Yonex BG80 String Review

Our Verdict

The Yonex BG80 is the most popular string in professional play, strung by an estimated 80% of players on tour. That stat alone explains why it’s regarded as one of the best badminton strings ever made. Its high repulsion produces powerful smashes and makes clears feel effortless, which is exactly why it remains the go-to choice for players like Viktor Axelsen, An Se Young, Kunlavut Vitidsarn, Seo Seung Jae, Anders Antonsen, Christo Popov, and many others.

Two-time Olympic champion Viktor Axelsen has spoken about why he prefers the BG80 over hybrid or thinner alternatives, pointing to its blend of solid feel, power, and durability. He previously played on a hybrid Aerobite setup but moved away from it after breaking strings too often. Axelsen has said he rated Aerobite highly, but kept snapping it, whereas the BG80 gives him the feel and power he wants without breaking down nearly as fast.

• Power Output: The Vectran fiber wrap gives a hard, stiff feel that transfers raw power directly into a player’s signature downhill smashes.
• Feel & Control: Players frequently point to the string’s sound and control as the reliable feedback they rely on at the net.
• Longevity: Unlike ultra-thin strings, the BG80’s 0.68mm gauge holds up far better against heavy impact before snapping.

For a string that’s been around since 2001, the BG80 has aged remarkably well, and its continued dominance at the top of the sport says everything about how well it balances power, feel, and reliability.

Our Ratings

Yonex’s official product rating for the BG80 string gave repulsion power an 8/10, durability 6/10, hitting sound 7/10, shock absorption 6/10, and control 6/10, with an overall rating of 6.5/10. However, after vigorous testing and collecting usage stats from professional players on tour, we realized that the string is heavily underrated by Yonex. Thus, our revised score is 8.5/10 instead of Yonex’s 6.5/10.

Pros & Cons

Specifications