Abstract

A shuttlecock is the second most crucial tool in badminton, behind the racket. You would have noticed that there are various varieties of shuttlecocks available. Some of the most well-liked varieties of shuttlecocks are either composed of nylon or feathers. So, set your concerns aside and read this blog post to learn the difference between a plastic shuttlecock vs a feather shuttlecock.

Introduction

Without the ideal shuttle, the game of badminton will be less than intriguing. If the shuttlecock isn't in the appropriate place, you won't even be able to perform well. As a result, selecting the best shuttlecock is equally as crucial as picking the ideal racket.

If you've played badminton, whether recreationally or professionally, you've probably seen the two different shuttlecock kinds that are used: the feather shuttlecock and the plastic shuttlecock. Why are there two different kinds of shuttles is a valid issue. Which of the two is superior? Which should I employ and when? Which one fits you best?

The short answer to the questions above is that professional players typically opt for feather shuttlecocks, which are constructed with a variety of feathers, primarily goose or duck, to maximise the shuttlecock's trajectory. On the other side, beginners, casual players, or players who prefer a hard-hitting style tend to favour nylon or plastic shuttlecocks.

Why is the feather shuttlecock not used by everyone?

Typically, the feather shuttle is operated by qualified experts. However, casual players prefer to use plastic shuttlecocks rather than feathered ones. People prefer plastic shuttlecocks over feathered ones because they are more affordable and durable than feathered ones, especially for beginner players.

In addition, the nylon shuttlecock's trajectory is flatter than that of the feather shuttles. It can therefore fly a little further than feather shuttles, which is also advantageous for casual players.

Feather shuttles provide better control, deep and high clears, and excellent sound, but plastic shuttles are more durable.

Is a feather shuttlecock superior to a plastic shuttlecock?

It is impossible to say which shuttlecock—the feather or the plastic—is better because it depends on how well you play. For instance, professional players often employ feather birdies because of their incredible initial speed and parachute-like trajectory for close-range net shots. Additionally, due to the design of a feather shuttlecock, which does not distort like a plastic shuttlecock, it is considerably simpler to hit it correctly. Therefore, it is a great option for seasoned gamers who enjoy placing their shots precisely.

For those that play badminton for enjoyment, a plastic shuttle is a suitable option. Mostly because it is more resilient, cheaper than the feathered one, and environmentally benign.

In the Olympics, what kind of shuttlecock is used?

YONEX AEROSENSA shuttlecocks are typically utilised in important international competitions all over the world, including the Olympics. These thin Goose feathered shuttles from YONEX were created using carefully planned technology to provide reliable performance.

Do different speed ratings affect the shuttle's durability?

It is, indeed. Durability will be impacted if you do not use the shuttlecock speeds listed below according to the temperature in your playing area.

75 - sluggish, applied to high places (mountains)

76 - sluggish medium, employed in hotter climates

77 - Medium, utilised in coastal regions

78 - rather quick, cool area

79 - quick, chilly, below sea level

How do you know which speed is best for you?

Take a single shuttlecock behind the court's rear boundary line to test its speed according to the rules. A player should hit the shuttlecock straight with a full underhand swing so that it flies parallel to the side boundary lines toward the other end of the court.

To tell if a shuttlecock is moving at the appropriate pace, look for the small protrusions near the back of the court. The shuttlecock is moving at the appropriate pace as long as it is between the two ticks.

Is it possible to make a feather shuttlecock last longer?

Yes, it is feasible to make feather shuttles more durable. It is really simple to accomplish this. The shuttlecock can be made more durable in two main ways. All of this entails giving the feather birdie time to rest in a suitable atmosphere with humidity before usage in the game.

The following suggestions can help make the Feather Shuttlecock more durable:

1. Steam the shuttlecock

It's really simple to steam a badminton shuttlecock; all you have to do is put the shuttles that you wish to use the following day into a tube. Yes, you must conduct this procedure a day in advance to give the shuttle enough time to retain the moisture.

Once the shuttles have been inserted into the tube, all that is left to do is get your steaming equipment ready. When it's ready, simply open both ends of the tube and lay the entry end over the steaming device.

It is time to remove the tube from the steamer once steam begins to emerge from the top end of the tube. In addition, you need to immediately replace the end caps to stop the stream from escaping. Simply place the tube's exit end up and wait 12 hours for it to settle.

2. Use of a humidifier

Shuttlecock Humidifier is a specialised piece of equipment used to humidify shuttlecocks. These are easy-to-use, uncomplicated tools that fit nicely inside a shuttlecock tube. Professional players typically use these gadgets, but amateur players can also use them because humidifiers reduce the risk of thermal burns.

They can also be used anywhere and are portable. Last but not least, although you might find it difficult to believe, these kinds of products are not very expensive, save a lot of money spent on the shuttles over time, and give you the best experience while enhancing durability.

Is Air Badminton as popular as regular badminton?

To make the game of Air Badminton more well-known, BWF and HSBC jointly introduced it. They also debuted the AirShuttle at the same time. It can be summed up by calling it outdoor badminton.

It was introduced to boost interest in the sport of badminton. According to customer feedback, the shuttle used in this game is not very robust and its flight is not as excellent as the current plastic shuttlecock. The shuttle used in this game is freshly built to meet outdoor standards. So, for now, you should refrain from purchasing this item.

What is the difference between a plastic shuttlecock vs feather shuttlecock?

The player is the main factor in whether nylon or feather shuttlecocks are selected. Some player groups, such as ladies, kids, and beginners, like the nylon cocks because they give the players more flexible, regulated playing circumstances. On the other side, feather shuttlecocks are preferred by seasoned players and are suggested for usage during competitive play.

Durability

While nylon shuttles are entirely synthetic and constructed with fibres created artificially, feather shuttles are made from the feathers of ducks and geese. By doing this, nylon shuttles are guaranteed to last a very long period without breaking. They are ideal for newcomers and extended practice sessions.

On the other hand, feather cocks are created using real animal feathers to offer accuracy and gentle gameplay. They are constructed with far better materials than a typical nylon shuttle. Compared to a nylon shuttle, these feather shuttles impact with significantly less force and give accuracy. 

Flight speed

When hit strongly, nylon shuttles move far more than feather shuttles. The shuttlecock's structure is to blame for this. Since the "skirt" of a nylon shuttle is less compact, air drag has a greater impact on it. This air resistance results in observable flight variations and erratic flight patterns.

Contrarily, feather shuttles feature a small-scale construction that resembles the flying of a goose or a duck. When compared to nylon shuttlecocks, air drag on feather shuttles is nearly nonexistent. This makes it possible for predictable flight routes and regular flying patterns. Compared to nylon cocks, they offer a lot more control.

Cost & Maintenance

The type of shuttlecock you choose to play with depends mostly on cost and upkeep. If you're a novice, we advise using a nylon shuttle because it can withstand all of your smashes and swings with ease. They are a less expensive option and require no upkeep at all.

We advise using feather cocks for your play if you are engaged in competitive play. They offer a game session that is a lot more participatory. A feather cock, though, might only last you for one or two demanding games. 

Conclusion

Overall, there is a lot more to shuttlecocks than first appears; each shuttlecock is the result of extensive engineering. And to choose the appropriate shuttle, you need to be knowledgeable about a variety of elements of them. We hope that this article has answered all of your questions on a plastic shuttlecock vs a feather shuttlecock. Visit Decathlon again for more in-depth articles about the sports you enjoy.

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