Skip to content
Home » What is the Weight of a Feathered Shuttlecock in Badminton?

What is the Weight of a Feathered Shuttlecock in Badminton?

weight of a feathered shuttlecock

Badminton is the fastest sport in the world and is commonly played and watched sport after soccer.

It is played on a rectangular court with the help of a racket, a shuttlecock, and a net.

The lightweight shuttlecock used in this sport is made of feathers, plastic, and other synthetic materials.

And today, we will discuss the feathered shuttlecock and its weight and dimensions here in this sport.

Feather shuttlecocks are usually used while playing competitive and professional matches.

And these feather shuttlecocks offer more control, deep and high clears. Also, they are much better and more durable than plastic and other shuttlecocks.

Rather than this feathered shuttlecock delivering high aerodynamic lift, a plastic shuttlecock is more durable and long-lasting.

So now let’s discuss more features of the feathered shuttlecock:

Weight of a feathered shuttlecock

According to the BWF (Badminton World Federation) equipment certification standard, the weight of a feathered shuttlecock must be between 4.74 grams to 5.50 grams.

It is so because any shuttlecock lighter than this might fail the BWF’s trajectory and the weight of a shuttlecock defines how well it travels.

If the shuttlecock even weighs 0.01 grams more than the certified weight, it can negatively affect the shuttle’s speed.

And this weight standard has been in existence since 1988 and has remained unchanged.

Also, remember: If you play with a shuttlecock that does not hold an ideal weight, then in such a case, you will require more power and a stiffer racket to hit the shuttle.

Number of feathers a feathered shuttlecock has

Sixteen feathers are indulged in a feathered shuttlecock, which is symmetrical and embedded into the shuttlecock’s cork base.

The feathers indulged in the feathered shuttlecock are plucked from goose and duck’s left wing because of aerodynamics, as the left-wing spins clockwise, whereas the right-wing spins counterclockwise.

And the primary reason behind a shuttlecock holding 16 feathers is that it determines which several feathers create the best drag, spin, and flight.

A shuttlecock trajectory is also affected by the number of feathers indulged in it, which is why the number has remained the same for years.

Length of a feathered shuttlecock

According to BWF’s equipment certifications standards, the length of a feathered shuttlecock used in the tournaments must be at least 62 mm.

But at the higher end, the length of the feathered shuttlecock must not be more than 70 mm.

Some feathers may vary in length, and the range of shuttlecock base measurements can account for the eight-millimetre difference.

Also, BWF appraises the shuttlecock’s measurement as valid only when it is taken end-to-end, and there need to be no uneven feathers added to the shuttle.

Length of a feathered shuttlecock’s feather

According to the BWF laws, the feathers indulged in the shuttlecock must be approx 62mm to 70 mm.

Now, you must wonder why the shuttle and shuttle feathers are the same length.

It is because the feather tips dig into the shuttlecock’s base, and if we count the visible part of the feathers, they will measure about 37 mm to 45 mm, whereas the whole feather measures approximately 62 mm to 70 mm.

Rather than this, the feathers have undergone little to no amendments since 1988.

Along with the other measurements of a shuttlecock, the length is standardized to ensure optimal flight, safety, and compliance with the laws of badminton.

Diameter of a feathered shuttlecock

Before talking about the diameter of a shuttlecock, let me inform you that the shuttlecock holds a conical shape, and its measurement needs to be in two parts, and here we are going to discuss the first part, which is the diameter of a feathered shuttlecock.

And according to the BWF’s equipment certification standards, the diameter of the feathered shuttlecock must be between 58 mm to 68 mm, which means that the median diameter is 63 mm.

Although the feathers need to be equal in measurement, as mentioned earlier, one needs to be situated in such a way that they form a circle.

And just like the length, the curricular placement of feathers also helps the shuttlecock through its aerodynamic flight.

Diameter of a feathered shuttlecock’s cork base

The second part; is the diameter of a feathered shuttle cock base, which is also worth standardizing.

So, according to BWF (Badminton World Federation) laws, the cork base of the shuttlecock needs to measure between 25 mm to 28 mm.

But most of the shuttlecock’s cork base falls within the range of 26 mm to 27 mm.

Forming what’s known as the tip of the shuttlecock, the cork base needs to have these measurements to ensure a straight flight path. But, of course, a conical tip is just part of the perfect-flight equation.

Final Words

Shuttlecocks are very lightweight and can affect your game if you do not opt for the right one.

There are different types of badminton shuttlecocks available in the market.

I suggest you choose a plastic shuttle for practising while a feather shuttlecock for playing any competitive tournaments.

Rather than this, I have also mentioned some other features and dimensions of a feathered shuttlecock, which will help you to choose an ideal shuttlecock for your game.

And in case you face any problems or have any questions in your mind regarding this post, then feel free to ask us or pin it up in the comment section below.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *