Badminton strings in the winter

During the winter months, we see a structural increase in string breakage at badminton shop KW FLEX. Sometimes during warm-up, sometimes shortly after restringing. In most cases, the cause of badminton string breakage is not the stringing itself, but cold temperatures, temperature fluctuations and string choice.

In this blog, we clearly explain:

• why badminton strings are more vulnerable in winter
• when acclimatisation is necessary (and when it is not)
• which strings carry extra risk
• and how to increase reliability during winter

Acclimatisation before stringing is essential

Badminton strings consist of nylon and multifilament fibres with protective coatings. These materials:

• become stiffer at low temperatures
• stretch less evenly
• distribute tension less consistently

When a cold string is strung immediately:

• higher internal tension occurs
• stretching becomes uneven
• the risk of micro-damage increases

This significantly increases the risk of early string breakage, often during the very first mishit.

Cold string reels – important for home stringers

This section is specifically intended for home stringers and players who string their own badminton rackets.

Why string reels require extra attention

A string reel:

• is tightly wound
• contains a large amount of material close together
• warms up slowly, especially in the core

As a result, the outside of the reel may feel warm while the core is still clearly cold.

Practical advice for home stringers

Always allow a cold string reel to acclimatise for at least 24 hours at room temperature (±18–21°C) before use.

Why 24 hours?

• Shorter periods mainly warm the outer layers
• The core remains colder for several hours
• During stringing, the string is under maximum load

24 hours is a safe practical margin to eliminate internal temperature differences and reduce breakage risk.

Individual string sets

Loose string sets that have been stored cold (car, garage, shed):

• should preferably acclimatise for 12–24 hours before stringing

The colder the storage conditions, the more important this becomes.

Racket from a cold car: what is advisable?

A frequently asked question is how long a racket should warm up after cold storage.

Practical context

There is no exact scientifically established time. The guideline below is based on:

• material behaviour of nylon badminton strings
• differences in thermal mass between string and frame
• practical experience from badminton and tennis stringing

Practical guideline for players

From ±0–5°C (cold car) to ±18–20°C (sports hall):
allow approximately 30–45 minutes for the string to become largely thermally stable.

Advice:

• keep the racket in the bag
• do not hit at full power immediately
• avoid mishits during the initial phase

This reduces the risk of tension peaks and string breakage.

Thin and hard strings are more sensitive in winter

Not all badminton strings react the same way to cold.

Extra vulnerable in winter conditions

All badminton strings 0.65 mm or thinner, plus some harder strings just above this thickness.

Strings with increased risk

• Yonex BG66 Ultimax – 0.65 mm
• Yonex BG66 Force – 0.65 mm
• Yonex Aerobite
• vertical string: 0.67 mm
• horizontal string: 0.61 mm
• Yonex BG80 – 0.68 mm (hard feel)
• Yonex Exbolt 68 – 0.68 mm (hard coating)

These are excellent performance strings, but in winter:

• the margin for error is smaller
• temperature and mishits play a larger role

More durable choices for winter

For players who prioritise reliability during winter:

Extra durable badminton strings

• Victor VBS70 – 0.70 mm
• Yonex BG65 – 0.70 mm
• Yonex BG80 Power – 0.68 mm
• Victor VBS66 Nano – 0.66 mm

BG80 Power and VBS66 Nano perform reliably in winter up to approximately 11 kg, with a small risk during mishits.
10 kg is clearly safer, especially in cold or fluctuating storage conditions.

These strings:

• are less sensitive to temperature
• offer more margin for tension differences
• provide better reliability than 0.65 mm strings

More feel without major risk: hybrid stringing

Looking for more touch without unnecessary winter risk?

Popular winter combination at KW FLEX

• Vertical strings: Victor VBS70 – 0.70 mm
• Horizontal strings: Victor VBS66 Nano – 0.66 mm

This combination offers:

• durability and stability through the vertical strings
• extra feel and control through the horizontal strings
• reliable behaviour at lower temperatures

Not without reason a popular winter setup.

Adjusting tension in winter

When it is unavoidable that a racket:

• is temporarily stored in a cold or warm car
• experiences larger temperature fluctuations

Stringing 0.5 to 1 kg lower is a sensible winter choice.

Why:

• more elastic reserve
• lower peak loads
• reduced risk of string breakage during mishits

This applies especially to:

• thin strings
• hard strings
• intensive use

Summary: how to reduce winter string breakage

• Acclimatise strings before stringing
• Cold string reels (home stringers): ±24 hours
• Loose string sets: 12–24 hours
• Racket from cold car: ±30–45 minutes warm-up
• Be extra cautious with 0.65 mm and thinner strings
• Consider 10 kg instead of 11 kg in winter
• Optionally choose more durable or hybrid strings

Personal string advice?

When we string a badminton racket at KW FLEX, we adjust string, tension and setup based on:

• your playing style
• the season
• your racket
• and usage

So you can play reliably, controlled and without unnecessary string breakage all winter long.

KW FLEX — reliable stringing, all year round.