Best badminton shuttlecock for outdoor

As they say, every relationship needs a solid foundation, and a good shuttlecocks acts like concrete.

If you are a professional badminton player or just an ordinary player, you don’t have a lot of time to search for the best badminton shuttlecocks for outdoor use because it can be a daunting task if you don’t know what you are searching for.

But which one should you choose? With thousands of badminton products available in the market, it’s hard to make a choice. I have been playing badminton for years! In this article, I am reviewing the best shuttlecocks available in the market so you can make better buying decisions.

Best Badminton Shuttlecocks for Outdoor

Product	Main Feature	Weight	Price
1. Yonex AS-30	Official Shuttlecock	6.4 oZ	Check Price
2. Li-Nang A+90	3 Layer Synthetic Cork	5 oZ	Check Price
3. Senston A 30	--	--
4. Victor Gold	77 Speed (Medium)	6.4 oZ	Check Price
5. RSL Tourney NO 1 Shuttlecock	2 Tubss RSL	12.8 oZ	Check Price
6. Yonex Mavis 2000	Synthetic Feather	3.2 oZ	Check Price
7. Yonex Mavis 350	Recovers in 0.02 Seconds	3.2 oZ	Check Price
8. Li-Ning X800	Flight Performance	3.2 oZ	Check Price
9. Victor Carbonsonic	Composition Cork	4.2 oZ	Check Price

In this guide, we provide information that will help you choose the right one so you can enjoy your badminton. The purpose of this guide is to help Badminton players, especially beginners, to make a well-informed purchase when buying their first shuttlecock.

We also discuss the pros and cons of the most popular shuttlecocks available in the market to give you some viable options. You can pretty much make your decision based on the above comparison table. But if you want to dig deeper into each product, let’s get started.

1. Yonex AS-30

The Yonex Aersosensa shuttlecocks are premium one used in national and international Badminton tournaments worldwide. Most notably, the Yonex Aerosensa were the shuttlecock of choice for the London Olympics 2012.

Yonex claims that they are precision-manufactured for the correct speed, distance, and flight stability.

Additionally, the Aerosensa series is made from 100% solid cork and goose feathers. Yonex represents the speed of their shuttlecocks from 1 – 5, 1 being the slowest and 5 being the fastest. The Aerosensa comes in all five speeds.

I have chosen A-30 as one of the best feather shuttlecocks because it gives you the flight stability, speed, and performance of A-40 and A-50 at a more affordable price. Additionally, the AS-30 is more durable than AS-10 and AS-20. Therefore, you get the best value product in AS-30: it provides the functions of a premium shuttlecocks at an affordable price.

Specifications
Brand	Yonex
Series Name	Aerosensa
Material	Goose feather
weight	5.01 g
Speed	AS 30 = 77
Quantity	I tube (12 pcs)
Price	$36

Flight

Control

Consistency

Durability

 4.5/5
 3.5/5
 5/5
 4.5/5

Who Should Buy? 

The AS-30 is a versatile shuttlecock; professional badminton players can use it for local tournaments while beginners and intermediate players with the ambition of playing competitively can use these to sharpen their skills.

The AS-30 is best for professional badminton players in hot weather or hot climate areas. It gives better performance and speed in high-altitude regions.

2. Li-Nang A+90

Li-Ning A+90 is a self-proclaimed state grade Badminton shuttlecock. The Li-Ning name is not new in badminton, they bring considerable knowledge of Badminton and professional expertise to their manufacturing process.

Our analysis revealed that the Li-Ning A+90 is good quality, consistent, and durable feather shuttlecocks. The A+90 is a medium speed shuttlecock that is ideal for high altitude areas like Chicago, New York, and Houston. The shuttlecock is crafted with high-quality goose feathers embedded in a 100% cork base. The precision-placement of the feathers gives it a good speed as well as control over the trajectory and placement of the shuttlecock.

We found that the A+90 lasted longer as well; no matter how hard the smashes, the shuttle weathered them all with good grace and was still functional for the entire game.

Beginners and intermediate level badminton players will be able to get even more use out of the shuttle because their hits won’t be as powerful.

