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A Shuttlecock Has 16 Feathers

16feathers

A standard badminton shuttlecock is carefully designed with 16 feathers, ensuring stability, speed, and accuracy during play.

1. Why 16 Feathers?
  • This number provides the perfect balance of aerodynamics and durability.
  • If fewer or more feathers are used, the shuttlecock's flight pattern becomes unpredictable.
2. Feather Selection
  • Traditionally, only goose or duck feathers are used, with goose feathers preferred for professional play due to their better durability and flight control.
  • Only feathers from the left wing of the bird are used to maintain consistency in spin and flight.
3. Shuttlecock Design & Structure
  • The feathers are inserted into a cork base, which is usually covered with thin leather.
  • The total weight of a shuttlecock ranges between 4.74 to 5.50 grams.
  • The feathers are arranged in a cone shape to ensure a predictable, stable descent after being hit.
4. Why Feathered Shuttlecocks Are Unique
  • Unlike synthetic shuttlecocks, feathered ones have a natural drag effect, making them slow down mid-air rather than continuing in a straight line.
  • This results in the iconic looping trajectory of badminton shots.
5. Shuttlecock Durability
  • A professional shuttlecock may only last one or two games in high-level matches due to powerful smashes and rapid exchanges.
  • Players often test multiple shuttlecocks before selecting one that meets their preferred speed and stability.


The 16-feather design is a critical factor in making badminton a fast, precise, and highly skillful sport

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