Amanda Knapp
Badminton is a popular indoor racket sport that first appeared at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics. It is played by two (singles) or four (doubles) players on a court with a net. The objective is to hit a shuttlecock (also called a birdie or shuttle) over the net and land it within the opponent's half of the court. The shuttlecock is a cone-shaped projectile made from either feathers or synthetic material embedded into a cork or rubber base. Feathered shuttlecocks are considered superior and are used in competitions, but they are more brittle and expensive than plastic ones, which are generally used by beginners. Before playing with feathered shuttlecocks, they need to be humidified to enhance their speed and durability.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Feathers per shuttlecock | 16 |
| Feather type | Duck or goose feathers |
| Feather wing | Right or left, not mixed |
| Shuttlecock weight | 4.74–5.5 g |
| Shuttlecock length | 62–70 mm |
| Feather tip diameter | 58–62 mm |
| Cork/rubber base diameter | 25–28 mm |
| Cork material | Polyurethane sandwiched between corks or a whole piece of natural cork |
| Shuttlecock durability | Feathers are brittle and break easily |
| Shuttlecock speed | May come off the strings at speeds exceeding 565 km/h (351 mph) |
| Shuttlecock maintenance | Humidify, test, and tip to adjust speed and improve durability |
| Playing level | Not recommended for beginners due to poor technique and timing that can break feathers quickly |
| Playing experience | Feather shuttles are preferred by experienced and skilled players and are used in serious tournaments or leagues |
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What You'll Learn
Feather shuttlecocks are made from duck or goose feathers
A shuttlecock, also called a birdie, is a high-drag projectile used in badminton. It has an open conical shape formed by 16 feathers embedded into a rounded cork base. The feathers are usually sourced from the left wings of ducks or geese. The feathers are plucked from live birds, which can cause pain and bleeding. This practice has been criticised for animal cruelty.
The feathers are sorted into left-wing and right-wing piles, as feathers from different wings are shaped differently and will affect the shuttlecock's trajectory. Feathers from the left wing are said to make the shuttlecock spin clockwise, while those from the right wing will spin anticlockwise. Mixing feathers from both wings will cause the shuttlecock to wobble during flight.
The feathers are then categorised by their curvature, weight, and length to determine their capability for spin and speed. The feathers are glued onto the cork base, with the feather tips lying on a circle with a diameter of 58-68mm. The finished shuttlecock weighs around 4.75-5.50g.
Feather shuttlecocks are preferred by experienced players and are used in serious tournaments and leagues. They offer high aerodynamic lift and a consistent drag coefficient, resulting in a higher standard speed range. However, they are more expensive and less durable than synthetic shuttlecocks, requiring replacement every three to four games. To prolong their lifespan, players can humidify the feathers before play.
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Feathers should be from the same wing to ensure flight stability
The shuttlecock, also known as the birdie, is the ball used in badminton. It is a high-drag projectile with an open conical shape. The cone is formed from 16 or so overlapping feathers, usually from the left or right wing of a goose or duck. The feathers are embedded into a rounded cork or rubber base. The shuttlecock's shape makes it extremely aerodynamically stable.
To ensure flight stability, it is considered preferable to use feathers from either the right or left wing only in each shuttlecock. This is because feathers from different wings are shaped differently. Using feathers from both wings in a single shuttlecock would affect the flight trajectory. The feathers from the left and right wings of a bird differ, and a shuttlecock will only use feathers from one side of the bird.
The feathers used for producing one shuttlecock are 16 feathers from either the right or left wing. The feathers are plucked from the wings of a live goose or duck, a method deemed cruel by animal rights activists. The feathers are then sorted into left-wing and right-wing piles. Only 6 or 7 feathers from each wing can be used for shuttlecocks.
The shuttlecock's feathers should be properly humidified before play. This is because dry feathers are brittle and break easily, causing the shuttlecock to wobble. Saturated feathers are 'mushy', causing the shuttlecock to fly too far and fast. A humidification box or a small moist sponge can be used to humidify the feathers.
