Are Shuttlecocks Expensive? (Two Points Of View)

Badminton doesen’t have that much equipment that you need to have. These include the racket, shuttlecock, and maybe some badminton shoes, so the importance of cost per item is higher than in ice hockey, for example, where there are over a dozen of equipment.

That being said, in this article, you will learn whether shuttlecocks are expensive, the average price of them, the differences between shuttlecocks, and more! Before moving on, are shuttlecocks expensive?

Shuttlecocks aren’t expensive for most people because the average badminton player doesn’t have very powerful smashes that destroy the shuttlecock fast. Also, many people play with nylon shuttlecocks that are more durable and cheap. However, playing every day with feather shuttlecocks can get expensive.

All in all, the price on a single shuttlecock isn’t so high, but it can get costly depending on how often you play, how powerful your smashes are, and what kind of shuttlecocks you are using.

Now, let’s take a closer look at why shuttlecocks might not be expensive.

Why Shuttlecocks Might Not Be Expensive?

In most cases, shuttlecocks won’t become a costly problem, and there are a couple of reasons for that: Shuttlecock material and moderate use.

• Shuttlecock material

If you want a durable shuttlecock or play outdoors, then nylon shuttlecocks are the best choice.

Nylon shuttlecocks will cost considerably less than feather shuttlecocks. Also, the plastic construction will have a longer lifespan, and it can withstand weather elements such as moisture, heat, and temperature changes.

• Non-professional use

The chances are that you won’t notice the excessive change between feather and nylon shuttlecocks, especially if you aren’t an advanced player. That’s why nylon shuttlecocks can be as good as feather ones, so why would one spend more money if there are virtually no change but more benefits.

Why Shuttlecocks Can Be Expensive?

As you can get off quite cheaply when buying shuttlecocks, you can spend a lot of money as well. Let’s take a look at when shuttlecocks would be expensive.

• You want the best experience

The thing is, feather shuttlecocks do have the best aerodynamics, accuracy, and control. That’s why they are only used in professional matches, and the shuttlecocks are changed as soon as the referee or players see a small anomaly on them.

Badminton is the world’s fastest sport, and even a small change in the shuttlecocks structure can change its course or trajectory so much that it needs to be immediately changed, especially when the stakes are so high in pro-level games.

Generally, a shuttlecock is changed every three games, which often totals dozens of shuttlecocks used per match. Using shuttlecocks like this will certainly make them expensive!

Are Feather Shuttlecocks Better Than Nylon?

As there are two kinds of shuttlecocks, which one should you choose if you want a better playing experience?

Generally, feather shuttlecocks are better in all ways except durability. Feather shuttlecocks have greater initial speed, they can be struck more accurately, it’s trajectory is more consistent, and the overall feel is better. However, nylon shuttlecocks are more durable, weatherproof, and cheap.

If you want the best badminton experience, then you want to get feather shuttlecocks. Just know that they aren’t as durable and they will be more expensive.

What Shuttlecocks Do Professionals Use?

Professional badminton players always use feather shuttlecocks as they have better consistency to compete accurately and fairly. Shuttlecocks such as Yonex Aerosena 50 are used in many professional elite tournaments. These shuttlecocks are made from goose feathers, as the best ones are.

Nylon shuttlecocks are never used in professional games because they can have inconsistencies in their build, which can alter the trajectory that isn’t intended. Also, if you strike a nylon shuttlecock at the same speed as a professional player, it can alter its construction, making inconsistencies to the strikes again.

Read also: What’s The Difference Between Badminton And Shuttlecock?