The growing popularity of badminton in India has drastically increased the demand for shuttlecocks, the most frequently needed badminton equipment. The quality of a shuttle mainly depends on the types of materials and the precision of the manufacturing process. If you do an online query for the best shuttlecocks, it is hard to pick the right one due to the wide range of options. Regarding features, each shuttle looks very similar to others so it is quite difficult to differentiate them.
Winter is knocking on the door and we are gearing up to spend more time on the court. The demand for shuttlecocks rises sharply and we often wonder how to manage it with the best value for money.
Don’t worry. After critically examining all aspects, I have picked and reviewed the 15 best badminton shuttlecocks in India so that you have the comfort of selecting the right one according to your needs.
Best Shuttlecocks (Feather & Nylon): Top Picks
Best Badminton Shuttlecocks in India: At a Glance
Feather Shuttlecocks
| Name | Material | Flight | Durability | Price |
| Yonex AS 50 | Goose feather Natural Cork | Excellent | Excellent | Very High |
| Yonex AS 40 | Goose feather Natural Cork | Very Good | Excellent | Very High |
| Li-Ning A+ 300 | Goose feather Natural Cork | Very Good | Very Good | High |
| Victor Master Ace | Goose feather Hybrid Cork | Very Good | Very Good | High |
| Yonex ACB TR | Duck feather Hybrid Cork | Good | Good | Reasonable |
| Yonex AS 2 | Duck feather Natural Cork | Good | Average | Reasonable |
| RSL Tourney 4 | Goose feather Hybrid Cork | Average | Good | Reasonable |
| Li-Ning D3 | Duck Feather Hybrid Cork | Average | Good | Reasonable |
| Li-Ning Champ | Duck feather Hybrid Cork | Average | Average | Reasonable |
Plastic Shuttlecocks
| Name | Material | Flight | Durability | Price |
| Yonex Mavis 2000 | Nylon Natural Cork | Good | Extreme | Reasonable |
| Mavis 600 | Nylon Natural Cork | Good | Excellent | Reasonable |
| Mavis 500 | Nylon Natural Cork | Good | Excellent | Reasonable |
| Yonex Mavis 350 | Nylon Natural Cork | Good | Excellent | Reasonable |
| Mavis 200i | Nylon Synthetic Cork | Average | Excellent | Economic |
| Li-Ning Bolt Neo | Nylon Synthetic Cork | Average | Excellent | Economic |
Best Feather Shuttlecocks In India
The Aerosensa series is the most reputed and preferred shuttle among professionals. Yonex has marked them with numbers (AS 50, AS 40, AS 30, AS 20, and AS 10) in respect of quality and durability. The higher the number, the better flight quality and higher durability. So AS 50 is the best whereas the Yonex AS 10 stands last in the series.
YONEX Aerosensa 50/ Best Shuttlecock
Key Points
- Material: Base: Solid cork, Skirt: Goose feather
- Speed: 77, Medium
- Color: White
- Flight: Excellent
- Durability: Excellent
- Price: Very High
- Quantity: 12 shuttles/ tube
- Country of origin: Japan
Yonex Aerosensa 50, the top of the AS series, is made with special-grade goose feathers and solid natural cork. The shuttlecock is stiff and very well-made. It has been meticulously crafted and tested many times to give the perfect balance and optimum flight pattern. The nice feel and sound, of the AS 50 separate the king of shuttlecock from other top-quality shuttles.
The durability of the AS 50 is on the higher side. On average it lasts for 2 – 3 games. The downside is the high price. On Amazon, one tube AS 50 costs nearly 5000 rupees.
Yonex AS 50, the best shuttlecock in India, has been featured in many top international tournaments, like Superseries, Olympics, Thomas, and Uber Cup Finals.
Pros
- Exceptional quality
- Ultimate flight pattern
- Supreme consistency
- Top-notch finishing
- Great durability
Cons
- Very costly
YONEX Aerosensa 40/ 2nd Best Feather Shuttlecock
Key Points
- Material: Base: Solid cork, Skirt: Goose feather
- Speed: 77, Medium
- Color: White
- Flight: Excellent
- Durability: Very Good
- Price: Very High
- Quantity: 12 shuttles/ tube
- Country of origin: Japan
Yonex AS 40 is an excellent feather shuttle, a preferable option for many international and top national event organizers. This top-quality shuttlecock is approved by BWF (Badminton World Federation) and crafted precisely by Yonex to deliver the best performance.
