Badminton · Interesting Facts
Chapter 5: Equipment & Technology
10 parts · 10 tests · 100 facts · updated 29 October 2026 · markdown
Badminton equipment has a history of its own, from the shuttle to the shoe. The first shuttles at the All England were barrel-shaped ones made in France, used from 1899 to 1909, when no specifications had yet been laid down. A handmade English shuttle, an early form of today's, then stayed in use until 1983, and the Yonex shuttle used now also serves the World Championships and the Olympics. Shuttles are changed often to keep the speed right.
RSL began as a kitchen business in the 1920s and grew to 66 million shuttles a year made at 20 sites in China. Its designs led to strict rules on matching feathers, because matching feathers make a shuttle fly true. Yonex started with fishing floats and wooden corks, launched its own-brand racket in 1961 and took its name in 1974. Jack Purcell, a world professional champion, gave his name to a canvas shoe designed for badminton in 1935 that Converse still makes. Feather prices doubled after late 2022, because only large wing feathers from the poultry trade are stiff enough.
The facts below cover the All England shuttles, RSL and its designs, Yonex's beginnings, Jack Purcell's shoe, Li-Ning, Victor, the shuttlecock price crunch, the Badminton Museum in Milton Keynes and the stringers who restring rackets in Birmingham.
5.51Shuttles at the All England
From French barrel shuttles in 1899 to the Yonex shuttle of today.
Test 1Shuttles at the All EnglandTake a test
It was a barrel-shaped shuttle made in France.
Source: Badminton Museum, 'Shuttles Used in the Yonex All-England Badminton Championships' (badmintonmuseum.org) · recall
They were used from 1899 to 1909.
Source: Badminton Museum, 'Shuttles Used in the Yonex All-England Badminton Championships' (badmintonmuseum.org) · recall
No specifications had yet been laid down.
Source: Badminton Museum, 'Shuttles Used in the Yonex All-England Badminton Championships' (badmintonmuseum.org) · recall
It was handmade in England, an early form of today's shuttle.
Source: Badminton Museum, 'Shuttles Used in the Yonex All-England Badminton Championships' (badmintonmuseum.org) · recall
It stayed in use until 1983.
Source: Badminton Museum, 'Shuttles Used in the Yonex All-England Badminton Championships' (badmintonmuseum.org) · recall
It is also used at the World Championships and the Olympics.
Source: Badminton Museum, 'Shuttles Used in the Yonex All-England Badminton Championships' (badmintonmuseum.org) · recall
Shuttles are changed often to keep the speed right.
Source: Badminton Museum, 'Shuttles Used in the Yonex All-England Badminton Championships' (badmintonmuseum.org) · recall
1899, 1910, 1947, 1984.
Source: Badminton Museum, 'Shuttles Used in the Yonex All-England Badminton Championships' (badmintonmuseum.org) · recall
Stitching held the feathers straight.
Source: Badminton Museum, 'Shuttles Used in the Yonex All-England Badminton Championships' (badmintonmuseum.org) · recall
The straight Ayres shuttle took over that year.
Source: Badminton Museum, 'Shuttles Used in the Yonex All-England Badminton Championships' (badmintonmuseum.org) · applied
5.52RSL, a Shuttle Maker
A kitchen business of the 1920s that grew into 66 million shuttles a year.
Test 1RSL, a shuttle makerTake a test
The first idea was to strengthen each quill.
Source: Badminton Museum, 'The History of Reinforced Shuttlecocks Ltd - RSL' (badmintonmuseum.org) · recall
He dried them in his kitchen.
Source: Badminton Museum, 'The History of Reinforced Shuttlecocks Ltd - RSL' (badmintonmuseum.org) · recall
His partners also imported gut and string.
Source: Badminton Museum, 'The History of Reinforced Shuttlecocks Ltd - RSL' (badmintonmuseum.org) · recall
They were made by hand from cork and goose feathers.
Source: Badminton Museum, 'The History of Reinforced Shuttlecocks Ltd - RSL' (badmintonmuseum.org) · recall
It kept working while English production stopped in the war.
Source: Badminton Museum, 'The History of Reinforced Shuttlecocks Ltd - RSL' (badmintonmuseum.org) · recall
It was at Haigh Camp, Richborough.
