Badminton-ShuttleCock

What is a badminton shuttlecock?
Racket is used to hit the shuttle in the game of badminton. Feathers or synthetic feather-like material are inserted into rounded cork bases to form cork. After the insertion, feathers will take a conical shape, thus it gives them too much support in the air. 

The shuttlecock always faces the cork base, irrespective of its direction. There are several names for shuttlecocks, including shuttle and birdie.

Types of Badminton Shuttlecock 
There are three types of shuttlecocks based on the material used.

●        Feather 

●        Nylon

●        Hybrid

How to select the Badminton shuttlecock?
There are some factors that you must think about before buying a shuttlecock. Choosing the best shuttlecock will double the fun of playing badminton. 

High-quality nylon, genuine goose (or duck) feathers with a cork head are the most necessary badminton shuttlecocks. It is common for a thin piece of leather to be stretched over the cork head to shield it. The best shuttlecocks are made of natural feathers.

Materials

The shuttlecocks are also made with synthetic feathers, nylon, or plastic. Alternatively, foam heads may be covered with plastic or rubber instead of cork heads. In terms of control, these birdies are less precise but slightly more tough.

Speed of flight
Each shuttlecock will have a 'grade' or 'level' assigned, quantifying its flight speed. The distance the shuttle travels over the net is considered a measure of flight speed. A shuttlecock with a flight speed of 77 will land 30 cm further than a speed of 76 when struck with the same racket and power. Shuttle numbers will range from 74 to 79.

It is common to colour-code nylon shuttlecocks according to their flight speed. Each birdie will be wearing a coloured band around its neck. Green bands indicate slower flight speeds, blue bands indicate medium speeds, and red bands indicate the fastest.

Location
When selecting a shuttlecock, an elite-level expert considers all factors, including temperature, air density, and altitude. Temperature raises lead to a drop in air density, which causes the shuttle's speed to be slightly faster than in a colder climate. 

It is also possible for altitude to affect flight speed. Increasing your height above sea level will result in decline in air density, therefore increasing the speed of your shuttle.  

Price
Sadly, birdies do not last forever. Using a shuttlecock over a long time will slow its flight speed, accuracy, and trajectory. Suppose you intend to play dozens of intense games and training sessions weekly. In that case, you should pick a nylon shuttlecock that is more durable and less costly. You will spend a decent amount of money using high-quality, genuine feather shuttlecocks for beginner practice sessions or multi-shuttle drills. 

How to care for the Badminton shuttlecock for durable use?
Please keep them in a safe place:
Keep your shuttlecocks in a cool, dry place when you are not using them. You should avoid storing them in direct sunlight or near a heat source since this can dry them out and cause them to become brittle.

Regularly steam them:
To ensure that your shuttlecocks remain moist and stop them from drying out, you may need to steam them regularly if you live in a dry climate. If you wish to do this, you may use a shuttlecock steamer or place the shuttlecocks in a pot of boiling water for a brief period.

If necessary, replace them:
It is predictable that your shuttlecocks will eventually wear out and will need to be replaced, regardless of how well you maintain them. Generally, the lifespan of a shuttlecock is about 1-2 games, but this can vary relying on the quality and usage of the shuttlecock.

Questions and Answers:
How do you know if a shuttlecock is good quality?
Good badminton shuttlecocks are made from real goose (or duck) feathers with cork heads. A thin bit of leather is usually stretched to protect the cork head. It is typically best to use natural-feather shuttlecocks that are well-made.

How long can the shuttlecock be kept?
A feather shuttlecock usually lasts for one or two games for expert players. It may also break in one powerful shot. However, Nylon shuttle offer better durability

How many shuttles are used in badminton game?
In badminton game, each player uses a shuttle. In the event of damage or loss, shuttles are replaced. There are typically 15-20 shuttles used in a badminton game. Still, this number may vary depending on the quality of the shuttles. More shuttles are used in worldwide matches because they're subject to more wear and tear.

Why is it called a shuttlecock?
Its name comes from its back-and-forth motion, similar to a 14th-century loom shuttle, while its feathers resemble rooster feathers.

How do I choose a shuttlecock speed?
Level of skill
Beginners should choose a shuttlecock with a slower speed. You will have more time to react and hit the shuttlecock accurately.

Game type
Doubles games require a shuttlecock with a slightly faster speed. You can keep up with the game's pace if you do this.

Playing conditions
Choosing a slower-speed shuttlecock is best if you play in a windy environment. Shuttlecocks will stay on the court if this is done.

Which is faster, 77 or 76 shuttlecock?
Speed 77, shuttlecock has a moderate speed and is mostly suitable for playing at the sea level areas.

Which shuttlecock is long-lasting?
As far as durability, nylon shuttlecocks are better than feather shuttlecocks. 

What do colours mean on the shuttlecock?
Synthetic shuttlecocks come in three types (different coloured codes)- Green shuttlecocks (for slow speed), Blue shuttlecocks (for middle speed), and Red shuttlecocks (for fast speed).

Are Nylon shuttles better or feather shuttles?
It is very hard to say which one is better, but it depends on the players which one they will pick from.

Why the Mavis 350 is considered as best Nylon Shuttle?
Mavis 350 shuttlecocks are among the best nylon/plastic shuttlecocks available. The performance and feel of this shuttlecock are the closest to those of feather shuttlecocks.