Your Racket Is the Engine. Your String Is the Tires.
I've seen it a hundred times: a player walks into the shop with a Yonex Astrox 100 ZZ — a $299 premium racket — and asks for the cheapest string we have. It's like putting retread tires on a Ferrari. The racket frame determines your swing weight, balance, and flex. But the string determines how the shuttle actually leaves your racket. It dictates your power ceiling, your control precision, your feel at the net, and how long you can play before you need another restring.
Yonex is the undisputed king of badminton strings. They manufacture more strings than every other brand combined, and their R&D budget alone likely exceeds the total revenue of smaller string companies. But that dominance creates a problem: Yonex makes so many strings that choosing between them is genuinely confusing. BG65, BG66U, BG80P, Exbolt 63, Exbolt 65, Exbolt 68, Aerobite Boost, Nanogy 99 — the names blur together and the differences aren't always obvious from the packaging.
This guide fixes that. We're breaking down every Yonex string in our US inventory by series, by gauge, and by playing style — with real comparisons, honest assessments of durability vs. performance trade-offs, and clear recommendations for exactly who should use each string.
The Yonex String Universe: Three Families
Yonex strings fall into three distinct families, and understanding these families is the key to narrowing your choices:
| Family | Philosophy | Signature Technology | Flagship Model |
|---|---|---|---|
| BG Series | Traditional performance, proven materials | Braided fiber, Vectran™ | BG65, BG66 Ultimax, BG80 Power |
| Exbolt Series | Next-gen durability without sacrificing thinness | Forged Fiber (aerospace-derived) | Exbolt 63, Exbolt 65, Exbolt 68 |
| Specialty | Hybrid construction, niche performance | Hybrid gauges, Carbon Nanotube | Aerobite Boost, Nanogy 99 |
The BG Series: The Global Standard
The BG (Badminton Gut) series has been the backbone of Yonex's string catalog for decades. If you've ever picked up a pre-strung racket, it was probably strung with a BG string. But don't mistake "standard" for "boring" — the BG series includes some of the most specialized and high-performance strings in badminton.
| Model | Gauge | Core Material | Feel | Best For | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BG65 | 0.70mm | Multifilament nylon | Soft, forgiving | Maximum durability, beginners | $14.99 |
| BG65 Titanium | 0.70mm | Titanium-hybrid coat | Medium | Durability + sharper feel | $14.99 |
| BG66 Ultimax | 0.65mm | High-intensity multifilament | Crisp, explosive | Maximum repulsion, pros | $14.99 |
| BG80 Power | 0.68mm | Vectran™ fiber | Very hard, stiff | Aggressive smashing | $14.99 |
BG65 — The Workhorse (0.70mm)
The Yonex BG65 is the best-selling badminton string in history. Not the best-selling Yonex string — the best-selling string, period. It's been in production for decades and for one simple reason: it works.
The BG65 uses a braided multifilament nylon construction that prioritizes durability above everything else. At 0.70mm, it's thick enough to survive heavy mishits, aggressive smashing, and months of regular play. The feel is soft and forgiving — which is actually a benefit for beginners and intermediate players who haven't developed the technique to consistently hit the sweet spot. A softer string bed provides a larger effective sweet spot and more power on off-center hits.
Who should use it: Beginners, recreational players, anyone who breaks strings frequently, training sessions where you're hitting hundreds of shuttles, coaches feeding shuttles for hours.
Who should not: Advanced players who want crisp feedback, touch players who rely on feel at the net, anyone who prioritizes repulsion over durability.
BG65 Titanium — The Workhorse, Sharpened (0.70mm)
The BG65 Titanium takes the base BG65 construction and adds a titanium-hybrid coating. The titanium doesn't dramatically change the playing characteristics — you're still getting a durable 0.70mm string — but it adds a slightly crisper feel and a sharper hitting sound. Think of it as the BG65 with a bit more personality.
Who should use it: Players who want BG65-level durability but find the standard BG65 too "dead" feeling, intermediate players looking for an incremental upgrade, anyone who wants the durability of a thick string with slightly better feel.
BG66 Ultimax — The Pro's Choice (0.65mm)
The BG66 Ultimax is legendary. For years, it was the string of choice for professional players who prioritized maximum repulsion and a crisp, metallic hitting sound. It produces the kind of effortless power that makes clears feel like warm-up shots and smashes sound like gunshots.
But the BG66U has a well-known weakness: it loses tension fast. The high-intensity nylon core that gives it such explosive repulsion also means the string stretches and loses its "snap" within 2-3 weeks of regular play. Professional players get their rackets restrung before every match — so they don't care. Club players who restring once every 3-4 months will spend most of that time playing with a string that's a shadow of its fresh self.
Who should use it: Players who restring frequently, tournament players, anyone who prioritizes maximum repulsion above everything else, players willing to accept short string life for peak performance.
Who should not: Anyone who wants to restring less than once a month, budget-conscious players, beginners who won't feel the performance benefits.