Source: Badminton Museum, 'The History of Reinforced Shuttlecocks Ltd - RSL' (badmintonmuseum.org) · recall
They are made at 20 sites in China.
Source: Badminton Museum, 'The History of Reinforced Shuttlecocks Ltd - RSL' (badmintonmuseum.org) · recall
1920s, 1930, 1947, 1980.
Source: Badminton Museum, 'The History of Reinforced Shuttlecocks Ltd - RSL' (badmintonmuseum.org) · recall
150, 1,300 and 40,000.
Source: Badminton Museum, 'The History of Reinforced Shuttlecocks Ltd - RSL' (badmintonmuseum.org) · recall
It was in south London.
Source: Badminton Museum, 'The History of Reinforced Shuttlecocks Ltd - RSL' (badmintonmuseum.org) · applied
5.53RSL's Shuttle Designs
Bluebirds, Tourneys and a shuttle with a third stitch.
Test 1RSL's shuttle designsTake a test
It did not fly as planned, but it began a long line.
Source: Badminton Museum, 'The History of Reinforced Shuttlecocks Ltd - RSL' (badmintonmuseum.org) · recall
It led to strict rules on matching feathers.
Source: Badminton Museum, 'The History of Reinforced Shuttlecocks Ltd - RSL' (badmintonmuseum.org) · recall
Matching feathers make the shuttle fly true.
Source: Badminton Museum, 'The History of Reinforced Shuttlecocks Ltd - RSL' (badmintonmuseum.org) · recall
The war had cut supplies.
Source: Badminton Museum, 'The History of Reinforced Shuttlecocks Ltd - RSL' (badmintonmuseum.org) · recall
They flew well but did not last.
Source: Badminton Museum, 'The History of Reinforced Shuttlecocks Ltd - RSL' (badmintonmuseum.org) · recall
Its base was cork and thermoplastic.
Source: Badminton Museum, 'The History of Reinforced Shuttlecocks Ltd - RSL' (badmintonmuseum.org) · recall
China supplied the raw materials; RSL supplied the machines.
Source: Badminton Museum, 'The History of Reinforced Shuttlecocks Ltd - RSL' (badmintonmuseum.org) · recall
1930, 1934, about 1988, about 1990.
Source: Badminton Museum, 'The History of Reinforced Shuttlecocks Ltd - RSL' (badmintonmuseum.org) · recall
1934, about 1947, about 1963.
Source: Badminton Museum, 'The History of Reinforced Shuttlecocks Ltd - RSL' (badmintonmuseum.org) · recall
It flew well, but wore out too soon.
Source: Badminton Museum, 'The History of Reinforced Shuttlecocks Ltd - RSL' (badmintonmuseum.org) · applied
5.54Yonex's Beginnings
Fishing floats, an aluminium first and a new name in 1974.
Test 1Yonex's beginningsTake a test
It also made wooden corks for sake bottles.
Source: Badminton Museum, 'Yoneyama Rackets' (badmintonmuseum.org); Yonex corporate history 1946-1970 (yonex.co.jp) · recall
Its own-brand racket followed in 1961.
Source: Badminton Museum, 'Yoneyama Rackets' (badmintonmuseum.org); Yonex corporate history 1946-1970 (yonex.co.jp) · recall
Metal frames were lighter than wood.
Source: Badminton Museum, 'Yoneyama Rackets' (badmintonmuseum.org); Yonex corporate history 1946-1970 (yonex.co.jp) · recall
A modern graphite racket weighs about 92 g.
Source: Badminton Museum, 'Yoneyama Rackets' (badmintonmuseum.org); Yonex corporate history 1946-1970 (yonex.co.jp) · recall
A new 'YY' logo had come the year before.
Source: Badminton Museum, 'Yoneyama Rackets' (badmintonmuseum.org); Yonex corporate history 1946-1970 (yonex.co.jp) · recall
John Player had sponsored it from 1970 to 1983.
Source: Badminton Museum, 'Shuttles Used in the Yonex All-England Badminton Championships' (badmintonmuseum.org) · recall
The name Yonex followed a year later.
Source: Badminton Museum, 'Yoneyama Rackets' (badmintonmuseum.org); Yonex corporate history 1946-1970 (yonex.co.jp) · recall
1946, 1961, 1968, 1974.
