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.