Yonex Crosswind 70 vs Victor NCS Max - Synthetic Badminton Shuttle Comparison
- CKYew
- 59 minutes ago
- 6 min read
I’ve never come across a shuttle that’s lasted 2.5 games at full pace! But how does it feel and perform? Let's find out by comparing two of the current top synthetic badminton shuttles: the Yonex Crosswind 70 and the Victor New Carbonsonic (NCS) Max.
If you haven't checked out my Victor NCS deep dive versus a top-end real feather shuttle yet, you should do so first here! This compares the Victor Master Ace (UK here, US here) with the Victor NCS, NCS Pro (UK here, US here), and NCS Max, which is really useful to know for this comparison here.
Now back to the Yonex Crosswind 70!
Yonex Crosswind 70: Development & Purpose
This product is Yonex’s answer to the synthetic shuttlecock challenge, and they’ve been developing this for quite a while now. I believe the very first iteration of Yonex synthetic shuttles actually started more than 10 years ago!
From Yonex’s perspective, the Crosswind 70 is a genuine contender as a long-lasting, durable shuttle with very stable flight characteristics, aimed at replicating a top-end feather shuttle’s behaviour, at least until a feather breaks off.
Of course, it’s understood that it’s impossible to fully replicate a feather shuttle using different materials and production methods, but the aim is to get as close as possible.
However, products don’t enter the market without a reason. We’ve never really seen high-end synthetic shuttles until recently because there hasn’t been a genuine need, at least not until the last 12–24 months. Which is why we’re only now seeing brands develop alternatives to traditional feather shuttles.
Yonex Crosswind 70 vs Victor NCS Max - Synthetic Shuttle Comparison
When comparing the Crosswind 70 to the Victor NCS Max, the development concept, design language, and materials are completely different. As a consumer, I love this as this new product category is where innovation comes into play!
Build & Materials
The Crosswind 70 is completely different from a traditional shuttle. Visually, the only similarity is the cork. Everything else including the glue, stems, thread, and feather is completely different.
The stems areade from carbon graphite and nylon, making it fairly pliable, split into two stages:
Stiffer near the cork (for structure)
Thinner near the tips (to bend, spread, and rebound energy)
On the other hand, the NCS Max is slightly stiffer and has a more linear stiffness response. Its construction is closer to a traditional shuttle in that sense.
Thread & Assembly
For the Crosswind 70, the thread is highly fibrous and likely coated with epoxy. The stems appear to be inserted through the thread rather than having glue applied externally.
Perhaps the threads were braided and coated with epoxy, then the stems were inserted through the braid, then inserted into the cork before finishing with the curing process. The level of detail in production here is very impressive!
For the NCS Max, it uses traditional-style thread.
The first row (near the cork) is doubled up and thicker, and the glue is applied after threading.
Again, the processing techniques are much closer to traditional shuttle construction.
Feather / Skirt Design
The Crosswind 70 uses a thin nylon sheet punched with chevron holes, attached at multiple points along each stem. We can also see two of the attachment points extend outward from the nylon.
There is also a single thread that passes through each sheet on the outside and a knot is tied internally to seal it all in place. Despite these visible thread ends, this does not affect flight performance at all.
This all results in a pliable, soft, energy-absorbing shuttle!
For the NCS Max, it uses a multi-layered foam-based material that is inserted into the stem. It also has slits and holes in the feathers for aerodynamic stability, designed to mimic traditional shuttle deceleration.
Height & Weight
Yonex Crosswind 70 height:Â ~84 mm
Victor NCS Max height:Â ~83 mm
Yonex Crosswind 70 weight: ~5.2 g (Speed 3 - for me, this is between 77 and 78)
Victor NCS Max weight: ~5 g (Speed 78)
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On-Court Performance
Before testing, we calibrated using a top-end feather shuttle first. Then we went into playing with the two synthetic shuttles.
At the start, I mentioned I’ve never seen a shuttle last 2.5 games at full pace. That was the Crosswind 70! After playing 2.5 games, it was still playable and could have lasted a third game! We only swapped it so we didn't have to think about the shuttle during a good competitive match.
When we used the Crosswind 70, we did feel that it was slightly slower initially, even though the speed was correct for our conditions at around 10°C. However, if you leave the shuttle, the length is correct, so it just requires getting used to in that aspect.
This Yonex shuttle also felt softer than high-end feather shuttles due to its nylon properties, and shuttle experts often say softer equals more durable and that is certainly true! It was able to absorb high-energy shots such as clears, drives, and smashes. The slightly heavier weight contributed to the shuttle feeling slower but it was consistent in its flight and its ability to take a beating was incredible!
There was one point in the game where the Crosswind's tip was folded into one of the chevron holes and we were able to just unfold it without any visible creases. This means it can deform and return without damage very well. Even after losing some nylon segments, it still flew well and did not wobble (unlike feather shuttles).
When we then introduced the NCS Max, after switching from the Crosswind 70, it did feel stiffer, faster and more accurate to a Speed 78. It also produced a louder sound because of this.
However, because of the greater stiffness, the NCS Max actually lost two foam segments after one game. It then began wobbling and therefore we could no longer use it. Structurally, there was no stem breakage so if foam held, we would have continued playing with it after the first game.
The NCS Max did therefore feel closer to a premium top-end shuttle compared to the Crosswind 70.
Price & Value
Ultimately, we have to talk about the value for money you're getting here, and the Crosswind 70 is actually roughly twice the price! This is because it's aimed at the premium shuttle market, meaning for players who are used to paying for AS50s, AS40s, and the F-80 and F-90 equivalents.
In Europe, I can see that the Victor NCS Max is going for around €25-€30 per tube. Whilst at the time of this review, Yonex Taiwan have mentioned the price of about £45 (or €50 or $55 USD) for a dozen of the Crosswind 70s.
I do expect each individual market to adjust pricing, but it gives us a flavour of how these will cost compared to each other.
Final Verdict
The Victor NCS Max:
Feels closer to premium feather shuttles
More affordable
Less durable
Great for club-level players
The Yonex Crosswind 70:
Feels softer than a feather shuttle, therefore needs an adjustment period
Extremely durable
Has a premium price
From a consumer's perspective, if you're a club player at any level, you will not have any issues with the feel of the NCS Max shuttle, though you will have a slight adjustment period for the Crosswind 70. However, after 15-20 rallies, you should adapt fine!
The Victor NCS Max offers great value and feel, but is unfortunately less durable. If you want a premium synthetic shuttle with exceptional durability, the Yonex Crosswind 70Â is certainly worth trying.
The more I know about shuttles, the more it highlights how impressive traditional feather shuttles are in terms of being stiff and crisp, yet still pliable and durable.
So it’s certainly fascinating how these synthetic alternatives are evolving, trying to replicate that balance through completely different materials and construction methods. They might not fully replace feather shuttles anytime soon, especially at the highest level, but they’re clearly closing the gap and offering some very interesting benefits, particularly in durability and consistency!
Let me know if you have any questions in the comments, and I hope this helps if you’re looking to try synthetic shuttles! I can’t wait to see future iterations of these products.
As always, don't forget to use my code 'CKYEW' for extra discounts, and I’ll see you in the next one!