I usually play with 25lbs of tension, I can effortlessly make a full court clear. Yesterday I played with a racket with 19-21 pounds of tension and i couldnt, i also really hurt my wrist using it, why was this?, i thought lower tensions should take less effort to hit and smash with? Now im starting to feel that I need a higher tension on my racket, Ive lost the feel that I had when I first got it strung, It feels weaker almost Im wanting to move it up to 26,27 lbs, on a nanospeed 2000, the only problem is that it says reccomended string tension is 17-22lbs, Ive already pushed the limit, Can I push it anymore?
To answer your first question 21 is too low, when people talk about low tension they mean 23-24. How long has it been since you've restrung your racket and with what strings? Going 26 ---> with a mid end racket like the 2000 isn't recommended but it is possible. However you need to consider the repercussions. Since the 2000 is a mid end racket and head light the frame is probably going to break at any medium powered clash.
I restrung my racket 25lbs BG80 about 2-3 weeks ago, and since then I play around 7 hours a week. I never clash, Im just worried that the racket will just snap when its getting re stringed or the frame will snap when I smash or something
It is unlikely the frame will snap when restringing if it is in good condition. Only if the frame is damaged or the stringer does something a little unusual will it break I have strung Yonex beginners rackets at 28lbs with no problems. However with a higher tension the chance of breakage with a clash goes up a lot. I have broken a frame from a particularly bad mis-hit as well (although I think the racket was already damaged). Also when the strings snap cut them reasonably quickly or the frame will deform increasing the chance of damaging or breaking your racket.
yeah like sevex said, any decent stringer can bring it up to 28lbs during the stringing process but clashes is the issue.
I've heard Dink say "use the lowest tension you can tolerate". I would disagree: I use the highest tension I can tolerate (viz. back-to-back FH clears are still easy, and my arm doesn't hurt afterwards). I'm a control/placement doubles specialist, though, and my main concern is feel. If you've got a competant stringer, I'd go up a pound at a time until you start losing power and/or your arm starts hurting, then hold at the last "good" tension. And remember, strings lose a lot of tension in the first few hours.
the only fair comparison when u use a different tension is to have the same stringer string the same racket with the same string. ideally to have him string 2 of the same racket, at the same time, with a different tension. if you just pick up someone else's racket, probably of a different model, and a different string, claimed to have a different tension, strung by a different stringer, and have used the racket for some time, then the many variables makes the comparison completely useless.
Something not mentioned is that as you play with your tension you are going to have to change your technique to maximise the new tension. Let the racket do the work.
I thought the stronger you get = ( the more you play ) = The higher the string tension you will need Cause obviously you will hurt your self if you have a fast swing and a low tension ( ive experienced this my self )
To be honest, I think the opposite might be even more true: the tighter your margins need to be, the higher the tension you need. Pro players are often aiming smashes at targets no bigger than a CD case, and trying to put netters within an inch of the tape.
So your saying that a beginner could start with a 30lbs tension racket and he will eventually be good using it?
So what tension should a beginners racket be strung at? What I was saying is as your technique improves and you are maximizing the potential power in the racket then trying a different tension would be a good idea.
When my stringer and I talk about low tension, we mean 20lbs. And that's exactly, what I would recommend for beginners. BTW, my stringer is also a trainer since many years.
just sharing my 2 cents ... I think it would subject to 2 preliminary conditions: 1. geographical conditions (europe, america, asia, etc) 2. type of shuttlecocks being used (feather or nylon) It would be advisable for beginners playing in my country for applying (approximately) 24 lbs. we enjoy the benefit of high temperature and humidity conditions. Further, there are many vendors producing feather shuttlecocks in affordable price (example USD3.50 per bottle / 12 pcs). IMHO
But at that tension you only play feather, right? In Germany beginners usually play nylon shuttlecocks.
Jason. If it was me i would take the chance that the racket will take the higher tension. If the racket breaks then it might be a good opportunity in investing in some equipment that will allow you to string to the tension you want.
