Jayce
A friend once mentioned that Bonny holds over 40 patents for frame designs, showcasing their deep research and development expertise. This puts them ahead of many domestic brands. However, among their high-end offerings, only a few are currently popular: the J20 wind-breaking frame, the 1982 box frame, the 2013 eight-faced wind-breaking frame, and the Infiniti small frame. These well-received models have survived the market’s rigorous selection, but I’ve grown tired of them.
Recently, Bonny has introduced new frames, but I had reservations about their naming. It seemed like a red flag, as such blatant marketing tactics shouldn’t be overlooked. Nevertheless, according to insiders, this frame is indeed a new design. There’s skepticism in forums about Bonny’s promotional methods, so I hope the brand addresses this concern.
Parameters: 4UG5, total weight 90.91g, balance point 297mm, 6.5mm shaft, 46T material, length 222mm, medium to high hardness, wind-breaking frame with 72 string holes, 9-3 o’clock string groove, 30 lbs warranty, string tension 25-27 lbs with VBS66N.
About This New Model: The design follows Bonny’s “classic” style with black lacquer and high-gloss stickers. The frame looks very slim. The red and blue stickers wrap around the wings in a double-helix pattern with a color-changing effect. I personally like this texture, reminiscent of early game console aesthetics.
In Practice: The frame gives a familiar sensation during swings. The air-cutting sound during smashes is reminiscent of previous models. During warm-ups, it shows a slight head-heavy feel, which helps in generating power. The 72-hole string bed offers a large sweet spot, making it easy to adjust compared to other speed-oriented Bonny rackets. However, I noticed after a few clears that this new model has extremely high elasticity—likely due to the latest ultra-fine boron fiber in the shaft.
As advertised, the small head design provides a bit of extra power upon hitting the sweet spot. With its offensive orientation, the 4U weight might be a bit light; a 3U version could be more suitable. Nevertheless, the 4U version’s explosive power due to the high-elasticity shaft and frame stands out. The responsiveness and sudden feedback are impressive, with every powerful shot delivering a strong and satisfying impact. Although I was initially skeptical about the emphasis on elasticity in new rackets, this model has proven its worth. I might even prefer a 5mm shorter shaft if it were up to me.
Speed and Agility: The racket’s speed is exceptional, especially in the drive phase, with no head-heavy drag. The firm shaft and quick response make it easy to maintain high-speed play.
Stability and Rigidity: Typically, such frames might suffer from torsional instability, especially with the 6.5mm shaft. However, Bonny has made the frame highly rigid, achieving excellent stability and shot accuracy. Just be careful not to hit anyone with it!
Handling and Control: The higher frame rigidity can make precise net play challenging. Accurate force and angle adjustments are needed to avoid overshooting. The racket’s sensitivity to spin and net shots might require some time to adapt. While the frame’s stiffness offers quick reactions and strong responses, it may lack a bit of “cushion” for delicate shots.
Conclusion: I’ve used various Bonny frames, including the Smash series box frame, the War God series wind-breaking frame, the Bow and Sword series trapezoidal wind-breaking frame, the Princess series 72-hole all-in-one frame, the Extreme Phoenix series ultra-thin frame, and the Little Cannon series 88-hole thin wing frame. The 72-hole small head diamond wind-breaking frame follows a similar design pattern, raising questions about its originality.
However, from a performance standpoint, the “Bright Sword” is impressive. In terms of swing speed, it likely surpasses all other rackets of the same specifications and balance point. It’s more than just imitation—it’s a high-performance product that delivers results. Before making a final judgment, it’s worth testing this model to let more players validate its performance.