Yonex Aerosensa 40 is built with genuine goose feathers and 100% solid cork. The combination of high-quality materials, advanced manufacturing process, meticulous attention, and proper testing gives it the identity to separate from other shuttlecocks. The AS 40 offers excellent flight trajectory, fast recovery time, great stability, and durability.
In terms of flight and consistency, it is marginally behind the AS 50 but the AS 40 is slightly more durable.
The price of the Yonex AS 40 is a matter of concern which is in the range of ₹4000 in India.
Pros
- Well crafted and finished
- Excellent flight quality
- Supreme consistency
- Great durability
Cons
- Costly
Li-Ning A+ 300 Shuttlecocks
Key Points
- Material: Base: Natural cork, Skirt: Goose feather
- Speed: 77, Medium
- Color: White
- Flight: Very Good
- Durability: Very Good
- Price: High
- Quantity: 12 shuttles/ tube
- Country of origin: China
Li-Ning A+ 300 is a high-quality shuttlecock made with first-grade goose feathers and natural cork. It is approved by BWF for use in tournaments.
The flight is very close to Yonex AS 40. Net-play is the area where the A+ 300 is an excellent performer. In terms of durability, it lasts for an average of 2-3 games.
Overall the A+ 300 is an excellent choice for those who want a premium-quality well-balanced shuttle that is consistent and shows superb flight quality.
Pros
- Excellent flight characteristics
- Good finish
- Superb net-play
Cons
- Costly
VICTOR Master Ace Shuttlecocks
Key Points
- Material: Base: Composite cork, Skirt: Goose feather
- Speed: 76, Slow
- Color: White
- Flight: Very good
- Durability: Very Good
- Price: High
- Quantity: 12 shuttles/ tube
- Country of origin: China
Victor Master Ace is BWF-approved for international play. This is a high-standard goose feather shuttle that has been used in the Korean Open and many international super-series tournaments.
Victor Master Ace is the number 1 shuttlecock from Victor for top-level play. Each feather is preciously selected for the best shape, curve, and size to give the optimum performance. The whole manufacturing process takes several steps to give the ultimate precision in terms of flight, speed, consistency, and durability. This top-quality Victor Master Ace is one of the best feather shuttlecocks in India.
Pros
- Excellent flight
- Superb control
- Great durability
Cons
- Costly
Yonex Aeroclub (ACB) TR
Key Points
- Material: Base: Composite cork, Skirt: Duck feather
- Speed: 77, Medium
- Color: White
- Flight: Good
- Durability: Good
- Price: Reasonable
- Quantity: 12 shuttles/ tube
- Country of origin: China
Yonex Aeroclub TR, an affordable feather shuttlecock, is the ideal choice for practice seasons and club-level competitive tournaments.
Yonex ACB TR uses the natural duck feather skirt on a composite cork base to give a good flight trajectory. The temperature insensitivity and better stability are the good features of this feather shuttle. Though the durability is a bit lower, the shuttle flight is better than the top-grade feather shuttles of other brands.
With an affordable price of ₹1700 on Amazon India, it is widely popular among intermediates, recreational, and club players in India.
Pros
- Well-made
- Stable flight
- Value for money
Cons
- Average durability
YONEX Aerosensa 2 Shuttlecocks
Key Points
- Material: Base: Natural cork, Skirt: Duck feather
- Speed: 77, Medium
- Color: White
- Flight: Good
- Durability: Average
- Price: Reasonable
- Quantity: 12 shuttles/ tube
- Country of origin: China
Yonex AS 2, is a popular feather shuttlecock in India extensively used in national, state, and club-level tournaments.
Yonex AS 2, an entry-level Aerosensa, is the best option for intermediate and club-level players for performance vs price.
The skirt of this shuttle is also made of duck feathers and the base is 100% solid cork. Yonex Aerosensa 2 is available in the price range of ₹1500 – ₹2000 in India with 12 shuttles per tube.
Pros
- Good flight quality
- Affordable
- Best for practice
Cons
- Average durability
RSL Tourney No.4
Key Points
- Material: Base: Sandwich cork, Skirt: Goose feather
- Speed: 77, Medium
- Color: White
- Flight: Average
- Durability: Good
- Price: Reasonable
- Quantity: 12 shuttles/ tube
- Country of origin: China
RSL Tourney 4 is a popular feather shuttle due to its high durability that gives the best value for money.
RSL, an 80 years old company has the largest manufacturing unit in China with a capacity of 66 million shuttles in a year. This company has segmented the manufacturing process into 19 steps to ensure that there is no margin for error to compromise the quality of the end product.
