what birdie/shuttlecock do you use/recommend? i am currently stocked up on Cadoro Nice. they are consistent and reasonably long lasting, and price is quite reasonable at US$9.5/dozen.
There is a brand that was recommended to me by a former Victoria school coach called CN Alpha. Its a relatively economical shuttlecock that is supposed to be very good. I used it only once but it seems normal to me. Try it out. May help.
I don't know about the situation in the US or Canada. Overall, the number one brand in Malaysia is RSL No.1 and Official. In the south, the market is shared with Yang Yang 300B. In the Central, the market is shared with Sea Lion 1130 and Gosen S-240. In the North, it's RCL.