Sports enthusiasts, and particularly badminton fans, were recently in uproar following the news of the soaring prices of badminton shuttlecocks in Vietnam.
In reality, for several years, the price of badminton shuttlecocks has increased several times. In specialty stores, a tube of standard canard-style shuttlecocks has seen its price increase by 20 to 35%.
The price of badminton shuttlecocks continues to rise, leaving players stunned (Photo: Getty).
For amateur badminton players, fluctuating costs are no longer a detail, but a determining factor which directly influences the frequency of training and the choice of sport to practice in the long term. This is why many players consider switching from badminton to pickleball.
Mr. Nguyen Tuan Minh (Hanoi) said: “With a regular training schedule of 3 sessions per week, Mr. Minh’s group of 8 people train on the same field. On average, each match lasts 20 to 25 minutes, and the whole group uses 2 or 3 shuttlecocks. »
At the current price, just for the cost of the ball, we have to pay around 60,000-90,000 VND per half, and this figure does not include the pitch rental fee, which is also on the rise.
Asked about the possibility of continuing to play badminton given the current costs, Minh admitted that he faced a dilemma: maintain an expensive passion or find a less expensive sport.
Badminton players are increasingly turning to pickleball to save money (Photo: Getty).
“Seeing many players around me gradually turning to pickleball, I too tried and found the sport very suitable. Its main advantage lies in its low cost, thanks to the excellent durability of the material. »
“Pickleball allows us to maintain an active lifestyle without the constant pressure of rising prices for natural raw materials like feathers,” Minh said of his decision.
Faced with the increase in badminton prices, pickleball is emerging as a more advantageous solution for athletes. The main difference lies in the durability of the ball: a plastic ball, costing a few tens of thousands of dong, can last for weeks, preventing players from spending money unnecessarily every match, a common problem in badminton.
Additionally, pickleball rackets are also very accessible, with common carbon ranges available at prices suitable for the vast majority of beginner players.
Dinh Thi Trang, 23, said: “Honestly, I was quite surprised to learn that the price of badminton shuttlecocks continues to increase. Since I have only been working for a year, my income is not high yet, so I have to be very careful with all my expenses. »
Previously, the cost of shuttlecocks and court fees per session was only a few tens of thousands of dong, but today the price of each shuttlecock tube has increased by 20-30%, which represents a significant additional expense every month. In addition, badminton is a sport where the equipment wears out very quickly; sometimes, just one bad move can ruin a steering wheel worth almost 30,000 dong, which is very detrimental to the budget.
Many of my badminton playing friends took up pickleball and invited me to join them. The main advantage that convinced me is its affordable price. Pickleball balls are made of durable plastic and can last for months without breaking, unlike badminton shuttlecocks which need to be replaced constantly. Additionally, pickleball paddles do not need to be strung every time they break, which incurs additional costs.
Although I love the sound of a badminton shuttlecock, if prices continue to fluctuate like this, I may turn entirely to pickleball in order to maintain my passion for the sport while ensuring the security of my personal finances.
Pickleball benefits greatly from the increase in the price of badminton shuttlecocks (Photo: Getty).
While some players are turning to pickleball in droves, longtime fans of the sport say the relatively new sport isn’t necessarily a “super cheap” option in every situation.
The cost of renting courts in major cities is increasing rapidly, due to the growing popularity of the sport. As players’ levels advance, the need to invest in high-end rackets, standard competition balls, or participate in amateur tournaments adds significantly to their expenses.
In reality, the market has not experienced a complete “replacement,” but rather a partial shift. The sharp rise in the price of badminton shuttlecocks has acted as a catalyst, prompting new players and recreational groups to turn to pickleball, a more economical option to maintain their physical activity.
If pickleball takes advantage of this situation, it will have the opportunity to expand its community of players. However, badminton, with its rich tradition, is not in danger of losing its position for simple reasons of price.
Source : https://dantri.com.vn/the-thao/gia-cau-long-tang-cao-nguoi-choi-dan-chuyen-sang-pickleball-20260105142018005.htm