Source: Badminton Museum, 'Yoneyama Rackets' (badmintonmuseum.org); Yonex corporate history 1946-1970 (yonex.co.jp) · recall
1946, 1973, 1974.
Source: Badminton Museum, 'Yoneyama Rackets' (badmintonmuseum.org); Yonex corporate history 1946-1970 (yonex.co.jp) · recall
It was called the first with an aluminium head.
Source: Badminton Museum, 'Yoneyama Rackets' (badmintonmuseum.org); Yonex corporate history 1946-1970 (yonex.co.jp) · applied
5.55Jack Purcell's Shoe
A badminton champion's canvas shoe with a smile on its toe.
Test 1Jack Purcell's shoeTake a test
He was a world professional champion at the time.
Source: Nike, 'The history of the Jack Purcell shoe' (about.nike.com); The Canadian Encyclopedia, 'Badminton'; Converse brand history · recall
It was a tyre maker that also made canvas court shoes.
Source: Nike, 'The history of the Jack Purcell shoe' (about.nike.com); The Canadian Encyclopedia, 'Badminton'; Converse brand history · recall
Fans call the shoes 'Smilies'.
Source: Nike, 'The history of the Jack Purcell shoe' (about.nike.com); The Canadian Encyclopedia, 'Badminton'; Converse brand history · recall
It was meant for fast badminton footwork.
Source: Nike, 'The history of the Jack Purcell shoe' (about.nike.com); The Canadian Encyclopedia, 'Badminton'; Converse brand history · recall
Converse still makes the shoe today.
Source: Nike, 'The history of the Jack Purcell shoe' (about.nike.com); The Canadian Encyclopedia, 'Badminton'; Converse brand history · recall
He beat the four best British players on their 1930 tour.
Source: Nike, 'The history of the Jack Purcell shoe' (about.nike.com); The Canadian Encyclopedia, 'Badminton'; Converse brand history · recall
He had won Canadian titles as an amateur.
Source: Nike, 'The history of the Jack Purcell shoe' (about.nike.com); The Canadian Encyclopedia, 'Badminton'; Converse brand history · recall
1930, 1933, 1935, the 1970s.
Source: Nike, 'The history of the Jack Purcell shoe' (about.nike.com); The Canadian Encyclopedia, 'Badminton'; Converse brand history · recall
1929-30, 1935, the 1970s.
Source: Nike, 'The history of the Jack Purcell shoe' (about.nike.com); The Canadian Encyclopedia, 'Badminton'; Converse brand history · recall
It was designed for badminton in 1935.
Source: Nike, 'The history of the Jack Purcell shoe' (about.nike.com); The Canadian Encyclopedia, 'Badminton'; Converse brand history · applied
5.56Li-Ning
An Olympic gymnast's sportswear company and badminton.
Test 1Li-NingTake a test
He won three golds at Los Angeles in 1984.
Source: Britannica, 'Li Ning'; The China Project, 'Li Ning: China's Prince of Gymnastics turned sportswear titan' (2021); SGI Europe on Li-Ning and the Chinese badminton team; Badminton Planet (2010) · recall
He had retired from competition in 1988.
Source: Britannica, 'Li Ning'; The China Project, 'Li Ning: China's Prince of Gymnastics turned sportswear titan' (2021); SGI Europe on Li-Ning and the Chinese badminton team; Badminton Planet (2010) · recall
He 'ran' around the stadium roof on wires.
Source: Britannica, 'Li Ning'; The China Project, 'Li Ning: China's Prince of Gymnastics turned sportswear titan' (2021); SGI Europe on Li-Ning and the Chinese badminton team; Badminton Planet (2010) · recall
Li-Ning sales still rose after the ceremony.
Source: Britannica, 'Li Ning'; The China Project, 'Li Ning: China's Prince of Gymnastics turned sportswear titan' (2021); SGI Europe on Li-Ning and the Chinese badminton team; Badminton Planet (2010) · recall
Before that the team had other suppliers.
Source: Britannica, 'Li Ning'; The China Project, 'Li Ning: China's Prince of Gymnastics turned sportswear titan' (2021); SGI Europe on Li-Ning and the Chinese badminton team; Badminton Planet (2010) · recall
It was a four-year deal.
