[Review Experience] Bonny STAR CLOUD

Jayce September 3, 2024 0

The days still begin with caffeine and end with zolpidem. Sometimes, holding a racket I’ve never used before, I no longer feel the excitement and curiosity I once did during tests—just a faint sense of aversion to completing the task. I still haven’t regained the enthusiasm I used to have. But since the “Sky Realm” series isn’t limited to just “Starlight,” I might as well continue exploring these differences with a simple goal in mind.

Specifications:

Weight: 4UG5, with grip, total weight in use: 91.7g
Balance point: 278mm
Shaft length: 220mm, flexible tuning
Frame: Fluid box-style frame, 76-hole string bed, 9-3 point grooves
Tension warranty: 26lbs, strung at 24-26lbs with VBS66N.

Since these rackets are from the same series, there are naturally no significant changes in appearance. The Nebula’s frame pattern has been altered to a wavy cloud design, making it visually more dynamic. The color scheme has shifted to a blue-gray tone, still fresh and appealing. The frame’s grommets have turned yellow, but beyond that, there’s no other difference. However, neither in style nor in specifications do the three models in the Sky Realm series show any differentiation, so are they essentially the same racket?

As the measurement process progressed, the differences between the Nebula and the Starlight began to surface. Once the grip was added, the Starlight’s weight increased, but its balance point dropped. This is likely due to quality control, introducing a certain level of variability. The Nebula’s balance point is as low as 278mm, a parameter I have rarely seen. Perhaps it’s because it’s a product with significant tolerance, making my Starlight a favorite of fate.

When held, the Nebula feels just as solid as the Starlight, making it difficult to distinguish between the two at this stage. However, during swings, the Nebula feels more maneuverable when preparing and executing shots, with slightly less frame deformation. This explains its performance in more competitive situations.

A lower balance point means the current racket is even more maneuverable. During warm-ups with rally shots, the Nebula offers more direct feedback compared to the Starlight, reducing the sluggishness in shot response. It’s equally light, but the Nebula’s power and leverage ratio are slightly reduced. Considering the Nebula’s strings are two weeks fresher than the Starlight’s, it at least suggests one thing: the Nebula’s shaft is slightly stiffer. This is also evident during defensive plays, where the feel of rebounding or flicking shots diagonally is clearer, and lifting shots feels crisper and easier to execute.

This increase in stiffness is significant for enhancing competitive performance.

Starting with clears and smashes, the Nebula delivers a firmer shot response, slightly raising the power threshold, but the shaft can store more energy, providing more direct feedback and a crisper shot. With more focused power, the Nebula can produce fast, flat clears, proving its potential for explosiveness. In the backcourt, whether clearing, slicing, or drop shots, the shuttlecock and string bed often feel a bit stiff, resulting in shots falling short and requiring time to adapt.

The quality of drive shots has also improved significantly. It can handle continuous rallies, with faster shot response giving me more leverage to engage in strategic exchanges near the net. However, the shaft’s deformation recovery time is naturally longer during continuous swings, risking mishits as the pace increases.

The Nebula might be the best in the Sky Realm series for downward shots. The enhanced shaft texture adds power to smashes, making them more effective. In drills with assisted high shots, it’s easy to notice the Nebula’s strong “sweet” feel, reminiscent of the TK15. Despite the low balance point, its lightness makes it easier for me to judge the timing for smashes, reducing the risk of mishits. Whether it’s a smash or a power shot, the shuttlecock clearly carries more force, while maintaining decent continuity. You could think of it as a softer version of the 9001, which should make it easier to understand.

I’m still coasting, but the improved competitive performance is my impression of the Nebula. I’m glad it helped me regain a bit of my previous state.