On the downside, we noticed that the speed of the shuttle began to decline with repetitive use. So, while the trajectory remained consistent, the speed declined. Finally, we think that the A+90 is best option for professional as well as beginner badminton players.

Specifications
Brand	Li-Ning
Item code	A+
Material	Goose feather
Weight	4.73 g
Speeds	A+90= 77
Quantity	1 tube (12 pcs)
Price	$24

Flight

Control

Consistency

Durability

 4/5
 4.5/5
 4/5
 4/5

3. Senston A 30

The Senston A-30 is manufactured from compound cork and goose feathers. Senston claims that their shuttlecocks are ideal for playing in dry and low-temperature areas.

Our analysis shows that the Senston shuttlecocks have the advantage of being low-cost and relatively durable feather shuttlecocks. However, there are several disadvantages; It is inconsistent in performance; flight stability is low, and it have a slow rotational spin that affects their trajectory.

Specifications
Brand	Senston
Item code	A 30
Material	Goose feather
Weight	5.0 g
Speeds	A30 = 77
Quantity	I tube (12 pcs)
Price	$18.95

Flight

Control

Consistency

Durability

 3/5
 3/5
 2/5
 4/5

Who Should buy:

While these shuttlecocks are not best for professionals badminton players, they make an excellent first feather shuttlecocks for beginners who are aspiring to be competitive players.

They are especially ideal for recreational badminton players who play infrequently. Finally, they are also suitable for teenagers.

4. Victor Gold

Victor is a famous Badminton manufacturer in the USA. Their shuttlecocks are known for their quality and affordable price. The Victor Gold is manufactured from composite cork and premium quality duck feathers.

Generally, duck feather shuttlecocks are considered ideal for training. However, Victor claims that their duck feather shuttlecocks are as good as any goose feather shuttlecocks.

Our analysis shows that despite their tall claim, Victor Gold is a mid-level performer. It shows average results in almost all categories. Victor Gold will give you excellent control. The flight quality is fairly smooth, and it is reasonably durable. On the other hand, the consistency of the shuttles is relatively low, raising questions on the credibility of the Victor brand.

Overall, Victor Gold is an okay shuttlecock that may work well for training and for beginner level badminton players.

Specifications:

Brand	Victor
Material	Duck Feathers
Weight	5.06 g
Speeds	77
Quantity	1 tube
Price	$24.99

Flight

Control

Consistency

Durability

 3/5
 3/5
 2/5
 3/5

Club officials and Badminton coaches can use them for training beginner-level players. This one is best for recreation players because it is lightweight.

5. RSL Tourney NO 1 Shuttlecock

The RSL Tourney No. 1 is a Malaysian Shuttlecocks brand that has been manufacturing badminton shuttlecocks since 1928. Needless to say, they have un-limited knowledge in manufacturing the perfect product. It comes as no surprise that their Tourney No 1. The shuttlecocks is used in Badminton tournaments within and outside Malaysia.

Our analysis shows that the RSL Tourney No.1 has several great features; firstly, it will give you great control over the direction and placement of the shuttlecock. Simply put, the shuttlecock will go wherever you intend it to go.

Secondly, it is a significantly durable one; since it is tournament-grade, it will last longer than the average feather shuttlecocks.

Thirdly, the RSL shuttlecocks are fairly consistent in their performance. Simply put, this means that every piece in one tube and every shuttlecock in every tube of RSL will give the same performance. Consistency is essential when choosing shuttlecocks because inconsistent shuttlecocks mean that you can trust the brand. One shuttle might perform well while the other would not.

On the downside, the flight quality of the RSL is not as expected. Despite its merits, the shuttlecock flight is not as smooth as should it be. While not much, there is some unnecessary rotation which may affect the effectiveness of shots and smashes.

Overall, the RSL is a great product; it offers superior performance at an affordable price that makes it one of the best badminton shuttlecock on the planet especially for outdoor use.

