.7 is built to survive. If you're a hard hitter who breaks strings every couple of weeks, or a beginner who mishits frequently, this is your string. The thick gauge and robust core construction absorb impact without breaking, and the medium-firm feel provides a predictable, consistent response — no surprises, no sudden tension drops.
Best for: Heavy hitters, beginners, high-volume training, players who prioritize not breaking strings over maximum feel.
Not ideal for: Touch players who rely on delicate net play, advanced players who want maximum feedback from the string bed.
Li-Ning No.7 Rebound — Durability Meets Repulsion
Here's the interesting one. The No.7 Rebound is a 0.70mm string that somehow manages to produce repulsion closer to a 0.65-0.66mm string. Li-Ning achieves this through a specialized core treatment that increases elasticity without thinning the gauge. It's the best of both worlds — the durability of a thick string with the power of a thin one.
Best for: All-around players who want one string that does everything, aggressive players who break thin strings but don't want to sacrifice power, players transitioning from durability strings to higher-performance options.
The "N" Series: Li-Ning's High-Tech Innovators
While the No. series represents Li-Ning's traditional string hierarchy, the N series is where the company experiments with new materials and constructions. These strings tend to target specific "feels" and performance niches.
Li-Ning N58 — The Speed King
At an ultra-thin 0.58mm, the Li-Ning N58 is one of the thinnest badminton strings on the market. The repulsion is extraordinary — the shuttle leaves the string bed with a speed and crispness that thicker strings simply can't match. The feedback is incredibly direct; you feel every contact with surgical precision.
The trade-off, predictably, is durability. At 0.58mm, this string will break faster than anything else in the lineup — especially if you mishit near the frame. This is a string for players who prioritize performance over longevity and who hit the sweet spot consistently.
Best for: Advanced players with precise technique, speed-oriented playing styles, players willing to restring frequently for maximum performance.
Not ideal for: Beginners, heavy hitters who don't hit clean, anyone who wants to string once and forget about it for months.
The "NS" Series: Value Without Compromise
The NS series is Li-Ning's value-oriented lineup — but "value" here doesn't mean "cheap." These strings are designed for club players who want reliable performance at a reasonable price, and they deliver remarkably well.
| Model | Gauge | Feel | Best For | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NS50 | 0.68mm | Medium | Balanced all-around play | $16.49 |
| NS95 | 0.69mm | Medium-firm, controlled | Control-oriented play, head-heavy rackets | $14.99 |
Li-Ning NS95 — The Control Specialist
The NS95 is the premium offering in the NS series, and it's one of the best-kept secrets in badminton strings. At 0.69mm, it provides a firm, controlled feel that pairs beautifully with head-heavy rackets like the Astrox series or Li-Ning's own Axforce lineup. The string "grabs" the shuttle on contact, giving you confidence on sliced drops and deceptive net shots.
Durability is excellent — expect 3-4 months of regular play before tension loss becomes noticeable. At $14.99, it's an outstanding value.
Li-Ning NS50 — The All-Rounder
The NS50 sits at 0.68mm with a medium feel that works for virtually every playing style. It doesn't excel at any one thing, but it does everything competently — decent repulsion, good durability, acceptable feel. If you're a club player who shows up twice a week and wants a string that just works without any fuss, the NS50 is your answer.
String Tension: The Complete Guide
Choosing the right string is only half the battle. Tension determines how that string actually performs. Here's the breakdown by player level:
| Tension (lbs) | Player Level | What You Get | What You Give Up |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20-23 | Beginner | Maximum power, largest sweet spot, most forgiving | Less control, softer feel, muted feedback |
| 24-26 | Intermediate | Good balance of power and control, crisp sound | Slightly smaller sweet spot |
| 27-29 | Advanced | Excellent control, sharp feedback, precise placement | Reduced power, requires clean technique |
| 30+ | Professional | Ultimate control, surgical precision | Very small sweet spot, high risk of frame damage |
Pro Tip: What Most Players Get Wrong About Tension
The biggest mistake intermediate players make is stringing too tight. They see pros using 30+ lbs and think higher tension equals better play. It doesn't. Pro players have the technique to generate power at any tension — they string high for control. If you're an intermediate player stringing at 28+ lbs, you're likely robbing yourself of power without gaining meaningful control.
Our recommendation: start at 24 lbs if you're unsure. Play for a month. If you feel you need more control, go up 1-2 lbs next restring. If you want more power, go down 1-2 lbs. Small increments — not jumps.
