Badminton shuttlecocks

Goose feathers or nylon skirt: which shuttlecock for which game

The shuttlecock made of feathers consists, according to the rules of the Badminton World Federation, of sixteen feathers fixed in a rounded cork base, weighing between 4.74 and 5.50 grams. The Aerosensa from Yonex is a typical example: its trajectory slows down significantly towards the end of its flight, allowing for precise drops and net shots. The nylon skirt shuttlecock, like the Yonex Mavis, Victor Nylon, or Wilson Smashstar, retains a cork base but replaces the feathers with a moulded skirt: it slows down less abruptly, lasts much longer, and forgives frame hits from beginners.

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Shuttlecock speed: reading the number or the tube colour

The speed is chosen based on the temperature of the hall, as warmer air, which is less dense, slows the shuttlecock down less. For feather shuttlecocks from Yonex, a number indicates this, which is higher the colder the hall: three is suitable between 22 and 28 degrees, while four is for 17 to 23 degrees. For the brand's nylon shuttlecocks, it’s the colour of the ring that informs you: green for a warm hall, blue for average temperature, red for a cold gym. The rules include a simple test: hit with full power from below the baseline, a shuttlecock at the correct speed falls between 53 and 99 centimetres before the opposite baseline.

Storing and prolonging feather shuttlecocks

Feathers become brittle when they dry out: a tube stored near a radiator or left in a car under the sun quickly loses its resilience. Therefore, keep your shuttlecocks cool, with the tube closed, in a room with normal humidity. Some clubs place the tubes in a box with a damp sponge for a few hours before a tournament to soften the feathers. During play, remove a shuttlecock as soon as a feather breaks or bends, as its trajectory becomes irregular. The feather shuttlecocks NILS, sold in packs of three, allow you to experience the feel of feather shuttlecocks without committing to a tube of twelve, which is more suited for regular players.

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Frequently asked questions

What is a hybrid or carbon shaft shuttlecock?

This type of shuttlecock replaces all or part of the natural feathers with synthetic materials, while retaining a cork base. It aims to replicate the flight of a feather shuttlecock with a significantly longer lifespan.

What does the number following the name of a Yonex Mavis shuttlecock mean?

This number indicates the range level, not the speed: the higher it is, the more refined the skirt and base are, and the more the flight resembles that of a feather. The speed is indicated by the colour of the ring.

How many shuttlecocks should be prepared for a match?

For leisure with nylon shuttlecocks, a single shuttlecock can last an entire session. With feathers, expect to use several shuttlecocks per match, as a broken feather makes the flight irregular and requires a change.

Which shuttlecock to use outdoors?

A nylon shuttlecock, like the Wilson Smashstar, withstands impacts on the ground and humidity better than feathers, which break quickly outside. However, even a slight wind can divert the shuttlecock: a sheltered garden remains preferable.

How long does a nylon shuttlecock last?

Much longer than a feather shuttlecock: it often lasts several leisure sessions before its skirt defroms. When it crumples or splits, the shuttlecock flies poorly and needs to be replaced.