Specifications
Brand	RSL
Item code	Tourney No 1. Gold
Material	100% cork and goose feathers
Weight	4.84 g
Speeds
Quantity	12/tube
Price	$28.9

Flight

Control

Consistency

Durability

 3.5/5
 3.5/5
 4/5
 4.5/5

The RSL Tourney No. 1 is perfect for professional badminton players as well as recreational players who are looking to sharpen their skills for competitive play.

Shuttlecock	Flight Smoothness	Control	Durability	Consistency	Overall Performance
Yonex AS-30	83%	70%	90%	97%	85%
Senston A 30	50%	60%	80%	40%	58%
Li-Ning A+90	80%	83%	80%	80%	81%
Victor Gold	60%	70%	60%	70%	65%
RSL Tourney No.1 Gold	70%	75%	87%	90%	81%

6. Yonex Mavis 2000

The Yonex Mavis 2000 is the latest addition to the Yonex Mavis series. Yonex claims that the Mavis 2000 is designed to be the number 1 choice for training and cub plays.

Additionally, the company claims that the Mavis 2000 is more durable than any other synthetic shuttlecocks. Furthermore, it’s design closely mimics original feathers, which enhances its performance. Yonex claims that the Mavis 2000 is only 0.05 seconds slower than their feather shuttlecocks.

Our analysis reveals that the Mavis 2000 is a durable and well-designed. The most notable is the wing-rib design, which utilizes the airflow to restore its shape after an impact. The rib-wing design is a Yonex trademark, it is more effective in correcting the shape of a shuttlecocks then conventional methods. Yonex claims that their shuttle restores shape after only 0.02 seconds. I observed that the shuttle did indeed recover quickly. I also noticed that the Mavis 2000 is more stable during flight; it flies smoothly.

I also enjoyed playing with the Mavis 2000 because it gave a feel that was closest to a feather shuttlecock. it bounces on impact and recovers quickly, which is reminiscent of original one. The 2000 is more responsive as well, and it is possible to get more technical shots and hits from this one.

Specifications
Brand	Yonex
Item code	Mavis 2000
Material	Natural cork + nylon
Weight	4.84 g
Speeds	Slow, medium, fast
Quantity	06/tube
Price	$17

Flight

Control

Consistency

Durability

 4.5/5
 4.5/5
 4.6/5
 4.5/5

Yonex Mavis 2000 is a good step up for players who are currently using previous versions of Mavis like the 300. It is a step up in technology and will definitely give  players an improved feeling and response.

It is also ideal for professionals who are training for competitive games.  If you are serious about taking your badminton game to the next level, you must consider this one.

7. Yonex Mavis 350

The Mavis 350 is an old but great shuttlecock from Yonex. I had to include another model by Yonex because it has an excellent variety of quality synthetic shuttles that cannot be ignored. The Mavis 350 is a well-balanced shuttle with a natural cork and nylon skirt. The wing-rib design that was present in Mavis 2000 is also present in Mavis 350.

Yonex claims that their close-to-feather designs give you a good feel while hitting the shuttlecock. This is true for all of their synthetic shuttles, but Mavis 350 is by far the most popular. Users claim that the flight stability and speed of the Mavis 350 are great for training sessions as well as club plays. Moreover, the Mavis 350 is a durable shuttlecock; users claim that they get an average of 40 games from one shuttlecock! This makes the 350 a standout because durability is an essential pressure point for choosing synthetic shuttlecocks.

I also like the fact that Yonex has created its Mavis series at different speeds.

Different users may need different things from a synthetic one, which cannot be all satisfied by one speed. Mavis 350 comes in three sizes denoted by color: Green is slow, blue is medium, and red is fast. Professional players may use the red one for practice, club players may use the red or blue and beginners or recreational badminton players may use green.

Furthermore, people can choose speed depending on temperature and altitude, as well.

Specifications
Brand	Yonex
Item code	Mavis 350
Material	Natural cork + yellow nylon
Weight	4.84 g
Speeds	Slow, medium, fast
Quantity	06/tube
Price	$16

Flight

Control

Consistency

Durability

 4/5
 4/5
 4/5
 4.5/5

Who Should Buy

The Yonex Mavis 350 is suitable for professional players training for competitive badminton games. It is great for club players. It is also suitable for families where parents are playing with children and teenagers.