Source: Britannica, 'Li Ning'; The China Project, 'Li Ning: China's Prince of Gymnastics turned sportswear titan' (2021); SGI Europe on Li-Ning and the Chinese badminton team; Badminton Planet (2010) · recall
It was one of the biggest deals in Indian badminton.
Source: Britannica, 'Li Ning'; The China Project, 'Li Ning: China's Prince of Gymnastics turned sportswear titan' (2021); SGI Europe on Li-Ning and the Chinese badminton team; Badminton Planet (2010) · recall
1984, 1988, 1990, 2008.
Source: Britannica, 'Li Ning'; The China Project, 'Li Ning: China's Prince of Gymnastics turned sportswear titan' (2021); SGI Europe on Li-Ning and the Chinese badminton team; Badminton Planet (2010) · recall
1990, 1992, around 2010.
Source: Britannica, 'Li Ning'; The China Project, 'Li Ning: China's Prince of Gymnastics turned sportswear titan' (2021); SGI Europe on Li-Ning and the Chinese badminton team; Badminton Planet (2010) · recall
His company makes badminton rackets and shoes.
Source: Britannica, 'Li Ning'; The China Project, 'Li Ning: China's Prince of Gymnastics turned sportswear titan' (2021); SGI Europe on Li-Ning and the Chinese badminton team; Badminton Planet (2010) · applied
5.57Victor
A Taipei shuttle maker of 1968 that became a world brand.
Test 1VictorTake a test
It was founded by Chen Den-li.
Source: VICTOR Europe and VICTOR International company histories; Badminton Association of Malaysia, 'VICTOR 50th anniversary exhibition kickstarts in Taipei'; Taiwan News (2024) · recall
Within about two years it led Taiwan's shuttle market.
Source: VICTOR Europe and VICTOR International company histories; Badminton Association of Malaysia, 'VICTOR 50th anniversary exhibition kickstarts in Taipei'; Taiwan News (2024) · recall
He died in January 2024.
Source: VICTOR Europe and VICTOR International company histories; Badminton Association of Malaysia, 'VICTOR 50th anniversary exhibition kickstarts in Taipei'; Taiwan News (2024) · recall
Korea did well at the Sudirman, Uber and Thomas Cups in the years after.
Source: VICTOR Europe and VICTOR International company histories; Badminton Association of Malaysia, 'VICTOR 50th anniversary exhibition kickstarts in Taipei'; Taiwan News (2024) · recall
It was a Super Series event then.
Source: VICTOR Europe and VICTOR International company histories; Badminton Association of Malaysia, 'VICTOR 50th anniversary exhibition kickstarts in Taipei'; Taiwan News (2024) · recall
It became official partner of the Malaysia Open too.
Source: VICTOR Europe and VICTOR International company histories; Badminton Association of Malaysia, 'VICTOR 50th anniversary exhibition kickstarts in Taipei'; Taiwan News (2024) · recall
The sponsorship lasted about twenty years.
Source: VICTOR Europe and VICTOR International company histories; Badminton Association of Malaysia, 'VICTOR 50th anniversary exhibition kickstarts in Taipei'; Taiwan News (2024) · recall
1968, 2009, 2010, 2015.
Source: VICTOR Europe and VICTOR International company histories; Badminton Association of Malaysia, 'VICTOR 50th anniversary exhibition kickstarts in Taipei'; Taiwan News (2024) · recall
1946, 1968, 1990.
Source: VICTOR Europe and VICTOR International company histories; Badminton Association of Malaysia, 'VICTOR 50th anniversary exhibition kickstarts in Taipei'; Taiwan News (2024) · recall
Victor was founded in Taipei.
Source: VICTOR Europe and VICTOR International company histories; Badminton Association of Malaysia, 'VICTOR 50th anniversary exhibition kickstarts in Taipei'; Taiwan News (2024) · applied
5.58The Shuttlecock Price Crunch
Why shuttle prices doubled in China in 2024.
Test 1The shuttlecock price crunchTake a test
Only large wing feathers are stiff enough.
