Speed classification of shuttlecocks

There may be badminton beginners ask: Is badminton shuttlecock classified by speed? How is that done? Yes, we do need to choose the right speed according to the real environmental situation for enjoying the badminton game.

Let’s take 3in1 hybrid shuttlecock for example. Like the picture above, we always see some numbers, such as 76, 77, on the top lid of the tube. These numbers stand for the speed of the shuttlecock badminton ball. Normally, the smaller number means the feather shuttlecock will drop nearer and fly slower. While the bigger number means the badminton shuttlecock will drop farther and fly faster. For 3in1 durable shuttlecocks, we have two types considering the speed issue. The outdoor type is always not speed tested. The indoor type, suitable for club and competition, has a speed range 74-79.

There are 3 environment factors influencing the speed of 3in1 hybrid shuttlecock badminton ball:
1. Altitude and atmospheric pressure
The higher the altitude is, the lower the atmospheric pressure will be, so is the air resistance, then we need to choose the slower feather shuttlecock badminton.

2. Air humidity
The higher the air humidity is, the more moisture a shuttlecock would contain, which makes it heavier. And then we need to use slower ones.
3. Temperature
The higher the temperature is, the smaller the air density will be, so is the air resistance. And slower shuttlecock badminton ball is more suitable.

We can summarize like the below: Higher speed for higher atmospheric pressure, lower humidity and higher temperature; Lower speed for lower atmospheric pressure, higher humidity and lower temperature.

Tips: In dry season, goose or duck feathers on badminton shuttlecock are sort of fragile. Steaming the badminton ball will increase the moisture of the feathers and the durability of the feather shuttlecock badminton. That will save cost to some good extent.