8. Li-Ning X800

The Li-Ning X800 is my favorite and great value for money. These shuttlescocks are manufactured from good quality nylon along with a natural cork base.

The natural cork gives a feeling like a feathered shuttlecocks upon hitting as opposed to a synthetic cork base. The feather skirt has a ruffled design that helps the flight stability, control, accuracy, and speed. Many users comment that the li-Ning X800 has a flight pattern similar to that of Mavis 350.

I like playing with the X-800; it is good for training and for club players. You can get a lot of mileage from the durable build and sturdy construction. However, a small drawback is that while durable, it not as sturdy as the Mavis 350. So, keep that in mind if durability is an essential consideration for you.

The X-800 is also quite cheap as compared to other popular brands like Yonex and Victor. At $10, you can purchase 06 good quality shuttlecocks.

Specifications
Brand	Li-Ning
Item code	X-800
Material	Natural cork + yellow nylon
Speeds	77-78
Quantity	06/tube
Price	$10

Flight

Control

Consistency

Durability

 4/5
 3.5/5
 4.5/5
 3.5/5

The Li-Ning X-800 is ideal for beginners, recreational players, and club players.

9. Victor Carbonsonic

Carbonsonic No.2 is manufactured from Carbon Fiber Foam plastics, which gives it an authentic feel. Personally, I feel that the Carbonsonic is the closest to an original feather shuttlecocks.

Furthermore, you can hit the Carbonsonic precisely like you a hit a feather shuttlecocks, and it will respond to it perfectly. The skirt mimics the style of a feather shuttlecock perfectly, increasing the aerodynamic quality of this product.

They look more like feathers than the web-ring design we have to come to expect from synthetic shuttlecocks. It is also a durable because it is made from carbon fiber, this will last you far longer than any other synthetic alternative.

I really like the feel of this product, and I feel that players who enjoy playing with feathers will really like this too. However, players who prefer plastic shuttlecocks may take some time getting used to this. You will have to hit it like a feather shuttlecocks, and therefore, players may need to alter their playing styles.

Specifications
Brand	Victor
Item code	Carbonsonic No. 2
Material	Composition cork + Carbon fiber foam plastics
Speeds	75-79
Quantity	06/tube
Price	$17.57

Professional badminton players can use Carbonsonic No. 2 for training without worrying that it will affect their technique.

Recreational players, club players, and beginners can also use this durable shuttlecocks for training as well as competitive games.

This is ideal for any player that wants the durability of synthetic shuttles but the feel of plastics.

Shuttlecock Materiel

Unofficially called bird or birdie, is a cone-shaped projectile made from cork. Feathers are attached to cork in an open cone formation; this shape makes the shuttlecock extremely aerodynamic and, therefore, ideal for playing sports like Badminton.

Let’s take a look at different parts to gain a better understanding:

The base of a shuttlecock is the ball-like structure made from cork. 16 overlapping feathers are embedded into the cork base to make the distinctive conical shape.

The conical shape allows it to fly between the two rackets.

A good shuttlecock will give you good speed and stable trajectory, whereas a lousy quality one will provide neither. You won’t be able to play a fast game or make maneuvers with a bad quality product.

If you are serious about badminton, you must invest in higher quality product which can last longer.

How to Choose Badminton Shuttlecock:

When you go to purchase a car or even any other product, you look at the brand, make, year, mileage, fuel consumption, and automation, etc. to determine whether the car is a good fit for your transportation needs.

Badminton shuttlecock is no different. Here are couple of points you can read to educate yourself about material and other stuff to make better buying decision.

Tip: You may see many non-branded badminton shuttlecocks on Amazon. May sites may also review them extensively. However, these low-priced alternatives are no match for branded synthetic shuttlecocks. They are merely replicas that have been manufactured without any ingenuity or innovation.

More importantly, these will be cheaper on face value only; however, they won’t give you value for money because they won’t be as durable as branded synthetic ones.

So, in the long run, you will be better off buying slightly expensive but good-quality shuttlecocks rather than unknown quality shuttles from unknown brands.

