How to Select the Right Shuttlecock Speed

Choosing the correct shuttlecock speed is essential for a fair and enjoyable game. In the UK, the most common speeds are 77 (slower) and 78 (faster), but confusion arises due to inconsistent labelling—especially with brands like Yonex marking “Speed 3” as UK 78 when it actually performs closer to 77.

This blog covers:

• Why shuttle speed matters
• How to correctly test shuttle speed (BWF official method)
• Results from our blind shuttlecock test (players preferred 77)
• Why Yonex Speed 3 is misleadingly labelled as UK 78
• How to pick the right speed for your venue

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Why Shuttlecock Speed Matters

Shuttle speed significantly affects game play:

• 77 (Slower) – Floats longer, better for cold/drafty conditions.
• 78 (Faster) – Flies quicker, ideal for warm/humid environments.

Player Hitting Distance Matters:

• Beginners often can’t hit full-court length → 78 helps compensate
• Advanced players hitting baseline consistently → 77 provides better control

Wrong speed symptoms:

• Too slow (77 in hot conditions) → Shuttle falls short, players overhit.
• Too fast (78 in cold halls) → Shuttle flies long, hard to control.

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Official BWF Shuttle Speed Test

The correct way to check speed (as per BWF’s video guide):

1. Stand at the back boundary line.
2. Hit the shuttle underhand with full power (upward angle).
3. A perfect-speed shuttle should land 53-99cm (21-39 inches) short of the opposite baseline.
   • Short of this range? → Too slow (try 78).
   • Beyond this range? → Too fast (try 77).

Many clubs skip this test, leading to incorrect speed choices.

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Our Blind Shuttlecock Test: Players Preferred 77

We tested Swifties Pro, Swifties Lite, Yonex AS-30, AS-40, AS-50—all high-quality shuttles—by:

1. Removing labels, marking them A, B, C, D, E, F.
2. Letting players use them without knowing the speed.

Key Findings:

✅ Players consistently preferred slower shuttles (77)—even when they couldn’t identify the speed.
✅ No major quality difference—all performed well.
❌ Players struggled slightly with 78, finding them harder to control.

This suggests many UK players naturally favour 77, possibly due to cooler playing conditions.

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The Yonex Speed Labelling Issue

Misleading Speed Markings in the UK

• Yonex “Speed 3” is often sold as “UK 78”, but it actually performs like a 77.
• This misleads players into believing other brands (e.g., Swifties) are too fast, when in reality, Yonex’s labelling has been misinterpreted in the UK market.

Why Does This Happen?

• Yonex uses its own numbering system (Speed 1-4), which doesn’t perfectly align with BWF’s 76-79 scale.
• Retailers sometimes mislabel them, further confusing buyers.

Solution:

✅ Test shuttles using BWF method—don’t rely on brand labels
✅ If your Yonex Speed 3 (marked UK 78) feels slow, it’s likely because it’s closer to 77

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How to Choose the Right Speed for Your UK Venue

1. Do the BWF Test First

• Follow the official method to check if your shuttle is too fast/slow.

2. Consider Playing Conditions

• Cold/drafty halls? → 77 (slower) is likely correct.
• Warm/humid? → Try 78 (faster).
• High altitude? → Air is thinner, so even 77 may fly too fast—consider 76.

3. Factor in Player Level

• Beginners: 78 helps reach full court
• Advanced: 77 for better control

4. Don’t Blindly Trust Brand Labels

• Yonex Speed 3 ≠ UK 78 (it’s closer to 77).
• If other brands feel “too fast,” they might just be correctly labelled.

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Final Verdict: Should UK Clubs Use 77 or 78?

✔ Most UK venues suit 77 (due to cooler temps).
✔ If players struggle with power, 77 helps control.
✔ If shuttles aren’t reaching baseline, try 78.
❌ Don’t trust Yonex’s “UK 78” label—test properly!

Pro Tip: Always test shuttle speed—don’t just go by player preference or brand labels. The right speed ensures fair, competitive rallies!

related videos/articles:

How To Correctly Test & Change The Speed Of A Shuttlecock (With Pictures)