[Review Experience] Bonny 40TH Anniversary

Jayce September 3, 2024 2 0

Many badminton enthusiasts, even if they have never used products from the Pro-Kennex brand, are likely familiar with the term “Wuque,” and the Pro-Kennex Wuque series “1982” is a classic piece within this lineage.

The unique carbon fiber molding technology and distinctive aesthetic design, combined with the Wuque craftsmanship, are carefully selected and presented without embellishment, showcasing the raw carbon fiber texture and a robust industrial style—Pro-Kennex Wuque.

I recall that I first encountered Pro-Kennex badminton rackets ten years ago—in 2012, when the Pro-Kennex Wuque 1982 was introduced. At that time, it immediately gained favor among consumers with its unique appearance and outstanding performance, as it targeted the mid-range market with its classic design.

The reason why the Pro-Kennex Wuque 1982 is named “1982” is to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the brand’s founding.

Today, ten years later, Pro-Kennex’s 40th anniversary has arrived, bringing with it the “Pro-Kennex Wuque,” which has accompanied countless youth and dreams. The 40TH Anniversary limited edition, which I will be sharing about, comes with an individual number for each racket and a certificate of authenticity, making it highly collectible.

Before sharing my experience, I think it’s necessary to briefly introduce the Wuque craftsmanship: As one of the few domestic brands with its own R&D and production line, “Wuque” is the most distinctive and unique racket-making process for Pro-Kennex. Typically, Pro-Kennex presents the woven carbon fiber rackets in their original color without external paint, using only water decals and protective varnish. This allows us to clearly see the carbon fiber texture of the racket. The Wuque process essentially provides a primitive, mechanical industrial aesthetic (in modern terms, minimalistic design).

Appearance Analysis

The racket features a base color of factory raw carbon fiber weaving, which is as transparent and clear as amber.

The racket incorporates bold red and pure white colors at the 2-5 o’clock and 8-10 o’clock positions, with gold accents that resemble flowing dragons.

Practical Experience

Tested Racket: Pro-Kennex 40th Anniversary Limited Edition 40TH Anniversary White-Red

Racket Specifications:

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

Upon handling the racket, the first impression is of balance, with a comfortable grip and slight head-heaviness. The fluid box structure gives a slight wind resistance during swings, but the combined weight and feel balance the light 4U weight, preventing it from feeling sluggish. Everything feels well-integrated, with performance that is neither overly flashy nor mediocre—just right.

The 76-string hole large frame layout and the 7.2mm sturdy, resilient shaft ensure that even with passive high clears and wide movements, the racket maintains a relatively accurate trajectory and good quality of shots. I appreciate its steady hitting attributes.

The 40TH Anniversary’s frame matrix is slightly rigid in terms of torsion resistance. Both the empty frame twisting and the elastic feedback during impact reveal a crisp and responsive feel. The quickness and directness of small movements like pushing and flicking are as expected—swift and nimble. Could this be a versatile racket for both singles and doubles?

However, during powerful smashes and continuous attacks, the 40TH Anniversary’s shaft feedback revealed that the 7.2mm diameter did not provide the direct, firm impact feedback one might hope for. Instead, the shaft’s flexibility results in more significant deformation, reducing the overall swing speed.

This characteristic does, however, make it easier to execute powerful smashes with less effort when the racket is well-prepared. As with any design, there are trade-offs.

The racket’s head is relatively light, and the frame is thin. The hard frame’s thin walls lead to fast but somewhat weak shots, requiring precise handling during smashes. Light strikes can lead to frame hits, while heavy ones may cause the shuttle to hit the net. This sensation is similar to the 1982 model, which also relies on fast drives and well-prepared smashes for effectiveness. As a large sweet spot racket, its defense is smooth and reliable, and the 7.2mm resilient shaft provides consistent and balanced explosive feel, making it easy to control the shuttle’s trajectory and height without excessive force.

Summary

Pro-Kennex, as one of the few domestic brands with independent R&D and production lines, not only has a long history and rich experience but is also experiencing a resurgence in today’s market with fluctuating prices. The brand’s commitment to quality is evident, as reflected in its “carbon fiber doesn’t cost money” reputation among fans. Of course, equipment goes beyond sentiment; its genuine design and excellent feel truly capture people’s hearts.