The average badminton shuttlecock price has risen 22% since 2022 – but why?
The badminton world is experiencing sticker shock as leading brands like Victor and Yonex implement price hikes of 5-29% – their second major increase in just ten months. A tube of Yonex AS-05 shuttles that cost ¥95 (£10) in 2023 now sells for ¥275 (£30), leaving players joking that “they appreciate faster than gold.”
The Perfect Storm Driving Prices Up
1️⃣ Raw Material Shortages
- Only 5 usable feathers per duck wing (16 needed per shuttle)
- China’s duck/geese population dropped 27% from 2019-2021
- Poultry farmers prioritize meat over feather production
2️⃣ Supply Chain Squeeze
- “Big Three” brands (Yonex/Li-Ning/Victor) dominate factory capacity
- Smaller manufacturers struggle to obtain synthetic strings (retail markups up to £5-£10 per reel)
- Distributors add ¥10 (£1) markups at each level
3️⃣ Surging Demand
- Youth participation doubled since 2019 after badminton became a national PE test option
- Corporate team-building events now account for 40% of bulk purchases
- Beginners increasingly opt for premium ¥800-¥900 (£90-£100) rackets
Industry Adaptations
- Alternative Materials: Nylon/plastic shuttles (¥60-¥90/£7-£10 per tube) improving but still inferior
- Gray Market: Some distributors hoard inventory for resale at 150% markup
- Training Shift: Coaches now emphasize durability over power in shuttle selection
When Will It Stabilize?
Manufacturers remain silent on pricing strategies, but retailers report resistance:
“Beyond ¥200 (£22) per tube, casual players start quitting or switching to tennis,” says Beijing dealer Liu Liang. With 3,300 training centers nationwide now teaching badminton, the sport’s growth may ultimately hinge on affordability.
Pro Tip: Savvy club players are stocking up on discontinued shuttlecock models to beat price hikes – but there’s a smarter solution. Meet Swifties Core, our new tournament-grade shuttlecock launching at 15% below competitor prices.
How has the price surge affected your game? Share your coping strategies in the comments.