Core Insights - The price of badminton has increased significantly over the past six months, with many brands raising prices by 20-30 yuan per barrel, leading to concerns among enthusiasts about affordability [2][3][5] - The rise in prices is attributed to a shortage of raw materials, particularly duck and goose feathers, which are essential for manufacturing high-quality feather shuttlecocks [7][10] - Despite the price hikes, sales volume for badminton products remains stable or even shows an upward trend, indicating that consumer enthusiasm for the sport persists [5][10] Price Trends - Specific examples of price increases include the Yonex AS-05 shuttlecock, which rose from 180 yuan to 218 yuan per barrel, and the AS-9 from 160 yuan to 185 yuan, reflecting a price increase of 20-35 yuan [5] - Other brands such as Victor, Decathlon, and RSL have also experienced slight price increases, with Decathlon's shuttlecocks now priced between 89.9 yuan and 249.9 yuan [5] Supply Chain Issues - The decline in duck and goose farming has led to a significant reduction in the supply of feathers, causing a spike in prices for shuttlecock materials [7] - The production of nylon shuttlecocks has seen a slight increase in sales as consumers look for more affordable alternatives, with prices remaining stable around 90 yuan per barrel [8] Market Dynamics - The current high prices of traditional feather shuttlecocks are expected to remain as the supply chain struggles to recover, indicating a potential new price baseline for the industry [10] - The market for synthetic shuttlecocks, such as nylon and carbon fiber options, is anticipated to grow, driven by technological advancements and consumer acceptance [10][11]