Found some old shuttles from the 70s.On the left is an Aeroplane from the 70s, on the right a modern Sea Lion Gold. Notice in the Aero longer feathers and smaller diameter. Modern shuttles are wider and more stable in flight.
No, they are a bit sticky though. I played a few of them and they were uncontrollable,wobbly and very fast ,like the 78 speed shuttles. Its very easy to make mistakes with these old shuttles, they are only suitable for plying with light tensioned old wooden racquets I think. No wonder the clears and service in the old days were very high,the trajectory is different. Modern shuttles play more like plastics.These old shuttles spin like crazy when hit with a "cut" and tumble wildly over the net. No wonder older players find it difficult to return smashes.
Thank you very much for sharing the photos with us ! they looks cool! I had a tube of RSL Shuttlecocks from 1958.... I won't hit on them since they are older than me . will post the PIC here during the weekend! They still "Made in England" at that time.