Best Badminton Birdies
Badminton birdies, or shuttlecocks (sometimes abbreviated to shuttles), are essential pieces of equipment for playing badminton. In the game, the birdie is hit with a racket across the net until one team scores by having it fall on their opponent's side of the net.
What is a Badminton Birdie?
A birdie is made up of a cork base with 16 feathers that are connected to form a cone-like shape. Birdies can be made of various feathers like goose or duck feathers, or a synthetic “plastic” material that looks similar to real feathers. The terms birdie and shuttlecock are used interchangeably to describe the same piece of equipment.
Specifications, Dimensions, And Weight
Official birdies should be 62 to 70mm long and weigh 4.74 to 5.5 grams. The system of categorizing birdies used to be centered on weight, but it has since been changed to categorize birdies based on their speed by using numbers or colors. Plastic birdies use colors that denote their particular speed.
Feathered birdies use numbers to denote speed and how far the birdie will go, ranging from 74 (slow speed, use in high altitude) to 79 (fast speed, use in low altitude). Each increase in number represents a 30cm increase in distance the birdie will travel. A 74 will travel the shortest, and 79 will travel the farthest.
Types of Birdies
Many types of shuttlecocks are made from actual feathers, most commonly duck or goose. However, birdies made of plastic are also used often as they provide durability for multiple games. The type of birdie used is more of a preference-based fit for players and teams.
Duck Feather
Duck feathers are also used by professionals due to their speed in air and lightweight feel. These are more delicate than goose feather birdies, as duck feathers are not as thick as goose feathers. Because of this, duck feather birdies are more commonly used during training sessions.
Goose Feather
Goose feathers are more commonly used by professionals in official tournaments. The thick yet lightweight feathers make the birdie more stable in the air. They are ideal for indoor play but can be used outdoors in the proper conditions. Goose feather birdies are often preferred by advanced players because the material reacts better to different types of racket swings.
Plastic
An alternative to real feather birdies are plastic birdies, made out of material such as nylon. Plastic birdies are cheaper and more durable than feather birdies. They are also unaffected by the weather, as they are water-resistant and do not change shape or weight in the rain. This makes them ideal for practice use, outdoor use, or for beginners who are learning the sport and often break a lot of birdies in the process.
What are the best badminton birdies?
- Yonex Mavis 2000 Nylon Badminton Birdies
- KEVENZ Goose Feather High Speed Badminton Birdies
- Philonext Badminton Birdies
- Yonex Mavis 350 Shuttlecock
- Ohuhu LED Badminton Birdies
- Champion Sports Nylon Outdoor Shuttlecocks
- TEOZZO Nylon Badminton Birdies
- MacGregor Tournament Nylon Birdies
- OLENNZ Goose Feather Badminton Birdies
- WILSON Championship Badminton Shuttlecocks
| Image | Product | Details | |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Yonex Mavis 2000 Nylon Badminton Birdies | See on Amazon | |
 | KEVENZ Goose Feather High Speed Badminton Birdies |
| See on Amazon |
 | Philonext Badminton Birdies |
| See on Amazon |
 | Yonex Mavis 350 Shuttlecocks |
| See on Amazon |
 | Ohuhu LED Badminton Birdies |
| See on Amazon |
 | Champion Sports Nylon Outdoor Shuttlecocks |
| See on Amazon |
 | TEOZZO Nylon Badminton Birdies |
| See on Amazon |
 | MacGregor Tournament Nylon Birdies |
| See on Amazon |
 | OLENNZ Goose Feather Badminton Birdies |
| See on Amazon |
 | WILSON Championship Badminton Shuttlecocks |
| See on Amazon |
1. Yonex Mavis 2000 Nylon Badminton Birdies
Specifications:
- Price: $25.86
- Rating: 4.6/5
- Brand: Yonex
- Material: Nylon
Yonex is a Japanese manufacturer of badminton equipment. Their badminton birdies are made from the finest grade feathers, and the rubber base is designed to create maximum speed, spin, and control when struck with a racket. Yonex birdies are designed to have superior flight characteristics, and they come in a variety of colors, including yellow, orange, and black. Yonex birdies are also designed to be durable and last longer, so they are a great choice for serious players.
The Yonex Mavis 2000 Shuttlecocks are a great option for game and tournament use, while still remaining affordable. These birdies are made of nylon and designed to provide accurate flight performance for all badminton players. They are durable and meant to last many uses through any weather conditions.
2. KEVENZ Goose Feather High Speed Badminton Birdies
Specifications:
- Price: $14.98
- Rating: 4.3/5
- Brand: Kevenz
- Material: Goose Feather
KEVENZ badminton birdies are made of high-quality goose feathers and are designed for maximum durability and flight performance. They come with a cork base that is designed to give the birdie a consistent arc when struck with a racket. KEVENZ birdies come in a variety of colors, including yellow, orange, white, and pink, and they are designed to be more durable and last longer than other brands. KEVENZ birdies are a great choice for serious players who want a quality product that won't break down easily.
