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String Ratings Explained
String Ratings Explained
A breakdown of the 5-axis rating system — what Repulsion, Control, Durability, Hitting Sound, and Shock Absorption actually measure, and how the scores map to real playing feel.
What Are String Ratings?
Badminton string manufacturers rate each string on 5 characteristics: repulsion power, durability, hitting sound, shock absorption, and control. Each is scored 0–10 where higher is better. These ratings let you compare strings at a glance, but no string scores 10 across all five — tradeoffs are baked in.
Repulsion (0–10)
How much power the string generates. High repulsion means the shuttle springs off the string bed faster due to a "trampoline effect". This is strongest in thin-gauge strings (0.61–0.66mm) which stretch more on impact.
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8–10: Explosive power — ideal for attacking players.
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5–7: Moderate power.
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Below 5: Low power — requires strong technique.
Repulsion is inversely correlated with tension (lower tension = higher repulsion) and trades off against durability — thin strings that score high on repulsion break faster.
Yonex
BG66 ULTIMAX
Repulsion
0.65mm
Yonex
BG65
Durability
0.70mm
Control (0–10)
How precisely you can place the shuttle. Control strings typically have a textured finish that grips the shuttle cork, giving more feel for slices, net shots, and spins.
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8–10: Excellent accuracy.
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5–7: Decent control.
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Below 5: Less precise — suited to power-oriented play. Control is generally inversely related to repulsion.
Durability (0–10)
How long the string lasts before breaking or losing tension. Thicker gauges (0.68–0.70mm+) score higher.
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8–10: High durability — lasts weeks or months.
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5–7: Moderate.
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Below 5: Low — may snap frequently for hard hitters.
Hitting Sound (0–10)
The audible feedback on shuttle impact. A crisp, sharp sound gives confidence you've hit the sweet spot. Thinner strings at higher tensions produce a louder, higher-pitched sound.
Shock Absorption (0–10)
How well the string dampens vibration. Better shock absorption means less jarring feedback to your arm — important for comfort over long sessions. Multifilament strings with soft cores score highest.
How to Use These Ratings
1.
Look at all 5 scores, not just the category label.
2.
Accept tradeoffs — a string that's 10/10 for repulsion will likely be 5–6/10 for durability.
3.
Match your priorities: if you break strings often, prioritize durability over repulsion.