Preparing feather shuttlecocks

Preparing feather shuttlecocks: step-by-step explained

Feather badminton shuttlecocks offer the best playing feel, but they are also fragile. Many players notice that badminton shuttlecocks break quickly, even after clean hits. By preparing feather shuttlecocks, this problem can be significantly reduced. In this blog, we explain step by step how to do this correctly.

At the KW FLEX badminton shop, we regularly receive questions about this, especially from clubs and competitive players who want to control their costs.

Why prepare feather shuttlecocks?

feather shuttlecocks are made from natural feathers. Due to dry air, cold or heat, these feathers dry out and lose their flexibility. As a result, they become brittle and break more easily.

Preparing shuttlecocks aims to:

• Reactivate the natural oils in the feathers
• Make the feathers more flexible
• Reduce breakage

Properly prepared shuttlecocks can last up to three times longer and maintain a stable flight for a longer period.

What do you need?

To prepare feather shuttlecocks, you only need a few items:

• A kettle or water boiler with water
• A tube of feather badminton shuttlecocks
• A badminton racket or long object
• An absorbent microfiber cloth

The KW FLEX step-by-step plan: preparing feather shuttlecocks

Follow these steps carefully:

• Take the tube of feather shuttlecocks
• Remove both caps
• Leave the shuttlecocks inside the tube
• Switch on the kettle and allow steam to enter the tube
• Use the handle of your racket to push the top shuttlecock out and place it at the bottom
• Repeat this process so that all shuttlecocks have been moved once or twice

This ensures all feathers receive steam evenly.

Drying times: when to use the shuttlecocks?

Half a day in advance

• Remove all shuttlecocks from the tube
• Pat them dry with a microfiber cloth
• Let them dry completely in the open air

1 day in advance

• Remove the shuttlecocks and pat them dry
• Dry the tube
• Place the shuttlecocks back and leave one cap open

3 days in advance

• Leave one cap open after preparation
• Allow everything to dry slowly

1–3 weeks in advance

• Replace both caps after preparation
• This keeps the feathers slightly moist

Watch our video to see how to gently dry the feather shuttlecocks.

Tip: Use the handle of your racket to push the cloth through the tube.

Note: Humidity and temperature always play a role.

Common mistakes when preparing shuttlecocks

• Using too much steam
• Steaming too close to the kettle
• Making the shuttlecocks wet instead of lightly moist
• Not considering the moment of play

Too much steam can affect the glue that holds the feathers to the cork. A cork that becomes too wet can also slow down the shuttlecock’s flight.

Practical tips

• Use the handle of your racket to push the cloth through the tube
• Always store shuttlecocks upright, with the feathers facing upwards
• It is better to prepare too little than too much

If you want to get more out of your feather shuttlecocks and waste fewer shuttlecocks, proper preparation is essential.