Monday, August 22, 2011

Yonex Badminton Strings Review

Let me start off by saying that this review is based on my personal experience with the strings on my rackets, and in no way is an accurate and absolute judgement of the product.

I may also start to sing praises of certain products, but I am in no way sponsored by any company.

I am a high-beginner level badminton player who plays leisurely with a low to mild attacking style. I like control plays and will focus on placing shots to move the opponent around court instead of causing pressure using heavy attacks.

Now on with the review!

Background
I've never had much regard for the type of stings used until I happened to end up using four different types of Yonex strings.

So I decided to give them a shot over the course of one 2-hour session and attempt to try and find a difference so that I can narrow the choice of string I will use.

The rackets used were all singles-oriented, 3U and head-heavy, and the strings were all strung at 26lbs.

Repulsion
This is what gives the string its power. We'd all want a string with repulsion power like a stinky school uniform drenched in teenager sweat in a bus full of tired office workers.

High repulsion means easier clears, faster smashes, better blocks - generally less effort needed. This is probably to me the most important statistic for a string.

In the area, there's a close fight between the BG66 Ultimax and the BG6.

Both strings were able to deliver a noticeably better experience when it comes to repulsion. Unlike the BG66, on which I felt the shuttle just tends to stay a little longer, and the Nanology 98, on which it felt like the shuttle was hitting a thin piece of wood, the other two performed admirably well.

But the BG6 felt a little better though, so I'm going to give this one to it, though only by a small margin.

1. BG6
2. BG66 Ultimax
3. BG66
4. Nanology 98

Control
Well there's not much use having a fast shuttle without it landing accurately on the opposite side, so control's yet another high-factor statistic when it comes to choosing the right strings.

I can't really say how I think one has better control over the other except with a "it just feels accurate" comment.

Which is true. When my smashes and drives down the side tramlines are landing on the tape more often than not, and my clears and high serves leave opponents wondering and hesitating, control definitely there.

This award has to go to the BG66, with which I found myself landing the most difficult straight smashes and net shots.

1. BG66
2. BG66 Ultimax
3. Nanology 98
4. BG6

Hitting Sound
BOOM. Nuff said.

1. BG6
2. BG66 Ultimax
3. BG66
4. Nanology 98

Conclusion
For being more cost effective, the BG66 will be my string of choice. But the BG6 comes in a close second, and I'll be sure to get that for when I need a little color on my strings.

2 comments:

LongK Lockhart said...

Hmm... I've read several of your racket reviews, and it's interesting that even though the Nanogy 98 is used in all the racket reviews that I've read, it is at the bottom of the list in this specific review. Any specific reason or you just using it as a common testing string for all racket?

Arthur said...

Hey there!

I would guess that this post was written before I started liking the string. If you were to ask me now, the NBG98 just offers me the right feel for a string at my preferred tension. :)

Strings can be very personal, and take time to develop. I guess the longer you play the more attuned you will be to your equipment, provided you don't go changing it every once a week or something haha...