I just came across this post. it looks all plastic though

Given that these pics are legit, this is a very, very weird way to approach the release of a new product like this.

On the plus side, it looks like Yonex really put in the development effort and budget and came up with a unique construction and a different "feather" material compared to Victor. Will be interesting to see how they compare on court.

I think we can all agree that the shuttelcock looks heavy in the photos...like... hard plastic zero carbon. I don't see this as 4.5/5g
And yes, really awkward !

They are probably being conservative and want to get players to test them first - being their first product and how well the Victor NCS PRO were received (but took several generations) they have it to be just right.

Looking forward to this!

I’m down for what ever keeps the game advancing. There is a recent video on YouTube, where they discuss the future of the shuttlecocks, and that it is getting harder to get the raw materials: i.e. goose and duck feathers. In the podcast “The Average not average podcast” with CK Yew, he and his guest Rasmus Skousen, talk about the future of shuttlecocks. They speak at length about the history, development and production of our beloved shuttlecocks (16 feathers from the left wing of a goose or duck). If you are interested here is the link below. They also talk about Victor Axelsen, and the badminton industry in general.

So if Yonex, Victor or RSL want to develop a new type of shuttlecock, then I’m game. I feel that yes, there is nothing like playing with a real high quality feather shuttlecock, but with raw materials shortages, which translates into higher prices, why not play with these new types of shuttles. Especially if it’s just a pick up game, it’s not a tournament. Or at least use these new types of shuttles for practice and training, to keep the more “official” or “higher quality” shuttlecocks for tournaments. They are also developing feather shuttlecocks with 8 feathers instead of 16. Apparently the consumption of geese and ducks in China, is being discouraged in favor of pork and other proteins. So the 2 billion shuttlecocks produced in a year may be in jeopardy. Watch the video, as it really gives you a rare insider’s view one of the most important aspects of our sport, the feather shuttlecock.

In Germany the DBV just allowed the shuttle to be used, starting from 01.01.26
Including 1st Bundesliga and all other DBV tournaments.

DBV announcement

Brave decision with exactly zero hand-on experience on a larger scale. I really do hope this is a hint towards the shuttle being really, really promising and not just a well payed marketing stunt.

Somewhere I read that a tube of 6 of them will probably be at AS50 level price wise. I hope that's not true, as that won't really help and I don't see a reason for them being that expensive.

I take it more as a rumor than a fact, but I heard that before, so...

I mean, if the shuttles are that price, they must be somewhat revolutionary for synthetics.. I hope

Being revolutionary doesn't mean that they must be pricy. It's still only carbon and (probably) plastic. Yes, you need to invest first, but if they are any good, they will eventually reach their break-even point (very fast, I'm sure).

_IF_ the price will be that high, it sounds more like a compensation for the feather, but not a fair price for the product. The better (durable) the shuttle, the less you will be selling. That's why no one ever got into it in the first place. They do a lot of money with feather shuttles and that market is going to crumble.

But it's all pure speculation at this point, so let's wait a month or so.

If that turns out to be true, they will be dead on arrival. With Victor offering their NCS line for a fraction of this price (with a very similar material concept), I just cannot imagine any credible argument why anyone would pay that much more for the Yonex.

On the other hand, the fanboys and -girl have proven to eat anything that marketing is feeding to them so let's see.

Yeah, that's what I think, too. They will (should) not be successful if the price is too high and it wouldn't make any sense, as they can't leave the field open for another company.

However, looking at the nylon prices, I don't see them below 15€ (for 6 shuttles). Probably at 20€.
Double that to get 12 and then you aren't far away from the AS50 price again.

I think 30€ for 12 is about the max they should cost.