Kevenz’ Goose Feather Shuttlecocks are high-quality birdies that come in both packs of white or yellow. They are made from advanced goose feathers and are rigorously tested for both flight stability and durability. These birdies are durable and should last you multiple uses. They are affordably sold in a pack of 12 for under $15.
3. Philonext Badminton Birdies
Specifications:
- Price: $10.99
- Rating: 4.5/5
- Brand: Philonext Shuttlecocks
- Material: Nylon
Philonext Shuttlecocks are a well known brand for badminton equipment. Their shuttlecocks are highly regarded and make a great choice for any player. The composite cork ball head and quality nylon feathers provide stability in air and also durability. At an affordable cost of $11, these will provide you many fun badminton experiences.
4. Yonex Mavis 350 Shuttlecock
Specifications:
- Price: $11-$35
- Rating: 4.5/5
- Brand: Yonex
- Material: Nylon
The Yonex Mavis 350 is a great option for all levels of players since it is made from Nylon material and very durable. These birdies are very affordable and will last you a long time. They are viewed as one of the best plastic birdies and designed to provide high quality performance whether you are playing indoors or outdoors.
5. Ohuhu LED Badminton Birdies
Specifications
- Price: $11.99
- Rating: 4.5/5
- Brand: Ohuhu
- Material: Goose Feather
Ohuhu’s LED Shuttlecocks provide a perfect combination of a fun and durable product. They come with 6 color options of LED lights, with a one-button activation to turn on or off easily. This allows you to have fun playing badminton at any time of the day, while also providing solid durability to allow for multiple-time use.
6. Champion Sports Nylon Outdoor Shuttlecocks
Specifications:
- Price: $8.59
- Rating: 4.5/5
- Brand: Champion Sports
- Material: Nylon
Champion Sports’ nylon shuttlecocks provide a reliable, name brand option for anyone shopping for a new set of birdies. This model is constructed with nylon feathers for durability, and a nylon base allowing for use outdoors without fear of early wear and tear. At $8.59 per half dozen this is a slightly more expensive option, but the durability and name brand of the product make this a worthy option for badminton players of any experience level.
7. TEOZZO Nylon Badminton Birdies
Specifications:
- Price: $9.99
- Rating: 4.5/5
- Brand: TEOZZO
- Material: Nylon
TEOZZO nylon shuttlecocks are another strong option for anyone on the market for new badminton birdies. This model features nylon feathers for enhanced durability, allowing repeated use for the buyer. TEOZZO shuttlecocks are also made with a composite cork shuttle, providing a crack resistant front to the birdies for the sake of product longevity. At $9.99 per dozen birdies, this is a solid deal for anyone buying on a budget.
8. MacGregor Tournament Nylon Birdies
Specifications:
- Price: $12.09
- Rating: 4.4/5
- Brand: MacGregor
- Material: Nylon
MacGregor’s Tournament Nylon Shuttlecocks provide stability and durability when used on any surface. These can be used indoor or outdoor play, for practice, or for a game. They are built to last for multiple uses, and are a solid and affordable option for any player.
9. OLENNZ Goose Feather Badminton Birdes
Specifications:
- Price: $8.99
- Rating: 4.4/5
- Brand: OLENNZ
- Material: Goose Feather
OLENNZ goose feather birdies are another great option for anyone looking for new badminton birdies. These shuttlecocks are designed with a solid cork head to improve performance regardless of playing conditions, providing a stable and durable playing experience. Another great feature in regard to these birdies is that they come with a 30 Day Customer Satisfaction Warranty, allowing dissatisfied customers to get their money back within 30 days of purchase.
10. WILSON Championship Badminton Shuttlecocks
- Price: $26.95
- Rating: 4.4/5
- Brand: Wilson
- Material: Plastic/Natural cork
Wilson badminton birdies are made with a precision-balanced cork base and 16 overlapping feathers. The feathers are designed to create a consistent arc when struck with a racket, and they are available in a variety of colors, including yellow, orange, and white. Wilson birdies are designed to be durable and last longer, and they are a great choice for serious players who need a quality product that won't break down easily.
FAQ
What are the parts of a badminton birdie?
A birdie is made up of two parts, a feather top and a cork base. The feather top is connected to the bottom of the base in a cross pattern and may be made from goose feathers, duck feathers, or plastic (nylon). The materials used for each of these parts may vary, but the overall design is consistent from brand to brand.
How many birdies do I need?
You technically only need one birdie for a game of badminton, but it’s always good to have more than one on hand in case a birdie breaks or gets lost.
When should a badminton birdie be replaced?
As a general rule of thumb, if you notice a difference in the birdie’s flight movement or distance, it is likely time to replace it with a new one. This is subjective to the type of competition, and team or player preferences.