Source: AFP via France 24 and eNCA, 'Badminton federation smoothes feathers ruffled by shuttlecock shortage' (2025); South China Morning Post (2024, 2025); Radio Free Asia (August 2024) · recall
Feather prices had doubled since late 2022.
Source: AFP via France 24 and eNCA, 'Badminton federation smoothes feathers ruffled by shuttlecock shortage' (2025); South China Morning Post (2024, 2025); Radio Free Asia (August 2024) · recall
Clubs use dozens of shuttles a session.
Source: AFP via France 24 and eNCA, 'Badminton federation smoothes feathers ruffled by shuttlecock shortage' (2025); South China Morning Post (2024, 2025); Radio Free Asia (August 2024) · recall
Fewer ducks and geese being raised played a part too.
Source: AFP via France 24 and eNCA, 'Badminton federation smoothes feathers ruffled by shuttlecock shortage' (2025); South China Morning Post (2024, 2025); Radio Free Asia (August 2024) · recall
Climate change was named as another.
Source: AFP via France 24 and eNCA, 'Badminton federation smoothes feathers ruffled by shuttlecock shortage' (2025); South China Morning Post (2024, 2025); Radio Free Asia (August 2024) · recall
That is more than in any other country.
Source: AFP via France 24 and eNCA, 'Badminton federation smoothes feathers ruffled by shuttlecock shortage' (2025); South China Morning Post (2024, 2025); Radio Free Asia (August 2024) · recall
It said it was watching supplies.
Source: AFP via France 24 and eNCA, 'Badminton federation smoothes feathers ruffled by shuttlecock shortage' (2025); South China Morning Post (2024, 2025); Radio Free Asia (August 2024) · recall
Shuttles are a by-product of the poultry trade.
Source: AFP via France 24 and eNCA, 'Badminton federation smoothes feathers ruffled by shuttlecock shortage' (2025); South China Morning Post (2024, 2025); Radio Free Asia (August 2024) · recall
Late 2022, 2024, 2025.
Source: AFP via France 24 and eNCA, 'Badminton federation smoothes feathers ruffled by shuttlecock shortage' (2025); South China Morning Post (2024, 2025); Radio Free Asia (August 2024) · recall
Wing feathers from the poultry trade became scarce.
Source: AFP via France 24 and eNCA, 'Badminton federation smoothes feathers ruffled by shuttlecock shortage' (2025); South China Morning Post (2024, 2025); Radio Free Asia (August 2024) · applied
5.59The Badminton Museum
A collection of rackets, shuttles and books in Milton Keynes since 2003.
Test 1The Badminton MuseumTake a test
It opened on 9 September 2003.
Source: Badminton Museum, 'History of the Museum' (badmintonmuseum.org) · recall
He was the federation's chief executive.
Source: Badminton Museum, 'History of the Museum' (badmintonmuseum.org) · recall
Trustees now manage it.
Source: Badminton Museum, 'History of the Museum' (badmintonmuseum.org) · recall
The collection was growing long before the museum opened.
Source: Badminton Museum, 'History of the Museum' (badmintonmuseum.org) · recall
It had gathered material since 1893.
Source: Badminton Museum, 'History of the Museum' (badmintonmuseum.org) · recall
It is at the national badminton centre.
Source: Badminton Museum, 'History of the Museum' (badmintonmuseum.org) · recall
A working party of volunteers looks after it.
Source: Badminton Museum, 'History of the Museum' (badmintonmuseum.org) · recall
1994, 2003, 2007.
Source: Badminton Museum, 'History of the Museum' (badmintonmuseum.org) · recall
Battledore, then wood, metal and graphite.
Source: Badminton Museum, 'History of the Museum' (badmintonmuseum.org) · recall
Trustees manage it since then.
Source: Badminton Museum, 'History of the Museum' (badmintonmuseum.org) · applied
5.60The All England Stringers
Thirty years of restringing the world's best rackets in Birmingham.
Test 1The All England stringersTake a test
That was the year the event moved to Birmingham.
Source: Badminton Museum, 'Behind the Scenes - with the Yonex Stringing Team' (badmintonmuseum.org) · recall
At Glasgow in 1997 only three came, and they were swamped.
Source: Badminton Museum, 'Behind the Scenes - with the Yonex Stringing Team' (badmintonmuseum.org) · recall
The string is 0.7 mm thick and goes through 1.2 mm holes.
