It just proves that we all have different experiences and depending on the batch whether it’s a good experience or a bad one.

I don’t mind what brand players use, as long as they get the right speed.

In my 20+ years of coaching, I just haven’t found a brand as consistent in quality terms as Yonex.

I haven’t tested Aeroplane shuttles although I do hear good reports about them. As you say, the difficulty is finding where to buy them. From what I hear they are a similar price to Yonex shuttles.

I totally agree that Yonex are more expensive. There again, they don’t have their shuttles manufactured in the same places as others.

I used the Carlton GT shuttle and it was dire when we tested, both in terms of speed, flight, and endurance. I’ve always found Victor to be a little slow compared to other brands of the same speed. It’s almost an in-between speed.

Thanks for your comments. As players we are always looking for the holy grail of shuttles, but I think we are all asking too much in terms of price versus quality these days. We want our cake and eat it and that’s rare.

Paul

I agree Yonex shuttles are good, just a little pricey, but not necessarily the best. My favourite are Aeroplane shuttles from China, which are hardly easy to get hold of.

I just wish it was easier to persuade people how to test shuttles!

Many thanks for your comments.

Yes, I am connected to Yonex and am extremely proud of it too. However, I have tested plenty of shuttles and still test on behalf of the retailer I am connected to through Yonex.

In all of my articles about shuttle testing, I have steered clear of pushing the Yonex brand because I knew the article would be misread and potentially seen in the wrong light.

The articles were explictly written to make players aware of the rules, the dangers of playing with slow shuttles, and to put forward an argument that slow shuttles are de-skilling badminton.

How can we teach our youngsters skill when we’re taking away the underlying skills such as shuttle control, the ability to change grip fast, and the importance of staying focussed in order to keep the shuttle in?

I have no intention of having a go at other shuttle brands. I have tested many and disected them to see the makeup. It’s amazing how many are exactly the same!

The club I go to do not use Yonex feathers because of the cost – a huge underlying factor for most clubs and players. Whilst I believe wholeheartedly that Yonex make the best shuttles in the world, and many players and coaches alike will concur with me, they are expensive compared to other brands. That said, if they are deemed the best, then why should they be the cheapest?

Let’s get back to your comments…

I always have a tube of Yonex shuttles in my bag. The only reason I got a Yonex shuttle out was to test it bearing in mind the other shuttles were so slow. I really couldn’t believe how slow they were so questioned the conditions in the hall. I expected my shuttle to test slow but it didn’t.

So for anyone reading this please, I just want to help you understand how vital shuttle speeds are in the skill and enjoyment of the game. All of the players in the club I visited could significantly improve with the right speed of shuttle. Enough said.

To your success

Paul