Yonex AS-50 Feather Shuttle Review

The Yonex AS-50 is a tournament-grade feather shuttlecock that has become the standard choice for competitive club play across New Zealand. It offers the flight characteristics of professional shuttles at a price accessible to well-resourced clubs and serious recreational players.

Specifications

• Type: Natural feather
• Feathers: 16 goose feathers per shuttle
• Cork: Natural cork base
• Available speeds: 76, 77, 78 (NZ clubs typically use 77 at sea level)
• NZD Price (per tube of 12): ~$55–$65

Flight Consistency

The AS-50 delivers exceptional flight consistency straight from the tube. Each shuttle follows a predictable parabolic arc that makes reading the shuttle easy — critical for developing timing in advanced players. There is minimal shuttle-to-shuttle variation within a tube, which is one of the hallmarks of Yonex's quality control at this price point.

Durability

Feather shuttles inherently have limited lifespans, and the AS-50 is no exception. Under competitive club play conditions, a single shuttle will typically last 1–2 hours before feather damage becomes noticeable. This is average for a feather shuttle at this price — significantly better than budget feather options.

Pros

• Excellent flight consistency and predictability
• Natural cork base provides good shuttle feel
• Widely available in NZ in multiple speeds
• Tournament-quality performance for club play

Cons

• Expensive for casual players — ~$5 per shuttle
• Feathers vulnerable to humid or cold conditions
• Not suitable for outdoor play

Verdict

The Yonex AS-50 is the benchmark feather shuttle for New Zealand club play. If your club is investing in quality shuttles for serious sessions and competitions, the AS-50 is the reliable choice.

Rating: 9/10

Where to Buy in New Zealand

You can find this product at these trusted NZ retailers:

• Trade Me · Badminton — great range and fast shipping
• Badminton NZ Store — official NZ supplier
• Rebel Sport — available in NZ stores