How do you choose the best shuttlecocks for your game?

In addition to your racket, the shuttles you choose to train with will be one of the main pieces of equipment in your kit bag.  

There are many shuttles on the market that are made from various materials, and meet different grades of quality. To find the best option for you or your club, we have drawn up some pointers for you to follow.

Type of shuttlecocks
There are three types of shuttlecocks on the market that are used at various levels of the game.

Feather shuttlecocks are used widely by professionals and are the standard choice for elite competitions and tournaments.

Made from either duck or goose feathers, they are easier to control than nylon shuttles. Professionals prefer them are they can achieve net spin and slice with them, and they tend to have a much better shuttle flight than plastic or hybrid shuttlecocks. 

Feather shuttles tend to have a higher price tag and are generally less durable than other types.

Plastic shuttlecocks are a good entry level option for beginners, or lower-level club players.

They are made from a nylon material that generates a faster flight than feather shuttles but have far less control.

They are the cheaper option when buying shuttlecocks and have greater durability.

Hybrid shuttlecocks combine feathers with a nylon frame.

They boast longer durability than conventional feather shuttles, but less control and inferior flight path.

Shuttlecock Speed
The speed of the shuttlecocks you choose to use will fall between 75-79. Slower shuttles have a lower number rating.

Shuttlecock speed is affected by temperature, altitude, and humidity.

This means that depending where you are in the world, your badminton game will require a different shuttle.

Here is a table to help determine what speed you might want from your shuttle depending on location:

Recommended Shuttles

Feather - Yonex Aerosena AS30, Babolat 1 Shuttlecock

Plastic/Synthetic – Yonex Mavis 2000 Nylon, Yonex Mavis 300 Nylon

Hybrid - Adidas Hybrid Flieger FS09

Head over to the shuttles tab on the Central Sports website to see our full range.