Badminton players go through shuttlecocks faster than one goes through a tub of ice cream. That’s why it’s essential to buy good quality shuttlecocks and have some extra on hand for when you damage the current one.
In this article, I am going to discuss the best badminton shuttlecocks you could have in your set. I have discussed different types of shuttlecocks so let’s take a look at the types first.
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Types of Shuttlecocks
There are three major types of badminton shuttlecocks available in the market.
- Feather Shuttlecocks
- Synthetic Shuttlecocks
- Hybrid Shuttlecocks
Feather Shuttlecocks
Feather shuttlecocks are made from natural goose or duck feathers. These are the most expensive kind as authentic goose or duck feathers are used.
All the major tournaments and clubs use feather shuttlecocks. Unfortunately, these wear out quite quickly.
Synthetic Shuttlecocks
Synthetic shuttlecocks are made from nylon or plastic. They are way cheaper than goose feather shuttlecocks.
These are more durable as well. However, these are not used in tournaments because they have slower flight speeds and are more prone to wind changes.
These are best used for beginners and practice sessions in less windy environments.
Hybrid Shuttlecocks
Hybrid shuttlecocks are less commonly used than the other two. They are made with synthetic material as well as a few goose feathers.
These offer a balance between durability and performance. These are also available at cheaper rates as compared to natural shuttlecocks.
Selecting the Right Shuttlecock
Here are some amazing tips to select the right badminton shuttlecock for you. You might think there’s not much to choose from but you will be surprised at what you find.
Choose the Type of Shuttlecock
Most players choose between nylon and feather shuttlecocks. Nylon shuttlecocks are mostly used by recreational players or beginners. Whereas, seasoned players must use feather shuttlecocks to get acquainted with their speed and feel for the matches.
Speed Preference
Shuttlecocks are available in three different speeds – slow, medium, and fast. You can choose the speed based on your playing conditions.
- Slow Speed (76): It is best for high altitudes or fast gameplay.
- Medium Speed (77): It is ideal for most players in moderate weather conditions.
- Fast Speed (78-79): It is suitable for cold weather regions or areas with less air resistance.
Weight and Flight
A feather shuttlecock typically weighs between 4.75 to 5.50 grams. It should not be too light or too heavy or it won’t achieve the desired speed level.
For some brands, you have to check the flight of the shuttlecock and ensure it consistently travels in a straight direction. You don’t need to do this if you buy from reputed brands.
Brand and Quality
Go for reputed brands if you are buying for professional playing. The following brands are known to manufacture high-quality badminton shuttlecocks – Yonex, RSL, Wilson, Li-Ning, Champion Sports, and Carlton.
Budget
Last but a very important consideration is your budget. Shuttlecocks are available for a few bucks and the price goes up as you opt for branded ones. If you want for recreational purposes, there’s no need to invest in high-priced shuttles. But professional players must get used to top-quality shuttlecocks as they are used in tournaments.
Best Shuttlecocks in the Market
The following are the best badminton shuttlecocks you can buy online. If you click on the links in the respective tables, they will directly lead you to the purchase page. You can see if they fit your budget and requirements and then buy the best one for you.
- Yonex Aerosensa 50
- Wilson Team 60
- Yonex Mavis 2000
- Wilson Smashstar
- Yonex Aeroclub TR
- Yonex Aeroclear 30
- Champion Sports Nylon
Let’s take a look at each of these shuttlecocks in a little more detail.
1. Yonex Aerosensa 50
| Type | Feathers |
| Speed | Medium |
| Number of Shuttles | 12 |
| Price | Check on Amazon |
Yonex Aerosensa 50 (AS-50) is one of the most widely used shuttlecocks in the world’s leading international badminton tournaments. These are very precise in their speed. They also show great stability at high speeds.
Yonex has used goose feathers for this which give the shuttlecock very good flight. The cork base is made from very durable material so they don’t wear out as often. You can use one shuttlecock for several practice sessions.
