Buying Guide - Which Shuttlecock Should I Choose? [Updated]

If you're a badminton player, you know that having the right equipment is essential to your performance on the court. One of the most crucial accessories you need is the shuttlecock, also known as a birdie. It's important to choose the right shuttlecock that suits your playing style and level of expertise. With a plethora of options available in the market, selecting the best shuttlecock can be overwhelming. In this article, we'll guide you through the factors and features to consider when picking a shuttlecock that can help improve your gameplay. Whether you're a beginner or an advanced player, finding the perfect shuttlecock can make a significant difference in your badminton experience.

Factors to consider before buying Shuttlecock

Type of Shuttlecock – Feather, Nylon or Hybrid
Speed of the Shuttlecock
Your Level of Play

Type of Shuttlecock

There are mainly 3 types of shuttlecocks:

Let’s start with the traditional feather badminton shuttlecock and please take note of its features and important points for future reference.

Feather Badminton Shuttlecock (Features & Recommendations)

Features:

Feather shuttlecocks are made from the feathers of ducks or geese.
They are more durable and offer better flight stability compared to plastic shuttlecocks.
Feather shuttlecocks are ideal for high-level play and tournaments.
They have a cork base that provides weight and balance to the shuttlecock.
The feathers are arranged in a cone shape, which helps to reduce air resistance and increase speed.

Recommendations:

Choose shuttlecocks with a higher feather count, such as 16 or 17 feathers, as they offer better durability and stability.
Look for shuttlecocks with a consistent and uniform feather distribution for consistent flight performance.
Consider the temperature and humidity of your playing environment when selecting shuttlecocks, as these factors can affect the shuttlecock's flight characteristics.
Store your shuttlecocks in a cool, dry place to avoid damage to the feathers.
Brands such as Yonex, RSL and Li-Ning are known for producing high-quality feather shuttlecocks.
Finally, always purchase shuttlecocks from a reputable seller to ensure their authenticity and quality.

Nylon/Plastic Badminton Shuttlecock (Features & Recommendations)

Features

Nylon or plastic shuttlecocks are typically made from synthetic materials.
They are less expensive compared to feather shuttlecocks and are ideal for casual or beginner play.
Nylon shuttlecocks are more durable than plastic ones.
They are less affected by temperature and humidity changes, making them ideal for outdoor play.
Nylon shuttlecocks have a plastic skirt with a rubber or foam base, which provides stability and balance during flight.

Recommendations

Choose shuttlecocks with a higher weight and speed rating for better stability and consistency during play.
Look for shuttlecocks with a durable skirt material that can withstand wear and tear from multiple games.
Consider the playing environment when selecting shuttlecocks. Nylon shuttlecocks are ideal for outdoor play as they are not affected by temperature and humidity changes.
Store your shuttlecocks in a cool, dry place to prevent damage to the skirt and base.
Brands such as Yonex, HEAD and Li-Ning are known for producing high-quality nylon or plastic shuttlecocks.
Finally, always purchase shuttlecocks from a reputable seller to ensure their authenticity and quality.

Hybrid Badminton Shuttlecock (Features & Recommendation)

Features

Hybrid shuttlecocks are a combination of feathers and synthetic materials, usually nylon.
They provide a balance between durability and flight performance.
Hybrid shuttlecocks have a cork or foam base, similar to feather shuttlecocks, which provides weight and balance.
The synthetic skirt provides durability and consistency in flight, while the feathers offer improved flight stability and a better feel.
Hybrid shuttlecocks are suitable for players who want a shuttlecock that offers better flight performance than nylon shuttlecocks but is more durable than feather shuttlecocks.

Recommendations

Choose shuttlecocks with a higher feather count, as they offer better flight stability and a better feel compared to those with fewer feathers.
Look for shuttlecocks with a consistent and uniform feather distribution for consistent flight performance.
Consider the temperature and humidity of your playing environment when selecting shuttlecocks, as these factors can affect the shuttlecock's flight characteristics.
Store your shuttlecocks in a cool, dry place to prevent damage to the feathers and skirt.
Finally, always purchase shuttlecocks from a reputable seller to ensure their authenticity and quality.

Shuttlecock Speed

Being in India, you should go for Yonex Mavis 10 Badminton Shuttlecock, this is the most trendy and popular shuttlecock in this region for recreational players. However, if you are unsure how to pick the shuttlecock with reference to speed. Let’s jump into the next context to get more detail.

In order to perform best on the badminton court, you need to choose the correct speed of shuttlecock that can drive the appropriate length in the court.

In normal conditions, the slow shuttlecock will fall under the small distance and have slow speed whereas the fast shuttlecock will go inverse of it that is; it will travel further with more speed.

The Speed of the shuttlecock gets affected by 3 factors:

Temperature; where the match is being played.
The altitude of the court.
The humidity of the area where a match is being conducted.

Still confused about how to choose a shuttlecock based on the speed. Well if we go deeper, it has few categories that will fall from 75-79. The smaller figure, the shorter distance going to be covered by the shuttlecock.

Have a glance at the table to get a better understanding of this concept.

Sr No	Shuttle Speed	Altitude	Temperature
1	75- Slow	Above Sea Level	Extreme Hot(30c +)
2	76- Quite Slow	Sea Level	Hot (25-30 degree)
3	77- Average Speed	Sea Level	Normal (15-25 degree)
4	78- Quite Fast	Below Sea Level	Cold (0-15 degree)
5	79- Fast	Below Sea Level	Very Cold ( Below Freezing)

Shuttlecock – As per your level of play

Generally, there are 6 levels of badminton play.

Recreational Play level
Training Play level
Club Playing Level
Match Playing Level
Tournament Playing Level
Professional Senior Tournament

Given below are the recommended badminton shuttlecocks for every level player and by using these birds, you will grow in a better way.

Recreational Playing Level

Training Playing Level

Club Playing Level

Match Playing Level

Tournament Playing Level

RSL Tourney No.3 Badminton Shuttlecock
Yonex AS-20 Badminton Shuttlecock

Professionals

Yonex As 30 Badminton Shuttlecock

Note: These recommendations are supported our research and personal experience. It can vary from people or players.

So after going through these most important factors, now you must have a proper understanding of features of the shuttlecock and other vital factors such as speed, material, etc. Next time when you will consider any shuttlecock, take these features and vital factors into your decision.

FAQ's for Badminton Shuttlecock

1Q: What is a shuttlecock made of?

Shuttlecocks are typically made of a cork or rubber base and feathers or plastic for the upper section.

2Q: What is the difference between feather and plastic shuttlecocks?

Feather shuttlecocks are considered to be of higher quality and are used in professional competitions, while plastic shuttlecocks are more affordable and durable for casual play. Feather shuttlecocks also have a more consistent flight and faster speed compared to plastic shuttlecocks.

3Q: How long do shuttlecocks last?

The lifespan of a shuttlecock can vary depending on the type of shuttlecock, frequency of use and the conditions under which it is used. On average, feather shuttlecocks can last for around 10-15 hours of play and plastic shuttlecocks can last for around 20-25 hours of play.

4Q: What is the best shuttlecock for beginners?

For beginners, a plastic shuttlecock is recommended as it is more affordable and durable. These shuttlecocks also have a slower speed, making them easier to control for beginners.

5Q: What is the official weight and size of a shuttlecock?

The official weight of a shuttlecock is between 4.74-5.50 grams and the official size is around 68-70mm in diameter.

6Q: How do I properly store my shuttlecocks?

Shuttlecocks should be stored in a cool, dry place and should not be exposed to extreme heat or humidity. They should also be kept out of direct sunlight.