AirShuttle 2 is an improvement over the old AirShuttle, shuttlecock designed and optimized for the outdoor badminton game, AirBadminton . The development of AirShuttle started with a vision to develop a new outdoor shuttlecock with increased resistance to wind, to allow people to have a more positive experience of badminton outdoors.
The new AirShuttle 2 improves dramatically in its durability and visibility with its neon orange color.
The main considerations were that it must be played with the same rackets and have good flight performance, spin response and durability.
The basic criteria of AirShuttle / AirShuttle 2 were:
- The shuttlecocks must have similar trajectory, acoustics and play feel to that of a traditional indoor shuttle.
- Similar flight properties with limited influence from humidity variations.
- Minimal impact from side and axial wind.
- Needed to be able to be played in winds up to 12 km/h.
- The shuttlecocks be durable and cost-effective.
During the period 2015-18, over 30 prototypes were developed and subject to rigorous testing.
A preferred design was confirmed in early 2018 and prototypes were then tested in independent studies by the University of Alicante and the Universiti of Malaya as part of the pilot program, using groups of players from beginner level through to Olympic-level athletes.
Results from this testing were analyzed and patents posted for the key design elements.
In March 2020, the Badminton World Federation (BWF) introduced the shuttlecock, AirShuttle (first original model), to the global market. After receiving feedback, the production of improved AirShuttle, AirShuttle 2, starts in December 2020.