RSL Tourney 4 uses goose feathers for the skirt and sandwich cork as head material. The selection of premium feathers gives maximum durability, accurate speed, and proper flight. With an economical price of nearly ₹2000, RSL 4 gives the best performance over price. This shuttle is a popular choice for many tournament organizers around the world.
Pros
- Stable flight
- Durable
- Affordable
- Great for club-level players
Cons
- Not suitable for tournaments
Li-Ning D3 Shuttlecocks
Key Points
- Material: Base: Hybrid cork, Skirt: Duck feather
- Speed: 76, Slow
- Color: White
- Performance: Average
- Durability: Good
- Price: Reasonable
- Quantity: 12 shuttles/ tube
- Country of origin: China
Li-ning D3 is made with a hybrid cork and duck feathers. It gives you the flight trajectory very close to a feather shuttlecock. The advantage you get is durability. It offers good longevity with an average life span of 2-3 games for intermediate-level play. It is a good option for those who want the feel of a feather shuttlecock with higher durability.
Pros
- Durable
- Descent flight trajectory
- Budget-friendly
Cons
- Not for professional players
Li-Ning Champ
Key Points
- Material: Base: Hybrid cork, Skirt: Duck feather
- Speed: 76, Slow
- Color: White
- Flight: Average
- Durability: Average
- Price: Budget-friendly
- Quantity: 12 shuttles/ tube
- Country of origin: China
Li-Ning Champ is a cheaper option in India for a feather shuttlecock in terms of good shuttle flight and short recovery time.
It is made with duck feathers and composite (Synthetic and natural) cork for a balanced weight distribution for a decent flight trajectory. This economically priced shuttlecock is ideal for training purposes. But the downside is that the durability is not as good as Yonex Aeroclub (ACB) TR.
Li-Ning Champ has less durability than the above-mentioned D3 shuttlecock but has a slightly better flight trajectory.
Pros
- Good for recreational play
- Good for close-to-net play
- Budget-friendly
Cons
- Average durability
Best Plastic Shuttlecocks in India
This list is dominated by the Mavis series Yonex shuttlecocks due to their superior performance than their competitors.
Yonex Mavis 2000/ Best Plastic Shuttlecock in India
Yonex Mavis 2000, the best Yonex nylon shuttlecock, is the closest alternative to feather shuttlecocks in terms of flight trajectory and recovery time. The Mavis 2000 has got approval from BWF for use in international tournaments from the year, 2000.
Key Points
- Material: Skirt- Nylon, Base- Cork
- Color: Skirt- Yellow, Cap- Green
- Speed: Slow
- Flight: Good
- Durability: Extreme
- Price: Reasonable
- Quantity: 6 Shuttles/ tube
- Country of origin: Japan
In terms of performance and feel, feather shuttlecocks are always ahead of nylon ones. But on average, the durability of nylon shuttlecocks is 10 times more than feather shuttlecocks. So it is always a better option for beginners, intermediates, and club players to go for nylon shuttles that will give them the best economical solution and also good shuttle performance.
In this area, the Yonex Mavis 2000 is the best shuttle with a flight trajectory, recovery time, and consistency nearly equal to feather shuttles. Mavis 2000 uses Wing Rib technology to restore quickly to its original shape after being hit by a racket. It recovers only in 0.002 seconds which lags only 0.005 seconds behind a Yonex feather shuttle.
In terms of durability, it is even better than the Yonex Mavis 350. It lasts for at least 10 – 15 games on average which is longer than any shuttlecock of the same quality.
Pros
- Closest to the feather shuttlecock
- Excellent flight trajectory
- Extreme durability
- Best for badminton aspirants
Cons
- Slightly pricy
Mavis 600 Badminton Shuttlecocks
Key Points
- Material: Skirt- Nylon, Base- Cork
- Color: Skirt- Yellow, Cap- Green
- Speed: Slow
- Flight: Good
- Durability: Excellent
- Price: Reasonable
- Quantity: 6 Shuttles/ tube
- Country of origin: Japan
Yonex Mavis 600, a close alternative to the Mavis 2000, is made with natural cork and nylon skirts. It also uses Yonex’s WING LIB technology to restore shape quickly on impact.
The Mavis 600 bridges the gap between a feather and an ordinary plastic shuttle. It has the same pattern of flight and consistency but slightly lower durability than the Mavis 2000.
