If the Axforce 100 Gen II is a scalpel, your string and tension choice decide how sharp it really is. You’ll find that this frame behaves very differently at 22 lbs versus 27 lbs, especially with thin gauges like Li-Ning No.1 or more solid options like Yonex BG80. If you’re unsure where comfort, control, and power intersect for your level, the specific tension windows and string pairings might surprise you next.
Key Takeaways
- For most Axforce 100 Gen II users, 24–26 lbs offers the best balance of power, control, and sweet spot size.
- Beginners should use 21–23 lbs with thicker 0.68–0.70 mm strings like Li-Ning No.5/No.7 for comfort and durability.
- Intermediates typically perform well at 24–27 lbs with 0.66–0.68 mm strings such as Li-Ning No.3 Boost or Yonex BG80 for control.
- Advanced players can go 26–29 lbs with 0.65–0.66 mm strings (Li-Ning No.1/No.1 Boost, BG66UM) for maximum precision and repulsion.
- Use a professional 4-knot, 2-piece pattern, pre-stretch thin strings 5–8%, and avoid exceeding the manufacturer’s maximum tension.
Understanding How String Tension Affects the Axforce 100 Gen II
Anyone picking up the Axforce 100 Gen II quickly realizes that string tension changes the racket’s behavior just as much as the frame itself. Because this frame is compact, stiff, and head-heavy, even a 1–2 lbs adjustment in string tension creates a noticeable performance impact.
At higher tensions, the string bed deforms less, so you’ll get cleaner shuttle contact, a flatter trajectory, and more directional control, but you’ll need faster racket-head speed to generate length. At lower tensions, the string bed deforms more, increasing shuttle dwell time and trampoline effect, which helps you produce effortless clears and smashes but slightly diffuses feedback.
On the Axforce 100 Gen II, these changes are amplified, so matching string tension to your swing speed and timing is critical. For this particular frame, it’s especially important not to exceed the recommended tension range, since going too high will shrink the sweet spot, increase the risk of injury, and reduce overall string durability.
Recommended Tension Ranges by Playing Level
When you choose a tension range for the Axforce 100 Gen II, you’ll want to match it to your playing level to get the best balance of shuttle speed, control, and comfort. As a newer player, you’re generally safer within a lower, beginner-friendly tension band that enlarges the sweet spot, while intermediates can move toward a control-focused setup that sharpens placement without overloading the frame. Advanced players can then exploit the racket’s high-tension tolerance for power tuning, optimizing repulsion and shuttle response at the upper end of the recommended range. Since string tension directly affects your mix of control and power, be sure to adjust it based on your play style and how aggressively you swing through the shuttle.
Beginner-Friendly Tension Range
For the LI NING Axforce 100 Gen II, a beginner‑friendly tension range typically sits around 20–24 lbs, with most new players best served at 21–23 lbs. At this level, tension basics matter more than fine‑tuning: lower tension slightly enlarges the sweet spot, improves shuttle clearance, and reduces shock to your arm on mishits. That’s essential for beginner stringing, because you’re still stabilizing your stroke mechanics.
The Axforce 100 Gen II’s stiff shaft and head‑heavy balance already generate power efficiently. If you string it too tight early on, you’ll lose free repulsion and make timing errors more punishing. Staying in the 21–23 lb window lets you feel the frame’s inherent power while maintaining comfort, forgiveness, and consistent length on clears and lifts.
Intermediate Control-Focused Setup
As your technique stabilizes and you start hitting the sweet spot consistently on the Axforce 100 Gen II, you can move into an intermediate, control‑focused setup in the 24–27 lb range. In this band, the frame’s aerodynamic profile and head‑heavy balance respond well to fine tension adjustments, letting you tighten your net shots and keep lifts reliably deep without over‑stressing the frame.
| Focus Level | Suggested Tension | Recommended Li‑Ning String Materials |
|---|---|---|
| More hold | 24–25 lb | Softer nylon multifilament |
| Balanced | 25–26 lb | Medium‑stiff multifilament/compound |
| Crisper | 26–27 lb | Thin, high‑modulus nylon monofilament |
You’ll notice cleaner trajectories, reduced shuttle wobble, and more predictable repulsion, especially in flat exchanges and precision blocks.
