Last night, I visited a badminton club in Widnes, after receiving an invitation from one of the players. The player found me through Yonex UK website and I took the Yonex range of racquets for the players to test.

I also agreed to provide coaching on the night.

First off, I’d like to thank the players for making me so welcome and for asking so many questions.

When I asked everyone what they wanted to learn, the first topic was clearing the shuttle.

Rather than launching into technique, I asked the players whether they knew how to test a shuttle properly – nobody in the club knew the answer. I began explaining the process of testing and why it was important. (You can see this for yourself in my video section.) I picked up a brand new shuttle to test, stood on the back line, struck the shuttle and watched the result with a look of horror and despair…

What had I hit? The shuttle stopped at least 4 feet short of the back service line! No wonder the players were having problems hitting to the back of the court. They hadn’t a chance of clearing to the back line with these shuttles – even I couldn’t get a good length.

The sportshall was well lit and very warm. They were using Carlton or Head speed 78 shuttles. I would have expected a speed 78 shuttle to have been right for this hall.

Having seen where the shuttle landed and pointed out exactly where the shuttle should land, I explained to the players that there was no way with these shuttles that I could help them achieve their goal. I then went on to explain the dangers of playing with these shuttles including the injuries they could suffer. Later on in the evening, one of the players strapped on an elbow support. The phrase “I told you so” sprung to mind.

We worked on a number of skills. It was great to see confidence rising as the players realised that they could improve quickly and that everything I asked them to do was relatively easy – they just hadn’t been shown before.

Towards the end of the evening, I took out of my bag a Yonex Aerosensa 30 shuttle. I tested it and it landed on the back doubles service line – perfect! I played a game of mixed doubles to finish the night.

I’m not writing this post to have a go at a particular brand of shuttle – I’m actually writing out of concern for you, the player. I urge you to make sure you know the rules for testing badminton shuttles and can test yourself. Please watch my video if you’re unsure. It’s such a shame that the players last night were suffering, playing with poor shuttles in terms of speed, and this was having a major impact on their ability to play the game. It was also beginning to cause injuries. If not checked, this could result in players leaving for the game through injury.

Thank you once again to the players for taking part. i really enjoyed working with you! Please, buy some decent speed shuttles, you will enjoy your badminton more when you do.

As always, I invite you to write to me or comment on my posts.

To your success.

Paul

I played a match last Wednesday. For the first time the club used the correct speed shuttles. Guess what happened?

As virtually all the players were used to playing with slow shuttles, a high percentage of rallies ended with the shuttle being hit out of the rear court. Only a couple of players managed to adjust their shots over time but even they, me included, when put under extreme pressure hit that bit too hard and gifted a point to the opposition by lifting too long.

You’ll recall from my original article that most clubs are playing with slow  shuttle speeds and do not play with the correct shuttles that fall within the laws of the game. Because of this, players are gradually losing key skills to control the shuttle properly.

Essentially what we’re left with is a game where smashes are less penetrating and therefore can be returned easier, players are able to get out of trouble easier without being penalised as often for lack of control (i.e. keeping the shuttle in) and we’re losing the feel around the net to move a shuttle at will with deft touch to create an opening.

If you analysed the games and rallies played last Wednesday you would have reached the same conclusion as me. Players had been so used to slow shuttles, they couldn’t make adjustments fast enough to prevent loss of points.

The opposition were initially saying that the shuttles were too fast. On further discussion with them they then agreed that they had been playing with shuttles that were way too slow and therefore they struggled to adjust to the correct speeds.

What was also interesting was that most of the opposition did not test the shuttle properly. They stood on the back doubles service line instead of the back line to strike the shuttle. They need to read my article!

Keep sending me comments. It’s always good to hear from you.

To your success

Paul

I’m an avid tester of shuttles as I do a lot of coaching. I’ve been coaching for over 20 years and playing for over 30 years.

There’s no doubt that shuttles were better 30 years ago. Leading the pack then was RSL. In those days RSL were manufactured in UK. Sadly, RSL shuttles today are a poor imitation of their ancestors, although they still rank highly.

So what does that say? Most shuttles lack consistency in flight and speed and many just do not stand up to a good few rallies. It’s fair to say that it’s hard to compare like for like as we don’t play with the same racquets today. Racquet technology has moved significantly since 1980′s with Yonex leading the way in terms of introducing us to a new head shape and space-age super-strong and yet super-light materials.

In the race to keep prices reasonable (remember there was a shortage of feather s not too long ago because of the bird flu epidemic), some shuttle manufacturers have attempted to cut costs by introducing foreign materials to our shuttles. Many, such as Wilson now have a combination base comprising of part cork and part composite material. I salute them for trying something new. For me this combination doesn’t work and I can tell the difference on my racquet between an all cork or combination base.  Also remember that most shuttles are made by the same manufacturer and then branded so there’s actually no difference at all between many brands.

So, we’re left with the dilemma between paying for consistent flight and a degree of durability compared to inconsistent flight and who knows how long the shuttle will last. Generally I’ve found the cheaper shuttles to be a false economy usually using significantly more in matches. When monitored, these so called cheaper shuttles are certainly not the best value for money. Consistency in speed in one tube can sometimes be a joke.

By the way, look up cheap in the dictionary. Oxford English dictionary describes cheap as inferior and that is exactly what we are paying for.

Whilst I’m just like you and dissatisfied at the colossal increase in the price of feathers, there is one brand that has been consistent in its quality control above all the rest from the dozens of tests I’ve done. No surprises therefore when I name the brand as Yonex.