Pros
- Great flight quality
- Quick recovery
- Highly durable
- Great for intermediate players
Cons
- Not for professionals
Yonex Mavis 500
Key Points
- Material: Skirt- Nylon, Base- Cork
- Color: Skirt- Yellow, Cap- Green
- Speed: Slow
- Flight: Good
- Durability: Excellent
- Price: Reasonable
- Quantity: 6 Shuttles/ tube
- Country of origin: Japan
The Mavis 500 has also a nylon skirt and natural cork base. It also uses the same WING LIB technology for faster recovery.
In terms of performance and durability, it is almost similar to the Mavis 600. Available at a price of ₹970/tube on Amazon, the Mavis 500 is a good choice for intermediates and amateurs in India.
Pros
- Good fight
- Durable
- Value for money
Cons
- Not suitable for tournaments
Yonex Mavis 350 Plastic Shuttlecocks
Key Points
- Material: Skirt- Nylon, Base- Cork
- Color: Skirt- Yellow, Cap- Green
- Speed: Slow
- Flight: Good
- Durability: Excellent
- Price: Reasonable
- Quantity: 6 Shuttles/ tube
- Country of origin: Japan
Yonex Mavis 350, a nylon shuttlecock, is not only a popular choice in India for indoor or outdoor practice but also is good enough for competitive tournaments. This preciously manufactured nylon shuttle is very good in terms of speed, shuttle flight, and consistency. The faster recovery time helps to make proper judgments in stroke-making.
Regarding longevity, it is way ahead of most other shuttles. The sturdy yellow skirt and improved cork maximize the durability to an extreme level so that you can easily use one shuttlecock for at least 9 – 10 games. In terms of price, it is a cost-effective solution under ₹1000. Due to its excellent durability and good quality, the Mavis 350 is one of the best shuttlecocks in India.
As the speed of plastic shuttles is faster than feather shuttlecocks, the Yonex Mavis 350 with a green cap (Slow speed with a temperature range of 22°C to 33°C) is more suitable for both indoor and outdoor practice.
Pros
- Good flight quality
- High durability
- Widely tested
- Value for money
Cons
- Not for professionals
Yonex Mavis 200i
Key Points
- Material: Skirt- Nylon, Base- Synthetic cork
- Color: Skirt- Yellow, Cap- Green
- Flight: Average
- Durability: Excellent
- Price: Economic
- Made in Taiwan
Yonex Mavis 200i, a nylon shuttle, is not parallel to the Mavis 350 in terms of performance but is good enough for practice and recreational badminton. This cheap shuttle has a higher longevity. The Mavis 200i follows a steady shuttle path but it becomes a little bit faster for the first 2-3 games. The Mavis 200i offers great value for recreational players who are not accurate enough to hit the corks consistently every time.
Pros
- Great for outdoor play
- Durable
- Highly affordable
- Value for money
Cons
- Not good for serious practice
Li-Ning Bolt Neo Nylon Badminton Shuttlecocks
Key Points
- Material: Skirt- Nylon, Base- Synthetic cork
- Color: Skirt- Yellow
- Speed: Slow
- Flight: Average
- Durability: Excellent
- Price: Economic
- Made in China
The Li-Ning Bolt Neo is a nylon shuttlecock with a fully synthetic cork made from high-quality compressed EVA.
It is relatively heavier and flies relatively faster through the air. The behavioral pattern of the Bolt Neo is like Yonex Mavis 200i. The best thing about this nylon shuttle is its extreme durability.
The Bolt Neo is available at a very attractive price of ₹500/ tube on Amazon India and is one of the best plastic shuttlecocks for beginners.
Pros
- Extreme durability
- Great for outdoor play
- Great for beginners
Cons
- Slightly faster
How to Select a Shuttlecock
The right selection of the best shuttlecock mainly depends on 5 factors.
- Material
- Speed
- Performance
- Durability
- Price
Material
As a material, goose feather shuttlecocks are better performers than duck feather shuttlecocks. Nylon shuttlecocks are faster and don’t have the stability, feel, and flight of feather shuttlecocks.
Speed
The speed of a shuttlecock indicates how far it will move if hit with the same power by a racket. The speed of a shuttle depends upon the playing conditions, mainly temperature, and altitude. Whereas Yonex uses numbers to represent the speed of a feather shuttle, the speed of plastic shuttlecocks is indicated by colors as mentioned below.
