Shuttle Cock is the two different terms that have conjoined and today we call it a shuttlecock, the tool used to play badminton. The badminton racket and the shuttlecock other two kits required for a game. A professional badminton player has great knowledge about the Badminton Shuttlecock Measurement and the kind of badminton available. But little do the amateur has any idea about it. If you are willing to take the game at a professional level then you must have some knowledge about it, not only about the game but the tools used to play the game as well.
You must be able to decide if you are asked to choose between a plastic and a feather. How would you know which one would be appropriate for you? Will you be able to pick up the right shuttlecock based on the sea level and the temperature of the area playing in? Different factors have a different impact on the preference, as you know it, you would do it well.
[adinserter block=”3″]Also read,
- Badminton Court Size: Measurement and Dimensions Guide
- Badminton net size Guide
- Badminton Racket Size
- Volleyball Court Size
Watch the Badminton Shuttlecock Measurement & Dimension Guide in this Video
What is a Shuttlecock?
The badminton players use two tools to play the game- one is the badminton racket and the other one is the shuttlecock. A white-colored cock framed with feathers or plastic and embedded in a rubber base rounded cork is hit with the rackets. There exist two kinds of shuttlecocks- the ones made with a synthetic material called plastics, and the other one made with feathers plot from the wings of a duck called feathers.
Standard dimension of Shuttlecock Size.
The shuttlecocks whether made of plastics or feathers have a standard dimension. If we consider the weight of a Badminton shuttlecock first then-
[adinserter block=”3″]- Overall, it weighs around 4.75 to 5.50 grams.
- The feathers of a badminton shuttlecock measure 62 to 70 mm in length.
- The radius of the cork is around 11.5 to 14 mm.
- The diameter of the circle created by the feathers framing is around 58 to 68 mm.
Badminton Shuttlecock Measurement Details
Head Diameter: .98”-1.1” | 25-28 mm
Feather Diameter: 2.28”-2.68” | 58-68 mm
Head Height: .9”-.98” | 23-25 mm
Feather Length: 2.44”-2.76” | 62-70 mm
Head Circumference: 3.09”-3.46” | 78.5-88 mm
Feather Circumference: 7.17”-8.4” | 182.2-213.6 mm
Materials: Goose or duck feathers (traditional) or plastic skirt; cork or rubber head
Previously the badminton shuttlecocks are made from the wings of a duck or a goose, but since it was believed as animal cruelty, the badminton companies started manufacturing the feathers of the shuttlecock using polyurethane, which is definitely free of animal cruelty. And the ones made with synthetic fibers are equally used as the feathers.
Different players choose their shuttlecocks according to their game type and their preference. Every shuttlecock does not fly the same height, therefore the players to the kind of shuttlecock they would like to use for playing. But no matter what kind of player the person is, they follow the same basic routine before using the shuttlecocks. As a ritual, the shuttlecock is humidified using a humidifier box. The saturated shuttlecocks could be strongly hit compared to the dry shuttlecock. So if you are a beginner in badminton playing, prior to playing let the shuttlecock become human so it caters to the local atmospheric condition and brings convenience to the players.
Which Shuttlecocks Should I choose?
The shuttlecocks which is also termed birdie is one of the important tools of badminton play. The players involved in badminton prefer using different shuttlecocks according to their size, speed, and other factors. so before you wonder which shuttlecock would be the best for you, know the level and standard of your play and the sea level of the area you are in.
if you play below sea level, the shuttlecock will be slower because of the air density. Similarly, if you play at a ground which is above sea level the faster will be the shuttlecock because of the lower density. Higher altitude leads to fast fly and low altitude slows down the shuttlecock.
as a beginner, you might comment with a synthetic shuttlecock which is plastic but as your game levels up, your trainer would ask you to shift from plastic to feather. Here is the lineup of the level of badminton play that you would encounter as you begin playing it professionally.
[adinserter block=”3″]Standard and Level of Badminton Play:
Recreational
Training
Club
Match
Tournament
Professional Senior Tournament
How many feathers a shuttlecock has? and Why?
To be specific, a badminton shuttlecock has 16 feathers in aggregate. All the feathers used to create one shuttlecock are of the same type and same measurement. if in a shuttlecock different kinds of characters are used it would never be a convenient tool to be used by the players since the shape of the shuttlecock would be irregular.
A good badminton match is not only played with the skill and experience of the player but also with the accuracy of the badminton shuttlecock and the badminton racket. so while you are asked to choose the shuttlecocks see if the measurements are accurate or the shuttlecock and its feathers are in regular shape.
If you are wondering why sixteen feathers and not more are used to bring up a shuttlecock. there has been a set of rules of a badminton game that states a shuttlecock must be appropriate enough to be hit by the player and it must go across the badminton net and at least reach the sideline. and as per the other dimensions of the shuttlecock, 16 feathers were found appropriate and balanced.
Which Shuttlecock is Good For Beginners?
When you have just begun to learn badminton, as an amateur, you must go with the shuttlecock which would not pinch your pocket but provide you a good quality birdie. if you are a beginner, you must go with the badminton shuttlecock made with synthetic materials which are plastic, unless you play it professionally. Professional badminton players always prefer using the feathers since it is convenient for the game.
But for beginners, the plastic shuttlecock is always good to go for it is reasonable, goes a long way, and could be repurchased if lost.
Is Plastic Shuttlecock Good?
Plastic and feather badminton shuttlecock are good in their own ways. But if you ask especially about the plastic shuttlecocks then yes it is good for the beginners as they are economical therefore could be bought by anyone and it would never go out of their budget. Besides these, it is more durable than the weather cock since it is made of synthetic materials. But compared to the feather cocks, the plastic shuttlecocks offer less control and power. But unlike the gloomy features of a plastic shuttlecock, the durability is top-notch. It provides a curved trajectory that stands well and reduces friction with the net.
The plastic shuttlecock has both its advantages and disadvantages so if you are confused about whether you should buy plastic or a feather, consider your conditions. If you are a beginner, have a close budget, looking for something economical, durable then a plastic shuttlecock would be good for you. Otherwise in the feather is the best known for the badminton players.
Types of Badminton Shuttlecocks:
| Shuttle Speed | Altitude | Temperature | Popularity for UK & Europe |
| 75 – Slow | Above Sea Level | Very Hot (30+ Degrees) | Never Used |
| 76 – Quite Slow | Sea Level | Hot (25-30 Degrees) | Used Rarely |
| 77 – Average Speed | Sea Level | Average Temp (15-25 Degrees) | Used Sometimes |
| 78 – Quite Fast | Below Sea Level | Cold (0 – 15 Degrees) | By Far the Most Popular |
| 79 – Fast | Below Sea Level | Very Cold (Below Freezing) | Used Rarely |