String Tension Question

Discussion in 'Techniques / Training' started by Dr.Dino, Mar 5, 2012.

  1. Dr.Dino

    Dr.Dino Regular Member

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    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 :D
     
  2. kwun

    kwun Administrator

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    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.
     
  3. Dr.Dino

    Dr.Dino Regular Member

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    But what's the difference between the two tensions? and thanks :D
     
  4. kwun

    kwun Administrator

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    one is tighter, one is less tight?
     
  5. a|extan

    a|extan Regular Member

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  6. visor

    visor Regular Member

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    shouldn't those outcomes be reversed? :p :)
     
  7. Optiblue

    Optiblue Regular Member

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    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.
     
  8. Gollum

    Gollum Regular Member

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    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.
     
  9. WoOZY

    WoOZY Regular Member

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    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?
     
  10. DinkAlot

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

    visor Regular Member

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    That sounds right.
     
  12. dbswansea

    dbswansea Regular Member

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    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?
     
  13. AirStyles

    AirStyles Regular Member

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    Depends... Acute elbow pain can also occur if your technique is bad. Get your technique checked out first.
     
  14. Jason123

    Jason123 Regular Member

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

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