Badminton Racket Bonny 40th Anniversary Reviews

Karry September 29, 2024 0

Many badminton enthusiasts, even if unfamiliar with Bonny’s products, will likely recognize the term “Wuqie.” Among the Wuqie series, the “1982” is a renowned classic.

Bonny’s Wuqie series features a meticulous carbon fiber crafting process, with a bold industrial aesthetic that showcases the natural carbon fiber patterns through the Wuqie technique. This craftsmanship highlights Bonny’s dedication to both design and performance.

I first encountered Bonny’s badminton rackets ten years ago in 2012, with the release of the Bonny Wuqie 1982. As a well-established brand targeting the mid-range market, the Wuqie 1982 quickly gained popularity due to its unique appearance and outstanding performance.

Now, ten years later, Bonny celebrates its 40th anniversary, bringing back the cherished memories of the “Wuqie” series. The subject of this review, the limited edition 40TH Anniversary racket, is a tribute to this legacy. Each racket comes with its own unique serial number and certificate, adding a significant collectible value.

Before diving into the experience, it’s worth introducing the “Wuqie” technique. As one of the few domestic brands with its own research, development, and production lines, Bonny’s “Wuqie” is a distinctive feature in racket manufacturing. The process involves presenting the woven carbon fiber in its natural, unpainted state, only using decals and a protective clear coat. This minimalist design reveals the raw beauty of the carbon fiber, creating a mechanical, industrial look that could be considered a “minimalist” style today.

Appearance Review

The racket is primarily composed of the carbon fiber weave in its raw, unpolished form, resembling the clarity of amber.

At the 2-5 o’clock and 8-10 o’clock positions on the frame, vibrant red and white accents blend beautifully, with gold streaks flowing like dragons.

Performance Review

Test Model: Bonny 40th Anniversary Limited Edition (White and Red)

Racket Specifications: 4UG5, 76 grommets
Unstrung weight: 83.6g
String used: Bonny BN-96 (0.66mm, elastic and durable)
Weight with strings and grip: 94.6g
Unstrung balance point: 295mm
Balance point with strings and grip: 296mm
Racket length: 675±1mm (220mm shaft length)
Shaft diameter: 7.2mm
Shaft stiffness: Moderate

Upon holding the racket, the first impression was its balance. The weight distribution felt comfortable in hand, with only a slight head-heavy sensation. The overall design, featuring a fluid box structure, caused minor air resistance when swinging, but the racket’s swing weight quickly neutralized the 4U’s lighter feel, avoiding any sluggishness. Everything felt just right—neither overwhelming nor underwhelming.

The tight 76-hole grommet pattern, combined with the 7.2mm shaft, delivered accurate shots even during extended rallies or passive high clears. This stability impressed me with its consistent shot quality.

The 40TH Anniversary racket exhibited a slightly stiff torsion resistance in the frame. Both when flexing the unstrung racket and during stringed shots, the immediate responsiveness provided a satisfying snap. The racket excelled in short pushes and soft net shots, where its quick and direct handling exceeded expectations. Could this be a versatile racket suited for both singles and doubles?

However, during powerful smashes or consecutive steep shots, the 7.2mm shaft’s flexibility diminished my initial high hopes. The thicker shaft didn’t transmit the solid, direct feel I anticipated. Instead, the racket’s elastic nature increased shaft deformation, reducing the overall continuity in speed during follow-up shots.

On the upside, the elastic shaft made it easier to unleash heavy, powerful smashes when fully prepared. This highlights the trade-off of gaining ease of power at the expense of continuity.

With a lightweight head and slender frame walls, the racket allowed for quick and precise shots, though the added force needed for slicing drop shots could lead to errors—either frame hits or net shots. This is reminiscent of the 1982 model’s performance, where rapid flat drives and powerful smashes shine as its strengths. The large sweet spot and wide face also made defense easy, with the elastic shaft providing balanced feedback for controlled lifts without extra effort.

Conclusion

Bonny is one of the few domestic brands with its own independent research and production line. With a rich history and solid expertise, Bonny has found success even in today’s fluctuating market. Fans often joke about Bonny’s generosity, claiming “carbon fiber is free,” which speaks to their reputation for quality. But beyond nostalgia, it’s the sincere design and excellent feel that truly win over players.