Shuttlecock 101 - Part 2 - Feathered vs. Synthetic

Today, class, we talk about an important nuance of the shuttlecock. A much debated subject. A topic that has caused more than one barroom brawl. The issue, my friends, is feathered vs. synthetic shuttlecocks

Here's the deal with real feathers. They are brittle; and they can break easily and often need to be replaced several times during a game. So synthetic shuttlecocks have been developed that replace the feathers with a plastic skirt. This is likely what you're used to playing with at the neighborhood backyard BBQ.

Seasoned badminton players often refer to synthetic shuttlecocks as "plastics" and feathered shuttlecocks as "feathers." Clever...

Costs are similar for good quality shuttlecocks, but the plastics last much longer, they can often last several matches without having their flight screwed up.

From an actual playing standpoint, they are much different. "Plastics fly more slowly on initial impact, but slow down less towards the end of their flight. Feather shuttles may come off the strings at speeds in excess of 320 km/h (200 mph) but slow down faster as they drop. For this reason, feather shuttle make the game seem faster but also allow more time to play strokes."

Most experienced and skilful players greatly prefer feathers, and serious tournaments or leagues are almost always played using feather shuttlecocks. Experienced players generally prefer the "feel" of feathered shuttlecocks (don't we all), and assert that they are better able to control the flight of feathers than of plastics.

Nylon Shuttlecocks

Feather Shuttlecocks

(info from wikipedia)

Read More in: Shuttlecocks

Related Articles:

• Amazing Soviet Improvised Badminton Shuttlecock - Nov 28, 2007
• Shuttlecock 101 - Part 1 - Nov 14, 2007

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