Jayce
First Experience: Is This Really My First Time?
As we enter the second half of the year, Bonny once again leads with a new release. The incorporation of boron fiber has indeed helped Bonny create a strong reputation for their high-end rackets. It feels like Bonny’s current rackets are well-suited for players in terms of craftsmanship, appearance, and cost-performance ratio, blending some excellent inspirations with original innovations.
Appearance:
The racket I have on hand is the black and purple “Li Jian” (Sharp Arrow). Initially, I thought there would be a distinction based on 3U/4U different colors, but actually, they are all 4U G5 specifications, allowing for choice based on personal preference. Personally, I find the black and purple color to be more elegant and understated compared to navy blue. The racket features a matte finish with a glossy silver sticker, and the “Wu Que” (Dark Moon) pattern at the T-joint, which I’ve grown to like more the more I see it. The design language of the paint job is quite unique. The “CLASSIC CARBON SHARPEN ARROW” on the mid-shaft and the “POWER” on both sides of the frame are no longer in PPT font, maintaining a style of magical realism. The frame features asymmetric patterns on both sides, initially seeming unrelated to arrows, focusing mainly on thorny vines, with perhaps some rose motifs. The design details are extensive; the purple part is not just a solid color but has a layer that’s not very noticeable—navy blue is easier to distinguish. I recommend checking the details on the official Bonny site. The photos may appear dull, but under court lighting and the glossy silver stickers, it is quite eye-catching.
Specifications:
- 72-hole aerodynamic frame
- 4U G5 specification
- 3-9 o’clock grommet holes
- Weight with grip and string: 94.0g
- Balance point: 300mm
- Shaft length: 220mm
- Warranty tension: 30 lbs
- String: KT65 25-27 lbs
Feel and Performance:
Given the grand name and familiar internal wavy structure, you might think it has some connection with “Liang Jian” (Bright Sword). But don’t rush to judge. Bonny’s rackets blend inspiration with originality. The “Li Jian” frame shape and internal wavy structure are similar to “Liang Jian 12,” but the fishmouth cone cap and the sharpness of the frame differ. Perhaps due to differences in paint application, the “Li Jian” frame feels sharper, and the sides are slightly thinner, increasing the sweet spot and making the entire racket very stable. The higher balance point gives it a slight head-heavy feel. The swing speed and agility are not as aggressive as “Liang Jian,” making it weaker in the mid-to-front court. However, due to its excellent rebound speed and immediate response, it balances out, not showing a significant difference in speed from ultra-fast rackets.
Compared to “Liang Jian,” the main difference lies in the 6.5mm boron fiber thin shaft. The stiffer tuning provides clear and direct feedback. Remember the previous popular boron fiber racket, “Xuan Wu”? It featured a 6.8mm shaft and felt very hard and bouncy. This isn’t just my opinion but is validated by many players. The “Li Jian” shaft is thinner and more explosive, with a hard shaft and aerodynamic frame allowing for powerful shots with minimal noise. Despite its balanced performance in mid-to-front court, its performance in singles and doubles backcourt has noticeably improved, with strong attacking attributes.
Thus, the “Li Jian” feel is only related to speed, with its inner characteristics being completely different. While “Liang Jian” is more refined and elegant, “Li Jian” is direct and hardcore, even a bit aggressive in its attacks. My personal preference for the hard and explosive feel of the thin shaft makes it highly suitable for me. It delivers fast and precise smashes and drops in the current usage scenario, showing excellent control and no drifting, which is rare in a 4U speed racket. Overall, it may be slightly challenging in defensive situations, but it’s a high-speed attacking racket designed for consistent, aggressive play, especially in doubles with consecutive high jumps and smashes.
Summary:
In the world of martial arts, speed is unmatched. True to its name, the “Li Jian” is known for its speed and exceptional power. It certainly lives up to its name. Compared to Bonny’s other models like “Liang Jian” or similar products from other brands, the “Li Jian” stands out in the high-end boron fiber category. It is purer and sharper compared to models like “Ji Feng 10 Pro” and “Steel Wing.” If you are looking for a high-performance second-tier speed attacking racket with great cost-performance, the “Li Jian” has the potential to become a hit, potentially replacing “Xuan Wu” as a popular choice.
