Everything players ask us most often about badminton racket stringing — turnaround, prices, tension, and which string to pick. Can't find your answer? Call or text (626) 268-3375, or walk in Monday to Friday between 2 PM and 10 PM at 5352 N Irwindale Ave, Irwindale, CA 91706.
Racket Stringing Service
Do you string badminton rackets?
Yes — racket stringing is our main service. We string in-house at our Irwindale shop, at the exact tension you request. Yonex, Li-Ning, Victor and Hundred rackets are all welcome. Open Monday to Friday 2 PM to 10 PM. Call or text (626) 268-3375.
How long does it take to get a racket restrung?
Two options. Express: wait in store and it's ready in 35 to 60 minutes. Drop-off: leave it with us and we'll text you the moment it's done, so you don't have to wait around. On busy nights it helps to call ahead: (626) 268-3375.
How much does badminton stringing cost?
Regular service is $17.99 and Express is $22.99. If you'd like us to supply the string from our reels, that's $27.99 to $31.99 depending on which string you choose. Grommet replacement starts at $15.00, and grips and overgrips start at $9.99 fitted.
Do I need an appointment for stringing?
Not on weekdays — walk in any time Monday to Friday between 2 PM and 10 PM. Weekends are by appointment only, so call or text (626) 268-3375 to arrange a time.
Can you restring a racket I didn't buy from you?
Of course. Most of the rackets we string were bought somewhere else. Bring in any badminton racket, tell us the tension and string you want, and we'll take care of it.
What stringing machine do you use?
A Victor C-7032 Ultra electronic constant-pull machine, with a second electronic constant-pull machine for busy evenings. Constant pull means the machine holds the set tension while the string settles, instead of pulling once and locking off — so the tension you ask for is the tension you get, string after string.
Do you string tennis or squash rackets?
Not at the moment — we're a badminton specialist and our machines are set up for badminton frames. A tennis stringing machine is on our list, so it's worth asking again later in the year.
Do you do stringing for clubs, teams or coaches?
Yes, and we'd rather plan it than be surprised by it. If you need a batch of rackets done for a team, a club night or a tournament, call or text (626) 268-3375 ahead of time and we'll schedule the work and make sure your string is in stock.
Tension and String Choice
What tension should I string my badminton racket at?
As a rough guide: 20 to 23 lb if you're learning or play casually, 23 to 26 lb for a regular club player, and 26 to 30 lb for advanced and competitive players. Higher tension gives more control and a crisper feel, but it only gives you power if your swing is fast enough to bend the string bed — and it breaks sooner. Never go above the maximum tension printed on your racket. Tell us how you play and we'll talk it through before we start.
How often should I restring my racket?
A simple rule players use: restring about as many times per year as you play per week. Twice a week means roughly two restrings a year as a minimum. If you play competitively or hit hard, more often.
My string hasn't broken — do I still need to restring?
Probably, yes. String starts losing tension the day it goes on and keeps dropping whether you play or not. A string bed that has gone soft feels dead, robs you of control, and makes you swing harder to compensate. If your racket feels mushy or your shots are sailing long, it's time — even with no broken strings.
My string broke mid-game — can I still use the racket?
Stop using it and cut the remaining strings out as soon as you can. When one string goes, the rest of the bed is pulling unevenly on the frame, and that uneven load is what warps and cracks frames. Bring it in and we'll restring it — Express is ready in 35 to 60 minutes.
Which badminton string should I choose?
It comes down to what you want most. Durability — Yonex BG-65 or BG-65 Titanium (0.70 mm), thick and forgiving, the right call if you break strings often. Speed and control — BG-66 Ultimax or EXBOLT 65 (0.65 mm). Power and smash — BG-80 or BG-80 Power (0.68 mm). Maximum repulsion and hitting sound — BG-66 Force (0.65 mm), for intermediate and advanced players. Spin and touch — Aerobite, a hybrid with 0.67 mm mains and 0.61 mm crosses. Great all-rounder on a budget — our own BadBuddy 65Power (0.65 mm). Tell us your level and we'll narrow it down in about a minute.
What is the difference between BG-65, BG-66 Ultimax and BG-80?
These are the three Yonex strings people ask about most. BG-65 is 0.70 mm — thick, soft feeling, extremely durable, Yonex's best seller year after year. BG-66 Ultimax is 0.65 mm — thin, high repulsion, the speed-and-control choice of many top players. BG-80 is 0.68 mm with a Vectran outer — high repulsion with a hard, crisp feel, built for players who win points with the smash.
Can I choose my own string and tension?
Yes. Tell us the tension you play and we'll match it. We keep one of the widest string selections in the San Gabriel Valley — Yonex BG-65, BG-65 Titanium, BG-66 Force, BG-66 Ultimax, BG-80, BG-80 Power, Aerobite, Nanogy 98 and EXBOLT 63, 65 and 68 — or bring your own string and we'll fit it.
Repairs, Grips and Reels
Can you replace broken grommets or a worn grip?
Yes. Grommet replacement starts at $15.00 (standard strip $25.00, custom fit $30.00), and we fit new grips and overgrips in store while you wait, from $9.99. Cracked grommets cut strings and can damage the frame, so it's worth having them checked when you restring.
Do you sell string by the 200 m reel?
Yes. A sealed 200 m reel strings roughly 20 rackets at about 10 m each, so it makes sense if you string for yourself regularly, for a club, or for a team. If you only need one racket done, our stringing service works out far cheaper. Reels are final sale once the seal is broken.
Visiting the Shop
What time do you close?
We're open until 10 PM, Monday through Friday, from 2 PM. That means you can come straight from the court after an evening session. Weekends are by appointment — call or text (626) 268-3375.
Where are you located and is there parking?
5352 N Irwindale Ave, Irwindale, CA 91706. Free parking on site.
Which areas do you serve?
We're in Irwindale, a short drive from Azusa, Baldwin Park, West Covina, Duarte, Arcadia, El Monte, Covina, Monrovia and Glendora, and we get players from across the San Gabriel Valley and greater Los Angeles.
Do you sell rackets, shoes and shuttles too?
Yes. We carry rackets, shuttlecocks, court shoes, bags and apparel from Yonex, Li-Ning, Victor and Hundred, plus our own BadBuddy 65Power string. You're welcome to try the grip and swing weight in store before you decide.
Can you help me pick the right racket?
That's the part we enjoy most. Tell us your level, playing style and the tension you use, and we'll give you an honest recommendation — including telling you when the cheaper racket is the better fit. No pressure to buy the most expensive thing on the wall.