2. Wilson Team 60
| Type | Feathers |
| Speed | Medium |
| Number of Shuttles | 12 |
| Price | Check on Amazon |
The Wilson Team 60 shuttlecocks are designed for practice sessions, training, and club tournaments. They are not used in professional matches because of their medium speed. But their performance is excellent for training sessions.
These too use goose feathers and a rubber cork base. These are tested individually for consistent flight characteristics. So, their performance and quality are top-notch.
3. Yonex Mavis 2000
| Type | Synthetic |
| Speed | Medium |
| Number of Shuttles | 6 |
| Price | Check on Amazon |
The Yonex Mavis 2000 is made from nylon material. So, they are synthetic shuttlecocks. They are best for recreational players but cannot be used for tournaments or heavy training. The reason is that nylon shuttlecocks have a greater susceptibility to change course with strong winds.
These shuttlecocks have the Yonex’s revolutionary wing rib structure. This helps to stabilize them during flight as compared to regular nylon shuttlecocks.
4. Wilson Smashstar
| Type | Nylon |
| Speed | Medium, fast, Very Fast |
| Number of Shuttles | 6 |
| Price | Check on Amazon |
The Wilson Smashstar shuttlecocks are high-grade nylon badminton shuttlecocks. They are very sensitive to the lightest touch and their environment. These are more resistant and durable than any natural feather shuttlecocks.
These come in three speed levels – 77 Medium, 78 Fast, and 79 Very Fast. The medium-speed shuttlecocks are ideal for regions with temperatures between 22 to 28°C. Beyond this temperature range, the speed gets affected and you won’t achieve the desired results.
5. Yonex Aeroclub TR
| Type | Feathers |
| Speed | Medium |
| Number of Shuttles | 12 |
| Price | Check on Amazon |
The Yonex Aeroclub TR (ACB-TR) shuttlecocks are made from natural duck feathers. They have the ability to maintain a very good flight trajectory which makes them suitable for tournaments and practice sessions alike. Just like most feather shuttlecocks, these are not that durable but have excellent stability.
These can be used in almost all temperatures so you don’t have to worry about the weather conditions. However, with a change in altitude, you might notice a change in speed.
6. Yonex AeroClear 30
| Type | Feathers |
| Speed | Medium |
| Number of Shuttles | 12 |
| Price | Check on Amazon |
The Yonex AeroClear 30 (ACL-30) shuttlecocks’ performance is comparable to the Yonex Aerosensa 30. But these are available at cheaper rates. As compared to similar competitors, these shuttlecocks show more consistent flight and durability.
During a test, it was recorded that ACL-30 shuttlecocks can handle up to 32 smashes before they become unstable. Whereas, similar competitors can only handle 14. These give optimal performance in the temperature range of 22 to 33°C.
7. Champion Sports Nylon
| Type | Nylon |
| Speed | Medium |
| Number of Shuttles | 6 |
| Price | Check on Amazon |
The Champion Sports shuttlecocks are designed for games played outside in the open. Their nylon structure and heavy base make them suitable for outdoor matches. So, those who like to play in their backyard or on the ground must choose these shuttlecocks.
They might not provide the flight stability of goose feather shuttlecocks, but they are much more durable. They can withstand wind more than their competitors.
Conclusion
If you want shuttlecocks for recreational games, I would strongly suggest nylon ones from good brands. You can opt for cheaper feather shuttlecocks but their lifespan will be much less. For serious players and tournaments, feather shuttlecocks are the most beneficial. Check for speed and appropriate temperature range according to the weather in your region.
FAQs
What type of shuttlecock is best?
It depends on what you are using it for. For recreational players, nylon shuttlecocks are best as they are durable and affordable. For professional players, feather shuttlecocks are best because they have more flight stability.
Which is the best shuttlecock in the world?
The best shuttlecock in the world is from the Yonex Aerosensa series. They are used by almost all leading tournaments in the world including the Olympics.
What does 77 mean on a shuttlecock?
77 indicates the speed of a shuttlecock. 77 means medium speed.
Why are shuttlecocks so expensive?
Feather shuttlecocks are usually more expensive because they are made from real goose feathers and sourcing them ethically costs a huge sum.
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