Curiosity Series 668 — Bonny ARROW 10 PRO

Karry September 19, 2024 0

The Arrow series from Boli hasn’t gained much attention, but last year, I had the chance to use a model labeled 780, and it left a deep impression on me, making me remember this underrated series.

Now, the Arrow series has been officially renamed as “Jifeng” (Swift Wind), abandoning the previous three-digit numbering system and using “pro” as a suffix for a fresh start. Its potential impact on the mid- to high-end racket market could be as powerful as the recent gusty weather in Guangdong.

Specifications: 4UG5, with a bottom cap, total weight in use of 93.77g, balance point of 297mm, shaft length of 222mm, medium stiffness, box frame, 78-hole string bed, 9-3 o’clock string grooves, 30lbs warranty, strung with 26-28lbs VBS66N.

The Jifeng 10 Pro’s color scheme alone shows an upgrade in Boli’s design department. The matte black base coat contrasts beautifully with a purple head and gold decals, creating a sense of elegance. Additionally, the clear white grommets give the frame a more vibrant look, breaking away from the typical all-black appearance. Considering the cost of semi-glossy finishes is higher, this already demonstrates the sincerity behind this product.

This racket offers a classic long-shaft feel. The slightly extended shaft and the conical cap allow for noticeable flexibility during swings, giving it a “sweet” sensation. It’s easy to unleash the shaft’s elasticity when raising the elbow and swinging the racket, making it simple to generate high shuttle speeds with moderate swing weight, making it very user-friendly.

Although the racket has a compact head, I didn’t experience any significant issues adapting to its sweet spot. The string bed density has been optimized, so it performs well in terms of tolerance. Even during intense defense against smashes, the Jifeng 10 Pro can effectively absorb the opponent’s force and return the shots steadily. The new frame achieves a well-balanced performance in swing speed and torsion resistance, maintaining good directional control on long-distance shots.

Despite the long shaft, the Jifeng 10 Pro recovers quickly in fast-paced exchanges, maintaining strong continuity. While the racket’s response time may be slightly longer during flat drives, the resulting shot speed is forceful, allowing for time to adjust and strategize. The racket’s flexibility enables quick reactions at the net, making it suitable for competitive men’s doubles.

Moreover, the racket excels in handling defensive shots, providing a reassuring feel when retrieving low or overhead shots from challenging positions. Even difficult shots from awkward positions like under the armpit or right shoulder can be executed with enough power to escape tight situations.

Although it has a compact head, the Jifeng 10 Pro still excels at net play, offering precise control over delicate shots like net rolls and lifts. For players who excel in deceptive play, its flexibility supports smooth execution of disguised shots, delivering excellent results.

From an offensive perspective, the Jifeng 10 Pro performs well. While it doesn’t match the power of dedicated attack rackets in smashing, its solid downward pressure and control make it reliable. Though it isn’t designed for raw power, its “sweet” feel allows for continuous and unpredictable attacks, creating scoring opportunities through placement and variety. During smashes, the shaft’s significant deformation and high head speed produce a strong whiplash effect, making it both enjoyable and confidence-boosting.

The Jifeng 10 Pro shares qualities with many well-regarded, balanced high-end rackets. Its feel is crisp and continuous without conforming to the current trend of “shorter, stiffer” shafts. The racket’s standout features impressed me. The frame’s boxy lower section and wind-breaking wings are intriguing, as is the compact 78-hole head. Additionally, the 6.6mm shaft fills the gap between the more common 7.0, 6.8, 6.5, and 6.3mm shafts. These elements suggest that the Jifeng 10 Pro is a new answer to “continuous attack” play, balancing stability and speed effectively.