[Review Experience] Bonny STAR MAGIC

Jayce September 3, 2024 15 0

One player said this is the most beautiful of the Sky Series.

If we’re solely considering aesthetics, buying a visually appealing racket around the 200 price range isn’t a bad idea. But since we’re at Zhongyu, a racket that is both nice to look at and functional is even better, and this price range isn’t lacking in beautiful options.

In previous reviews, I’ve clarified the differences between the Starshadow and Starcloud. For the final model, Stardream, I had the opportunity to test it during a period of improved feel. This concludes my parallel review series. Thanks for the support!

Parameters: 4UG5, total weight 93.1g, balance point 285mm, shaft length 220mm, soft tuning, fluid box frame, 76-hole string bed, 9—3 point string grooves, warranty for 26 lbs, strung at 24—26 lbs with VBS66N string.

From the tassel color to gray-purple, and now the bright blue, Bonny has finally learned how to use popular aesthetics in their design. The bright blue of Stardream reminds me of the Speed90F, but some players have mentioned that the matte finish makes it less sophisticated, which is a small regret. The pattern on the sides of the frame has changed to stars and planets, maintaining a fresh look, but it might seem a bit childish—this isn’t a criticism but rather a note that it suits students and is just right for office workers. For me, with more experience, the Stardream’s design is appropriately understated.

Although the three rackets have different weights and balance points, they feel quite similar in hand, all being balanced but not overly light. The sensation of leveraging shots is more pronounced, similar to Starshadow. Apart from this, the moderate swing weight and higher swing speed are comparable across all three. When trying to discern the subtle differences, I eventually gave up. If it’s hard to differentiate between them deliberately, then their differences probably don’t significantly impact usability. The distinction is minimal.

In terms of shot feedback, Stardream gives me more pleasure than Starshadow. While basic materials are used in all three, Starshadow feels the most muddled, and Stardream is in the middle. As I understand, Starshadow is priced slightly lower, reminiscent of Nvidia’s precision.

Switching from Starcloud to Stardream, I found that the latter’s attack isn’t as solid as the former. The deviation in shot angles is slightly greater, and the momentary output is lower. When using Stardream, I felt it was harder to control during multiple competitive games. The softer feel during aggressive smashes means that Stardream’s smashes are more easily defended by opponents, requiring more shots to score in a fully aggressive situation.

However, Stardream seems more durable. Even after intense play for three or four games, Starcloud would have left me exhausted, while the softer Stardream could handle three more games even when fatigue sets in. If Starcloud has a killer feature, Stardream has its elusive charm, making it suitable for rallying and lifting shots.

In terms of small ball control and drives, all three rackets are similar.

After using all three rackets, I have my preferences based on their distinct performance features. For beginners, these differences might not be crucial; it’s better to choose based on aesthetics. For advanced players, these rackets are excellent choices for recommendations or gifts and will likely be favored by female players.