BG80 Power — The Smasher's String (0.68mm)
The BG80 Power is unique in the Yonex lineup. It uses Vectran™ fiber — a material originally developed for bulletproof vests and high-performance composites — that is five times stronger than steel by weight. The result is an extraordinarily stiff, hard-feeling string that doesn't stretch on impact. When you smash with the BG80 Power, the string holds its shape while the shuttle deforms and rockets off the string bed.
The feel is deliberately hard — some players describe it as "boardy" — and this is a feature, not a bug. The stiff string bed provides maximum energy transfer on full-power swings. The trade-off is that off-center hits feel harsh, and touch play at the net requires more finesse because the string doesn't "pocket" the shuttle like softer strings do.
Who should use it: Aggressive smashers, power-oriented singles players, players with strong technique who can handle the stiff feel.
Who should not: Touch/control players, defensive players, anyone with arm or shoulder issues (the stiffness transmits more vibration).
The Exbolt Series: Forged Fiber Technology
The Exbolt series is Yonex's newest string family and represents a genuine materials breakthrough. The key is "Forged Fiber" — a material originally developed for aircraft tire reinforcement. It allows Yonex to make strings that are 20-30% thinner than traditional nylon strings while maintaining or exceeding their durability.
Currently, the Exbolt models are not available in our direct inventory, but they're important to understand as the direction Yonex is heading. Here's a quick overview:
- Exbolt 63 (0.63mm): The speed specialist. Thinnest in the series with the fastest snapback for rapid-fire drives and defensive clears.
- Exbolt 65 (0.65mm): The BG66U replacement. Similar repulsion with significantly better durability — many players are switching.
- Exbolt 68 (0.68mm): The control powerhouse. Thickest Exbolt with maximum shuttle grip for precise placement.
If you're interested in Exbolt strings, contact us — we can special-order them or notify you when they become part of our regular inventory.
Hybrid & Specialty: Aerobite and Nanogy
Aerobite Boost — Spin and Control Redefined
The Aerobite Boost takes a completely different approach from every other string on this list. It's a hybrid string: the mains (vertical strings) use a thick 0.72mm Vectran™ construction for stability, while the crosses (horizontal strings) use an ultra-thin 0.61mm gauge for spin generation. The result is a string bed where the mains grab the shuttle and the crosses allow it to snap back, imparting extra spin on sliced net shots and drops.
The Aerobite Boost is not currently in our regular stock, but it's available by special order. Contact us for availability and pricing.
Nanogy 99 — The Control Specialist (0.69mm)
The Nanogy 99 is Yonex's premium control string, featuring a Carbon Nanotube coating that creates a slightly "rough" or "sticky" surface on the string. This texture grips the shuttle on contact, allowing for more precise control on sliced shots, deceptive drops, and tight net play.
At 0.69mm, it's durable enough for regular play while offering a unique feel that control-oriented players love. If you're a player who wins points through placement and deception rather than raw power, the Nanogy 99 deserves your attention.
How to Match Your String to Your Racket
The string that works brilliantly in an Astrox 100 ZZ may feel terrible in a Nanoflare 1000Z. Here's how racket characteristics should influence your string choice:
Head-Heavy Rackets (Astrox Series, Voltric)
Head-heavy rackets generate power through mass and momentum. They benefit from thinner, more responsive strings (0.65-0.66mm) because the frame is already doing the power work — you don't need a thick, powerful string. Thinner strings also help offset the slower swing speed of head-heavy frames by providing faster repulsion. Recommended: BG66 Ultimax, BG80 Power.
Head-Light Rackets (Nanoflare Series, Nanoray)
Head-light rackets rely on speed and maneuverability. They pair well with slightly thicker strings (0.68-0.70mm) because the fast swing speed compensates for the reduced repulsion of thicker gauges, and the extra durability is welcome on quick defensive shots. Recommended: BG65 Titanium, Nanogy 99.
Even-Balance Rackets (Arcsaber Series)
All-around rackets work with almost any string — which makes this the hardest category to choose for. Consider your playing style more than your racket. Recommended: BG66 Ultimax for attackers, Nanogy 99 for controllers, BG65 for recreational players.
Tension: The Number That Changes Everything
| Tension (lbs) | Sweet Spot | Power | Control | Feel | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20-23 | Large | High (string bed trampoline) | Low | Soft, muted | Beginners, recreational |
| 24-27 | Medium | Balanced | Good | Crisp, audible | Most club players (recommended) |
| 28-31 | Small | Low (technique-dependent) | Excellent | Very stiff | Advanced, competitive |
| 32+ | Tiny | Minimal | Maximum | Board-like | Professionals only |
The Tension Mistake Almost Everyone Makes
Higher tension does not equal better performance. It equals less power and more control. If you're an intermediate player, 24-26 lbs is almost certainly your sweet spot. The biggest performance upgrade most club players can make is actually lowering their tension by 1-2 lbs — you'll get more power with the same swing, and the larger sweet spot means fewer mishits.
