[Review Experience] Bonny FEATHER 280

Jayce September 3, 2024 0

How to Handle Leftover Rice? I usually fry it up. On the surface, it might seem like a simple leftover meal, reheated just to fill the stomach. But when you add fresh shrimp, crisp peas, premium ham, soaked scallops, and seasonal vegetables, it transforms into a gourmet dish.

When it comes to mastering fried rice, Capcom is the ultimate expert.

Yesterday, I learned that Bonny was actually the first to launch ultra-light rackets (below 5U) on the market, which surprised me a bit. I’ve used three light rackets before, and the latest 280 model has been re-released. Yes, it’s a re-release, which makes me curious about Bonny’s frying skills.

Parameters: 5UG5, with a total weight of 88.0g, balance point 305mm, shaft length 220mm, medium stiffness, box frame, 76-hole string bed, 8-4 point string grooves, warranty for 26 lbs, strung at 25-27 lbs with KT65 string. I remember criticizing the 260, but the 280 has completely improved that.

The platinum black color has a high-end feel, though it doesn’t break new ground in aesthetics. The paint has a smooth, delicate texture, and some parts of the frame use embossed gold stickers, which makes me skeptical about its flaw resistance.

I expected the frame to have the same wind-breaking treatment as previous models, but it actually uses a box frame, which was unexpected. Although the Light Feather series has always focused on lightness and flexibility, Bonny has balanced the lightweight feel with a stable hitting experience, considering the overall design.

Despite Bonny’s good control over racket weight, the Light Feather series doesn’t use ultra-light materials, so there’s a ±3g variation, which might result in receiving a rare 4U model. However, the lightweight feel of the 280 is comparable to some 4U balanced rackets, and it doesn’t negatively impact usability. It continues to offer the excellent driving sensation, making high-clearance shots to the baseline effortless. The change in frame design has improved shot stability and directionality. While it still has some floatiness when trying to control shot placement near the baseline, it performs very well among similarly spec’d rackets.

If you focus your power, it can deliver fast smashes with good speed, similar to using the K600, but with better feedback and shock absorption, the Light Feather’s level is higher.

I believe the 280’s shaft hasn’t changed much, and given the cost constraints, there’s no need to re-tune the already elastic shaft. However, the increased balance point has noticeably enhanced the smash experience. From the Light Feather 68 to 153 to 260 to 280, the downward pressure has improved, and the satisfaction and confidence in heavy smashes have increased. In this version, I even felt a direct feedback of hitting the ball out with the increased head weight. The speed and sound are impressive, and the 280’s strong, continuous characteristics present a greater challenge for opponents who survive the initial hits.

The only issue is that in singles, you still need to fight for back-court smashes yourself, and the 280 feels a bit light and lacking in solid feel during net play. It’s better utilized in doubles, where it can fully exploit its proactive features.

Its capabilities extend beyond continuous attacks; its defense is also exceptional. It’s easy to push back to the rear court with a quick grab during a smash. Even if the ball is hit to your side, you can awkwardly return it with a step back, and it handles backhand and overhead shots well. Even if pushed to the forehand rear court baseline, a step and cross-court return is possible. However, the 280’s flat drive could be crisper. I wonder if Bonny might release a new model with a stiffer shaft.

Most importantly, using the 280, you can maintain a similar rhythm throughout the evening’s matches without worrying about fatigue in the final stages. As Captain America says, “I can do it all day.” This impressive endurance comes from its low weight, low swing weight, and effort-saving elasticity, making it suitable for casual play and capable of wearing down opponents with sustained pressure. When facing similarly skilled opponents, the 280’s continuous smashes and maneuvering are both enjoyable and effective.