[Review Experience] Bonny Steel-Wings

Jayce September 3, 2024 0

You can always trust the J20 series. If Bonny’s hottest IP is the “Zhan Gui Dao,” then the J20 series is undoubtedly the most reliable flagship product from Bonny—there’s no question about it. Every racket born from the J20 series is easy to handle, and its tuning has developed a very distinct speed-oriented style, different from other brands. The introduction of boron fiber further enhances the playing experience of the “Steel Wings” series. As for the newly released golden “Steel Wings,” is it just a simple reskin meant to cash in? The answer is definitely NO!

Appearance: The J20 series has never been associated with ugliness. The original “Steel Wings” already had an excellent appearance, and with the addition of golden accents, the new version is even more striking! Unlike the graffiti style of the original and the understated elegance of the previous silver-gray color, the gilded wings on the frame, along with the shaft and T-joint logo, give the new version a more dynamic and energetic look. The matte texture of the paint still feels quite comfortable, and the overall color scheme is harmonious without any jarring elements. The cap has also been upgraded from the old flat head to a fishtail cap. I must say, the transition from the frame to the shaft to the handle is seamless, and the aesthetic definitely deserves a nine out of ten.

Specifications: 4UG5, 76-hole wind-breaking frame, fully equipped with grip and overgrip, total weight 92.7g, balance point 303mm, handle length 205mm, strung at 25-27 lbs VBS66N.

Feel: The “Steel Wings” has already proven its superior feel and passed the test of the market. The addition of boron fiber can be said to have injected new life into Bonny’s high-end rackets, with models like Xuanwu, Zhan San, and Steel Wings all being hot sellers. The improvement in feel is mainly reflected in the increased stiffness and toughness on a lighter base. Compared to the original version with the same frame design, it further enhances the stability of the shot. But what impressed me the most is the excellent shock absorption. It not only maintains a stiff and elastic feel with good directional control but also lowers the usage threshold.

Having owned the J20-009, Steel Wings, and Steel Wings-Gold, I’ll boldly give a ranking from a personal perspective: Aesthetics: Steel Wings-Gold > 009 ≈ Steel Wings, Offense: Steel Wings-Gold ≥ Steel Wings > 009, Swing Speed: Steel Wings > Steel Wings-Gold > 009. In previous reviews of the Steel Wings and 009, I mentioned that the latter had a rather troublesome shock issue, which the Steel Wings managed to compensate for with its superior shock absorption. The hitting feel is very comfortable and responsive, and the Steel Wings-Gold naturally follows suit. While the frame and materials haven’t changed much, it maintains the same feedback as the Steel Wings, with a stiff and elastic shaft that offers stability, mainly reflected in the consistency of shots and precision of placement.

Compared to the Steel Wings, the Steel Wings-Gold feels more like a speed-oriented, balanced attack-and-defense racket in the 4U category. It’s not just a simple reskin, and the fishtail cap does contribute to improved stability and swing speed. Although I can’t provide data to confirm upgrades in torsion resistance and deformation without professional instruments, the higher tolerance in real-world play is noticeable. The shots feel solid, and the sharp and precise placement in offensive smashes, with the shuttle not floating but rather hitting hard, prove that this is not just a pure speed racket. The racket excels in slicing, and it’s easy to gain an advantage by repeatedly hitting the same spot—something I didn’t experience with the original and older colorways, indicating that the force transmission in the new color has been finely tuned. Personally, I think the racket’s offensive tuning has been well-executed, capable of delivering decisive shots. At least in its unaltered state, this racket is better suited for singles, with its balanced attack and defense, making it versatile. I would recommend removing the handle cap to fully unlock the true spirit of the Steel Wings, making it light and agile. I might be bold in saying this, but I believe that the Steel Wings truly becomes a “quick blade to slay all ghosts” after removing the cap.

Conclusion: The golden version is currently only available in 4U, and its feel differs slightly from the older colorway. If you prefer extreme speed attacks, choose the original Steel Wings. If your playstyle leans more towards balanced control, with no significant weaknesses in other areas, then the golden Steel Wings is definitely the best mid-range option.