Material

Badminton Shuttlecocks is commonly made up of two materials

1.Goose/Duck Feathers

Shuttlecocks made from genuine feathers of a duck or a goose are considered to be the best. They are superior in aerodynamic stability and speed then syntenic shuttlecocks.

Manufacturers take feathers from the left-wing of a goose to manufacture this premium quality shuttlecocks. Why from the left-wing? Interestingly feathers from a left-wing make the shuttlecocks spin clockwise when smashed. Alternatively, feathers from the right-wing make the shuttlecocks spin counter-clockwise, which throws away the momentum and trajectory.

Goose feathers have thicker feathers than duck feathers, and therefore they are more durable and offer better flight quality. Most companies use goose feathers. However, some companies use premium quality duck feathers.

Original feather shuttlecocks are light, and they require more power than the synthetic alternative. Additionally, they are easily damaged; even the most premium quality shuttlecock will have to replaced several times during a competitive badminton game. Original feather shuttlecocks are also very expensive.

 Despite these drawbacks, competitive and professional badminton players always prefer original feather shuttlecocks because they have a significantly better flight quality and speed than their synthetic counterparts.

All national and international Badminton tournaments use original feather shuttlecocks.

2. Plastic/Synthetic Material

Synthetic badminton shuttlecocks are predominantly made of nylon. Some manufacturers use other kinds of plastic, and recently Victor introduced a carbon fiber shuttlecocks.

Synthetic shuttlecocks a replica of the originals; the cork base and the shape are the same, whereas the feathers are replicated by nylon.

Synthetic ones are durable and cheaper than feather shuttlecocks. They are a great alternative to the expensive feather shuttlecocks when you are just starting out and practicing badminton.

Children and adults can both use synthetic shuttlecocks to learn the basic techniques and practice their badminton shots.

Beginner-level players who only play badminton occasionally and recreationally can also use synthetic.

3. Speed

Badminton Shuttlecocks come in multiple sizes ranging from 75 – 79, with 75 being the slowest and 79 being the fastest shuttlecock. A lower number tells us that the shuttle is lightweight, which means that the shuttle will fly a small distance over the net.

In Badminton, Shuttle speed means how far a shuttlecock will travel and how long it will take to cover that distance after being hit. This means that a 75-number shuttlecock will cover a shorter distance in more time than a 79 shuttlecock.

Other than the quality and material, it’s speed depends on two factors:

Altitude

In high-altitudes areas, places that are above sea level shuttlecocks speed are faster. On the contrary, in regions of low-altitude (places at or below sea level), shuttlecock speed is slower.

A 75-number will fly faster in a high-altitude area than a low-altitude area. Therefore, if you live in a high-altitude area, choose a 75 or 76 number shuttlecock. On the other hand, if you live at sea-level or below sea-level, then you should choose a higher number.

Temperature

Temperature also affects Shuttlecocks speed; shuttle flies faster in hot temperatures and slower in cold temperatures.

Therefore, you should considering choosing a lower number in summers or hot-climate areas and select a higher number in winters or cold-climate areas.

Shuttlecock Speed Guide

Number	Speed	Altitude	Temperature
75	Slow	Above Sea Level +2000m	Very Hot
76	Quite Slow	Above Sea Level +1000m	Hot
77	Moderate Slow	Sea level ± 10m	Average
78	Quite Fast	Below Sea level -100m	Cold
79	Fast	Below Sea Level -200m	Very Cold

Comparison Chart of Feather Shuttlecocks

Shuttlecock	Flight Smoothness	Control	Durability	Consistency	Overall Performance
Yonex M-2000	90%	90%	90%	90%	90%
Yonex M-350	80%	80%	80%	90%	83%
Li-Ning X-800	80%	70%	90%	70%	78%
Victor Carbanionic No. 2	97%	95%	95%	97%	96%

Conclusion

In this guide, we discussed the importance of material and speed when choosing a badminton shuttlecocks. This guide aimed to help Badminton players of all levels but especially beginners and intermediate players.

Did you find this guide helpful? Do you prefer feather shuttlecocks or plastic shuttlecock? Tell us why in the comments below.