Usually I use Aerosensa 30 or 40 although I love the 50 best of all. I’ve been testing the new duck (yes you read right, duck feather, not goose) feathered Aeroclub 07 introduced in 2009. Yet again, and no surprises to note consistent in flight and speed which is rare to find these days. Will they take the pounding from a league match or heavy training session? Probably not, although I’ve not had enough time to measure how many I use compared to Aerosensa to provide this data.

I understand Yonex go to great lengths when shipping shuttles these days to package them properly, therefore virtually eliminating the “bad batch” syndrome.

Will we return to plastics because of the increased prices? Probably not. There’s not a single plastic on the market that can fly like a feather. Additionally, who wants to injure their shoulder or arm thumping these things compared to stroking a feather – no one.

Let’s face it, whether we like it or not, the cost of playing our beloved game is increasing. Fortunately, the costs aren’t so high as to make the game elitist because that would be the biggest shame of all.

My advice to all readers. Find the shuttle you’re happiest with and stick to it. For me it’s simple, I only choose Yonex. Occasionally test another brand if you really have to answer the cost/quality question. Best of all, get together with your badminton friends and buy in bulk to get the best prices.

In my 20 +  years as a coach, I’ve had the pleasure and good fortune to test many shuttles. So what do I look for? First of all, out of the tube consistency in speed and flight. You be amazed how many shuttles have failed this simple test. Many years ago, it was common to find at least one “wobbler” in a tube of medium priced-expensive shuttles. Buyers were being conned that they were getting great value for money, when in fact, most of the time they only purchased 11 reasonable shuttles in a tube.

My first encounter with Yonex shuttles was way back in mid 1990’s. Back then I used Aerosensa 50’s. They were by far the best shuttle on the market and personally, I don’t think there is a shuttle on the market today that can compete with Aerosensa 50 quality. But, sadly, they are expensive and are virtually beyond the price points that most players or clubs are prepared to pay. They do say quality comes at a price – that’s the Aerosensa 50. Rating out of 5, I’d say 4 because of the price

OK, so the Aerosensa 50’s are my number choice. So what about the rest of the Aerosensa range. I’ve played with them all and have tested hundreds of dozens in my time so I do feel I’m qualified to review them.

Personally I’m not a great fan of the Aerosensa 10 or 20. Both are nice shuttles. As you would expect from the Yonex range, all the shuttles passed my first test with flying colours. But, despite the cheaper price, I didn’t feel the Aerosensa 10 or Aerosensa 20 lasted as long in hard training conditions as I would have liked. That said, Yoex’s budget shuttles have proved to be consistently better than some brands premium shuttle. If I had to rate them out of 5, I’d say 2 because they aren’t that much cheaper to warrant a 3 in my rating system.

This leaves only 2 shuttles from the range remaining, Aerosensa 30 and 40. I absolutely love both these shuttles. Give n the choice and budget, I’d have the 40’s. Actually, given the right budget I’d have the 50’s! But, let’s be reasonable. Both these shuttles are ideal for club,  league and county play although I suspect the 40’s would fare better at county level. For striking a balance between price and quality I’d give the Aerosensa 30 my highest rating with the Aerosensa 40 a very close second.

I’ve been a serious user of Yonex shuttles for at least 15 years. During this period I’ve only been sponsored by Yonex for 4 years. My rating and review are not based on what my sponsor would like me to say, but purely based on my findings and continuing purchase of the brand. I’d say that the Yonex range is by far the best on the market. Their reputation for high consistency in flight, speedy and quality surpasses any other brand. Every shuttle in the range has a full cork base for the best “feel” off the racquet. I’ve tested a few brands top shuttles who use a composite material alongside cork. I’m not naming them but there is a marked difference in quality.

Final thoughts. Purchasing cheaper shuttles is absolutely fine. But, are you really getting value for money? Do yourself a favour, try a tube of Aerosensa 30’s and monitor usage against your usual brand. I’d be amazed if you used all of the Yonex shuttles ahead of the others. When you’ve done this, work out the real cost per shuttle and then let me know the results. My guess is the Yonex shuttle will outperform the other brands and you’ll find that you’re actually paying more than you think for shuttles because you’re using greater numbers. So take the Stewart test and please tell me your findings, I’m really that interested to know. Cut open the old shuttle and take a look at the base too. Is it all cork or composite? How different do they feel on the racquet? Happy testing.

This is a brand new shuttle.

Like the rest of the Aerosensa range it has an all cork base. So what’s different apart from the price?

The feathers are duck, rather than traditional goose. As with all Yonex shuttles, straight out of the tube they fly perfectly and the usually high level of consistency. The shuttles were tested in both coaching sessions and games. This is a cheaper shuttle because they are made from duck feathers. Apparently, duck feather takes considerably less time to grow than goose feathers and therefore the “growing” costs are significantly reduced. As I said before, the shuttle flight is very good, typical Yonex. But, this shuttle will not withstand a pounding.

Is it better than Aerosensa 10, 20 or 30? Not sure when competing with Aerosensa 10 or 20. For durability, the Aerosena 30 wins easily. The Aeroclub 07 is considerably cheaper than the Aerosensa range. As a value-for-money shuttle it’s got to rank highly although it wouldn’t be number 1 choice.

The only shuttle speed in UK at the moment is 3. For most halls this is too slow so there is a danger you can get an injury through repetition due to the difficulty in smashing the shuttle to finish the point.

Final thoughts. It’s worth a try bearing in mind the price. Perhaps it’ll become a summer club or club night shuttle when trying to cut club/team overheads. Rating. 2.5 out of 5.