Real Talk: Li-Ning vs. Yonex — An Honest Comparison
I've strung thousands of rackets and played with virtually every string on the market. Here's my honest take:
Where Li-Ning wins:
- Tension retention: Across the board, Li-Ning strings hold tension better than Yonex equivalents. The No.1 vs BG66U comparison is the clearest example — the No.1 stays playable 15-25% longer.
- Value: The NS series at $14.99-$16.49 delivers performance that feels more expensive. The NS95 in particular is a string that should cost $18+ for what it delivers.
- Innovation: The N58 at 0.58mm is genuinely pushing boundaries. The Boost variants with 3D Knit technology show Li-Ning is investing in R&D.
Where Yonex wins:
- Range depth: Yonex has more models — Exbolt 63/65/68, Aerobite hybrid, Nanogy 99 — and some of these don't have direct Li-Ning equivalents yet.
- Availability: Yonex strings are easier to find at local stringers. Li-Ning distribution is improving but still less widespread.
- Brand trust: Yonex has decades of reputation. Li-Ning is the newer player, and some players are hesitant to switch — even when the product is objectively better in certain areas.
Bottom line: If you're currently using Yonex strings and you're happy, there's no urgent reason to switch. But if you're frustrated with tension loss (especially with BG66U) or you want to try something that feels different in a good way, Li-Ning strings are absolutely worth testing. Start with the No.1 — it's the easiest transition from the Yonex world and may well become your new favorite.
String Maintenance: Extend the Life of Your Strings
- Store your racket properly: Extreme temperatures — especially heat (car trunk in summer) — accelerate tension loss. Keep your racket at room temperature.
- Use a racket cover: It's not just for protecting the frame. A cover prevents dust and humidity from degrading the strings.
- Check for notching: When strings start developing grooves where the mains and crosses intersect, it's a sign they're wearing out. Notched strings break more easily and lose performance.
- Rotate rackets: If you play 4+ times per week, having two strung rackets and rotating them extends string life on both.
- Don't wait for breakage: Strings lose performance long before they break. If your clears feel like they require more effort or your smashes lack their usual pop, it's time to restring — even if the strings are intact.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Which Li-Ning string is best for beginners?
Start with the No.7 or NS50. Both are durable, forgiving strings that won't break on mishits and provide a consistent feel. String them at 22-24 lbs for a good balance of power and control. As your technique improves, you can experiment with thinner, more responsive strings like the No.1.
Q: How often should I restring my racket?
A good rule of thumb: restring as many times per year as you play per week. If you play twice a week, restring every 6 months minimum. If you play 4+ times per week, restring every 2-3 months. Thin strings (0.65mm and below) need more frequent restringing than thick strings (0.68mm+).
Q: Can I mix Li-Ning mains with Yonex crosses (hybrid stringing)?
Yes — hybrid stringing works across brands. A popular combination is Li-Ning No.1 in the mains (for repulsion) with Yonex BG65 in the crosses (for durability). The key is matching gauges — a 0.65mm main with a 0.70mm cross creates an interesting dynamic where the mains do the work and the crosses hold everything stable.
Q: Do Li-Ning strings come in different colors?
Most Li-Ning strings are available in white and yellow, with select models (like the No.1) offering additional color options. Availability varies by model and by what we have in stock. Check individual product pages for current color options.
Q: What tension should I use for Li-Ning strings vs Yonex?
Li-Ning strings can generally be strung at the same tension as Yonex strings of the same gauge. There's no need to adjust tension when switching brands. If anything, because Li-Ning strings hold tension better, your string bed will feel "fresh" for longer at the same starting tension.
Q: Why doesn't Top Cricket Store carry every Li-Ning string model?
We stock the most popular and readily available Li-Ning strings in the US market. Some models — like the N65, N68, N69, NS30, and AP series — have limited US distribution and aren't consistently available through our supply chain. We focus on the models we can reliably stock and ship from our Edison, NJ warehouse so you're never waiting on an uncertain backorder. If there's a specific model you're looking for, contact us and we'll do our best to source it.
Ready to Upgrade Your Strings?
Your strings are the most affordable performance upgrade in badminton. For $15-18, you can transform how your racket feels and plays. Browse our full badminton string collection — we stock Li-Ning, Yonex, and premium options from other brands, all shipping fast from our Edison, New Jersey warehouse.
Need help choosing? Call or WhatsApp us — we're badminton players ourselves and we'll help you find the right string for your game, your racket, and your budget.