Sixteen meticulously-chosen goose feathers plucked from the left wing of three different birds typically make up one shuttlecock. Only top-notch feathers from the left wing make the cut because they must be uniform in size and shape (right wing feathers just won't do because their curvature is different.) The feathers are fixed at the base with cork and leather to create a conical shape. Other popular names for shuttlecocks are "bird," "birdie," and the abbreviated "shuttle." At the competitive level badminton is only played indoors because any slight breeze will change the flight pattern of the shuttlecock. Temperature, altitude and air pressure change the speed, so a good shuttlecock in India may be different from an acceptable one in Colorado.
Because feathered shuttlecocks break easily and may be replaced frequently in one game, there are also synthetic versions with a plastic skirt that last longer and are typically used by beginners and intermediate players.
Shuttlecocks are made to be aerodynamic so that no matter which way they are hit, the cork will turn forward and stay that way for the duration of its flight. The fastest shuttlecock has been clocked at more than 200 miles per hour.
What to Look for
Manufacturers grade shuttlecocks based on their weight and speed. A player should be able to hit the shuttlecock from the baseline of one side to the opposite baseline. Weaker players who can't hit as far should choose faster shuttlecocks.
Yonex makes top quality, tournament-grade shuttlecocks, but they are also some of the most expensive. The AS-50 is a top-of-the-line shuttlecock that is used in the highest-level tournaments, but it'll cost you around $30 for a tube of twelve. Less expensive versions that are a little lower in quality include the AS-10 and AS-30. Other brands that are less expensive and high quality include Victor (Champion grade), Wilson, Yang Yang, Sosan and Black Knight.
For nylon/plastic shuttlecocks the Yonex Mavis 350 and 500 are popular in junior and club circuits because they are closest in performance to their feather counterparts. Other popular brands include Wilson and Carlton.
Common Pitfalls
Some players say shuttlecocks made of feathers with pointed tips fly better than those with rounded tips. It's best to try out shuttlecocks in a club before buying your own. That way you know the speed and feel that works best for you.
Be careful not to store your feather shuttlecocks in a very dry place. They should be kept in a cool and humid environment. It is recommended steaming the shuttlecock two or three days prior to a major competition. To do this you can place the container over boiling water (uncap both ends of the tube) and use the steam from the pot (do for each end). Then cap both ends to keep the moisture in the tube. Another option is buying a humidifier that releases steam.
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