Shuttlecock Part 1

We just buy our shuttlecocks from...well, from no particular place.  We could even find cheap shuttlecocks in terms of price for around Php10 (around US$0.20) B-) ...but when we have learned the benefits of a good-quality shuttlecock, we now try to search for the best specs of a shuttlecock. 

Here are some specs of a shuttlecock:

A shuttlecock weighs around 4.75 - 5.50 grams. It has 14-16 feathers with each feather 70mm in length. The diameter of the cork is 25-28mm and the diameter of the circle that the feathers make is around 54mm.

A shuttlecock (often abbreviated to shuttle and also commonly known as a bird) is a high-drag projectile, with an open conical shape: the cone is formed from sixteen overlapping feathers embedded into a rounded cork base. The cork is covered with thin leather or synthetic material.

Synthetic shuttles are often used by recreational players to reduce their costs as feathered shuttles break easily. These nylon shuttles may be constructed with either natural cork or synthetic foam base, and a plastic skirt.

Additionally, nylon shuttlecocks come in three varieties, each variety for a different range of temperatures. These three varieties are known as green (slow speed which will give you an extra 40% hang time/shot length), blue (middle speed), and red (fast speed). The colours, and therefore speeds, are indicated by coloured strips fastened around the cork. In colder temperatures, a faster shuttle is used, and in hotter climates, a slower one is chosen.

Also, a slow speed shuttlecock is usually used in area that are in higher elevation. It is also used by coaches to train strength of stroke and for building stamina (longer rally) to train muscles on the arms.

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