String Tension Question

[Dr.Dino]

Could someone explain to me the difference between rackets with higher tension compared to one with lower tension? Does higher tension give your smashes more power? Thanks

[kwun]

if you can hit hard, use high tension. if you cannot hit hard, use low tension.

if you cannot hit hard and use high tension, it doesn't help you.

if you can hit hard and use low tension, it hurts you.

power comes from your technique and muscles, changing tension doesn't help.

[Dr.Dino]

But what's the difference between the two tensions? and thanks

[kwun]

one is tighter, one is less tight?

[a|extan]

u can read more here

http://badminton-coach.co.uk/272/why...arm-than-good/

[visor]

if you cannot hit hard and use high tension, it doesn't help you.

if you can hit hard and use low tension, it hurts you..

shouldn't those outcomes be reversed?

[Optiblue]

if you can hit hard, use high tension. if you cannot hit hard, use low tension.

if you cannot hit hard and use high tension, it doesn't help you.

if you can hit hard and use low tension, it hurts you.

power comes from your technique and muscles, changing tension doesn't help.

Couldn't have said it better myself. Personally, I creeped up the tension ladder very slowly to the point where now if I were to use a low tension racket, my shoulder actually hurts as there's not enough resistance on impact.

Tension is a personal thing, but I will say this: If you can eventually hit as hard at high tension as you can now at lower tension (net 0 power loss), you'll also get the added bonus of accuracy.

[Gollum]

It's worth noting that it's much easier to hurt yourself by using tension that's too high, than by using tension that's too low.

But kwun's point stands: low tension can potentially hurt someone who has a fast swing speed. These players typically achieve more power with high tension than low tension. So you have to ask: if they achieve less power when playing with low tension, where is the "lost" force going?

The force is going into their arm.

[WoOZY]

I have a similar question about tension as well...

I consider myself as a fast swing speed and heavy hitter. I prefer really stiff racquets and prefer to play at 26lbs. I've noticed that if my strings starts to loosen up, the shaft of my racquet starts to get flexy... To the point that it is no longer playable!!! This happens to some of the stiffer racquets I have (VT-ZF 3U, VT80 3U, and Gosen Shiden).

Is the shaft getting flexy because the force I applied cannot be fully transferred to the birdie and instead is transferred into the strings and down the shaft of the racquet to my arm?

[DinkAlot]

power comes from your technique and muscles, changing tension doesn't help.

Panda would also add one's timing and getting into the optimum hitting position/location.

[visor]

I have a similar question about tension as well...I consider myself as a fast swing speed and heavy hitter. I prefer really stiff racquets and prefer to play at 26lbs. I've noticed that if my strings starts to loosen up, the shaft of my racquet starts to get flexy... To the point that it is no longer playable!!! This happens to some of the stiffer racquets I have (VT-ZF 3U, VT80 3U, and Gosen Shiden).Is the shaft getting flexy because the force I applied cannot be fully transferred to the birdie and instead is transferred into the strings and down the shaft of the racquet to my arm?

That sounds right.

[dbswansea]

I'm fairly new, been back playing about 9 months. I'm a former national champion powerlifter who can move the racket very fast. I currently use a flexible shaft and a light headed racket (not sure of tension) because I can move it quicker in doubles, I can smash very hard with this but sometimes get acute elbow pain. Does this mean I should try and increase the tension when I get my racket restrung?

[AirStyles]

I'm fairly new, been back playing about 9 months. I'm a former national champion powerlifter who can move the racket very fast. I currently use a flexible shaft and a light headed racket (not sure of tension) because I can move it quicker in doubles, I can smash very hard with this but sometimes get acute elbow pain. Does this mean I should try and increase the tension when I get my racket restrung?

Depends... Acute elbow pain can also occur if your technique is bad. Get your technique checked out first.

[Jason123]

But kwun's point stands: low tension can potentially hurt someone who has a fast swing speed.

In what way will it hurt the person that is smashing?