Advanced Power Tuning Guide
Although the Axforce 100 Gen II is rated up to 30 lb, advanced power tuning isn’t just about pushing to the maximum; it’s about matching tension to your swing speed, timing consistency, and physical conditioning. For emerging advanced players, 25–26 lb with a 0.68–0.69 mm string (e.g., Li-Ning No.7) balances shuttle hold and repulsion.
If you’re a strong advanced club player with repeatable technique, 26–28 lb using a thinner gauge (No.1, No.3) increases shuttle exit speed and directional precision. At tournament level, 28–30 lb only makes sense if you generate high racket-head speed and can consistently hit the sweet spot.
Your string selection strategies should pair gauge and coating with these ideal tension techniques to minimize energy loss and frame stress.
Best Setups for Power Smashers
Power-oriented setups on the Li-Ning Axforce 100 Gen II revolve around maximizing shuttle speed without destabilizing the frame or sacrificing control on follow-up shots. When you’re a rear-court attacker, powerful configurations depend on matching the racket’s stiff, head-heavy profile with disciplined string selection and tension ranges that preserve shaft recoil.
Focus on three levers:
- String gauge – Use 0.65–0.68 mm strings (e.g., Li-Ning No.1 or No.1 Boost) to increase repulsion and cut through air on full swings.
- String pattern – A consistent, even 22 × 23 pattern at proportional tension helps the compact head maintain a predictable sweet spot.
- Feel tuning – Slightly higher cross tension (≈+1 lb) stabilizes the frame, preventing twist on off-center power smashes.
Optimal Tensions for All-Round Players
When you’re using the LI NING Axforce 100 Gen II as an all-round player, you’ll want a balanced tension range that preserves its fast head profile while still offering stable shuttle response—typically around 24–27 lbs for most intermediates and advanced users. Within that window, lower tensions favor a more forgiving sweet spot and easier length on clears, while higher tensions sharpen control on net shots and flat exchanges. Your exact setting should be adjusted according to whether your game leans slightly more toward control rallying or quick attacking shifts, always staying within the racket’s recommended tension limits. Regularly checking for signs of tension creep, such as small silky fibers on the string bed and a duller response, helps you know when it’s time to restring to maintain this optimal range.
Balanced Tension Ranges
Despite the Axforce 100 Gen II being structurally capable of high tensions, most all‑round players perform best in a balanced range that prioritizes both control and shuttle repulsion. For this frame, a practical “sweet spot” usually sits around 24–27 lbs (10.9–12.2 kg) for plastic shuttles and 25–28 lbs (11.3–12.7 kg) for feathers, based on tension preferences reported in player feedback and Li‑Ning’s own test data.
In that window, the Axforce 100 Gen II’s compact head and stiff shaft produce a predictable, fast rebound without over‑penalizing off‑center hits.
You can treat these as working reference zones:
- Control‑leaning all‑rounders: 27–28 lbs
- Neutral all‑rounders: 25–26 lbs
- Power‑leaning all‑rounders: 24–25 lbs
Adjusting for Playstyle
Although the Axforce 100 Gen II has a clear balanced “sweet spot,” you’ll get better results by fine‑tuning tension to how you actually construct points. As an all‑round player, you’re mixing steep attacks, flat drives, and quick recoveries, so small playstyle adjustments matter. Most intermediates perform effectively at 24–26 lbs, while advanced players with solid technique can push 26–28 lbs for tighter shuttle response.
Use string selection to fine‑tune this band: thinner gauges (e.g., No. 1, 0.65–0.66 mm) amplify bite and control at mid‑high tensions, while slightly thicker options stabilize mishits.
| Focus | Recommended Tension | Typical String Type |
|---|---|---|
| Neutral | 25 lbs | 0.66–0.68 mm control |
| Control | 26–27 lbs | 0.65–0.66 mm high‑repulsion |
| Forgiveness | 24 lbs | 0.68–0.70 mm durability |
Control-Focused Setups for Precision and Net Play
If you prioritize tight shuttle placement, the Axforce 100 Gen II responds best to a control‑oriented setup that emphasizes a firmer string bed, a thinner gauge, and a slightly higher reference tension than typical power builds. On this compact, head‑heavy frame, that combination sharpens feedback, helping you execute precision techniques and advanced net strategies with reduced launch variability. For the Axforce 100 Gen II, pairing an appropriate string tension with a suitable weight and balance ensures that the racket’s head‑heavy profile enhances control without sacrificing maneuverability.
