How to Choose Shuttlecock Speed (77 vs 78 vs 79)

You've probably noticed the numbers printed on shuttlecock tubes: 77, 78, 79, sometimes 75 or 76. These numbers indicate shuttle speed, but the labeling system confuses many beginners.

This guide explains what these numbers mean, why they matter for club play, and how to choose the right speed for your playing conditions without overthinking it.

What Shuttlecock Speed Numbers Mean

The number indicates how far the shuttlecock travels when hit with standard force under specific conditions. Lower numbers = faster flight. Higher numbers = slower flight.

Why it's backwards: The numbers reference a historical testing method. Lower numbers mean the shuttle flies farther (faster), higher numbers mean shorter flight (slower). It's counterintuitive but standardized worldwide.

Why Shuttle Speed Matters (But Not Much for Beginners)

Shuttle speed affects how your shots feel and how far clears travel. Too fast a shuttle flies past the baseline on defense. Too slow a shuttle makes attacking shots land short.

However, for club-level players developing technique, shuttle speed is less critical than:

• Shuttle durability (nylon lasts 5-10x longer than feather)
• Consistent flight quality
• Your footwork and positioning

Professional players are sensitive to speed because they hit with perfect technique at maximum power. Club players have enough technique variation that a one-speed difference rarely matters.

The Simple Selection Rule

For most club players, follow this guideline:

When to Choose Speed 77 (Fast)

• Playing in hot weather (above 75°F)
• High altitude locations (above 3,000 feet elevation)
• You notice regular shuttles flying too far past the baseline
• Players frequently hitting "out" on clears

When to Choose Speed 78 (Medium/Standard)

• Indoor temperature-controlled courts
• Moderate weather (60-75°F)
• Sea level to moderate elevation
• Default choice when conditions are average

When to Choose Speed 79 (Slow)

• Cold weather (below 60°F)
• Very humid coastal conditions at sea level
• You notice shuttles consistently landing short
• Clears struggle to reach the baseline

How Temperature and Altitude Affect Speed

Temperature: Warmer air is less dense. Shuttles encounter less air resistance, flying farther and faster. This is why you use lower speed numbers (faster shuttles) in hot conditions to compensate.

Altitude: Higher altitude has thinner air. Less air resistance means shuttles fly farther, so you need faster (lower number) shuttles to keep them in bounds.

Humidity: High humidity makes air denser. Shuttles fly slower, so you might need a slower-rated (higher number) shuttle at humid sea-level locations.

These effects are real but gradual. Don't overthink small variations—most club players won't notice a one-speed difference unless conditions are extreme.

Testing if Your Current Speed is Right

Here's a simple test to check if your shuttle speed matches conditions:

1. Stand at the baseline in ready position
2. Hit a full-power overhead clear toward the opposite baseline
3. Watch where it lands with good technique

Ideal result: The shuttle lands 1-2 feet inside the baseline when you hit a solid clear.

Too fast: Shuttles consistently fly past the baseline with normal clears. You need a higher speed number (slower shuttle).

Too slow: Your best clears land 3+ feet short of the baseline. You need a lower speed number (faster shuttle).

Important note: If you're a beginner and clears land short, this is usually a technique issue, not shuttle speed. Don't buy faster shuttles to compensate for developing power. Fix footwork and wrist snap first.

Nylon vs Feather Speed Differences

Speed ratings apply to both nylon and feather shuttles, but they behave differently:

Nylon shuttles:

• More consistent speed across the tube
• Less affected by temperature changes
• Speed rating more forgiving (78 works in wider range)
• Better choice for beginners worried about speed selection

Feather shuttles:

• More sensitive to temperature and humidity
• Speed can vary slightly between individual shuttles
• Professional players are pickier about exact speed
• Speed selection matters more at advanced levels

For club play with nylon shuttles, being "one speed off" is rarely noticeable. With feather shuttles at tournament level, players are much more particular.

Recommended Shuttles by Speed

If your current shuttles work well, there's no need to change. These are options for when you're buying new:

Yonex Mavis 350 (Nylon) - Multiple Speeds

• Available in blue cap (fast/77), green cap (medium/78), red cap (slow/79)
• Best all-around nylon shuttle for club play
• Consistent flight, good durability
• Medium speed (green) is safe default

Yonex AS-40 (Feather) - Multiple Speeds

• Available in all standard speeds (76-79)
• Good entry-level feather shuttle
• Suitable for intermediate players transitioning to feather
• Choose 77 or 78 for most indoor conditions

See our complete nylon vs feather guide for more recommendations.

Common Mistakes When Choosing Speed

Mistake #1: Blaming Speed for Technique Issues

If your clears don't reach the baseline, the problem is usually footwork, timing, or wrist snap—not shuttle speed. Buying faster shuttles won't fix developing technique.

Mistake #2: Overcomplicating It

Some players obsess over exact speed for casual club play. Unless you're competing at high level or conditions are extreme (very hot/cold), speed 78 works fine almost everywhere.

Mistake #3: Not Adjusting for Seasonal Changes

If you play outdoors year-round, you may need different speeds for summer (77) vs winter (79). Indoor players can usually stick with one speed.

The Bottom Line: Keep It Simple

Shuttlecock speed matters, but most club players overthink it. Follow this simple approach:

1. Start with speed 78 (medium) if you're unsure. It works in most indoor and moderate outdoor conditions.
2. Adjust only if clearly needed: If shuttles consistently fly too far or too short, try the next speed up or down.
3. Stay consistent: Once you find a speed that works, stick with it. Consistency matters more than perfect optimization.
4. Don't blame the shuttle for technique issues. If one player's clears reach the baseline and yours don't, work on footwork and timing first.

Remember: Good footwork and solid technique make far more difference than perfect shuttle speed selection. Use a reasonable speed for your conditions and focus your energy on improving your game.

Related Guides:
• Nylon vs Feather Shuttlecocks Guide
• Best Rackets for Beginners