Feather Shuttle Speed
| Shuttle Speed | Suitable Temperature | Suitable Altitude |
| 75 – Very Slow | Very Hot (33℃ above) | Above Sea Level |
| 76 – Slow | Hot (27 – 33℃) | Sea Level |
| 77 – Average Speed | Average (22 – 26℃) | Sea Level |
| 78 – Fast | Cold (17 – 21℃) | Below Sea Level |
| 79 – Very Fast | Extreme Cold (Below 17℃) | Below Sea level |
Plastic Shuttle Speed
| Color | Speed | Temperature Range |
| Green | Slow | 22℃ – 33℃ |
| Blue | Medium | 12℃ – 23℃ |
| Red | Fast | ＜13℃ |
Performance
The performance of a shuttle depends on 3 main factors
Shuttle flight trajectory: How close it follows the ideal shuttle path
Recovery time: How fast it recovers to its original position after being hit by a racket
Consistency: How accurate is the area of landing?
Durability
Durability is one of the main selection factors, especially for beginners and intermediates. Due to the sturdy skirt material, nylon shuttlecocks are far ahead of feather shuttles regarding durability.
Price
The price of a shuttle is also an important judgment criterion. Again, price is directly related to durability. A costly shuttle with excellent longevity may be a better selection than a cheap fragile shuttle.
Feather Vs Plastic Shuttlecock: Which One to Consider?
The dilemma of choosing between feather and plastic shuttles depends on the level of play and your budget.
Feather shuttlecocks are way superior to nylon shuttles. They are more aerodynamic. After hitting, feather shuttles decelerate and get into shape quickly. They are easier to predict and control. The controlled touch in net play is another beautiful thing about feather shuttles.
The downside is the high cost and less durability. A tube of 12 good quality feather shuttles costs nearly 3000 rupees. Again, they hardly last for 2 – 3 games. So opting for feather shuttlecocks involves lots of money.
On the other hand, plastic shuttles are very durable. On average, they last for 10 – 12 games. They are also economical. One tube of good quality shuttles like the Mavis 350 costs nearly ₹1000.
But the flight quality is inferior to feather shuttles. Plastic shuttles are faster and have a flatter trajectory. They take more recovery time to get into shape and land further. They are difficult to predict and control. Net-play is not an easy task with nylon shuttles.
Beginners tend to mishit too frequently which is not good for the health of feather shuttlecocks. Ideally, beginners should start with nylon shuttles. Once they level up their game, they can try feather shuttles.
For professionals, it is economical to use quality plastic shuttles like the Mavis 2000 during practice and feather shuttles during matches.
Which is the Best Shuttlecock Brand?
To decide the best brand for shuttlecocks, there are reputed manufacturers like Yonex, RSL, Li-Ning, Victor, Head, Wilson, and Ashaway who produce top-quality shuttlecocks for better performance.
The list should start with the king of badminton, Yonex, a Japan-based company that started its production in 1946. From the beginning, this company has stressed more on quality rather than quantity. With the help of Japanese craftsmanship and innovative technology, Yonex has amazed this world with the superior quantity of badminton equipment that has gained wide popularity among badminton lovers. Considering Yonex’s quality in terms of flight, speed, and other performances, it is unofficially the best brand for the shuttlecock.
RSL has the largest manufacturing capacity for producing shuttlecocks that are best in terms of durability and flight. The total manufacturing process involves many steps from raw feathers to packaged products. RSL takes care of each stage of manufacturing to ensure the quality of every single shuttlecock.
Li-Ning, founded in 1990, is gradually gaining popularity for badminton equipment which is not only of good quality but also affordable. This China-based manufacturing company is the official sponsor of the Chinese National badminton team.
Victor, established in 1968, a Taiwan-based company is known for its products that offer value for money. It has a wide range of shuttlecocks, both nylons and feathers that are designed according to the needs of the customer. Victor is the proud official partner of Korea, Malaysia, Denmark, and the Chinese Taipei national badminton team.
Simple Tips to Care for Badminton Shuttlecocks
- Keep your shuttle away from hitting areas, like a gas oven or a heater. Because of the high temperature, the percentage of moisture in the atmosphere is reduced. This makes the shuttlecock brittle causing easy breakage of feathers.
- Always keep the shuttle facing down in the tube to avoid unnecessary damage to feathers.
- Reposition the crumple feathers before serving to increase the life of a shuttle.
- Pluck and remove the totally damaged feather parts for a better shuttle flight.
Wrapping Up
I have tried hard to depict the picture of the best shuttlecocks available in India. If you have any questions, please comment in the given box below.
Thanks for continuing till the end.
Related Topic: “The 7 Beat Shuttlecocks for Outdoor Badminton”.
Last update on 2024-04-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