Yonex's Official Tension Recommendations
- BG65: 17-22 lbs (horizontal), 19-24 lbs (vertical) — these are Yonex's conservative recommendations; most players go higher
- BG66 Ultimax: 19-26 lbs
- BG80 Power: 20-28 lbs
- Nanogy 99: 19-26 lbs
These are guidelines, not limits. Many advanced players exceed these numbers. But if you're new to badminton or unsure, stay within Yonex's recommended range.
Real Talk: Which Yonex String Should You Actually Buy?
I've helped hundreds of players choose strings, and here's the short version of every conversation I've ever had:
- You're a beginner or you break strings constantly: Get the BG65. It's $14.99, it lasts forever, and it's perfectly fine for your current level. You don't need premium strings yet — you need strings that survive your learning curve.
- You're an intermediate who wants more pop: Try the BG66 Ultimax at 24-26 lbs. But know that you'll need to restring every 4-6 weeks to keep the performance. If that's too frequent, get the BG65 Titanium instead.
- You're a power player who smashes everything: BG80 Power at 26-28 lbs. The hard feel rewards aggressive swings. Just know that touch shots require more skill with this string.
- You're a control/touch player: Nanogy 99 at 24-26 lbs. The grippy surface gives you extra confidence on net shots and drops.
- You want the best of everything and money isn't a concern: We can special-order Exbolt 65 for you. It's the future of Yonex strings.
String Care and Maintenance
- Temperature kills strings: Leaving your racket in a hot car (120°F+) for even a few hours can permanently degrade string tension and elasticity. Always store your racket at room temperature.
- Humidity matters: Nylon strings absorb moisture from the air, which can soften the feel and increase tension loss. A racket cover helps, but if you play in humid conditions (like much of the US summer), expect slightly shorter string life.
- Inspect regularly: Check for fraying (fuzzy spots where the outer coating has worn) and notching (grooves where mains cross crosses). Either is a sign you're close to a break.
- Don't cut strings all at once: When it's time to restring, have your stringer cut the strings. Cutting them yourself improperly can unevenly release tension and potentially damage the frame — especially on high-tension string jobs.
- New strings need break-in: Fresh strings can feel "tight" or "dead" for the first 1-2 sessions. This is normal — the strings need to settle into the grommets and the tension to equalize across the string bed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use Yonex badminton strings for tennis?
No. Badminton strings are designed for the specific impact characteristics of a shuttlecock (lighter, higher-speed impact on a smaller surface area) and are strung at much higher tensions relative to gauge. Tennis strings are thicker (typically 1.20-1.35mm vs 0.65-0.70mm for badminton) and have different elasticity profiles. Using badminton strings in a tennis racket would result in immediate breakage and potential injury.
Q: How long do Yonex strings last before they need replacing?
It depends on three factors: how often you play, your playing style, and the string gauge. As a rough guide: BG65 (0.70mm) lasts 3-6 months with 2x/week play; BG66 Ultimax (0.65mm) lasts 1-2 months; BG80 Power (0.68mm) lasts 2-4 months. But these are guidelines — a heavy smasher playing 4x/week might break BG66U in 2 weeks.
Q: Does string color affect performance?
Technically yes, but the difference is negligible for 99.9% of players. Different color dyes can microscopically affect the string's surface friction and elasticity, but you won't notice it. Choose the color you like — white, yellow, and black are the most common options across Yonex's lineup.
Q: Can I string my own racket at home?
It's possible but not recommended unless you invest in a quality stringing machine ($300+ minimum) and learn proper technique. Badminton stringing requires precise tension (much higher than tennis relative to the string gauge), careful grommet management, and knowledge of each racket's stringing pattern. A bad string job can damage your racket. We recommend professional stringing — and if you're in the US, we offer stringing services at our Edison, NJ location.
Q: Will a thicker string give me more power?
No — the opposite. Thicker strings (0.68-0.70mm) are more durable but produce less power because they stretch less on impact. Thinner strings (0.63-0.65mm) are more repulsive — they stretch and snap back faster, generating more shuttle speed. The trade-off is durability. The BG66U at 0.65mm will give you more power than the BG65 at 0.70mm — but it'll break sooner.
Q: Do you offer stringing if I buy strings from Top Cricket Store?
Yes! We offer professional stringing services at our Edison, NJ location. If you're local, bring your racket in and we'll string it while you wait. If you're not local, we can ship you unstrung strings, and we recommend finding a qualified local stringer. Check our contact page for details on stringing services and turnaround times.
Upgrade Your Strings Today
A fresh set of strings is the most cost-effective upgrade in badminton — $14.99 to completely transform how your racket plays. Browse our complete badminton string collection for Yonex, Li-Ning, and other premium brands. All strings ship fast from our Edison, New Jersey warehouse.
Not sure which string is right for you? Call or WhatsApp us — we answer every question personally and will help you find the perfect match for your game, your racket, and your budget.