Badminton players often describe strings using words like:
But have you ever wondered if those feelings can actually be measured scientifically?
A recent student research paper published by Analise Keym titled Polymer Microstructure Effects on Impact Response, Frequency Dynamics, and Vibrational Signatures in High-Performance Badminton Racket Strings tried to answer exactly that question. The study compared three of the most recognizable badminton strings:
Using impact sensors and vibration analysis, the researchers measured how each string reacted during shuttle impact.
The results were surprisingly aligned with what many badminton players already feel on court.
According to the research, the answer comes down to:
In simple terms, some strings return energy faster after impact, while others absorb more energy and reduce vibration.
That creates the difference between:
This is one of the clearest scientific explanations behind the famous “string feel” discussion in badminton.
The study found that BG66 Ultimax produced:
In badminton terms, this means:
The string behaves more elastically, meaning it snaps back quickly after impact.
This may explain why attacking players love BG66 Ultimax during:
However, the study also showed that BG66 Ultimax generated stronger vibrations compared to the other strings tested.
That “crispy” sensation many players enjoy may actually come from measurable vibration behavior.
For some players, that sharp feel creates confidence and feedback.
For others, it may feel too harsh during longer sessions.
BG65 showed almost the opposite behavior in the study.
The researchers observed:
On court, this translates to:
This explains why BG65 remains one of the most trusted strings worldwide despite newer technology entering the market.
Many coaches, beginners, and durability-focused players still prefer BG65 because it feels stable and predictable.
The reduced vibration may also contribute to less fatigue during extended play.
BG80 landed between BG66 Ultimax and BG65 in most measurements.
The research suggests BG80 offers:
This supports the reputation BG80 has built among intermediate and advanced players over the years.
Many players describe BG80 as:
For players who want attacking performance without the extreme response of ultra-thin strings, BG80 may offer an ideal balance.
Badminton players often say thinner strings feel more repulsive.
This study provides scientific evidence supporting that idea.
The research suggests thinner, high-elastic strings recover more quickly after impact because of their polymer structure and elasticity.
That faster recovery may help during:
In other words, the “speed” players feel from certain strings may not just be psychological.
One particularly interesting finding was the difference in vibration behavior.
BG66 Ultimax generated stronger oscillations, while BG65 absorbed vibrations more effectively.
This helps explain why:
A stronger vibration signature can feel exciting and responsive, but it may also feel tiring for certain players over long sessions.
The researchers noted that more studies are needed regarding vibration and arm stress, but the findings already give useful insight into player comfort.
You may prefer:
Examples:
These setups may help generate quicker shuttle acceleration and sharper response.
You may prefer:
Examples:
These setups may provide better comfort, forgiveness, and consistency.
This research is especially valuable because it helps explain:
It gives scientific backing to what experienced players and stringers have observed for years.
One important thing to remember is that this research was conducted under controlled laboratory conditions using sensors and impact analysis.
Real badminton performance still depends heavily on:
Still, this study gives fascinating insight into the science behind badminton string feel.
The next time someone says:
“This string feels more explosive”
or “This setup feels softer and more controlled”
there may actually be measurable physics behind it.
For badminton players, that makes the world of strings even more interesting.
The research behind this study was conducted by Analise Keym, a varsity badminton player from Wantagh High School in the United States. As an attacking-style player herself, Analise became curious about how different badminton strings affect performance and realized there was very little scientific research available on the topic.
Motivated to fill that gap, she spent nearly a year conducting experiments for her AP Research project, testing different badminton strings using accelerometers to measure shuttlecock impact and vibration response. Her work eventually earned the highest AP Research score possible and was officially published in the Journal of High School Science, making her only the second student from her school’s AP Capstone program to achieve publication. Her study stands out because it combines real badminton experience with scientific analysis, creating practical insights that badminton players can actually relate to and use.
Do you know?
At Badminton Bay, these strings are available for selection in our customize stringing service, allowing players to choose the feel and performance that best suits their game.
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