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Store feathers in a humid environment to avoid brittleness
Feather shuttlecocks are sensitive to their environment, especially temperature and humidity. Extreme conditions can impact the shuttlecock's flight and durability. To avoid brittleness, it is recommended to store them in a humid environment. This is because the feathers can become dry and brittle if stored in low-humidity conditions, leading to quicker breakage.
The feathers used in shuttlecocks are usually goose or duck feathers, plucked from the wings of live birds. These natural feathers can wear out over time due to repeated impacts, making them more suitable for professional play rather than casual recreational games. With proper care, their performance and durability can be maintained for a long time.
To care for your shuttlecocks, store them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and moisture after each use. Minor damage, such as bent feathers, can be repaired with steam or warm water. After reshaping, let them air-dry before use.
By storing your feathers in a humid environment and following these simple care tips, you can extend the life of your shuttlecocks and save money in the long run.
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Feathers are more satisfying to play with but can be expensive
The "shuttle" in badminton, also known as the shuttlecock or birdie, is a cone-shaped projectile made from either feathers or synthetic material (commonly known as "plastics") embedded into a rounded cork or rubber base. The feathers used are typically duck or goose feathers, with goose feathers being favoured by elite players. The tip of the feathers should create a circle with a diameter of 58-62mm, and the whole shuttlecock should weigh between 4.74 and 5.5 grams.
Feathered shuttlecocks are considered superior to their plastic counterparts by more experienced players. They are used in competitions and tournaments and are considered to offer a higher standard speed range than synthetic shuttlecocks. This is because they have a constant drag coefficient, which impacts the feel of the shuttlecock during the game. Feathered shuttlecocks also allow for a greater variety of shots, which is part of what makes badminton such a fun and challenging sport.
However, feathered shuttlecocks are more expensive than plastic ones in the long run because they are less durable and need to be replaced more often. They are also more high-maintenance, as they need to be properly humidified before play to enhance their speed and durability and ensure they fly true and at the proper speed. This can be done by boiling water, showering, or using a humidome. They are also more likely to break during play, which can be costly.
If you are an experienced player, the benefits of feathered shuttlecocks may outweigh the costs. However, if you are a beginner, it is recommended to start with synthetic shuttlecocks, as poor technique and timing can quickly break the feathers, and the higher maintenance requirements may be off-putting.
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Feathers are used by intermediate to professional players
The shuttlecock, also known as the birdie, is a cone-shaped projectile made of feathers or synthetic material embedded into a rounded cork or rubber base. The feathers used are typically duck or goose feathers, with the latter being preferred by elite players. The tip of the feathers should create a circle with a diameter of 58-62mm, and the base should be 25-28mm in diameter.
Feather shuttlecocks are generally used by intermediate to professional players. They are considered superior to plastic shuttlecocks as they are easier to control and allow for a greater variety of shots. They also have a constant drag coefficient, which gives them a higher standard speed range. The feathers provide a different feel to the shuttlecock during the game, and they are more satisfying to play with at higher skill levels.
However, feather shuttlecocks are more expensive and less durable than plastic ones. They are also more brittle and prone to breakage, especially with poor technique and timing. Therefore, they are not recommended for beginners. To prolong their use, feather shuttlecocks should be stored and played with in a humid environment to prevent the feathers from becoming dry and brittle.
Before playing, feather shuttlecocks should be humidified by exposing them to steam, a hot shower, or using a humidome. They should then be tested to ensure they fly true and at the proper speed, covering the correct distance.
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Frequently asked questions
A shuttlecock, also known as a birdie, is made of feathers or synthetic material embedded into a cork or rubber base. The feathers used are typically duck or goose feathers, with goose feathers being favoured by elite players.
Feather shuttlecocks should be stored in a humid environment to prevent the feathers from becoming brittle and dry, which can lead to quicker breakage.
When serving, the shuttlecock should be hit on its base, not on its feathers. The server's racket should be angled downwards to prevent overarm serves.
Some good feather shuttlecocks include the Aerosensa 20 and 30s from Yonex, the Victor Pro Court Feather Shuttlecocks, Ashaway Match Feather Shuttlecocks, and Babolat 4 Feather Shuttlecocks.