Source: Badminton Museum, 'Behind the Scenes - with the Yonex Stringing Team' (badmintonmuseum.org) · recall
Aerobite and Exbolt 65 are catching up.
Source: Badminton Museum, 'Behind the Scenes - with the Yonex Stringing Team' (badmintonmuseum.org) · recall
He also asks for 10% pre-stretch.
Source: Badminton Museum, 'Behind the Scenes - with the Yonex Stringing Team' (badmintonmuseum.org) · recall
High tensions break strings often.
Source: Badminton Museum, 'Behind the Scenes - with the Yonex Stringing Team' (badmintonmuseum.org) · recall
About two thirds of the work arrives on the practice days.
Source: Badminton Museum, 'Behind the Scenes - with the Yonex Stringing Team' (badmintonmuseum.org) · recall
23-25 lbs, mid-20s to low 30s, 32 lbs.
Source: Badminton Museum, 'Behind the Scenes - with the Yonex Stringing Team' (badmintonmuseum.org) · recall
1994, 1997, 2001, 2004.
Source: Badminton Museum, 'Behind the Scenes - with the Yonex Stringing Team' (badmintonmuseum.org) · recall
It passes through holes of about 1.2 mm.
Source: Badminton Museum, 'Behind the Scenes - with the Yonex Stringing Team' (badmintonmuseum.org) · applied
Questions people ask
- What were the first shuttles used at the All England?
- Barrel-shaped shuttles made in France, used from 1899 to 1909, at a time when no specifications had yet been laid down.
- Why must shuttle feathers match?
- Matching feathers make the shuttle fly true, and RSL's early work led to strict rules on it.
- How did Yonex start?
- It made fishing floats and wooden corks for sake bottles before its own-brand racket followed in 1961. The name Yonex came in 1974, a year after the 'YY' logo.
- Why is the Jack Purcell shoe linked to badminton?
- Jack Purcell was a world professional badminton champion, and the shoe was designed for fast badminton footwork in 1935. Fans call it the 'Smilies', and Converse still makes it.
- Why did shuttlecocks get more expensive?
- Shuttles are a by-product of the poultry trade, and only large wing feathers are stiff enough. Feather prices had doubled since late 2022, with fewer ducks and geese raised and climate change named as causes.
- Where is the Badminton Museum?
- At the national badminton centre in Milton Keynes. It opened on 9 September 2003 and holds material gathered since 1893.
- How thick is a badminton string?
- The string used by the All England stringers is 0.7 mm thick and passes through holes of about 1.2 mm in the frame.
Sources
Primary/official sources only, no Wikipedia citations: the BWF and its continental confederations, national federations, the All England Club history, the Olympic Channel and Olympedia, Guinness World Records, museums, makers' own histories and named reputable media.
- Badminton Museum, 'The History of Reinforced Shuttlecocks Ltd - RSL' (badmintonmuseum.org)20
- Badminton Museum, 'Shuttles Used in the Yonex All-England Badminton Championships' (badmintonmuseum.org)11
- Nike, 'The history of the Jack Purcell shoe' (about.nike.com); The Canadian Encyclopedia, 'Badminton'; Converse brand history10
- Britannica, 'Li Ning'; The China Project, 'Li Ning: China's Prince of Gymnastics turned sportswear titan' (2021); SGI Europe on Li-Ning and the Chinese badminton team; Badminton Planet (2010)10
- VICTOR Europe and VICTOR International company histories; Badminton Association of Malaysia, 'VICTOR 50th anniversary exhibition kickstarts in Taipei'; Taiwan News (2024)10
- AFP via France 24 and eNCA, 'Badminton federation smoothes feathers ruffled by shuttlecock shortage' (2025); South China Morning Post (2024, 2025); Radio Free Asia (August 2024)10
- Badminton Museum, 'History of the Museum' (badmintonmuseum.org)10
- Badminton Museum, 'Behind the Scenes - with the Yonex Stringing Team' (badmintonmuseum.org)10
- Badminton Museum, 'Yoneyama Rackets' (badmintonmuseum.org); Yonex corporate history 1946-1970 (yonex.co.jp)9