For most intermediate‑to‑advanced players, you’ll gain the most control by:
- Targeting 26–28 lbs (doubles) or 27–29 lbs (singles), within the manufacturer’s safe range.
- Using 0.65–0.68 mm strings to increase bite and stabilize shuttle trajectory on tight net shots.
- Ensuring consistent four‑knot professional stringing, minimizing tension differentials across mains and crosses.
Top LI NING String Options for the Axforce 100 Gen II
The Axforce 100 Gen II pairs best with Li-Ning’s higher-performance strings that can handle its compact head and pronounced head weight, and the choice should be driven by whether you lean toward power, control, or durability. Reflecting Li-Ning’s push into innovative designs and high-performance gear, these strings are engineered to squeeze maximum power and precision from modern, head-heavy frames.
For explosive power, you’ll gravitate toward No.1 or No.1 Boost (0.65–0.66 mm). These thin string types increase repulsion but amplify tension effects, so off‑center hits feel harsher above 27 lbs.
If you want a firmer, more stable response, No.5 (0.70 mm) and No.7 (0.70 mm) give better durability and a larger effective sweet spot at 27–29 lbs.
For a balanced setup, No.3 Boost (0.68 mm) offers strong shuttle hold and directional accuracy, complementing the frame’s fast recovery while remaining playable from 26–30 lbs.
Popular Non–Li NING Strings That Pair Well With This Frame
Li-Ning’s own strings match the Axforce 100 Gen II extremely well, but many players prefer familiar Yonex and other third‑party options that can fine‑tune feel, sound, and durability. When you look beyond Li-Ning, focus on string characteristics that complement this compact, fast, stiff frame and its typical 26–30 lbs range of tension compatibility. You’ll usually get the best performance from thin gauges (0.61–0.66 mm) that enhance bite and speed without over‑softening the response. Matching your string and tension to the racket’s weight distribution (head heavy, head light, or even balance) helps you maximise either power or speed without sacrificing control.
- Yonex BG80: 0.68 mm, hard-feel braided multifilament; stable at higher tensions, ideal if you hit hard.
- Yonex BG66 Ultimax: 0.65 mm, crisp, high-control response at mid–high tensions.
- Victor VBS-66N: 0.66 mm, slightly softer impact, pairs well if you prefer a touch more dwell time.
Durability, Feel, and Repulsion: Finding Your Ideal Balance
Although the Axforce 100 Gen II is forgiving across a wide tension window, you’ll only release its full potential by consciously trading off durability, feel, and repulsion based on how you hit. The compact, fast head and stiff shaft reward a string setup that stabilizes the frame while complementing your swing speed. Since the Axforce 100 Gen II is a fast, maneuverable frame, pairing it with string tensions that suit its even-balance dynamics helps maintain both power and precise control during quick exchanges.
If you hit hard and frequently, prioritize string longevity with slightly thicker gauges or 1–2 lbs lower tension to reduce notching and frame stress. If you rely on deception and net control, emphasize feel with thinner gauges and marginally higher tension, accepting shorter life. For explosive counter–smashes, chase repulsion by combining mid–high tension with elastic strings. Your goal is a playability balance where the string’s performance curve matches the Axforce 100 Gen II’s fast, whippy response.
Practical Stringing Tips and Example Setups to Try
When you actually string the Axforce 100 Gen II, small execution details matter as much as the tension number you choose. Use a 2‑piece pattern with careful support at 10/2 o’clock; the compact, stiff frame punishes uneven mounting and rushed pulls. Pre‑stretch thin strings (≤0.66 mm) 5–8% to stabilize tension and reduce notching.
Here’s a practical framework that links tension, string gauge choices, and role:
- 0.65–0.66 mm at 26–28 lbs: attacking doubles, maximizing repulsion and bite.
- 0.67–0.68 mm at 28–30 lbs: advanced singles, stable punch and directional control.
- 0.69–0.70 mm at 24–26 lbs: control plus durability for frequent training.
Apply string maintenance tips: check for misaligned mains after rallies and cut immediately if you see deep notches or frame distortion.
